Ok, so I'm a complete newb here, and to reptiles in general, so I'm looking to the all-knowing internet for answers. That's you guys...

So here's the scoop, I took Yoshi to the vet yesterday, and $75 later I'm quite confused about Yoshi's feeding regiment, amongst other things. Everywhere, I have read has told me that crickets and meal worms can be used as the staple diet of a young water dragon (along with some type of vitamin supplement). Ok, so I'm talking with the vet yesterday about husbandry, and she is telling me that crickets and mealworms should NOT be used as the staple food, but maybe 25% max. But instead, I should be getting silk worms, baby guppies, pinky mice, and fresh water plants. So my question is, what do you feed a baby Chinese Water Dragon? He's only about 10" tip to tail, and only weights 17gr. Should I really be feeding him larger live (or frozen, thawed of course) food already?

Next question, I'm also worried that he isn't eating enough. Currently, he will eat 2-3 small to medium crickets, and maybe 1-2 meal worms a day. Is this average/acceptable? On this note, one of the nurses (who also works where I bought him at a specialty reptile company) told me that an under tank heating mat will help stimulate eating? Is there any viability to this? I have heat lamps now, but I'd consider switching over to mats once I built his new vivarium.

All-in all, I was told he seems to be in healthy condition, a tiny bit of snout damage (to which I was advised to apply a small amount of neosporin), but overall healthy looking. I'll have the results of his stool sample by the end of tomorrow, so we'll see if he's got any worms/parasites.

And becasue I know you all love the pictures....Here's Yoshi....

Attached Images

100_6541.jpg (25.0 KB, 8 views)

Feeding crix/mealies as a staple is fine for young WDs, you dont wanna feed pinks until he gets a bit older, hes just too small for them now. Silkworms and waxworms should be used as treats only, so feed them to him once a week or so.
Welcome to the HCN Cute little wd you have there!

sounds like you might need a new vet....

And for the snout damage, what size enclosure do you have him in? As the enclosure gets too small, there is a higher risk of snout damage.

Check out our care sheet if you haven't already.

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

what kind of vet was it? Was it someone that actually specializes in reptiles? or just someone who will see them on occasion?

I believe that the under tank heaters will help to aide in digestion, which might get Yoshi to eat more. You said you have heat lamps, what about UVB?

__________________

I have him in a 20gal tank for now until I get his vivarium all set-up. The only time I've seen him rub his snout on the glass is after I hold him for a bit and put him back into his tank. And It's only on one wall, since the others have some of that aquarium background on it. I'm thinking I might add some plants to the low part of that wall so he knows there is something there.

I've read the care sheet, along with Tricia's web site, and a few books by Philippe De Vosjoli.

I was actually referred to her from another vet. She apparently deals with reptiles quite often, and has several herself. Most everything else she said, seemed to be right on key with everything I've read, so I have no reason to question her. I just thought Yoshi might be a bit small yet for that kind of food.

I do have a UVB light as well, it's brand new, so I know the bulb is still producing UVB.

What type of UVB bulb do you have?
Some are much better than others, some are virtually useless and some are downright dangerous!

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

20 gallon is too small for a little baby. He needs a new vivarium pronto. I would suggest finding a 55 gallon used, unless you have a viv that will be ready in the next month...

__________________
My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Welcome to HC Network....you have received some great advice....your little guy is cute!

__________________
Warmest Regards from Lyn

I believe it's made by ESU? It's a 7.0% bulb. Its the bulb that came with the light enclosure

Yeah, I should have the frame done this weekend. Hopefully start stain/seal it as well. I have a bit of reading-up to do on that as well.

If you are talking about the coil lamp, it may be fine for a bit while the dragon is tiny and in the smaller cage. It will not be adequate as the dragon ages and gets put in the larger enclosure.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!