First off let me start off by saying hello to everyone, new to HC. I got my WD about 3 and 1/2 months ago, He started off a little rocky, but then it seemed like he was doing well after a few weeks. I Haven't seen many other WDs in person so I haven't been able to really compare him to others, But I was hoping I could get some help and opinions on how my WD looks, whether he is too skinny or not, and if he looks like he is healthy. I've been a little worried lately because he has not been eating much at all. I offer him Crickets as a main food and Wax worms as a treat (with Cal supplement twice a week), which he would go crazy for before. I always offer him Comet Feeder fish, Lettuce and strawberries weekly, but he doesn't like any of those.

He's 15 and 1/4 inches Snout to tail tip, Does it look like hes in good health? and for being about 15 inches does it look like it is a Male? Pics Below:



Sorry for such a long post but I care a lot about my new little buddy, and want him to be healthy and happy. Thank you for reading and I'd appreciate any feedback.

He looks healthy to me. Here is a link to our caresheet with some diet tips and ideas.

Chinese Water Dragon Caresheet (Physignathus cocincinus) - Reptile Information - Caresheets Database

Also, you might want to add more plants and more climbing things. You will however need to get him a bigger tank soon. WD's are climbers and like heigth with a large water area at the bottom.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

If you haven't done so, please read the caresheet. It may help you figure out something you may be missing. Check your temps and the diet of your dragon. Your diet may need some changing around. Make sure he has a proper source of uvb as well.

Chinese Water Dragon Caresheet (Physignathus cocincinus) - Reptile Information - Caresheets Database

I'd also recommend putting wire cages around your light and heat fixtures so he doesn't get burned. If that one is a ceramic heat emitter they can get quite hot.

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~My Babies~

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Thank you both for the input. I've done a lot of reading from Tricia's Care sheet but I will read the info in the link you provided as well. =D My Low side and High side temps are in the ideal range, I'm wondering if maybe he is losing his appetite because it looks like he might be up for a shed in a little while, he does seem to be more panicked than normal when I pick him up. I am actually planning on building a new enclosure for him soon which will be about the same length and width, but nearly twice as tall. I am really excited to get it all set up, just need some more materials and the build can begin hehe.

I'd add a few more hiding spots as well, and cover up 3 sides of the tank with some sort of back ground. It will help him out a lot.

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

I'm going to run to the pet store today to try and find some different food for him, I'll check out the backgrounds as well so he can have a little cover while he waits for his new enclosure =D Thanks for the tip!

Yea hehe, I love the stripes that WDs have. I'm hoping it is a male because the big crests and spikes on males looks awesome. =P

Sweet looking Dragon

One tip I have for feeding veggies and fruit to your dragon is to hold the veggie and drop it into the tank so it bounces alittle bit. My dragon never ate fruit or veggies but I kind of tricked him into thinking they were alive(moving) and he went for them...and desided he like them. You can also mix some fruit/veggies in with a bowl of crickes/worms.

Ya I agree you really need a cage over that light!!!! I've read lots of posts on other forums about WDs getting burned.

Good luck with you little guy/girl!

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He looks fine.

What is that compact fluorescent bulb? Is that a UVB light?

Be careful with cages around heat sources. Some get hot and if the dragon decides to cling to a hot light cage, he will get burned. Either move the heat sources out of his reach or make sure you use a cage that does not get hot.

Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer instead of the analog type. The analog thermometers and hygrometers can be inaccurate by a good bit. Here is an example of a digital thermometer/hygrometer you can get from a hardware store (no need for a pet store one): Acu-Rite® 00891 Digital Thermometer, Hygrometer & Clock

As was said, you should add more branches and plants (fake vines for example) to give him more climbing room and cover.

If you post some "underside" photos, we can make a guess at the sex - only a guess. A photo from behind the dragon with his tail gently lifted, and of his belly/"vent area".

The enclosure size you say you will build... what are the dimensions of it? It probably will not be large enough for an adult dragon - just a heads up.