I was given an anole in October of 2006. He was purchased at a Ren. fair and given to me as a gift. Norbert was doing just fine until about 2 weeks ago - now, he won't eat and is very lethargic, and has trouble moving his back legs. He just doesn't look good. I took him to a herp vet, who gave me a calcium supplement (Neocalglucon). He said most anoles do not get enough calcium from cricket dusting alone. He also told me to buy ReptaAid, which I have been trying to force feed him (not going well.) That was last Tuesday, and he hasn't improved. I don't know what else to do! His tank is a 10-gallon glass one with a screen on top. I have a basking light, and his basking spot reaches 90-95 degrees during the day. The gradient in the rest of the tank is from around 80 in the middle and about 70-75 at the bottom. He has a hammock, plenty of things to climb and plants to hide behind. I try and keep the humidity as high as possible by frequent spraying. He has a UVB light, as well, on for 14 hours a day. I fed him crickets, and he used to eat very well (about 5-8 small crickets a day). If anyone has had a similar experience, or perhaps an idea of what may be wrong, please let me know! I'm very fond of the little dude. Thanks so much!
What substrate are you using? It might have caused impaction. Besides that, there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with his enclosure. It must be something that has had an affect on him from the outside. Maybe something that would stress him. Are there any pets or small children that frequently come by the enclosure? Do you spray any chemicals near the enclosure?
Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! I'm using a coconut fiber substrate. I forgot the brand name - it comes in a brick and you add water to make it expand. is It a no-no? If he does have an impaction, what next? I've never owned a lizard before - I tried to do as much research as possible when I got him so that I could provide him with the best, but I'm sure I may have gotten a few things wrong! I own cats, but they are not allowed into Norbert's room. It is very quiet in there for him!
RE: Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! MAny owners use that coconut fiber but it can still lead to impaction. Those coconut strands accidentally get eated and not digested. I would suggest organic potting soil without any fertilizer or chemical stuff.
RE: Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! Yeh, or try and take out the strands (that will take a LONG time though lol) i got a brick of substrate from my garden centre which was compressed organic soil, and no fertilisers of chemicals, i think it was coconut fibre infact, but didn't have the strands in it. Another common illness within anoles is dehydration. What is the humidity of the tank? You need to be misting daily (maybe 2-3 times even) and your anoles will lick the water droplets off the leaves. Its suprising how many anole keepers aren't aware of this, and just put a bowl of water in with their anoles. Many anoles though, will not recognise standing water. Just carry on giving the vitamin supplement the vet gave you, and offer food daily, and monitor how much your anole is intaking. Do you have any ideas how old he is?
RE: Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! he may also be lonely...i know it probably is not true, but everyone longs for a companion. other wise it could be either impaction or dehydration as 00Luke00 and plmarsq8 suggested. the coconut fibre substrate will also mold very easily underneath the surface...it may look dry on the top, but it does hold moisture very well and can mold underneath the surface. what i suggest doing just in case, is just stick your hand into it and see how wet it is at the bottom. if it is very moist, change it because there probably is some mold or fungus growing. then, every two or three days, just mix it around with your hands to make sure the moisture is even. it probably is not the issue, but good to make sure.
RE: Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! I doubt that it is lonely. they only need a companion during mating. Other times, they are solitary or just more than one in a basking spot
RE: Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! I agree. I don't think your anole is lonely, i think we need to look a bit deeper, into set-up etc, are you still having problems?
RE: Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! Maybe its a lighting or humidity issue. Do you turn off/on the lights at about the same time each day? Do you know what the humidity is in the cage?
RE: Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! i said i thought it wasnt true about the companion thing...way to just read the first line guys. geeez lol
RE: Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! Lol, i know my_baby_anoles :lol: i read the first line, and know it was just a suggestion. Hey, you could even be right, we will never be able to get into the minds of anoles to see if they enjoy company or not
RE: Re: RE: SICK Anole - please help!! I am so upset! I have almost given up hope on the poor litle dude. His humidity varies - up to 90 % after misting, down to 50% if I haven't misted during the day. I'm trying to rig up a DIY humidifer, but at this point, I'm not sure if it will help. He hasn't eaten in 2 weeks! I've managed to get a wee bit of ReptAid down his throat, but not much.
