Expert: Joe Zarnick - 8/6/2010

Question
"I have an almost 2 year old male beardy (pretty sure he's male. He matches pictures "down there" lol and gets his black beard)
Just right now...9:30pm...I noticed him looking "bloated" and shutting his eyes and breathing slightly heavier. Normally, walking by him gets him alert and he watches my every move. Hes moody at times... I opened his cage and he looked at me with one eye...then closed it agian. He NEVER takes his eyes off me...ever. Hes always been VERY active and alert. Did I mistake him for a female (again) lol I added some moist sand in the corner in case he is a she and is going to lay eggs.
I'm not sure how to phrase the question I guess. He is just not acting "normal"
I've had previous beardies and none have done this. He has a proper habitat and lighting. He eats regular... Not sure what it could be.
Also, his beard is jet black at the moment and hes turned very pale. Normally only changes pale right after his bath. Could it be bad veggies? He snarfed his raspberries super fast earlier. Maybe a tummy ache?
Thanks for any info...."


Answer
Hello, one of my bearded dragons has done the eye closing before. I would not worry about that. If you aren't sure of the gender check under the "vent". a male will have two small pouches below the vent. A female will have two small pouches. If it is a female and you think she is going to lay eggs, you don't need to prepare a laying spot. The eggs would be infertile since there is no male. If it is a male, he may have just eaten too much and may look bloated. My dragons will sometimes close their eyes, and darken their beards. I have two younger dragons that will turn pale and then back to normal. If i had to guess I'd say its just from not being in the basking spot. no one can be sure except a vet. If he/she continues to act like this go see your nearest reptile vet.