New to blue tongues, just have a few questions!

[Dracorex5]

Hello! I just got my little baby TODAY from Repticon Atlanta! He is cute as can be, and is currently in the process of being left alone to get to know his home. I've kept many kinds of reptiles, and I'm not worried about getting to know him as an animal. I just have a few questions I didnt think about when Jeff S. was helping me out with him! I wish I had caught that man's last name.... He was so nice and answered the questions I did think of at the time!

This little guy is young, only a week I believe. Is there any specific care I should be attending do for him other than more requent feedings and a smaller enclosure? Any extra vitamins he needs or special care? I know lizards tend to pop out pretty well off, as I've bred crested geckos with no trouble at all. I currently have him with two hides, a warm side and a cool, with a water bowl right in the center and substrate he can dig in. Anything else for a baby baby?

Being captive bred and so young, is there any risk of parasites? I'm very careful about my collection, and have him on quarantine currently, but most of my animals have been rescue situations that require treatment with panacur. Will he be at any risk being kept on the other side of the room? I'm not sure how it works with baby blue tongues. He's so little and delecate!

[Richard.C]

there pretty hardy buggers,even the babies,sounds set up well to,pretty much keep like the adults,just feed them more as they are growing and have higher intake needs,offer more food supplementation and smaller sized food items,same as adults,but more meals weekly

welcome to the forum,congrats on the aqusition,try not to stress to much,they are quite hardy,not as fragile as they seem,but dont be shy asking questions,plenty of members happy to offer advice

would love to see a pic of your bluey if you get the chance

[Dracorex5]

Thank you for the welcome I just want him to be happy and well... Dont we all? I'll post some photos when I figure out how to post pictures here! I've never been good with forums. Two more questions.... if you will

How do they breathe, exactly? My baby, who I've named Allosaurus, looks like he's pumping breaths, but doesnt make sounds or seem ill. Compared to snake breathing, it looks more labored. Is this natural? He's curious and so far has already eaten some yummy vegetables and a small dubia roach! He seems happy sitting on my computer and looking out the window.

And how much is too much food? I like a good healthy fat animal, but not a fat fat animal! I've never kept an omnivorous animal, and I know all the ratios, 50/30/20 for vegetables, proteins, and fruits. I just need to know how much 100% is

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I think I got it! Thats him, watching me dust a dubia and break apart some veggies for him!

[Susann]

Welcome, and congratulations on your new little cutie!
Is he a Merauke?

Pumping, irregular breaths are totally normal for BTS.

While very young, generally the advice is to feed a little more protein. 50/40/10 (or even 50/50 with fruit as occasional treats) is what we normally suggest for an adult BTS. Maybe lean more towards 60/35/5 while he is doing most of his growing in the next 4-6 months.
A portion is generally 1-2 times the size of their heads, but they don't always finish everything you give them; it varies greatly from individual to individual.
Fruit does not need to be part of each meal. Just concentrate on the meat and the veggies and greens for the daily/semi-daily meals.

Nothing wrong with questions; ceep 'em coming!

[Dracorex5]

I'm not completely sure of his species. The guy I believe had a few maurakes and some iwo jayas, I'm just not sure which one I came home with. Species came secondary to health! I'm hoping to be able to tell better as he gets older. And I'm also really hoping, fingers crossed, he isnt a hybrid!

[Susann]

We could give you our opinion of what he is if you post a picture of him from straight up above. One where his front legs are showing would be helpful too.

[Fatal_S]

Looks like an IJ, but a top-down photo would be easier to confirm.

[Richard.C]

i agree with susann,youngens can go abit more protein,with to how much to feed,babies generally put it into growth,hard to get them fat so to speak,though some do chub up,lol,a good way to go is watch,if not enough it will get a skin and bones look and grow slow,if to much it will be adult size and look like a football

they are all different with how much they eat,so good rule of thumb is small portions often like susann suggests,if it appears to much or not enough from there,adjust accordingly

nice looking specimen,hard to tell what it is from the pic,first thought was ij,but a full body shot would help to know for sure

[Dracorex5]

Here's a top photo of him earlier today, sampling all the different noms. He's sleeping right now, he buries everything but his nose in the aspen, so I dont want to bother him! I'll try at a better pic tommorrow He's a wriggler, everytime I try to get a good picture, he finds something he wants to get into and runs off. I just wanted to see what food he would go for... and he ate a little bit of everything!

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[tylociraptor]

Jeez, I hope my baby happily samples food like yours! He is so cute! Congrats on your new baby!

(is your name in reference to Dracorex hogwartsia? )

[Susann]

Irian Jaya.

[KellyandLindsey]

Irian Jaya.

yep IJ

[skeetersmom]

I. J. was my first guess also - nice to see I was right! But I agree - more important that you know they are healthy than what kind of BT they are (but nice to know).