Found A Bearded Dragon

[stretch]

Found a rather large bearded dragon on the road today. Had to check him and whilst I cannot find any external evidence that he has been ijured, he certainly is acting strange.

Sitting with belly flat out, did not attempt to open his mouth at me or turn, in fact I cannot get him to walk. He may have been brushed by a car.

Anyhow, better call WIRES I guess...I dont have my rescue permit yet

 

[Magpie]

Sue - Beardies can get run over and show no external injuries. Unlike blue tongues who's guts pop out their anus. Unfortunately, they do recieve massive internal injuries. However, he may just be dehydrated, concussed whatever.

 

[stretch]

Thanks for that visual magpie.....*L*

I picked up the beardie because I knre he could have internal injuries. His pupils are a bit dilated too. being puffed out was a sign that something was wrong too. He is still sitting puffed out.

I went to pick him up a short time ago and he actually fought it a bit, so that is a good sign. Though I know that it can al change.

Waiting for WIRES to call me back....which will be in about ten minutes when I have just sunk into the hot water of my lovely huge bathttub...

 

[almaron]

Hmmm. Well since Arican and Slatey ain't logged in to say it, I guess I will pick up the slack and say it for them.

And thank you for that visual image. :twisted: :roll:

 

[stretch]

*L* thasns for that.

WIRES still have not got back to me....grrrrrr though I do have a number now for the repitle guy on call.

 

[jmbrimer]

Sue - if you don't hear from Wires, try Al from Animal Rescues. They're generally much better with Reptiles than wires are. I'll PM you his number.

Cheers,

John.

 

[Magpie]

John - What areas do AR cover? Is it Sydney only?

Sue - How is he? Have they contacted you yet?

 

[jmbrimer]

Not 100% about where they go - I've e-mailed Peter Buckley (President) to find out...

Cheers

J-M

 

[stretch]

He is a bit better. I noticed a clean cut in his mouth on his jaw, it might be a little break or just a good wound. He will be okay, just needs some TLC and time to recover.

If I find out that they put him down I will never call WIRES again....
The woman who picked him up had no reptile experience AT ALL! How come I am not allowed to by law but she is? She was asking me what he would eat and when I mentioned cockroaches, etc she let me know that was not going to be his diet while she cared for him....nor any pinkies..

anyhow. I have met lots of nice WIRES people. The raptor bloke was great and a couple of others have been nice, but as far as reptiles in my area, I think I had better make sure I am on the next course....for the reptiles sake.

 

[jmbrimer]

Hi Sue - that's why I'd tend to call Australian Rescues. I know so many people who have had the same problem. The person from Wires comes out and they think they know everything about animals, and aren't interested in your input as you don't have a rescue licence.. Don't get me wrong, I know that this isn't true of everyone at wires, but it's happend enough to be of major concern. Aus Rescues specialise in Reptiles, and just about all their members are really experienced breeders - their president, Peter Buckley, has had decades of reptile experience. Worth a call.

I think it'd be a great idea for you to join wires, Sue - the more 'reptile inclined' members, the better!

 

[diamondslady]

well this woman may have been rude but i don't think she is working for wires if she doesn't know what she is doing?????? i would have just kept it if you think it was going to be put down????? what r they going to do with it??

 

[Magpie]

Cute 'n Fuzzy

Unfortunately Sue, most (prob about 95%) of the peoples we get at WIRES training days are only interested in cute little fuzzy baby animals. When they realise that it involves feeding these cute little babies to other animals and getting involved with muck and dirt and general hard work, we lose about 90% of them in the first couple of weeks. Of those that stay, only a small percentage are interested in reptiles (and unless there is already a knowledgable herper in the area, these few have no where to learn from.) Best bet IMO is to join WIRES yourself, do the reptile handling course and specialise in herps. It is all voluntary, you pay for all your own petrol, food, cages etc. but very worthwhile. We can always do with more volunteers in general and more herpers specifically.

PS. With the beardie, if he has a mouth injury he may actually need euthenasing. They don't have a very good blood flow to their mouth and often get 'dieback' when they get a mouth injury. If this occurs, kindest course is to euthenase as they will die from it anyway. :cry:

 

[lutzd]

WIRES course

How old do you have to be to do a WIRES course - specifically reptiles?

I'm interested in doing it with my 12 year old son - sort of a father-son bonding thing!

 

[Alexahnder]

18. i've still got another 5 years till i can do it.

 

[stretch]

I am definately joining. the next basic course is in May. I am hoping I am not required at the academy that day!!

Then I wil do reptile specialised and raptor aswell.

 

[lutzd]

Sickie?

Hmmm, Stretch, you're looking a little off. I suspect you're developing one of those long-term May day viruses - I think I see a sickie coming on!

 

[Magpie]

Yes you do need to be 18. but there is nothing stopping you (David) from doing the course and your son coming with you on rescues (mine does and he's only 2,) he just isn't supposed to help at all and won't be covered by insurance. Likewise he would not be supposed to touch the animals in care but as long as you are both sensible about it (ie don't let him pat the wedge tailed eagle or take the taipan to school to show his mates) it isn't really that crucial. My wife helps with all my animals in care and our WIRES supervisor knows it and doesn't care. We are running a course 29 and 30th this month if anyone fancies a drive to Tamworth. I'll even let ya stay at my place. :lol:

 

[lutzd]

Thanks

Thanks Magpie. I will do the course myself, but I was hoping to share it with my son as well, as I KNOW he'd enjoy the experience. However, I guess there's nothing to stop me teaching him, once I've been taught, I guess.

Thanks for the info.