How to make a positional sleeping Board
Bearded dragons breath with the muscles between their ribs called intercostal muscles. They do not have a diaphragm as other animals and people have. When they develop a respiratory infection though they are able to produce a weak cough, they are unable to produce a mucus and debris clearing cough. Without the ability to raise the mucus associated with a respiratory infection it can take longer and be difficult for the RI to resolve. A positional sleeping board can assist in raising and contribute to draining the mucus from the lungs. You can improvise with supplies you have on hand keeping the safety of your bearded dragon in mind.
|
Place a soft piece of material on the flat surface for comfort. Fleece is used here. Be sure to tuck the material under on the elevated end to prevent it sliding down the board with the weight of your bearded dragon..
|
You can use a folded towel to elevate a flat surface
approximately 30*. Shown here is a cover to a plastic
shoe box.
approximately 30*. Shown here is a cover to a plastic
shoe box.
|
After your bearded dragon is asleep you can place him/her in a head down position to aid the lungs in raising and draining the mucus. For the more severe respiratory infection you may observe more mucus in the mouth or nose in the morning. This is expected.
|
|