2nd time around
ok, i already gave my opinion on this on an earlier thread , but , ill give it again and try make it the condensed version.
glad to see that shes still alive, although a little troubling that she is still having the same issue, as a healthy thriving xanth wouldnt normally stay dark for extended periods.
1. i think part of this issue is that due to the fact of your location, and the circumstances she was purchased under, leading to (irregardless of what the seller claimed.) a reasonable assumption that she is either wc or from bloodlines that were wc within the last couple of generations. xanths that are wc, or from recently wc stock. sometimes have acclimation issues. they are not all the same, some deal with various issues better than others, including captivity.
2. given the likely hood of a wc history within the last generation or 2, and given the price that was paid, and given the fact that virtually all wc hawaiin chams have pathological infection, and given the fact that wc xanths are readily available for capture, by those who are for those who are so motivated, then its reasonable to assume that a fecal float should be given. heres the thing. chams dont deal well with stress, particularly over a long period. this is true of all chams, but i think maybe a little more so with xanths than some of the others.
you can probably get a fecal for <$50, if you still cant afford it try contacting the school of pathological or veterinary medicine at your local university to see if they can put you in touch with some students who might be able to help. you might also try craigslist, or see if you can find a local pathology or veterinary forum online. i know cash is tight for your situation, but, a fecal is still recommended, as you cant rule that out as part of the issue until that is performed. to be honest what she really needs is a full blood panel. ime, veterinary or pathology students have access to microscopes and supplies, and are often eager for samples obtained outside the classroom.
3. i believe in my previous post i made recommendations for denser, possibly even different cage furnishings, a better more diverse diet,
a reduction in the food given, and some changes in supplementation, yet there was no mention as to whether any of those changes were implemented (obviously at least one of them wasnt)? i dont think her condition will just change on its own, you will have to keep seeking/implementing improvements, if you want to see some improvement in her.
4. ive had xanths that would stay dark for a week or two, but the fact that she remains dark on a continuing basis is troubling, and imo, probably a warning sign of something eventually serious
5. eating like a pig is not good. particularly if its not the best diet to begin with. feeding captive xanths all they will eat, just because they will eat it, is a recipe for serious metabolic issues. jmo
ps you were looking for other feeders, cf member kami informs me that coastal silkworms has world wide shipping of silkworm eggs (read fine print before ordering) thanks kami
I will say this: I mist her multiple times a day (on top of her drip system), she has tons of room/shade in her cage, and she eats like a pig!
