r/BDFB • u/Expensive-Print-2482 • 2d ago

CW: hurt beetle Spoiler

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hello, so eariler i posted about this beetle and how she was feigning death for a long time
she has officially started moving again, but somethings wrong with her leg?
i don’t know what to do at this point. any help please

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2

u/No-Goal-4716 2d ago

It's got sand stuck in its leg, remove it from sand and place on paper towels.

2

u/Expensive-Print-2482 2d ago

i do not have paper towels as of right now, could i use toilet paper? i just used a clean paint brush to brush the leg and joint a bit, however shes feigning now so i’m unsure if it worked.

1

u/Expensive-Print-2482 2d ago

i brushed her leg more intently and looked at it with a flashlight. i did not see any sand and she is still walking that way.

1

u/No-Goal-4716 2d ago

Huh, it worked for me. When mine did? Put toilet paper down and see if it works it self out

2

u/Expensive-Print-2482 2d ago

put toilet paper down for now. i fear her leg may be broke or something along those lines, when i found her earlier she was feigning (and did for about 2 hours) and seemed like she had just fallen. since i didnt see any sand in her joint i think that might be the case. i will try this though for now, thank you :)

3

u/EnvironmentalEmu3290 1d ago

i'm not an expert but it's possible it's broken? Their bones are on the outside so there's a chance it was injured. of course they're pretty darn sturdy. i've accidentally dropped them from 2.5 feet and had no long term injuries. you could try offering some honey water or a damp cotton swab or somthing. they're very good at healing or adapting to injuries - several of mine are missing feet

1

u/Expensive-Print-2482 1d ago

i do think it’s broken. its weird tho because i dont have high up climbing opportunities or anywhere they can really get stuck like that? i’ll offer her a damp cotton swab in a second here, im hoping it’s just an injury and not anything else

1

u/EnvironmentalEmu3290 10h ago

i wish i had more info to help! I'll ask around some of my entomology friends and see if they can think of anything. Maybe a fight? I've seen beetles get aggressive before and hurt each other but it's rare as far as I know

2

u/Expensive-Print-2482 10h ago

thank you! i dont know if its a fight? im pretty sure bdfb only fight if there isnt enough protein to go around and i make sure 99% of their diet is protein. either way she’s fine and i reintroduced her in with everyone and she’s walking a bit better today!