I read online that they can carry a lot of diseases unlike most pets, thats what i read somewhere online. i also don't have too much space for one, so would they survive in a 30 gallon tank? (that would be best) if not, the most i can buy is a 40 gallon. any suggestions on the cheapest place to buy them. and how are they at handling?
2007-02-27 14:48:56 · 12 answers · asked by grs 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Personally, as a reptile owner, I love our beardies. One beardie can exist fine in a 30 gallon tank for a little while. They do need UVB light, heat and a basking spot. Unless you are intending on licking your lizard, disease isn't an issue. You have a better chance of getting sick from under cooked food. I advise doing alot of research before getting one, because they do have environmental and diet needs. As for price, a good rule to follow is "Good ain't cheap and cheap ain't good." Expect to pay $50 to $80 for a healthy, young dragon. Their personalities are different from one dragon to the next, so look for the one that seems to have a bond with you from the get go. Babies can be a little flighty at first, but it doesn't take long to get them used to you. They are very curious little guys and you can see it in their eyes. Our gals have the run of the back of our couch and sit on the dash board on small car rides. (Then again, all our herps are spoiled rotten). Hope this helped a little.
2007-02-27 15:54:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beardies are great pets, and when taken care of properly they are very sociable and friendly. For begginer herpetoligists they are a good choice. The only better choice for a begginner would probably be a leopard gecko. Make sure you have plenty of cash to spend, they are not cheap. Babys can eat upwards of 50-100 pinhead crickets a day, and you need to replace the UVB bulb every 6 months.
Most illness' found in beardies are caused by parasite's, which are treatable, but it will cost money to treat em. The two most common are Pinworms and Coccidia, roundworms are also a possibilitie. Pinworms can occur by feeding live feeders that carry the parasites, most live feeders do carry these, but crickets (more then likely your staple feeder) seem to carry them a lot more. This can just be because a lot more people feed crickets then worms (silk, phoenix, horn, super, etc..) or roaches (lobster, orange head). There is also a virus that has very little knowna bout it called Adenovirus, sometimes it is fatal, not much is known about it yet however.
As far as space goes, an adult bearded dragon need's a MINIMUM of 40 gallon breeder. Baby dragons can be in smaller enclosures, but they do almost all of their growth in the first year of life. Max size for a normal dragon is 20-22 inches. The German Giant bloodline can get 24-26 inches in total length.
Cheapest place to buy them depends on where you live. Most online breeders wont be cheap and you'll have to pay overnight shipping cost ($25+). Try to find any local reptile shows for your dragon, or call around for local breeders in your area. You can also try craigslist and possibly get a beardie + set up for a very low price. Usually however craigs list animals have a variety of health problems and the vet bill's may rise up quickly.
If taken care of and socialized properly, you can walk around outside with your dragon on your shoulder. In summer time I would get my Beardie in his harness and take him to buy cricket's and run errands with me. I even managed to get him into Wal-Mart once :p dont think they woulda been happy if they saw him though!
I suggest joining some online communities if you have more questions. I'm a member of beardeddragon.org , it's a decent site, the owners can be pretty "passionate" with their advice at times at come across as harsh however :p
2007-02-27 15:50:54 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have two bearded dragons and I LOVE THEM!! They are very sweet, friendly, cuddly and happy to see you. They really pay attention to you once they know you. The 30 gallon would be too small after a while. I have a 40-50 gallon and it will be fine for my adult male for life. They eat veggies, fruit, crickets and worms once in a while. They need UV light too.
They are not noisy, smelly or anything else annoying.
The one thing I can say is that they have a lot of expression and they aren't bothered by other animals in the house.
Read up on them and see if that is what you want for a pet. Good luck.
2007-02-28 05:30:33 · answer #3 · answered by iluvmykitties2004 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A bearded dragon will evenually out grow a 30 gallon. Leopard Geckos can lice in a 30 gallon with tons of extra space to roam. Leopard Geckos make good pets also and are one of the easier reptiles to care for.
Never use a heating rock they can burn your lizard and cause fires.
http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html
2007-02-27 15:44:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
often, particular, bearded dragons are extremely straight forward to shield. i've got had experiance with incredibly much any puppy you may think of of. we've fostered animals in view that i replace into youthful, which incorporate reptiles. I have been given my beardie approximately 9 months in the past. Love him to loss of existence, might by no potential think of two times approximately getting him. yet his existence has been perplexing. each little thing started out off extreme-high quality and comfortable. He replace into approximately six months old on the time, looked be energetic and healthful (hadnt yet eaten lots yet I figured it replace into with the aid of rigidity). He got here from a acquaintances toddler who had grown bored with Tobey. a pair days after bringing him domicile, i stumbled on him very torpid, nonetheless hadn't eaten, so I introduced my variety new little one to the vet, in basic terms to locate he had 2 diverse parasites, a calcium deficiency, and mouth rot. Over the months, I certainly have slowly nursed him back to well being, yet he's at the instant on liquid foodstuff that must be fed to him, and that i've got spent a lot of time and cash. merely recognize what you should be entering into. This is going for any puppy.
2016-12-18 12:10:45 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yay!!!! I'm dieing to get one of those!!!! But they're hecke exspensive!!!!!!!!!!!!! They're wonderfull pets to have, you could bring them to work (Unless you work at home or you're not working age) I'd have to go with a 40 gallon tank, they grow very long. Go see a petsmart, see what they say. Remember, there's endless webs out there on this amazing thing we call internet (Hehe) Try something maybe even ebay. Any pet barn (If you live near one) I'm not thaaaaaaaat good with internet, but Google search...it's one on the best. I hope you get one! :)
..::Janna::..
2007-02-27 15:21:21 · answer #6 · answered by Jane H 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can get threm as babies. They are very playful and want out everytime they see you. They loooooooooove food too. There is never too much space for one, but it would be better to get two. But I would definitly advise babies. There is this place out this way (Antioch CA) I don't know where you live, but they are called PetAcular, and they have different rates for different ages.
2007-02-27 19:30:24 · answer #7 · answered by Menda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bearded dragons are very good beginner lizards, and they handle very well.
You probably shouldn't buy one from a pet mart though, they don't take very good care of them there.
Try to find a breeder, or go to a reptile show..
I think the tank will suit fine for one lizard.
Just spruce it up..
Put a stick thing in it, and maybe a heating rock...
2007-02-27 15:20:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
they make great pets for begginers.i go to pet shop near me and 40 gal.tank cost cheap.if need directoins,email at edgefan1@sbcglobal.net
2007-03-01 17:27:35 · answer #9 · answered by alex r 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there pretty cool. try the chinese water dragon
2007-02-27 15:18:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋