I was considering getting a bearded dragon, but I have young children, are they known to bite? I have a friend who takes care of reptiles but can't ask him until he gets back in the US. I would like to know before hand if anyone has any experience with them and young kids?
2007-07-11 06:27:08 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Kids are young, and no they will not be taking care of them. I will be, but I know they are going to want to pet it. I also have birds, hamsters, fish, cats & a mini-crab :D. This will be our first reptile.
2007-07-11 06:37:50 · update #1
Thank you everyone for your advice, I do appreciate it. We will be getting our lil dragon in about a month (my friend gets home in 3 weeks, I talked to him and he's gonna loan me some books on the subject)
2007-07-13 05:40:58 · update #2
Zina Rae, had my mom not allowed me to bring home a garter Snake when I was about 7 or 8, I probably would not be into the keeping of Reptiles now. Especially if she had told me to wait until I was a teenager.
When you allow children, even young children the opportunity to assist you in the husbandry of Reptiles, that interest continues and you have a herper on your hands.
To the question asker... Bearded Dragons make wonderful first time reptiles, especially for children. Do lots of research and ask as many questions as you can.
2007-07-11 10:38:52 · answer #1 · answered by nanookadenord 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to work in a pet store and I would always tell the children that ANY animal may bite. It does have a mouth. Once the lizard gets used to being held they do tend to calm down. Never allow the children to bang on the cage as this may make it irritable. You should be the one to remove the lizard from the cage for the children and to teach and help them with the proper way to hold and care for your pet lizard.
Make sure to wash hands after handling the lizard, his bowls, etc. and any surface around the house that he has been on. Some lizards (I'm not sure about the bearded dragon) carry salmonella.
I had iguana's and never had any problems when my friends kids came over. Enjoy and good luck!
2007-07-11 13:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by Cynthia N 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Bearded Dragon is going to be fine with young children. They do not generally bite and like to be handled. My three year old grandson loves to touch many of my reptiles, though he gives them unique names (Schneider's Skinks are "Cheetos" since they are orange).
Anyway, I would suggest getting a young Bearded. Handle it very frequently. Depending on the age of the children, you may want to only allow to pet the lizard early on and work their way up to holding it.
2007-07-11 13:33:18 · answer #3 · answered by PTBeast 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a good learning thing for the kids to have a pet. A lizzard is out of the ordinary but I would have loved one when I was growing up.
They are not known to bite unless defending them selves although I wouldn't expect the creature to be out of it's enclosure for long any way.
This would be good to teach your children about responsibity and what the consiquences are if they don't feed, groom and care or a pet.
Good luck.
2007-07-11 13:31:24 · answer #4 · answered by ♥..::Amy::..♥ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why even ask this question? Kids are terrible with pets from the beginning. Read the questions from people who now take care of their children's pets. They will lose interest after awhile and you'll be caring for it. Mark my words. Teach your kids responsibility before you get a pet of any kind. I am sorry if you don't like this answer, but it's often so true. Reptiles and such don't make good pets. Start with a cat, They have a better chance of survival if you teach your kids what they need to do. And, a cat is "not-out-of-mind" from you. Animals in cages are until you remember them, and it can be too late then.
2007-07-11 13:35:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
I have a bearded dragon and have had him for 7 years he has never biten anyone i would trust him more with my 3 years old then my dog...I got him when he was a baby and handled him regularly and he has never even tryed nipping at anyone...I have heard of people saying they do bite but never had a prob.
2007-07-11 15:52:36 · answer #6 · answered by chicklett00_ca 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my mom has a bearded dragon and he is so loveable.
He has never bit anyone in the 6 years my mom has had him and he has always been around my nieces a\when they were small. If your worried about him though don't take him out of his tank when the kids are around.
From my experiance they are wonderful around people, very tame.
2007-07-11 13:38:44 · answer #7 · answered by Vada83 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
bearded dragons are one of the only lizards recommended for families with small children! they are virtually harmless and are not known to bite, attack, or purposely scratch. just make sure the kids wash their hands well after playing with the beardie!
2007-07-11 13:31:59 · answer #8 · answered by Lizard_Luver 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well i have a leopard gecko
they r known to b a good pet
but im not sure with young children
just explain to the children
that reptiles can bite
and need to be handled carfully
2007-07-11 15:18:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I dont think lizzards would make good pets for small children since they take alot of care and have to have their cages cleaned several times a week . I would choose another pet for small children or no pets untill they are older . good luck .
2007-07-11 13:30:26 · answer #10 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋