I want a bearded dragon!!!!?

Question

SOOOOOOOO BAD!!! But my mom said no more pets! :( Not counting the rest of my familys pets(3 dogs, 2 out-door cats and 2 birds) I have a baby chameleon, a 3 yr. old eastern box turtle, and 3 betta fish. But I want the baby bearded dragon that just melts my heart every time I see him/her when I go to the pet store to buy crickets or any-thing else. Please! help me by giving me some mom-convincing tips. And two more resons mom said no is because they get too big and he/ she cost $109.00. Please help me ! :(

I will give 5 stars to whoever gives me the tips that work! * * * * *

Answer 1

This document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommend that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of interest.

Common Name: Bearded Dragon Latin Name: Pogona vitticeps

Native to: Australia Size Range: 6-24 inches

Life Span: 5-15 years

General Appearance: Medium sized lizard with a large triangular shaped bead, flattened body and a tail
measuring half the length of the animal. Gray, brown or reddish brown color with small spiny
scales covering the body with longer scales from the back of the head. When threatened a bearded
dragon will puff out its throat resembling a spiky beard. There are many different designer phases
available that can produce different coloration

Housing Requirements:

Enclosure: Hatchlings can be kept in a 20-gallon aquarium for a few months. Adults will need a
50-gallon aquarium or larger sized cage if more than one lizard is housed. Branches and
rocks are needed for climbing and basking. A screen top is needed for ventilation. Do not
house two adult males together. You can also use a screened enclosure or custom built
enclosure.

Temperature: Day: 80º - 85º F.
Night: 68º - 75º F
Basking: 95º - 105º F.
A heat lamp should be positioned over one end of the tank to produce the basking spot.
Use thermometers or temperature gun to measure temperature.
Heat/Light: Incandescent bulbs, ceramic emitter, or heat panels can be used for the basking spot.
Full spectrum lighting should be provided using one of the fluorescent bulbs made for
reptiles that produce both UVA and UVB wavelengths. A mercury vapor bulb which
provides heat and light may also be used. Twelve hours of daylight can be provided
through the use of timers

Substrates: Caribbean play sand is cheap, fairly easy to clean and creates a desert looking
environment. However, use caution with hatchlings as some people feel it may cause
impaction. Newspaper, Astroturf , paper towels, alfalfa pellets, and vitamin sand can also
be used.

Environment: Desert habitat

Diet: Bearded Dragons are omnivores. They need both animal and plant material in their diet. Crickets,
locusts, cockroaches, mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, butterworms, red worms, earthworms,
superworms with an occasional pinky will all be relished by your bearded dragon. You should use
caution NOT to feed fireflys as they are toxic to Bearded Dragons. Vegetables that you can offer
included greens (turnip, kale, romaine, dandelion, endive, escarole, mustard, and collard), green
beans, squash, peas, sweet potato, chicory, watercress, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Fruits can be
offered about 1-2 time a week (too much can cause diarrhea) such as blueberries, strawberries,
raspberries, cantaloupe, mango, kiwi, and grapes. Commercially made food is also available for
your bearded dragon. Fresh water should always be provided. Some bearded dragons like to be
misted and lap up the water that way. Powdered vitamin/mineral supplement may be offered 1-2
times a week.

Maintenance: Fresh water should be offered daily. If using newsprint then clean as needed. Wood
shavings should be spot cleaned as needed. Periodically, the enclosure should be disinfected. A
5% bleach solution makes an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to rinse the enclosure thoroughly after
disinfecting. As always, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your bearded
dragon or any cage accessories.

Answer 2

We had a bearded dragon and he didn't get too big. We had him in a medium sized tank and he stayed very healthy. Check with your pet shop and ask if keeping him in a smaller tank will be okay. My understanding is they adapt to their surroundings so they rarely grow larger than their enviornment. The bigger your tank, the bigger your dragon will grow. But honestly, that was my husband's reasoning for buying a tank that was bigger (and pricier) than I wanted. So check that out before you believe it!

If the cost is the big issue try looking on craigslist for a free or cheap one and see if your mom goes for that.

Our local PetSmarts have back rooms where they keep the returned animals. They usually give them away free but there is no guarantee on them. And then check craigslist or freecycle to get the tank and other supplies for cheap or free.

You probably won't get a baby if you don't pay for it. But that baby is going to grow anyway!

No tips about how to get around the no-more-pets issue. I feel the same way about our house! At one time we had 7 cats, 3 dogs, 2 lizards, and 2 mini-gerbils. It was insane. We have to learn how to turn down sick animals! We're good now - 2 dogs, 1 lizard, 1 cat, a few fish.

Answer 3

turn her argument against her say that because you have so many pets she has to know that you are responsible enough to look after one more pet. say you'll pay half of it off by doing house work (once you've got it you can stop without teling your mum teeheehee) and sy that only some of them get biggerthan 2 thirds of a ruler. hope this helps

Answer 4

Sorry sweetie, I think your mom is right, you have enough right now. Wait awhile, if you want one that badly, show her how responsible you are with you current pets, and then see what she says. Good Luck !!

Answer 5

We had one of these and they are HIGH maintenance and difficult to take care of. It sounds like your plate is full enough.
It's cool you have a turtle.... although they are tougher, if you have luck with these you MIGHT have luck with the dragon.

Answer 6

I am sooooooo jelous of how many pets you have!¡¡!¡!¡! You're really lucky to have so many pets. my dad only let's me have 3 pets and I really want a reptile. so just be thankful for what you have.