bearded dragons

sattva · 03-22-17, 01:03 PM

I counted 23 bearded dragons on craigslist in my area... People can't hardly give them away... So sad...

trailblazer295 · 03-22-17, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sattva

I counted 23 bearded dragons on craigslist in my area... People can't hardly give them away... So sad...

Often sold as a beginner lizard or reptile. Personally I don't think consider a dinural lizard that requires heat,uv, calicum, bugs, greens etc to be a beginner level. It's a lot of work to do it properly.

I'm often tempted by the crazy little babies running around in the store but never broke down.

TRD · 03-22-17, 04:03 PM

It's not a beginner reptile by any stretch of imagination. Once people figure out how to properly care for them they realize it's not just "drop in some food and forget".

Also, many parents getting a "pet for the child" ... buy it on impulse without proper research. Petstore workers (I have met only 1 woman in a petstore that actually cared) generally don't give a damn, as long as the animal sells.

It's beginner only because the abundance of beardies in the trade, overall easy to find information, but the actual care itself is not beginner level.

Skipper7 · 03-22-17, 04:29 PM

Precisely what TRD and trailblazer said. They are way too abundant in the US. I've seen them listed for under 20 USD.

I don't even look on craigslist anymore, it makes me sad. They're all emaciated, on sand, injured from cohabiting or suffering from MBD. 99% of pet stores don't give a damn and sell (or don't sell) you supplies that ensure suffering and/or premature death for the animal.

regi375 · 03-22-17, 04:58 PM

When I started preparing my tank for a bearded dragon, I realized just how difficult it is to care for. Definitely not a beginner level of care by any means.

trailblazer295 · 03-22-17, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by regi375

When I started preparing my tank for a bearded dragon, I realized just how difficult it is to care for. Definitely not a beginner level of care by any means.

That's why I've not bought one, the amount of work required. Just all NOPE, stick with snakes. More my speed lol

sattva · 03-22-17, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

That's why I've not bought one, the amount of work required. Just all NOPE, stick with snakes. More my speed lol

I'm with you trailblazer... I all most broke down and bought a Blue tongue skink until I realized it would miss up my easy feeding regimen...NO,NO,NO

trailblazer295 · 03-22-17, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sattva

I'm with you trailblazer... I all most broke down and bought a Blue tongue skink until I realized it would miss up my easy feeding regimen...NO,NO,NO

I believe BTS are easier then a beardie but still a lot more than a snake.

Scubadiver59 · 03-22-17, 07:04 PM

Try keeping a wife! I lost two already...decided dogs and snakes are a lot less trouble and a lot cheaper!

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer295

I believe BTS are easier then a beardie but still a lot more than a snake.

uhhlise_nacole · 03-22-17, 08:52 PM

I've noticed the same thing and it is indeed very sad. i follow several reptile pages on Facebook in my area and it's just flooded with Beardies. and the saddest part is majority of them have MBD. I feel I see MBD cases around here in Beardies more than anything else. I was also one to think they were lower maintenance AT FIRST.. we took on two for an older couple that could no longer care for them. one of these guys had MBD and was on medication everyday. they were the most high maintenanced animals in our care. thankfuly we've adopted them out to a forever home now and they're doing well. it's awful to think all of the babies out there just left in a tank with a light in a kids bedroom that are doomed from the start. I also frequently think of all the poor hatchling Savannah Monitors this time of year that people are taking in due to how accessible and inexpensive they are most places.. not realizing the expenses and care that are to follow.

Skipper7 · 03-22-17, 09:03 PM

If you take the time to research and get a tank set up before acquiring a beardie, it isn't horrible. Adults are pretty simple. Greens twice daily. Water change every other day (if you even use a bowl). Bugs 1-3 times a week with calcium. Every third bug feeding with d3.

But taking care of babies is a HUGE time investment. Bugs 2-3 times a day is a lot more than one mouse a week for a snake.

eminart · 03-23-17, 11:26 AM

They're all over the place because they're easy to breed and produce a lot of offspring. As far as beginner, I don't know. It depends on the person. Some people really just don't need pets. It's not like a beardie is difficult, but they do require more care than many "easy" reptiles. The juvies can eat like nobody's business.

Magdalen · 03-23-17, 02:35 PM

I love beardies but exactly as several have pointed out I don't think I'm cut out yet to get one yet. I've got my leopard gecko, so she'll do for now, lizard wise. But the snake it's lovely he only eats once a week.

Skipper7 · 03-23-17, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magdalen

I love beardies but exactly as several have pointed out I don't think I'm cut out yet to get one yet. I've got my leopard gecko, so she'll do for now, lizard wise. But the snake it's lovely he only eats once a week.

If I may, I reccomend adopting an adult beardie if you decide to get one. Once your tank is set up adults are a breeze.