I noticed a peculiar thing the other day. This site has the "top 10 forums by activity". The bearded dragon forum is not on it...at all. I've been keeping (and breeding off and on) dragons since 1995, and I've been visiting Kingsnake since 2002. I remember a couple years ago the bearded dragon forum was always in the top 5 (as well as the recently less popular Leopard gecko forum).

Now, we know it is an axiom that there are trends regarding the popularity of species whithin our hobby. Do you guys feel that this forum's popularity is a reflection of a larger trend? Let's discuss this. My very brief point of view is, unfortunetly, yes. I attend at least one reptile show a month, often 2 a month, here in the North East. I see fewer dragon breeders. I also see breeders come and go more quickly. I also see fewer "high end", quality dragons. I also noticed it takes longer for me to sell my dragons. Also, look at KS classifieds, there are fewer breeder direct offerings, and more broker/dealer adds.

So, what are other peoples experience/opinions? How about those from othere areas of the country?

Finally, I know I love beardies just because I love them, and will not stop keeping them simply beacuse of market trends. But market trends will impact me breeding them. I don't breed them to make money(which I very seldom do), I breed them to see what the next generation will look like, but what if nobody wants to buy the next generation?

Paul Kemes

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