Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All....I recently posted on the general lizard forum I think, looking for suggestions on a type of lizard to get for my empty tank (4 foot long, 21in tall, 1ft wide...I was told it was 80gallons, but I'm not sure, hehe..)
Anyhow. I've owned a bearded previously, which I recieved as a gift. It was an adult when given to me, and the petstore didn't know how old it was. He only lived a few months, I think due to a combination of severe cold weather, bad heating, and several power outages. But, I've since moved to a place which has much better heating, etc. I was considering making a little jungle terrarium out of the tank and getting some tree frogs. But I really would like a pet that isn't quite so sensitive to being handled.
So, I went to the pet store and what do they have today but 6 little baby beardeds!!! I adored my bearded for the short time I had him, and these guys are just SO cute. But. I have a few questions....
I asked the clerk how old they were. She didn't have a clue. She also has them in a tank with sand that I think is far too gritty for them, and was feeding them crickets that seemed too large for them as well. But. So far, they all looked healthy, and several did jump right on the crickets when she put them in the tank. And, there was plenty of poop in the cage, so I guess they're doing ok so far and not impacted or anything cuz of the sand or food.
They are asking about $50 each...is this an acceptable price range?
At what age is it possible to tell what sex they are?
Would keeping 2 of them (both females, if possible) in a cage of the previous dimensions be ok, or would it be too cramped? (and would 2 females get aggressive with each other like 2 males would?)
IF I decide on getting one of these precious beardies, I plan on starting her out in a 20gal until she gets a little bigger, and so I can really customize the big tank for her. They are pretty small yet, and I'm wondering if they're too small to sell. But, on the flip side, I know even if I don't personally buy one, someone else will, because they're very cute.
So. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?!
Thanks!

Your tank is a 55 gallon tank, which is big enough for one adult, but not for two.

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if you are going to buy a baby, buy one, you cant guarantee the sex and you cant guarantee they will get along even if they are 2 females. do all the reading you can on care, there are good care sheets out there (read the post above) also check the classifieds here. Keeping her in a small tank to start is a great idea, smaller is usually better for babies, easier to catch food and less intimidating for them. make sure you invest in heat and UVB lighting (mercury vapor bulbs are good, and will be great in your big tank) as well as good supplements (repcal herptivite and calcium w/d3) errr.. cant think of what else you asked... think that was it
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reiko
photos

I asked the clerk how old they were. She didn't have a clue. She also has them in a tank with sand that I think is far too gritty for them, and was feeding them crickets that seemed too large for them as well. But. So far, they all looked healthy, and several did jump right on the crickets when she put them in the tank. And, there was plenty of poop in the cage, so I guess they're doing ok so far and not impacted or anything cuz of the sand or food.
They are asking about $50 each...is this an acceptable price range?
At what age is it possible to tell what sex they are?

- as they get older they are easier to sex, some can take a good guess with babies, but when you get into 3 months and over its a better guess at sex and some you can pretty much positivly see what they are

Would keeping 2 of them (both females, if possible) in a cage of the previous dimensions be ok, or would it be too cramped? (and would 2 females get aggressive with each other like 2 males would?)

-i prefer a 4x2 for one dragon adding 4 sqare feet per additional dragon i think is the rule. i house all my dragons seperatly.

IF I decide on getting one of these precious beardies, I plan on starting her out in a 20gal until she gets a little bigger, and so I can really customize the big tank for her. They are pretty small yet, and I'm wondering if they're too small to sell. But, on the flip side, I know even if I don't personally buy one, someone else will, because they're very cute.
So. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?!
Thanks!

- you might want to take a look in the classifieds, there are several good breeders out there, at the moment www.sundialreptile.com has some stunning lil babies and they sell healthy dragons which is very important, also other really great breeders you can check out are

www.dragonsbynature.com
www.jerseydragons.com
www.exoticlizards.com (scales)
www.dachiu.com

these all have really great healthy lil dragons and are worth a look best of luck to you.........

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reiko
photos