Reptile & Amphibian Forums

K, after reading Chris' post I got an idea.(by the way Chris if you read this sorry about what happened)... One of the main reasons for me hesitating to get a dragon is because I am a sophomore and in a couple years I will be leaving for college. I could live in the moment and get a baby bearded dragon, but that is not the way I think. I always have the animal's best interest at heart. After reading that I got the idea maybe I could buy an older dragon retired from breeding. It would be my first dragon so I would never even consider breeding it. Is that a realistic idea? I think it would be the perfect step into the world of bearded dragons. Everyone let me know what you think!Thanks a lot, I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner.*The only problem I could see with this is if a person hasn't had experiance with larger lizards and might get a little frightened by starting out with one full grown. I used to be one of the only people to handle my friend's huge iguana, so I assume a dragon won't be nearly as intimidating.--sorry for the long post
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3 dogs,1 cat, and 1 leopard gecko ...**TARZANA**

older dragons are typically okay for beginners and "easier" to care for then a hatchling dragon, so there would not be much of a problem there as long as you provided the proper husbandry.

However, a big problem still exists. A "retired" breeder is normally going to live more then two more years, and if you are leaving for college in 2 years, you run right back into the same problem. Then the "retired breeder" dragon will be right back where it was two years ago and have to switch homes yet again, so therefore I don't think that's a great solution.

If you can't take the dragon with you, wait until after you get a stable place you can take care of it would probably be best.

brandon
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Dragons by Nature

You have a good point...it was kinda already in the back of my mind. I am DEFINETLY going to college for veterinary medicine, and the more I think about it, they might not have the no animal policy....I mean that wouldn't go over too well with a school full of animal lovers...but I don't know either way. I guess I forgot to mention my whole family is into animals, so it would always have a place in my home, and would not ever need to be rehoused. Really I could make it work with a hatchling too, but I would prefer to give an older dragon a relaxed loving home.*I should have been clearer about me wanting an older dragon with a couple years left, not a freshly retired breeder. Well I still have some thinking and planning to do. thanks for the thought.
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3 dogs,1 cat, and 1 leopard gecko ...**TARZANA**

well that is completely awesome that you are going to be studying animals and such.. i tip my hat to you. If you have a family that could take care of it and was into reptiles, then you are in a great spot and it shouldn't be a problem at all. A hatchling or a retired breeder would work out fine. The thought that you would rather give an older breeder a good home with you and your family speaks very well about your character and I think you'll make a great owner.

G'luck with the schooling, I wish I would have pursued that route. Would have loved to been a reptile curator at a zoo... can't think of a better job except starting sweeper for the men's US National team lol.

brandon
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Dragons by Nature

and I thought I was the only soccer player on this forum.

Robert
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Email Me

but I didn't make it.. was very cool and a lot of fun and a great experience.. i got to meet all of the current world cup coaches back then and hangout with some very cool people.

Nothing cooler then the world cup man!

brandon
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Dragons by Nature

You are so lucky!!! I'm still playing soccer for my High School. It must have been a blast meeting all of those coaches.

Robert
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Email Me

yea, was a lot of fun. That's very cool that you are playing HS ball man... keep it up and enjoy it.. if you take it to the next level, it becomes more like a job then a game. Enjoy it now

brandon
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Dragons by Nature

Thanks for everything. I have been wanting to be a vet since I was in second grade so I am not going to change my mind now. I have already started to shadow a vet, and signed up to volunteer at a shelter. It is going to be many long years of college, so maybe I should get a dragon to keep me company and stay away from the party scene.Sorry I couldn't add anything to that little soccer chat. I am so sick of hearing that word it is the center of all my friend's lives. One even got a scholarship to play in college! Now that u know my whole life thanks again for the help.
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3 dogs,1 cat, and 1 leopard gecko ...**TARZANA**