Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, been a few years since I used to post on kingsnake as UMDKingsnake, but I'm getting back into the hobby. Used to keep snakes, but I'm interested in possibly getting a beardie as a personal pet and for my classroom. The animal would not be handled during the school day or in a room full of reaching hands, but rather on an individual or very small group basis. In addition to the excitement of getting a new pet, I am also excited at the opportunity to use the animal's presence in the room for any number of teachable moments, especially fostering an appreciation for all animals, fuzzy, scaly or otherwise. However, got a few questions before I move forward.

-I have an old neodesha (3 footer) from my days keeping snakes. On the one hand, it is a nice enclosure, on the other hand, would humidity and lighting be an issue here? Would a heat pad be sufficient if the dragon is getting natural sunlight from the windows? Or do I scrap the neo and simply use an aquarium to put a light on the screen?

-I understand that there are no perfect substitutes for live prey, but would I be alright mainly feeding meal or superworms as opposed to crickets in addition to the greens? I only ask in order to avoid having the crickets inevitably get loose in the room and having my teaching teammates upset with me and their new six legged visitors? On that note (please forgive me) are there any pellets that have been developed to be a sufficient substitute for crickets/live prey?

-Lastly, I understand that reptiles as pets tend to have people project "personalities" onto them, but in general are not going to be as affectionate or tame as dogs, cats, birds, etc. However, compared to a snake, how much higher a level of interaction is possible with the beardie in comparison? Could one honestly say that their beardie prefers or seeks out their company?

I do love reptiles and only got out of the hobby because of a relocation to Alaska, but now that I am back in the lower 48, I have been itching to get back into it. I'm new to dragons, but not to the hobby in general, so please rest assured that the animal I get will be accomadated to the best of my ability and kept safe in my classroom and at home. Thanks for any and all replies, and with any luck, I'll be contributing to the next generation of informed, compassionate reptile hobbyists.

p.s. - Yes, my screen name is a reference to the Brad Paisley song.

I know of Beardies in classrooms that do OK. But, I don't feel it's the greatest environment usually. The biggest concern I have is that no one is usually around to feed him/her on the weekends and there will be stress involved when relocated for the summer.

If you decide to get one I'd recommend you find an adult. Babies would be too fragile to handle all of the attention and lack of weekend care.

The recommended minimum enclosure size for an adult is 4' x 2'. They also need UVB that cannot be filtered through glass so you'd have to buy a UVB fixture. They also have specific temp. requirements that would need to be met. Heat should come from above so a heat pad should not be used.

Babies should have crickets as their primary live food. Mealworms should not be fed as they have a chitin shell that can cause impaction in Bearded Dragons. Superworms are an acceptable primary live food for adult dragons. There is no prepared food that has been proven as a good alternative to live food and a nutritious salad.

Beardie personalities change from animal to animal. I have some that crave personal attention and others that want nothing to do with me. This is another good reason to consider an adult dragon.

In all I'd recommend you google "Bearded Dragons" and read a variety of care sheets before making your decision. Here's a couple to start with.

http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/GeneralCare.html

http://www.dachiu.com/beardeddragoncare/hatchlingcaresheet.html