Reptile & Amphibian Forums

n/p

You have GOT to elaborate on this.

Well, elaborate as best you can without getting into any trouble with the moderators anyway....

D.A.
( The terminally curious )

The one thing I do not want to do is discourage anyone reading this forum to seek help in caring for their beardies. That is why I'm trying to be discreat about my opinion here.

It's just that some of the posts obviously indicate some individuals have done little to no research in keeping these animals. My initial reaction to these questions is anger and I want to express it but know it would only do more harm than good.

If you read this and think you're one of the people I'm talking about, you're not so keep posting questions and do more research. Just ask yourself why you think it may be you. These lizards have no choice as to their environment and care.

Wideglide

in the computer world we say RTFM

With all the care pages out there, you would think... well maybe you would and I would...
-----
Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

I'm guessing that means "Read the forum moron!". Is that close?

Wideglide

READ
THE
F$%*&!$
MANUAL

In this case, any care sheet ever written to at least get a clue

(but I like your version better)
-----
Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

np

That's what I thought you meant, but wasn't sure.

It seems to me that there's been a rash of people coming in here that have bought dragons, but haven't made the first effort at learning anything about them until they come in here asking questions. But then, I haven't really been here all that long, so maybe it's just normal.

It's one thing to be a bit befuddled and confused by the dragon's behavior sometimes, but to not have the beginnings of a clue about their general care and feeding is simply preposterous...

It's almost enough to make a fellow think that a license that requires a person to first take ( and pass )a "general knowledge" test concerning the animal they're going to keep might not be such a bad thing.

D.A.

That is a great idea! On a similar note what if a huge of chain of pet stores required people to take similar kinds of tests before selling animals to people? Ya' know, I wonder if that would ever work? It would be a huge risk at first but maybe, just maybe the word would get around that those pet stores that participated are top notch and that reputation would bring adequate busines.

Maybe some day.

Wideglide

I know basically nothing about what it takes to breed any animal and maybe this is way off base but how about this?

What if it were recommended to breeders that sale mailorder animals to individuals to require these kinds of tests before they ship the animal? Would it be too much hassle or time? Or maybe most of the people who buy via mail have already done research about the basics and the big problem is in the pet stores. That's probably the case. Any thoughts on this?

Wideglide

i think people who buy online from breeders probably have some idea what theyre doing, or at the least know about reptiles in general and are willing to research the specific animal theyre getting. but pet stores tend more towards the impulse buys...the 'awww look at the cute little lizard! i want one!' so not only does the person not know about the animal or know offhand where to find out, but the stores even give out improper information that leads the customer to believe they know what theyre doing

personally, ive bought some of my animals not knowing anything before i got them (i know, bad!). buuuut im the type of person who will immediately hop on the internet and start finding out what they need, not just be content with what the idiot at the store told me. so i usually know the basics on my own before i come here and start asking stupid questions
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proud mama to:
1.0.0 ball python (mr snake),0.0.1 albino florida kingsnake (CK),1.0.0 leopard gecko (sebastian),0.1.0 colombian rainbow boa (luce),1.1.0 bearded dragon (kaipo and dulce), 1.1.0 colombian redtailed boas (adam and eve)

When I was about 9 or 10 or something like that I bought a Spiny Crevace (I think that's what it was) from a pet store and was told to buy a hot rock, light bulb, dish for water and crickets to feed him. After about 4 months the little guy died. I didn't know why for the longest time and finally found out those lizards drink water drops on plants, walls, etc and not from a water dish. Man was I mad when I heard that. I felt horrible and didn't get another reptile until about 4 mos ago when I finally bought a ball python. Now I've also got two beardies and I seriously doubt it's gonna end there. I have made a vow that no animal in my care will ever suffer like that Spiny Crevice did.

Wideglide

np

I have been looking into getting a beardie for my son. I have asked questions, looked at books and magazines, and the internet. There is alot of conflicting information printed out there.

I read past posts first and learned the answers to most of my questions. I have decided to try to get it from a private breeder (any suggestions? I have been moving more toward the bright colors however, my son would be happy with anything)

Sometimes it is just easier to ask someone a question that you are not sure of and get personal feelings from people who actually raise these cute guys.

i dont think anybody minds when someone who has done research asks questions. if you cant find the info, or its conflicting, ask away. but when people, particuarly those who already have beardies, just want everyone on the forum to tell them the basics, it gets really old really fast. theres quite a few people who clearly have done zero research and sometimes wont even listen to what we tell them. and the same BASIC question gets asked every day sometimes. to make it worse, some of these people think theyre ready to breed their dragons when they dont even know how warm the basking spot should be!

ok, ill end my rant now (and i havent even dealt with this as long as many others here). just as long as youre not depending on the forum as your sole source of information, particulary very basic info, nobody minds helping you out
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proud mama to:
1.0.0 ball python (mr snake),0.0.1 albino florida kingsnake (CK),1.0.0 leopard gecko (sebastian),0.1.0 colombian rainbow boa (luce),1.1.0 bearded dragon (kaipo and dulce), 1.1.0 colombian redtailed boas (adam and eve)

You're looking into getting a dragon, and you're doing RESEARCH FIRST!!! *Gives Deetu a big gold star*

The people we're...um...discussing...here are the ones that bring home a B.D. then go "Do I need a cage? Maybe a light? Food?"

Yes, it's tough to sort through all the information, but still, you wouldn't bring a bird home with no cage or birdseed would you?

Okay, now I'll quit ranting. For a little while.

D.A.

n/p

"I just got two new dragons. How do I breed 'em?"
type questions. I figure that is a whole 'nother issue all by it's self.

D.A.

Oh come on people...Reality is you are ALWAYS going to have people buying animals not only dragons and have no clue on there care. This is what keeps pet stores in business and the humane society full!!! There are people out there that cant care for there kids none the less animals...so get over it and move on.
EXAMPLE: The woman who left her sleeping toddler in the closed car to go shopping at Loemanns in Boca. Her statement was "I dont think I did anything wrong I would have left my other 2 children also but they complained" I think we should leave her in a hot car in the south Florida sun roll up the windows and watch her suffer!!!

"Get over it and move on"..... Good advice, except it doesn't do much to help the problem.

Maybe some of those folks will actually read some of this grumping and growling we're doing, and actually think a bit. ( I'll not hold my breath waiting for it, mind you )
If that happens, and even one or two go read some before they buy, breed, or whatever, then that's one or two less people in this world that are going to inadvertantly abuse an animal. Or maybe even a child.

Think about it.

D.A.

I understand what you're saying about getting over it. It's just that sometimes it is necessary to just "let it out". Granted, to just dwell on the horrible situations is not healthy but unless you are given a chance to express some of those feelings you probably will dwell on them anyway.

I see it as group therapy. Plus, talking about this stuff may spring some ideas that can improve the situation.

Wideglide

I have a tendancy to ignore dumb questions. You think there are a lot on kingsnake. I get 30-50 a day by Email..Ive gotten to the point of having form letters I forward to people.
Sometimes at shows if the person isnt really paying attention to what I am saying or doesnt let me finish talking I give them a care sheet and tell them to do there homework before they can purchase from me. You should see there faces...I have lost many a sale but I sleep good at night!!!!

Ignorant people don't bother me so much. They can usually be taught. ( Ignorant meaning they're just uneducated )

Stupid people, on the other hand....

D.A.

n/p

I have been looking into getting a beardie for my son. I have asked questions, looked at books and magazines, and the internet. There is alot of conflicting information printed out there.

I read past posts first and learned the answers to most of my questions. I have decided to try to get it from a private breeder (any suggestions? I have been moving more toward the bright colors however, my son would be happy with anything)

Sometimes it is just easier to ask someone a question that you are not sure of and get personal feelings from people who actually raise these cute guys.