Just went to the Central Florida reptile expo here in Orlando yesterday and I left with mixed emotions. Overall, it was a great experience. But I almost cried looking at some of those frilled dragons. Still not very common, only about 5 booths had them at all. But some were so thin, they were hardly recognizible as frilled dragons. Of those 5 tables, 2 of them had healthy frillies and I let the person at those tables know that I was happy they were taking good care of them. And I'd like to slap the people at the other tables. They're also the people that don't know anything about them. They need attention guys! That's what I was telling a lady who was considering buying one of the skinny ones. I have to relate them to exotic birds. If you don't pay them alot of attention, they will pluck their feathers out. I've noticed that my frillie will mope if he can't come out. I'm sure the skinny ones have been stuck in a cage since day one. Most were about 6 months old so it would be a dangerous purchase. I really don't think some of them would make it! Sorry to vent but man, I've really gotten attached to frilled dragons and it was very depressing to see that.
Did I buy one? Sadly no. I can't shell out too many 100 dollar bills plus mine is getting huge for the house. I did make a purchase though. I got what is called a Leopard lizard. I bought him from one of the tables that actually had healthy frilled dragons. And of course, they had healthy leopard lizards too. So all in all, it was a great experience. I just wish somebody could have warned me that I was gonna see neglected frillies.
Mike
dana