Reptile & Amphibian Forums

im gonna start doin reasearch on beardies, cause im thinkin of gettin one.what is a really good substrate? can you hold them? how long do they live? whats a good place to get one?

thanks!

this is what im used to...

Your best bet is to do a google search on "bearded dragon care", you'll find all the answers to your questions and much more.
Here's a few places to start.

www.beginnersbasics.com
www.beautifuldragons.com
www.beardiecrazy.com
www.tncbeardies.com
www.biology.lsa.umich.edu/research/labs/ktosney/file/BDcare.html
www.kingsnake.com/gladescs/bearded/
www.beardiekingdom.com/
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www.classylizard.com

Well, since that last response didn't actualy answer your question i'm going to give it a shot, well the best substrate for a baby is papertowel because sand causes impaction, and for a juvenile (3-4 months of age) sand is good, or the best if your out for looks and comfort for your dragon, it's also the least exspensive just don't just go to the pet store and grab a $6.00 5 pound bag sand, go to lowes or home depot, sand 50 lb bag for $2.50 thats what I do, they live pretty long about 7-12 years, if you take good care of your animal espect it to live longer, and with less problems. The best place to receive a dragon is definetly not the local pet store unless it's a herp store , but don't let me get you wrong pet stores can take care of there animals, but a breeder focusing on bearded dragons, is your cheapest and best bet, and yes you can hold them, a lot of beardies like to be handled, but smaller ones just keep an eye on them. If you have any more questions at all feel free to ask. Thank you.

From:Brent Allen email leosrule182@yahoo.com AIM albinoleodotcom

>im gonna start doin reasearch on beardies, cause im thinkin of >gettin one.what is a really good substrate? can you hold them? >how long do they live? whats a good place to get one?

Definately do your research, there's lots to know! If you take good care of your beardie, they can live 7-10 years and more, the same kind of life expectancy as a large breed dog. The post above has given you some great pointers for how to start your reading, which is the best thing you can do ahead of time.

I think almost everyone agrees that for a baby beardie, paper towel or un-printed newspaper make excellent choices. You want something that is easily cleaned, that can't harbour any bacteria, stray crickets etc that won't cause digestive problems if your little one eats it... and yes, they test *everything* with their tongues. For older lizards, I'd say 8"-10" up, there's many choices. Popular ones are shelf paper, newspaper, washed and sifted play sand, bran... again, there are many choices to be researched to find what works for you, to keep your new best friend healthy and happy.

Can you hold them? How can you not I think is a more accurate question Beardies are wonderful, perfect sized for carrying around, shoulder perching while reading or computing, and with regular handling as a youngster you don't get much more laid back in reptiles. I love my iguana dearly, but my Doodle-noodle is much more portable and cuddly!

The best place to buy one, is from a reputable breeder or specialized herp store. Look for a place that keeps their animals well, ALL of them, not just the reptiles or birds or mammals etc etc. The cages should be clean, and appropriate to the species in it, and the animals should look healthy and alert. Before buying, ask to see your beardie eat, and make sure it looks alert and active. Don't buy from a dirty petstore that has bad husbandry, just because you feel sorry for their animals... all you are doing is encouraging them to get more, and the one you buy will be replaced the next day.

Keep reading and asking questions on the forums, its an excellent source of information. Good luck!

np