Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I have been debating about getting a Bearded Dragon for almost 1 year now. It is my son's request (he's 10) and I've been putting it off until I researched it thoroughly. We currently have a 1 year old Ball Python we bought as a baby. I have found myself getting sucked into the addictive world of herps..LOL The 4 kids, 3 cats, 2 fish, pet rat, hampster and snake not being enough, I started to entertain the idea of a Bearded dragon.
I have to admit, I am daunted by their care requirements. Can people give me some idea of the adjustment to their first Dragon in their home? I've been reading the forum, and feel a bit overwhelmed. Any advice, words of encouragement, even arguements againts getting one will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance everyone.
3.1 Kids
1.0 ball python
0.0.2 fish
1.2 cats
1.0 husband
(the rat and hampster have passed on, not in association with the snake)

My husband and I have a red-tailed boa and a burmese python as well as fish and a cat. Before I got my bearded dragon, I was used to going off and doing things the entire weekend, spending the night with my folks and going on weekend road trips.

I was used to just putting in a weekend feeder in the aquarium for the fish and putting out enough food for my cat and then taking off for two days. However, now that I have my beardie (she's 6 weeks old and I've had her two weeks), I've realized that I have to think twice about going off for the weekend.

I live in an apartment and don't trust anyone with a key to my place so that means I have to either find a way to take my beardie and her cage and her crickets with me or I have to stay at home to feed her crickets twice a day.

I also have to get up earlier in the mornings before work to cut up her vegitables so they will be fresh and I also have to dust her crickets before I give them to her. This takes up more time than I thought but no more than 10-15 minutes.

Even though I've had to make little adjustments, I would not give up my beardie for anything in this world. Her personality and little quirks make me laugh and makes me love life even more. She is a positive addition to my home and I am so glad I got her!

I try and cut up the vegetables the night before bc I simply hate getting up in the morning.. and anything i can do so i can sleep that extra 10 minutes and not have to get up and do more things works for me lol.

I cut stuff up the night before, store it in a plastic container, and spray it down with water to keep it as fresh as possible.. this doesn't work well with things like bananas, but for most things that a beardie gets on a daily basis it seems to be just fine.

Just a thought Glad to see arwin is getting fat lol

brandon
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Dragons by Nature

Thank you all for the input. We brought our Beardie home yesterday! 6 weeks old, and adjusting well it seems. Eats and poops like he's supposed to, just like all babies. Salad and crickets aren't as bad as I thought it would be. Easier that killing rats for the snake. Some day I'll get a camera and post pics.......