Tell me the dirt on bearded dragons

NervousNellie":2hg1jdbg said:

We are seriously considering adding a bearded dragon to our family. I have been doing a ton of research but am starting to feel overwhelmed. I'm trying to decide how much a bearded dragon will add to our circus enjoyment/work wise. We currently have two geatric dogs, one in kidney failure, both dogs require special food and medication. We have two awesome indoor cats. The only real outside pets we have are three chickens. We love our chickens and they are as big of pets as our indoor ones. They would like to be indoor pets. So I have a few questions about care because I have zero experience with reptiles.
I think if we do get one it will be an adult rescue from a reptile rescue.
1) I read somewhere on here that they usually have a BM once a day but here is where I start getting confused can I use a vingear soaked paper towel to just wipe it up? I saw in an article about steam cleaning? Do I have to steam clean its cage regularly or wiping with vingear good? How often do I have to clean the whole cage if I can just spot clean bms?
fortnightly should be fine, weekly is better,
I think the vinegar solution should be fine also.
2)I have a 5 and 7 year old who would want to love on it as much as their schedule (school and activities) would allow, would that be a problem?
I don't see why it would be a problem as long as they are not out the vivarium for to long (15 min out then back in to keep warm for an hour or so.) Possibly under adult supervision.
3) do they have a smell?
they have a smell but as long as vivarium is kept clean them they don't smell bad at all.
4) I understand an adult would need protein once a day and veggies once a day, is that right? Do I have to keep live protein (crickets) in the house? Is there a protein source that works better then crickets maybe one that can't hop away from me?
I don't think there is any work around to not feeding them insects although adults can be fed them every other day, it's not just protein but hydration and stimulation from hunting that I think is also important
5) I saw it was best to get a fecal sample checked right off can any vet check that or just one that specializes in reptiles?
I think any general vet could send for a fecal test, would be best to check your current vets and see if they can if not ring others local to you too find out.
6) how much time each day/week do you spend on basic care?
I think at least 15 min daily supervised exercise/exploration outside of the vivarium is needed other than that it's just feeding and cleaning that does not take long at all. Also night time cuddles is popular with keepers
7) do you think keeping cats and bearded dragons is a bad idea?
it can be, but as long as there not out in the same room at the same time and the vivarium is locked/or cat proof there should be no problem many people have both in the same household.
8) anything else you think I should know? I've read most the articles on this forum but it all seems overwhelming.
most of us have learned as we go, most importantly is to get the right lights and other equipment at the start or you will end up wasting money and putting your lizard at risk, pet shops will sell you inadequate equipment like dial temperature readers, incorrect uv lighting etc, Also since you have young children I think it's probably important that you read up on bearded dragons and salmonella the risk of contamination is low but it's best to be aware of the risks with anyone that might have a weaker immune system.
9) I forgot we camp a lot in the summers but we always have a pet sitter come once a day to take care of the cats and chickens would that be fine for a bearded dragon too?
should be fine as long add they can follow basic instructions

My zoo keeps me busy but I've got it down so that each day I don't spend my whole day taking care of pets. i want to make sure I'm not going to get myself in trouble. Haha
We love all of our pets and they get plenty of attention, maybe more them some want. ?

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NervousNellie":2l210720 said:

We are seriously considering adding a bearded dragon to our family. I have been doing a ton of research but am starting to feel overwhelmed. I'm trying to decide how much a bearded dragon will add to our circus enjoyment/work wise. We currently have two geatric dogs, one in kidney failure, both dogs require special food and medication. We have two awesome indoor cats. The only real outside pets we have are three chickens. We love our chickens and they are as big of pets as our indoor ones. They would like to be indoor pets. So I have a few questions about care because I have zero experience with reptiles. <<< do a LOT of research ,
I think if we do get one it will be an adult rescue from a reptile rescue.
1) I read somewhere on here that they usually have a BM once a day but here is where I start getting confused can I use a vingear soaked paper towel to just wipe it up? I saw in an article about steam cleaning? Do I have to steam clean its cage regularly or wiping with vingear good? How often do I have to clean the whole cage if I can just spot clean bms? <<< paper towel is very good as a bedding, I use F10 to help spot cleaning , I don't use vinegar or steam.
2)I have a 5 and 7 year old who would want to love on it as much as their schedule (school and activities) would allow, would that be a problem? depends on the child , my 6 yr old grandson has grown up knowing Pop's pet lizards and we taught very young to be gentle with them , is harder to get him to be quiet though. my lizards are used to him but still prefer to give him distance and stay in their tubs and vivs.
3) do they have a smell? only when they poo , don't you too ?
4) I understand an adult would need protein once a day and veggies once a day, is that right? Do I have to keep live protein (crickets) in the house? <<<< YES
Is there a protein source that works better then crickets maybe one that can't hop away from me?
<<< silkworms are good , crickets are very good as feeders.
5) I saw it was best to get a fecal sample checked right off can any vet check that or just one that specializes in reptiles? <<< reptile vet is your best vet even if general vet can look at fecals.
6) how much time each day/week do you spend on basic care? <<< I have 4 pet lizards (2 bluetongue skinks and 2 bearded dragons , all are spoilt rotten and get lots of attention and lots of snuggles each , my wife and I are both retired (both turned 60 this last month) , between caring for the 4 lizards, and their insects (I keep mealworms, superworm, crickets and silkworms)they keep keep me busy , I'd say allow at least 2 hr per day .
7) do you think keeping cats and bearded dragons is a bad idea? EXTREMELY BAD IDEA - WILL END IN TEARS , and badly for the dragon.
8) anything else you think I should know? I've read most the articles on this forum but it all seems overwhelming.
See my cheatsheet : viewtopic.php?f=6&t=234738&p=1806050#p1806050
9) I forgot we camp a lot in the summers but we always have a pet sitter come once a day to take care of the cats and chickens would that be fine for a bearded dragon too? <<< VERY BAD IDEA , dragon will be very stressed and scared by the unfamiliar sights and sounds , it's not a dog ! Leave the dragon at home and find someone who knows how to care for him, he's not a chicken or cat , the dragon needs a routine .

My zoo keeps me busy but I've got it down so that each day I don't spend my whole day taking care of pets. i want to make sure I'm not going to get myself in trouble. Haha
We love all of our pets and they get plenty of attention, maybe more them some want. ?

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