Beginner pet

apsgreen · Aug 31, 2019

Hey! I’m new to this forum so I don’t really know how questions are formatted but I’ll do my best for now.
I’m a beginner, and I want a bearded dragon for they’re docileness and how fun they are, and I know that that aspect of them comes with work. I’ve done my research and know just about every aspect of their care and I’m willing to put in all that work. So my question was, could this be my first pet reptile? I’ve heard that people say that they should only be for experienced keepers but if I understand the husbandry and the commitment needed, could I keep one? Thanks for reading that whole thing and thanks even more if you reply!!!!

Claudiusx · Aug 31, 2019

They are fine first reptile pets. They really aren't that difficult. The most difficult thing is getting everything setup properly with your husbandry. If you start off with everything right, the chances of something going wrong are slim

They are pretty hardy creatures.

My only suggestion is to make sure you get your setup finished before you get your dragon. If it lines up with what we recommend here you'll be fine!

-Brandon

MrSpectrum · Aug 31, 2019

apsgreen":33kwn2b8 said:
I’ve done my research and know just about every aspect of their care and I’m willing to put in all that work. So my question was, could this be my first pet reptile?

If you have done your research, then IMO you should be familiar with Clint's Reptiles and Däv Kaufman's Reptile Adventures on YT (among others):

Top 5 Reptiles For Beginners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2-foCd0k2o

Bearded Dragon, The Best Pet Reptile?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJUfpQMBoFY

BEARDED DRAGONS IN THE WILD! (are we keeping them correctly?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMfljPsJ7H4

27 Rad Facts About Bearded Dragons - Dāv Kaufman and Clint's Reptiles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjHpqy4beA0

I think these should give you a better idea if a BD could/should be your first reptile.
I also hope you've read/watched about all the CONS of owning a bearded dragon--not to discourage you, but to prepare you for some of the realities, e.g. enclosure costs, lighting costs, veterinary costs, feeder insects, fresh greens & vegetables, and more. Unlike the dragon itself, these will be ongoing costs; the dragon itself is the cheap part! :shock:

Best Wishes

apsgreen · Sep 1, 2019

Thanks for the help! I’ve put together a list of supplies and it fits my budget well. And I’ve def seen those channels!

MrSpectrum · Sep 1, 2019

Don't forget contingencies. There are ALWAYS contingencies.
For example, I "budgeted" about $500 for the enclosure I'm building, and I thought my list of supplies was complete, and the plans well thought out. Well, I'm up over $700 now, and still have (probably) $200-$300 to go.

Moral: Whatever you budget for the first year, DOUBLE IT, and you might not be too far in the red at the end of that first year.

After that, you'll start to get a better handle on things. First year is always the most expensive unless you run into heavy vet bills. Speaking of which, how much are you budgeting for vet bills?

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