Ozzy's Mom
Juvie Member
Hello everyone. I just got a beardie on Sunday and have been hunting for a sight like this. Everyone seems very helpful. Though in some of the posts I've noticed they can be a bit harsh to a newby that doesn't know everything. I can understand how this happens....with beardies being such amazing reptiles and their owners being so dedicated to their well being. I just hope I've learned enough not to sound foolish with my questions.
Unlike a lot of people here, my beardie purchase was not planned. In fact, I'd never really heard of them. On Sunday my hubby and I went to a flea market. My husband, who is from Texas and used to raise all types of snakes, purchased a ball python from a vendor. Being born and raised in Alaska, with no snakes, I was not thrilled with his purchase.
While the hubby was getting money from the atm, I walked by the only large beardie. I told the vendor that all the pokey spines made him look somewhat evil and I should buy it to get even with my husband. The vendor responded by telling me how kind and gentle the beardie was and that his girlfriend handled him constantly. He picked him up and put him on my shoulder. After just a few minutes I fell in love. By the time my husband returned, I'd already decided the beardie was going home with me.
At that point I knew virtually nothing about beardies and made a trip to Petsmart to get some accessories and crickets. It was only then that I realized how pricey beardie ownership can be and how dedicated owners are to their beardies. When seeking help in the store, we managed to get ahold of an employee that owned six beardies and was definitely an enthusiast. She promptly told me the 10gal aquarium I'd just purchased would be going back and set me up with a 50gal. with lots of accessories.
Anyway.....after spending some more time with my new beardie, I realized why so many people seem nuts for these little guys. They really do have amazing personalities and love attention. I'm so protective that I haven't yet let my kids (ages 10,11, and 12) hold mine yet.......and his home is in my room.
So....on to the questions.... I've had Ozzy since Sunday afternoon. He ate a dozen crickets dusted with calcium powder by that night. He also eats an adult bearded dragon food (he just turned a year old) and ate some greens I offered him yesterday. After all that, he has not pooped yet. After some reading I could not figure out how often that is supposed to happen. Yesterday I was a bit concerned so I gave Ozzie a bath....hoping that would help, but so far nothing. Can anyone help me out with how often Ozzy should void? I'm heading out to get more crickets at the pet store this morning, but it doesn't seem like I should keep filling him until something comes out???
Also, the girl I spoke with at Petsmart said that mealworms are hard for them to digest and to stick with crickets. However, on this site I notice most people discuss worms a lot. Can anyone help me out with a healthy diet for Ozzy? It seems to me, variety would be good.
Thanks so much for your help in advance!
Unlike a lot of people here, my beardie purchase was not planned. In fact, I'd never really heard of them. On Sunday my hubby and I went to a flea market. My husband, who is from Texas and used to raise all types of snakes, purchased a ball python from a vendor. Being born and raised in Alaska, with no snakes, I was not thrilled with his purchase.
While the hubby was getting money from the atm, I walked by the only large beardie. I told the vendor that all the pokey spines made him look somewhat evil and I should buy it to get even with my husband. The vendor responded by telling me how kind and gentle the beardie was and that his girlfriend handled him constantly. He picked him up and put him on my shoulder. After just a few minutes I fell in love. By the time my husband returned, I'd already decided the beardie was going home with me.
At that point I knew virtually nothing about beardies and made a trip to Petsmart to get some accessories and crickets. It was only then that I realized how pricey beardie ownership can be and how dedicated owners are to their beardies. When seeking help in the store, we managed to get ahold of an employee that owned six beardies and was definitely an enthusiast. She promptly told me the 10gal aquarium I'd just purchased would be going back and set me up with a 50gal. with lots of accessories.
Anyway.....after spending some more time with my new beardie, I realized why so many people seem nuts for these little guys. They really do have amazing personalities and love attention. I'm so protective that I haven't yet let my kids (ages 10,11, and 12) hold mine yet.......and his home is in my room.
So....on to the questions.... I've had Ozzy since Sunday afternoon. He ate a dozen crickets dusted with calcium powder by that night. He also eats an adult bearded dragon food (he just turned a year old) and ate some greens I offered him yesterday. After all that, he has not pooped yet. After some reading I could not figure out how often that is supposed to happen. Yesterday I was a bit concerned so I gave Ozzie a bath....hoping that would help, but so far nothing. Can anyone help me out with how often Ozzy should void? I'm heading out to get more crickets at the pet store this morning, but it doesn't seem like I should keep filling him until something comes out???
Also, the girl I spoke with at Petsmart said that mealworms are hard for them to digest and to stick with crickets. However, on this site I notice most people discuss worms a lot. Can anyone help me out with a healthy diet for Ozzy? It seems to me, variety would be good.
Thanks so much for your help in advance!