1st beardie

[BonesMommy1011]

How long did your first bearded dragon live for? I just got my first in October and I'm scared that I'm gonna kill him. This website is great but terrifying at the same time. Seems like beardies are difficult to maintain. I just want to give bones the best life and I want to do everything right. I've read books been on the web and joined this site. Hopefully bones has a good long healthy life.

 

[tgolden]

Lol it can be overwhelming at first. I was sure i was gonna kill mine at first to. A few things to keep in mind: Get your temps right, Good diet, Good uvb source and room to move around. Myself when i got all that worked out I got piece of mind. If your dragon is eating,pooping, shedding your doing something right is what I've learned.

 

[nini02]

when we first got bowser, i dont think i relaxed for two weeks, scared i was gonna kill him. my poor husband had to deal with me freaking out about every little thing. i still get nervous, but we've had him now a couple of months and im learning to relax. once you make sure everything is set up correctly, and get into a routine, it makes things a lot easier.

 

[pyffersnpaws]

when we first got bowser, i dont think i relaxed for two weeks, scared i was gonna kill him. my poor husband had to deal with me freaking out about every little thing. i still get nervous, but we've had him now a couple of months and im learning to relax. once you make sure everything is set up correctly, and get into a routine, it makes things a lot easier.

I couldn't agree more........ once you get the husbandry down and are able to maintain... you will start to relax and really enjoy your beardie

 

[fresnowitte]

My first beardie doesn't qualify for this as he was an old guy that I rescued before he lived out his life with us. If I had known about this site and more about the parasites of beardies I may have been able to keep him alive a bit longer...though 10 years isn't bad.

I didn't know much about beardies either when I first became a slave in training. Though I do have the first baby I ever hatched out still with me at 6. I didn't know nearly as much about beardies back them but he's still here. Healthy, happy, and spoiled rotten.

I couldn't agree more with everyone that's posted thus far. Husbandry, diet/nutrition/hydration, and regular fecals to check for those pesky parasites. Parasites are the main killer to these sweet little creatures. Though with very small beardies I feel dehydration is up there too.

Oh...btw....Congratulations and welcome to the world of beardie slaves!

 

[BonesMommy1011]

Thanks. How often should I have fecals done?

 

[fresnowitte]

I would suggest at least every 6 months or whenever you feel necessary to ease your mind if less than that. :wink:
I like to make sure everyone is clean before they brumate an in case any food didn't pass they are clean coming out of brumation before Spring Fever sets in.

I also might suggest that if you have to ever give your beardie meds that you run the med, dose, and concentration past Drache613 one of our Mod's here on the site before administering. She/Tracie has saved my beardies lives before. Very smart lady, quit a tribute to the site.
One other thing I might add about fecals...when you do get one make sure the vet knows you'd like a count. This is helpful information and keeps them honest. :wink:

 

[AllanonsWrath]

Sorry not to hijack or anything but that is very good advice fresno!

 

[fresnowitte]

Thank-you Jonathan!

 

[BonesMommy1011]

Thanks!!! I'll keep tracie in mind. I've read alot of her post on her and she is fantastic!