Advice for a family purchasing a dragon

[thejets]

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted!
A family friend of mine is looking to buy a dragon for her son. He's a responsible kid and I have full confidence he'll be able to care for it, but I was just hoping that someone who is more knowledgeable and eloquent than I could give her some advice, particularly on
-Whether it's better to buy younger or older
-Whether it is safe to buy one from Petsmart or any other large chain. She said she went there and the one she held seemed very docile and subdued, which makes me wary that it may be ill because in my experience young dragons are usually more energetic.
If you have any other advice you think someone needs to know when picking out a dragon, things to look out for, or even just generic newbie advice that would be fabulous.
I already printed out Jess's post about why not to use sand for her, it was incredibly helpful!
Thanks!

 

[Esther19]

Hi!
If it was me in that situation, I would look for a 4-6 month old dragon from a breeder. That way, he would be established in eating habits, etc., but still young enough to watch grow. Not as fragile as a baby. I would prefer a male, so I would not have to deal with egg issues. The dragon I recently bought from Rio reptiles cost no more that a pet store beardie, other than the shipping, and he was very healthy. He eats both greens and feeders well. There is another breeder on this forum named Tom. TND dragons, I think. Folks speak highly of his dragons. I hope this helps.

 

[zillathakilla]

I personally think that if you want to make a real strong bond with your beardie and train them then buy young, and also if your looking for a good healthy beardie never buy from petsmart,they shouldn't even be aloud to sell them...but thats another rant lol, it's a good idea to find a small local pet store and see if they have any because there usually good people in town whos "two male beardies" all of the sudden layed eggs,which is good for you b/c they just want to sell them so there still good healthy dragons and cheaper! But if you want something fancy you could always find a website that sells them,Hope this helps

 

[AtlasStrike]

I would recommend a breeder over a pet store any day. I got my beardie from Craig's List, and before that I am sure he came from a pet store. I would say any newly acquired beardie should have a fecal exam shortly after purchase so that any parasites can be taken care of before they become problematic, especially if they come from a pet store. Large chains treat animals like they are disposable. I do not mind the pet supply aspect of the business, but the animal should be the first priority, and Petsmart and Petco often fail to meet the minimum standard of care for their animals..

 

[zillathakilla]

^ i Agree, small independent pet stores can be good though, i got mine from there and he's been fine so far, but i imagine a breeder is a much better choice

 

[nikipop]

I would also take into account how old the child is and what after school activites he is involved in along with how much time the child himself has to devote to the care of the beardie. We got one for my son and although he is responsible and does well with handling , feeding and cleaning when he has time I do it when he does not have time. He is 14 and his after school activities keep him pretty busy. That being said both my son and I enjoy 'his' beardie.