Advice on buying a bearded dragon

[danimal]

I'm in the market for my first bearded dragon. I've found one on craigslist that is absolutely adorable, but I have a few concerns and would like some advice from seasoned beardie owners. The bearded dragon is 9 months old, he is currently in a 10 gallon tank( a 5 gallon tank comes with purchase). He is being sold because the owners recently got a cat and the cat does not get along with the beardie. My concern is I'm not sure how well he has been cared for. In the pictures he looks great. No nips, looks bright and alert. But I noticed his substrate is gravel and meal worms are in his daily diet. From lurking on the board for a few days I know these things are typically not recommended. If I were to get him, I'd obviously make some changes in his care and get a much larger tank. I'm just worried about getting a bearded dragon that could already be sick(might be impacted from the gravel, etc.). For you experienced owners, would you recommend me getting him or should I get one from a reputable breeder? I know ultimately I have to decide what is best for me, just looking for some advice. Thanks!

 

[CooperDragon]

It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a well bred baby dragon, then the breeder is the way to go. If you want to take a shot at a rescue then the Craigslist dragon may be the way to go. Keep in mind that you will need to provide proper care which includes a full setup and vet treatment as needed. Either route you choose to take, you are welcome and encouraged to come on here for information and advice (and to share progress & stories).

 

[jenn4turtles]

My BD, Smaug, came from PetSmart, not a breeder, and, as you will probably read on this site, pet stores are not always the best place to buy a BD from, but we've had him for two months now, and he seems to be fine. Also, there have been many people on this site that rescue BDs (just like you are considering) and many have a happy ending.

I, personally, would rescue the one on Craig's List. I hate when people post their pets on there - I just picture some sadistic creep searching that site for free/cheap animals to torture. Many ask for rehoming fees, just so they have a little more confidence that their pet is going to a good home. One ad in my local area was trying to find a new home for an axolotl ... I didn't even know what that was until I googled it, and I can't imagine someone taking care of it properly. (Okay, that's enough ranting for now. Sorry!) My point is: that one on Craig's List needs a good owner, and I know that you've done your research beforehand, so the two of you could be a perfect fit. If health issues do arise, you would be more inclined to address any health issues than his/her current owner. I say go for it!

 

[Pushkin]

If it were me, I think I would get the one on Craigslist and use the money you save to take him to a good vet for a check-up - I hate that people get animals and don't take care of them. If you can rescue the poor guy, I'm sure he'd be much happier with you as it's obvious you care!

 

[Teage29]

My first and only beardie was a rescue from Craigslist and he is amazing. I agree get him vet checked right away. You dont want to wait and have something go horribly wrong that will take a lot of time and money to fix. Please keep us updated on what you decide.

 

[Elmontare]

I had gotten my beardie from my friends whom at the time i thought were taking good care of. I was concerned that i wouldnt be as good of a caretaker. After a few weeks of internet research and many questions to my friends i soon realized they had no idea what i was talking about when i brought up certain issues. They had given me thier entire set-up which i promptly threw in the garbage because it was garbage. I then realized she was indeed a rescue and i became much more satisfied with taking her in, made me feel good

 

[kamelotte]

If you like the one on craigslist, get it! If you're worried about the level of care he has received, ask lots of questions of the previous owners so you know exactly what you need to look out for, ie;
-Has he ever had UVB? What about supplementation of calcium and multivitamins?
-Has he ever had veggies? If so, what were they?
-Does he get regular baths?
-Does he have regular bowel movements? What does the urate look like?
-Has he ever had a fecal done?
-What does he weigh? How long is he?
Asking these questions should give you a general idea of his health and what will need to be done. If the current owner can't answer these, well, thats all the more reason to get him in my opinion. Rescue animals are very rewarding. Also, Bearded Dragons are tough as nails and can be very resilient. Don't be too afraid of them being sick or beyond help because they are fighters.I've seen people on this forum take rescues with severe MBD and raise them back to active happy lives. One person had a Dragon that had to have all it's limbs amputated because of pet store negligence and gave her a fantastic life (She went by LG, short for "Little Guy" and unfortunately passed last year. She has a thread in the rescues section and it brought me to tears...).

 

[jenn4turtles]

Rescue animals are very rewarding. Also, Bearded Dragons are tough as nails and can be very resilient. Don't be too afraid of them being sick or beyond help because they are fighters. I've seen people on this forum take rescues with severe MBD and raise them back to active happy lives. One person had a Dragon that had to have all it's limbs amputated because of pet store negligence and gave her a fantastic life (She went by LG, short for "Little Guy" and unfortunately passed last year. She has a thread in the rescues section and it brought me to tears...).

All of his limbs had to be amputated due to neglect?? That makes me so ANGRY!! I'm glad that someone gave him/her a great life, despite this.

One of my favorite quotes:
"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him."

How a person treats animals is a big indicator of a person's character (or lack thereof). Kudos to those who take in those difficult rescue cases!

 

[Taterbug]

I agree with all the folks who say if up you have the means, then rescue. Keep in mind it can be a bit of a gamble - he could be quite healthy or he could be in rough shape and hiding it well. Just be prepared to give him care and attention should he be poorly off. You are doing him no kindness if you can't work to rehab him should he need it. I'd find a good vet ahead of time - they can be hard to come by.

I got my first dragon from a relative and he was a bit under cared for. In hind sight I would have gotten a complete work up on him when I first got him (x-rays, blood work and exam) to assess his health. That can be expensive (at our vet it would run about $350) but some days I think he would have lived longer if I knew what his health status was.

 

[SkyfangRauss]

a 9 month beardie in a 10 gallon tank?

holy crap, he must either be incredibly miserable, or incredibly small for his age

my buddy Agni outgrew his 10 gallon a month after I bought him

 

[jenn4turtles]

Have you decided yet whether or not to take him?

(Don't forget - we LOVE pics!)

 

[danimal]

Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. I decide to get him, however the owner opted to not sell him. I really hope the beardie will be okay.

Thanks again for all the support

 

[CooperDragon]

Ugh that's a bummer. I hope he's OK going forward =/. There will be more opportunities to provide a good home. Please keep your eyes open =)

 

[jenn4turtles]

Keep checking Craig's List in your area, if you are still interested in getting a "rescue" BD.

 

[Odinsmom]

I decided for my first beardie to go with a rescue. I figured I wanted to reduce my chance of any health issues since this is my first beardie and I also wanted to see the parents and pick the color and morph. I think rescuing is great though.