Age??

[Beardienatic]

Hey guys!

So I'm getting my first bearded dragon soon-ish, and I was just wondering about the best age to buy one. I want one that is old enough to be out of that really-fragile stage of life, so one that is quite hardy, but I would still like it to be young enough to get settled into to my routine easily, without me trying to get someone else's routine out of him, and get him to grow up knowing me. One website I read said that between the ages of 7 months and 18 months, is sub-adult. Here is the link: http://beardeddragoncaresheet.weebly.com/general-info.html
So basically my questions are, at what age do they go out of the really-fragile age, and become a lot hardier? And is that website correct in saying that between 7 and 18 months is considered sub-adult?, since then I would probably get a "sub-adult"

Thanks in advance!

 

[AHBD]

Hi there....well, there can actually be different answers to each question. First of all, even babies can be pretty hardy if coming from a reputable breeder, they just require much more food than sub adults/adults. A baby that is over 6" at 1-2 months can do very well, but it's very important to know who it's from and have some info on the parent dragons as well as how the entire clutch is growing.

And yes, a dragon can be considered sub adult at 7-18 months depending on how quickly it is growing. Some 7 month old dragons can be 20" long while others may be naturally smaller and yet others at 7 months that are not cared for properly may be waaay smaller, even in the 10" range.

So those are all factors, and keep in mind that a baby may be flighty and never outgrow it, while others will. Same with subadults. If you can see + hold the beardie before purchase, that would be ideal. If not, find out as much as you can about the breeder as well as the dragon. If a breeder has been around for a long time, that's usually a very good sign. But, sometimes you can even get a healthy baby from a pet store....so there's a lot to consider.

I think that your idea of getting a sub adult is good, just be sure to have pics or be able to check it out personally if it's local. Be sure to check the body for signs of fungus, since that's one of the most dreaded things to deal with and not easy to cure if at all. Listen for normal breathing and see if it's eyes look healthy. Little nips /cuts that are healed [ even a missing foot ] do not affect the health.

 

[Beardienatic]

Ok, thanks!!
And sub-adults get the same care as fully grown beardies, right? Is a salad once a day, and insects once a day, (as much as he can eat in 15 mins), enough food for a sub-adult to adult bearded dragon?

 

[AHBD]

Yes, if the dragon is pretty big you can do the once a day insect feeding, sometimes twice if the dragon seems extra hungry or is looking a bit too lean.

 

[Beardienatic]

Another question! Should I take my new beardie for a check-up once I get him, or can I just check him myself for a clear nose, ears, eyes, etc...