Baby vs Adult

[beardieluv]

Hi all As some of you may know, I have a beardie named Charlie. He is pretty much an adult, full grown, and just a love bug. I'm looking into getting a baby now! When I got Charlie he was a juvie so I don't have any experience with babies. I am a student, will graduate high school in mid june, then i go back to finish my nursing program july. I go to school for about 8 hours on weekdays now and when i go back for nursing it will probably be around 7-8 hours on weekdays as well. I don't know if babies take more time, but i Know that eat more. I was wondering if someone could let me know the major differences between a baby and an adult, and if you think with my schedule it would be a good idea. Thanks in advance

 

[BBandsCareTaker]

I just got my first little guy, Bandit, this past summer; so I am no expert. The main things about raising a little one is attention. I held mine 2-3 times a day so that he would get tame and not be afraid of me. I really watched him too so that he did not fall/hurt himself. Yes, you do have to feed them a lot more often, and REALLY make sure they are getting the proper lighting/Calcium/Vitamins. I have Bandit at school with me, and if I ever go home, he comes too! If you think you could be around enough to give him/her the attention that he/she needs...then do it! But remember, you will be giving more attention to your new addition and not so much to your older guy.
If I were you, I would try testing it out. During your day, pretend that you have your new little one and just waste time and see if it would fit your schedule. Thats what I got so far! I am sure others will have better advice than mine!

 

[spurlee01]

Alyssa I chose to stick with a juvie cuz I didn't feel like there was anyway I could fit in 2-3 feedings with my schedule. If you just have school you'll be fine feeding right before you leave and as soon as you get back, but I know for me there was no way I could do that and work :?

 

[Livey]

both are cute and adorable , i have an adult and a 2 month old bd,
Tiny the younger one, was a rescue and is very clingy having to actually pull him off you because he just wont let go..
He is the cutest thing ever though,
but nu just sits there and does very little lol
but there both awesome,
but as stated they do need alot more care and attention , i only do half days at college so im all good ^_^

 

[Lunatic768]

Look for a dragon around 4 months
not only are they easier to deal will, they are still growing and you get to watch
also they are hardier, which means you have more leeway if you mess up, you can handle them more, and if youre shipping, they will most likely handle it better
i don't think i will ever buy a true baby beardie, i'd prefer to get one when they are a little older

 

[Kacymyree]

From personal experience.. I'm 17 and I added a baby bearded dragon to the two(1 adult 1 juvie) I already had. I knew exactly how to take care of them and was fully prepared. but, It wasn't as easy as i thought it would be. With school.. you can't come home in the middle of the day and do a 10 minute feeding. Thankfully, my mom was able to come home during the day and feed her for me. I think you should go for a Juvie instead of a hatching, it will be a lot less work,worry,and stress for you. And don't worry you'll still be able to watch your new baby grow up

 

[beardieluv]

That's my thing. I wanna get a cute little baby and watch it grow from the start. I guess it's kind of selfish of me though to not be able to feed it between 8 & 3. My momma mighttt do it, i'll have to check on that haha. Thanks everyone!

 

[Kacymyree]

My mom really loves our bearded dragons haha so she didn't mind coming home at her lunch time to feed them!

 

[VEGASLIZARD]

Although tiny babies are fun to watch grow they are allot more flighty and do take more time. They also poo in their vivs and on you more often. LOL I agree with the above post. If you are going to be gone that much I would look for one that is at least 4 months old. They will be allot easier to take care of and allot less worry about leaving alone all day while you're at school but still small enough to see growth.
The other benefit of getting one that is a little older is you can see the color better if you are looking to get any kind of color morph. I would look on the for sale forum, sometimes the breeders have gorgeous hold backs that they decide to let go at around that age so you can find some really good looking ones for a great price.

 

[Freeie]

I know everyones prob gave you good advise. You also have to bath the babys almost everyday due to the higher basking temps they dehydrate fast. And they tend to go down hill really quickly if something isnt just right. Ive raised 2 from 5 weeks and one of them had a bumpy first few months. I think id much rather stick to the older ones .

 

[beardieluv]

Thanks so much everyone. I want one still fairly small, but not a baby from everything i've heard. Would starting at around 7 inches or so be alright?

 

[Kacymyree]

I wouldnt go by length , i would go by age. for example i had a 10 week old that was already 10 inches.

 

[Freeie]

Yeah i agree with the length. Alot of breeders have the bigger young ones. We got one 3 months and 14 inches. Check the forsale section and look at the breeders websites.

 

[beardieluv]

Yikes, that's huge haha. I guess i'll just have to go a little bigger than i wanted.