Beardie collection wanted - how?

[thedragonkeeper]

Ok, so how do I convince my dad that I need this bearded dragon collection? http://denver.craigslist.org/pet/3301423102.html He says 2 is enough... the only problem is that I need to find space. But I'm pretty sure I can support them with my allowance, random earnings, roach colony, and savings! I really really want to adopt some more beardies!

-Peter

 

[Esther19]

That's great that you'd like to rescue these dragons. You must be a very kind person.
Please notice that 2 fifty-five gallon tanks are offered.
You cannot house more than one dragon in one tank without serious consequences. I count 8 beardies in the collection. Do you really have the money for 6 more tanks and lighting set-ups? Can you replace the lights every 6 months? That would be a total of 10 beardies in your collection. Do you really have the time to bathe, feed, and give each one attention? Most adults struggle with more than 4. Please reconsider.

Also, please think about "Want" vs. "Need."

I don't mean to burst your bubble. I'm only asking you to be realistic.

 

[thedragonkeeper]

Well, I could divide up some of the tanks so I wouldn't need 10, I have a 75 gallon, a 55 gallon, and some other tanks that are large, I could afford to get some more, and I do have the ability to replace all the light systems... But my question is how in the world did that person keep all their beardies alive??? The pictures show more than one in each tank (obviously).

The time may be a problem (to bathe and feed...) mainly because I'm in some AP classes that require large amounts of time for studying and homework, but I always manage to put aside at least 30-60 min per day for my beardies.

Thanks for the reminders, I will reconsider. But I still really really want to get them...

 

[TJeno]

I hate to rain on your parade, but I agree with the Esther19. I'm definitely not trying to deter you away from adopting any of those lovely creatures, but at least consider maybe adopting 1 or 2 of them. You'll need to purchase many more supplies including bulbs, terrariums along with husbandry for each of those terrariums, and find the time of day for each and every beardie in your home.

Good luck with whatever you end up doing.

 

[ashleyelsha]

Not to mention a healthy bearded dragon can live for 10+ years, is that a commitment you can make? It sounds like you are in high school. What will happen when you go to college or when you have to start supporting yourself? You may be able to afford all the equipment now, but what about when your paying your own bills? Rent, electricity, water, car, car insurance, cable, internet, cell phone... Food for yourself...the list goes on.

 

[Catalyst]

Ok, so how do I convince my dad that I need this bearded dragon collection? http://denver.craigslist.org/pet/3301423102.html He says 2 is enough... the only problem is that I need to find space. But I'm pretty sure I can support them with my allowance, random earnings, roach colony, and savings! I really really want to adopt some more beardies!

-Peter

In order to house, feed and care for that many dragons you're going to need more than an allowance and random earnings. 55 and 75g tanks are all only large enough for one dragon each - they're too small to be subdivided into multiple enclosures - so you'd be looking at buying multiple new set ups. You'd likely have to replace the UVB lighting on any tanks they did come with since having only two tank and that many dragons would lead me to suspect that their other equipment is substandard as well. You'd need at the very least a part time job in order to properly support all those animals, and between working part time and going to school, would you really have the time you need to give each dragon individual care and attention? With that many dragons you're looking at a couple of hours each day dedicated to them. I completely understand wanting to add to your own group of animals, but at the same time you need to be realistic about what you can afford and care for properly. I'm a huge animal lover and am very tempted by the many creatures who need homes around here but at the same time I know that my house is at it's capacity right now for what I can realistically care for properly. Sorry, but I'm with your dad on this one, at least for now.

 

[bunnyrut]

wow, that would be a lot of babies.
in my mind having a bearded dragon is like having a child. at least that's how my mom views it when i call her and start panicking about one of them not eating. "you sound like a new mom with a newborn baby" is what she said to me the other day. :|

i have 2 beardies, and it is like having 2 kids. i spend a good amount of time in the morning waking them up, feeding them, bathing them and cleaning up after them (especially if one decides to go in their viv before i can get them in the bath). i can't imagine doing that with 10 dragons.

and all of those dragons look like they are under 2 years old. the "adults" look smaller than Mr Dargon who just turned 2. not sure if the lighting and sand have anything to do with that.
the lights need to be replaced with Reptisun or Arcadia.
And i am sure the asking price is going to be $80 or higher PER dragon. (it also looks like they have been bred or he was planning on breeding them).

Don't get me wrong, if i had the money and space i might have a house full of beardies - or many other kinds of lizards.

 

[mommisgurl]

I'll have to agree with everyone here..
I only have 1 beardie..my first one..and even after many months of studying and preparing for him,he still has thrown me for the loop. I was surprised but how much time and work went into him,as well as money,but I wouldn't have it any other way. That's my baby boy! Now that I have a few other animals,and a few more on the way, I've begun to fully apreciate just how much time and effort goes into taking care of them all. I couldn't imagine doing that with another 9 dragons and the animals I have now..That's quite an undertaking..
I think you might want to reconsider getting them ALL,and maybe doing 1 or two even..Even that has alot of money and time needed for them both.Just some advice!