Hey! I’m new to this forum so I don’t really know how questions are formatted but I’ll do my best for now.
I’m a beginner, and I want a bearded dragon for they’re docileness and how fun they are, and I know that that aspect of them comes with work. I’ve done my research and know just about every aspect of their care and I’m willing to put in all that work. So my question was, could this be my first pet reptile? I’ve heard that people say that they should only be for experienced keepers but if I understand the husbandry and the commitment needed, could I keep one? Thanks for reading that whole thing and thanks even more if you reply!!!!
They are fine first reptile pets. They really aren't that difficult. The most difficult thing is getting everything setup properly with your husbandry. If you start off with everything right, the chances of something going wrong are slim
They are pretty hardy creatures.
My only suggestion is to make sure you get your setup finished before you get your dragon. If it lines up with what we recommend here you'll be fine!
I’ve done my research and know just about every aspect of their care and I’m willing to put in all that work. So my question was, could this be my first pet reptile?
I think these should give you a better idea if a BD could/should be your first reptile.
I also hope you've read/watched about all the CONS of owning a bearded dragon--not to discourage you, but to prepare you for some of the realities, e.g. enclosure costs, lighting costs, veterinary costs, feeder insects, fresh greens & vegetables, and more. Unlike the dragon itself, these will be ongoing costs; the dragon itself is the cheap part! :shock:
Don't forget contingencies. There are ALWAYS contingencies.
For example, I "budgeted" about $500 for the enclosure I'm building, and I thought my list of supplies was complete, and the plans well thought out. Well, I'm up over $700 now, and still have (probably) $200-$300 to go.
Moral: Whatever you budget for the first year, DOUBLE IT, and you might not be too far in the red at the end of that first year.
After that, you'll start to get a better handle on things. First year is always the most expensive unless you run into heavy vet bills. Speaking of which, how much are you budgeting for vet bills?