This is something I've been wondering about every since I started visiting bd.org.
I read post after post on problems people have with their beardies. I do understand that alot of beardies come to their owners with underlying or existing problems.
I have had my dragon(Rex) since she was 4 wks old, she is now 5 yrs old. In the 5 years that I've had her she has never been sick,impacted,dehydrated,etc...or had any behavioral problems(with the exception of refusing food here and there;typical beardie behavior). I'm sure alot of that is due to the fact that I did extensive research on proper care before we got her. I am by no means implying that I am the perfect bearded dragon owner, I do screw up... :roll:
The only scare we've ever had with her was a few years ago when she tried to eat a stainless steel nut and my son held her upside down; gave her a shake and it fell out. :shock:
I guess I am curious to know how many of you that have had your beardies for at least a few years (since they were babies) have had no problems with them?
Surely it is not uncommon to have a dragon,whose never been sick or had a problem. I just see and/or read about these owners that have these problems with their bd's and I wonder am I Extremely Lucky or What??? :? Or is there such thing as a perfect dragon..lol..if so, I think I may have her !!!
Dawn, I would say it is a combination of both. You are very lucky but you are also an awesome beardie parent.
I know with my Perry, I did extensive research, bought three books, found this website and learned EVERYTHING I could before my baby arrived. I thought it was going to be wonderful. What I didn't read about, or hear about and comprehend was the fact that some breeders do not care for their hatchlings. Therefore, even though I was and am doing everything right, my baby is still struggling every single day. It makes me sick to learn how some people can miss treat animals. I am glad that you got and raised a happy healthy beardie. Be grateful
I feel horrible when I read about what some people go through with their beardies.
It does break my heart to know that their are people out there capable of harming or mistreating a dragon or any animal for that matter.
I am so sorry that your Perry has to struggle due to someone else's negligence. It's just not fair!!
I guess I have been blessed with a beautiful, healthy bearded dragon.
Another thing you have to consider is most of the time people start posting here because they are having problems. People find this website because they were searching the web for help. Probably people who are having no problems at all wouldnt try and find help. I found this website because one of my beardies was sick. Now that I got help with them they are both doing great! and im so happy. But now IM HOOKED hehe. cant get enough of this website. I LOVE seeing photos of other peoples lives with their beardies.
We have been fortunate to have all healthy dragons, the few that started off kind of shakey we were able to get them healthy by getting back to basics and fine tuning diet, hydration, and temps. We purchased all of our dragons as 4-8 week old babies without going for the "cheaper" option. I sometimes think people get some pretty sick dragons in the lower price ranges, or from stores that buy from big wholesalers.