Getting a beardie...individual or local petstore?

[railroadwife]

Hello,
Soon I am getting a bearded dragon. I have never owned one before and my question is this. I found one about two hours away from where I live. He's a little over a year old and comes with a 40 gallon tank and all necessary equipment for $300. Or should a buy a baby...it's slightly larger than my hand nose to tail, and all his equipment from the pet store located in my hometown. This is not a petco type place, it's locally owned and operated. The lady who owns the store is definately not a beardie expert but not a complete ***** either. She does have her babies on crushed walnut, I know this is highly debated, and she is feeding them 3/4 inch crickets, and some greens. I have seen them eat and they look okay, but I am a little concerned with how they are being kept. Any advice? Which would be the better route for someone whose never owned a beardie? Thanks A BUNCH!

 

[fresnowitte]

:wave: Hello & Welcome to BD.org!
It's really a matter of preferrence, though as a first time beardie owner you may want to start out with an adult. :wink: Just my opinion!

Again Welcome Aboard!

 

[railroadwife]

Thanks! We did end up getting one from the local pet store. The owner was of course pushy and sold me a couple of things I knew I didn't need and won't use like crushed walnut and a light that in no way is good for heat or uvb exposure and juvenile pelleted food. I am ordering the right light online today and having it overnighted. She also was feeding this poor baby crickets that were way bigger than the space between his eyes and romaine lettuce? Well anyway he's in good hands now, I am one of those really anal pet owners who reads way too much and does everything by the book. BTW I have no idea obviously what what sex it is yet he is very young (like 5-6 inches nose to tail) but we are calling it a he and my kids named it Sapphire. I am calling him Saph or Saphie. I wanted something like Charlie. Anywho.....that's us.

Railroadwife......the railroad may own his soul but I still have his heart.

 

[sunkist]

While I hate giving petstores money, I do like the fact you rescued it. If she sold you stuff you don't need, I would take it all back. No point in having it if you don't need it.

 

[fresnowitte]

Congratulations!
Look forward in seeing some pic's of your little Sapphire.