Greetings from Wisconsin

[jthubred]

Hello all,
Well to start off with I don't have a beardie yet but in the process of doing some research towards choosing one over the next couple months. Hoping some of you can help towards choosing the best way to find the proper terrarium and care giving.
So to start off with I'm a member of the military and as such am prone to deployments and out of state trainings, is a beardie something my fiancé could take care of fairly easily while I'm away?

 

[Terry15]

I think she would be great taking care of a dragon, they grow on you. Most of them love snuggling and getting some free time to roam around. I became the caregiver for my nieces dragon. I just love taking care of him. It can be a lot of work, but they are so sweet.

This is the Exo terra terrarium 36x 18x 18, with doors opening in the front. Much easier than one with a screened top.

 

[DaisyDragon123]

The front doors are a lot easier when in comes to cleaning. The front door ones also allow you to pick your dragon up from underneath. The top open ones force you to come in like a crane which can be scary for them. If your fiancé is going to be taking care of the lizard she should be included when choosing one. That way it will feel like it is her pet too. I would suggest getting an older juvenille rather than a baby.

 

[DaisyDragon123]

 

[jthubred]

That's a great setup you both have. Thank you for your advice, I'll definitely bring her along to pick out our new family addition.

 

[jthubred]

As well if I'm to pick out a juvie what size should I be looking for?

 

[DaisyDragon123]

I prefer a dragon that has reached at least ten inches, from snout to end of tail.

 

[jthubred]

I prefer a dragon that has reached at least ten inches, from snout to end of tail.

Thanks again

 

[DaisyDragon123]

I would also suggest getting a male so you don't have to worry about egg laying and any complications associated therewith.

 

[jthubred]

Okay, how about extra heating options since it gets a little cold up here in the upper mid west?

 

[Terry15]

Get a ceramic heat emitter bulb & fixture. You can also get heat mats that you can stick on the side of the terrarium.

 

[jthubred]

Any thoughts on heated rocks?

 

[DaisyDragon123]

Big.no on the heat rock.

 

[DaisyDragon123]

https://youtu.be/6rVdhGsaUw8

Video explains set up and lighting.

 

[Terry15]

You can get a lot of great suggestions for lighting from most people here, especially Cooper Dragon. Make sure you get the probe digital themometer.