Help? I don't know what to do!

[kt8788]

I got a bearded dragon about 3 weeks ago. I'm not sure its a fit for me. I love the little guy, but I don't think the feeling is mutual5. He is also very small, probably 4 to 5 inches max. He was happy at first but now he is grumpy. That and I'm very busy and I don't have the time I thought I would have. I'm not sure if its fare to keep him and not give him all the attention he deserves. I try and spend time with him at least once a day. He has to be in a back room, because someone I live with is not a fan of reptiles and does not want him out in the open. I'm very stressed about the whole situation because i feel like I committed to him and I don't want to just quit. But on the other hand I want to do what is best for him. I am attached to Bowser so I feel upset thinking about getting rid of him. I just do not know what to do.

 

[KristineM]

I suggest following your gut instinct. It's there for a reason. If you are truly unable to care for him properly and provide him with the love, care, and attention he needs it may be best to re-home him.

On the other hand if your love for him is so strong that you can find the time and MAKE a way for it to work where you are both happy and your baby is healthy then give it all you've got.

You can only make this decision. Give it a lot of thought and as tough as it may seem...be realistic about the situation.

Good luck and keep us posted. My heart is breaking for you just thinking of having to make such a decision. I'll be thinking of you and your baby.

 

[ILoveLemmonade]

You obviously care about Bowser enough to find this website and research what to do. You are having concerns not about the commitment but of the beardie's health and this is very good. Kristine is right, only you can make this decision, but you have a few options.

If you keep him/her, you just need to make sure it has the attention and amenities it needs. As long as it is healthy, and you spend some time with her, the backroom situation shouldn't be too big of a problem. Now, this person that is not fond of reptiles, I can completely relate! However, since getting Lemon about 4 months ago, my mother has warmed up to her and actually likes to drip water on her snout from time to time. She still can't hold her or even be in the room if Lemon is out of her cage, but the point is that Lemon was an acquired taste for her. This may be the case with you.

 

[Feline]

If you're going to re-home him then you should do it now while he is still a baby. But if you're going to give him and yourself a chance, then do your best to handle him everyday, even if it's just once a day for a few minutes. I believe that no matter how busy you are, I'm sure you can afford a few minutes with the little guy at least once a day. Once you make yourself do that, it will be like a routine or a habit just like anything else. He is too small to develop any kind of personality, but once he get bigger, he will be more personable, and you can have him hang out with you on your shoulder while you do stuff around the house. I think you should keep him because you seem like you love him and want what's best for him, but ultimately the decision is yours. Please make sure you are 100% committed before you purchase or adopt a pet. They do not like to be transferred here and there as it is a very stressful ordeal, and if they fall into the hands of an uncaring person then that's even worse. Best of luck to you and your Beardie!!!

 

[kt8788]

I've talked to my family, and figured some stuff out. We have decided that its in his best interest that we keep him. He even seemed to think so too, for the first time today he was very good while I was holding him and he got his first bath in the bathtub, not just a big dish. He loved it. He climbed all over my hands and swam all around and seemed for the first time really to be happy and comfortable. Today is also the first day in about a week that he didn't open his mouth at me when I reached in his cage.

 

[Firebonbon]

Hey, that's great! Maybe he just had some relocation stress.

 

[Feline]

That's good news!!! I'm very happy for you and your Beardie!!! :mrgreen:

 

[KristineM]

That's wonderful news!!!!!