In search for my 1st Bearded Dragon

[map1199]

I would like to thank everyone for their help with my questions regarding getting a Bearded Dragon. I was really freaked out about the whole bug thing. But after talking to people on here and also friends who have had Bearded Dragons I am convinced this is the way to go. I have been searching around for breeders in my area that may have bearded dragons available. I am however on the fence whether or not I should get a baby, juvi or adult. There are of course a lot of thoughts going through my head about this. I know if I get a baby there will be more feedings and training. With a juvi it will still need more feeding and training. But an adult will be a little more established and the feeding will be a little different. But it may or may not need training depending what type of environment it came from. I know there is a lot of experience on this board so I would like your feedback. Just a little background: We are a family of 4 with two kids ages 7 & 10. We are owned by 2 dogs, a rat and a uromastyx.

Thanks for your time.

Mary Ann

 

[Kalyn876]

Hello,

I'm glad you chose to add a beardie to your family!

I will point out that babies while sooo cute are soo much work and time! 2-3 feedings a day, chopping up tiny salads, three baths a week, handling, cleaning poop every day sometimes 2-3 times.

Don't get me wrong I love babies! I just wouldn't go that route again as I have a very busy lifestyle already and I will admit when I purchased my first baby I had no clue what i was getting into finance/time wise. Also babies are very fragile and I would suggest waiting until he is Juvie size for the kids to start handling it.

Juvies; especially males can get very hormonal when becoming sexually mature and can become quite a handful for a few months. As long as you perservere through the black bearding and such you will have a great tame beardie on your hands. And one thats used to being handled by children

It really comes down to your lifestyle and how much extra time you have on your hands. I also like that you know what "type" of personality you will be getting if purchasing an adult. the downside to an adult is that many have never encountered children before and it can be very scary for a full grown beardie set in his ways to deal with childrens huge energy.

I know I probably made this more difficult for you, just wanted to give my insight.


Kalyn

 

[map1199]

Thank you Kalyn! You made some very valid points and I greatly appreciate your insight.

 

[Cath1068]

I would say go with an adult for your first dragon. I am glad I did cuz I wasnt ready for a baby. I got mine at around 2 yrs old and he is my best boy. I prefer males to females cuz I dont want to deal with egg laying issues and possibly becoming egg bound. Plus I think males are funny when they get to black bearding and head bobbing. To me its super comical and when I have family over they laugh as well......

 

[Ravyn]

I just got my first Dragon about 1.5weeks ago. He is around 2ish maybe a bit older and he is AWESOME!! He wasn't handled a lot, just for his bathtimes and they never let him out of his viv but after a couple days of black beard and head bobbing everytime he saw us looking at him he is chill and relax. LOL, he loves being out of his viv and if I am not careful, while I have my arm in there doing maintance he will crawl right up it to my shoulder and over my back and down my legs.

Babies are so cute but so are the adults. I guess it would come down to how much spare time you have. Good luck with your decision and be prepared to have your heart stolen!

Ravyn

 

[Bwalter]

I think after getting my first beardie as a 5-6 week old, If I would do it again I would have gotten an adult. I never realized how much the little ones eat and what the costs involved in a baby. Don't get me wrong, I love my girl, now a year old. It is fun watching them grow up, and getting an adult you really don't know how their life was before you got them. So there is ups and downs to getting a baby vs and adult.

 

[lauraj1055]

I definately would say for your first beardie, I would get an older Juvie (7 months old) to an adult.. babies are a lot of work and expensive because they eat a lot.. My first dragon was 7 months old, and I'm glad I went with an older one for my first

 

[LittleRepieye]

I would say to go with a Juvie or Adult as well. I got my first at 5 months or so old, there more hardy then babies for first timers. I'm know I made allot of mistakes, so it's easier to correct with a juvie or adult, Can't wait to see pics of your Dragon Good Luck!