Just got our first beardie.. meet Mugatu

[3cherries]

So, i have been looking a while for a beardie and finally got our first one last night! He/she is so adorable and I can't wait to go home and play with it. Anyone got suggestions for first time beardie owners??

Also, any clue how old he/she is?

Eeek! I'm so excited.. my 5 yr old thinks it is his lizard, but boy is he wrong! It's mommy's all the way!

Here he/she is..

 

[Lsorrent]

Congrats! Advice:

Read the caresheets
Search the forums
Go through the checklist on the health forum
ASK QUESTIONS!!!! - never be afraid to ask questions on here. Everyone's here to help.

And most importantly:

POST PICTURES!!!! We love pictures

 

[3cherries]

I will be sure to post pix tonight
I have been trying to research the best thing to have at the bottom on the tank........ i have heard sand is good and read some things that it really isn't great.. but looks pretty!

 

[Lsorrent]

I would stay away from sand, especially if he's a baby. Sand causes an impaction risk. Definitely stay away from calci, vita, or repti-sand, wood chips, pellets, or really any type of particle substrate. Many people on here go with either ceramic or slate tile, repti-carpet, non-adhesive shelf liner, or newspaper.

 

[Josh48329]

I will be sure to post pix tonight
I have been trying to research the best thing to have at the bottom on the tank........ i have heard sand is good and read some things that it really isn't great.. but looks pretty!

I think you'll find the vast majority of people here (as well as most care sheets) will recommend against sand. Beardies will accidentally swallow some while trying to eat their food and it leads to all sorts of problems. Reptile carpet seems to be the much safer alternative. It doesn't look as nice, but safer is safer. Alternatively, I've seen a few people mix some reptile-safe epoxy with the sand to seal it. It gives you the sand look without being a hazard...may be something to look into!