kids and beardies?

[MrsHolly]

My sister in law freaked out when I told her we got a beardie because of my two year old daughter. She said her kids doctor told her never to get a lizard when you have kids. I've researched as to why this is bad and I can't find anything about beardies being bad for kids? I know they carry salmonella but as long as I wash her hands and she doesn't lick the dragon or eat the poop I don't have to worry right?

 

[Jiffy]

As far as I know, the only risk is salmonella, and like you said, just wash your hands and dont lick your dragon or play with the poop, there shouldnt be a problem. I think there are just a lot of misconceptions about reptiles

 

[LuvMyDraggies]

A lot of things you will hear are common misconceptions people have like Jiffy mentioned.

 

[jennybud]

it's said that you are more likely to get salmonella from your cat then a beardie there was a big up roar some time ago because young kids were getting it from turtles so they stopped selling turtle under 4 inches cause bigger then that and they are hard for kids to fit in there mouths lol. don't worry. supervise your daughter when handling your beardie and be sure to clean the tank regularly ( sponge it out every day or so and every other week take out all the tiles to clean better.)

 

[merlins mummy]

well i personally had my baby before i had my son :!: my merlin is 7 now and my son is 6 and the only problem i had with the two of them is merlin went into a sulk when i brought home the child and wouldnt come to me for ages (spoiled brat :roll: ) and when my son could crawl i had to put a glass door lock on my viv as it has sliding doors not a lid and when he was old enough to know he wasnt allowed to do it (about a year or so) we took it off.
now they are the best of friends and my son has a healthy respect for him and the rules which go with having him and has NEVER had any health problems that any normal child doesnt have (the odd cold etc)
here they are today!

hope you dont have any probs either

 

[vickson420]

BD are actually a great pet to have with kids...they are hypoallergenic so you dont have to worry about possible unknown allergies and the salmonella thing is really a non issue....there are more cases of salmonella from eating salads then there are from reptile contact...so my theory is if i am willing to give my kid a salad then why would i worry about him handling a BD? just have some hand sanitizer handy and all will be good

 

[KatieDragon]

As everyone has said beardies are very safe with children. As long as you teach them good handling skills and not to squeeze or lick the bearded dragon then they should be just fine. I work at a pet store and whenever a family wants a lizard I would recommend them over something such as a Anole. Because they are for the most part calm and don't mind being handled, compared to a Anole that are very fast and bite sometimes. Just remember to wash your hands before and after handling him and you should be just fine.

 

[merlins mummy]

ive just re read the first post and to be honest if your kid eats poop youve got bigger problems than having a beardie as a pet! :laughhard: ive let tons of kids pet my merlin and no problems as theyve all washed hands BEFORE AND AFTER handling him and ive never had one tempted to lick him or the mice we have and you should even wash hands after stroking cats and dogs etc. i think if you print this thread and show your sister in law it should calm her down and the doctor is being way too over cautious, but then again are you in America? hes probably just worried about being sued :lol: