Might not be able to get a beardie

[RedDragon25]

For awhile now, I've been debating on what type of new herp I want for my 18th birthday between a Bearded Dragon, Leopard Gecko and Ball Python. The BD has been my top choice though. I've done hours of research on all three and it seems the BD and Ball Python are my two top favorites and not only that, we've owned two Ball Pythons in the past. Well, after telling my mom a beardie is going to need a 40 - 55 gallon enclosure, she said no. I wasn't mad or anything but I was a little disappointed. I chose to get a beardie because of their beautiful personalities and unique appearance. I like leopard geckos too but not as much as beardies. And Ball Pythons are cool too but there are some limitations on handling them, not to mention they seem more prone to stress. I'll keep everyone updated on my new herp when I do get it.

 

[Gail]

Have you heard of a rankins dragon? They are a smaller cousin to a beardie and only get to 12" or so as a adult. You could keep one in a 20 gallon long.
What kind of a cage would you keep a ball in? I always kept mine in a 40 gallon breeder, they are pretty hefty snakes after all.

 

[RedDragon25]

For a ball python, I was going to keep it in a large rubbermaid tub since I've heard they're really good at keeping heat. I really don't see why I can't get a beardie though. I've had many pets all my life and they all have lived long lives. I have enough space in my room for a 40 gallon enclosure but nothing larger. I guess I'm going to have to talk to my dad and see what he says. I like the Rankins Dragons but I seem to like the inland beardies more.

 

[Slave2Scarlett]

Have you heard of a rankins dragon? They are a smaller cousin to a beardie and only get to 12" or so as a adult. You could keep one in a 20 gallon long.
What kind of a cage would you keep a ball in? I always kept mine in a 40 gallon breeder, they are pretty hefty snakes after all.

Are there certain breeders that breed the Rankins? Just curious.. Thanks

 

[Gail]

I'm not sure who breeds Rankins any more but you can usually find some at reptile shows.

 

[Slave2Scarlett]

I'm not sure who breeds Rankins any more but you can usually find some at reptile shows.

Oh ok cool.. Thanks gail!

 

[lauraj1055]

Not to mention you can bring beardies to the park, out for a drive.. something you couldn't really do with a snake,

 

[JenFid]

If you have the space in your room for a 40gal tank then I'm not sure why your mom would have said no. If it's a present for your bday maybe she is concerned about how much a tank that big costs? They can be pricey unless you can find a good deal on Craigslist. Since it sounds like you didn't get into a fight over it you could always ask why she denied it!

I agree BDs over BPs. I've had 2 ball pythons, a red tail boa, and 2 beardies. Snakes are cool but imo they don't compare to the personality of a beardie...at least if you're looking for something with personality

 

[SoleSky]

If its the price you're worried about, petco usually has new tanks and sometimes offer the $1 gallon sale. It's $40 for a 40 gallon breeder. Amazing. If it's space you need just keep trying to negotiate. My mom didn't want me to have a 40 gallon either but eventually with some coaxing she said yes. Do some dishes, maybe clean your room and she'll let you

 

[RedDragon25]

If its the price you're worried about, petco usually has new tanks and sometimes offer the $1 gallon sale. It's $40 for a 40 gallon breeder. Amazing. If it's space you need just keep trying to negotiate. My mom didn't want me to have a 40 gallon either but eventually with some coaxing she said yes. Do some dishes, maybe clean your room and she'll let you

That sounds like a pretty good deal but there are no Petcos where we live. I'm going to a reptile show next month so hopefully, they'll have some cheap new or used enclosures, doesn't really matter to me . As for craigslist, it's dangerous in our area. A couple of people have been killed over craigslist which is why I don't use it.

I have some partial good news though . I talked to my dad last night about the 40 gallon cage. He told me "maybe" and usually when he says maybe, it means yes so I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed and keep praying because I really want a beardie .

 

[Gail]

I've never seen a cheap or used cage at a reptile show, craigslist really is a good place to look. If you find something, meet at a public place to make the buy, you shouldn't have to go to their house.

 

[Honda99300ex]

there are always good deals on tanks/enclosures at my local show. also there is always a lady that has baby-adult Rankins Dragons there every month. I went this weekend and saw both haha. it is ythe Columbus,Ohio show, and I'm pretty sure she vends at the new CinCity show(Cincinati)

 

[paperplanes]

maybe if you can buy your beardie from the reptile show. when i went a few months ago, there was this gorgeous beardie that was pure white. looked like some sort of arctic beardie. with blue eyes. i wanted it, but it was 400$. if i had the money i would have paid.

 

[RedDragon25]

there are always good deals on tanks/enclosures at my local show. also there is always a lady that has baby-adult Rankins Dragons there every month. I went this weekend and saw both haha. it is ythe Columbus,Ohio show, and I'm pretty sure she vends at the new CinCity show(Cincinati)

I also live in Ohio but I didn't get to go to the Columbus Show or CinCity Reptile Show but I am going next month. About how much were enclosures going for at the Columbus show?

 

[xXColtzFanXx]

Try to find one thats taller then wide if space is the only issue. It takes up very little room and if set up correctly they still get enough room to run around. My lil guy spends most of his time in the upper half of his viv. Just pay more attention to the temps and humidity.