New "Dad"

[brianrn12]

Hello Everyone! Newbie here. Received 2 bearded dragons as Christmas gift from experienced reptile owner. Wasnt sure about some care/habitat issues. Almost overwhelmed by numerous sites claiming to offer expert advice. Picked this one; look forward to learning more about my two companions. First question I have, being worn out from scanning sites, and one probably answered in faq's (forgive me this time)-what are my two dragons telling me when they freak out, run about frenetically, when I feed crickets? I have reduced # I introduce to their home at one time on cricket day-no change in frenetic lunging, jumping, darting. They didn't do this two weeks ago. Makes me wonder if
what one site advised: separate homes. Oh, they are five months old, and, though I am an RN, it's sexing reptiles isn't as easy as sexing.....people

 

[spikerocks]

Hello n welcome.

Beardies should always be housed seperately. They are solitary creatures. My female is missin 2 toesn part of her tail from living with otther beardies when they were ssmall.

You are in the right place though. This site is the best,

 

[brianrn12]

Dear Jane,

My first welcome! Thanx for reinforcing guideline that beardies shld be housed separately. Will be using my Lowe's gift card tomorrow to get some supplies and then try to find another aquarium tomorrow. It's exciting and challenging to care for these benign creatures. Oh, and so far, everyone has fingers and toes, tails and eyes.... I am fortunate that they seem to get along...snuggle, to apply a human term to a reptile...It is amusing to see the smaller one reclaim his/her branch on their wood as if he/she were the big kid on the block.
So looking forward to interactions as I learn and nurture and enjoy.

 

[spikerocks]

Beardies are truly wonderful creatures, aren't they? I went from 1 beardie to 5 in a year! I guess you could say I'm addicted! You may want to check your local craig's list for a tank. You can usually find them pretty cheap.

 

[brianrn12]

Jane,

Again, thanks! Will try Craig's tomorrow, and see if by chance Walmart has anything less costly

 

[Blind]

Not to ruin your fun, but that "snuggling" is one beardie showing the other territorial domination and could lead violence, quickly.

And welcome to the forum!

 

[brianrn12]

Hello Blind,

Yes, I comprehend the potential for disaster as I learn more about these little creatures. Have a great deal of reading to accomplish but first today set up a separate habitat. Am surprised friend didn't inform me of need for separate habitats-a stunning lapse in his knowledge. He
housed his first clutch in separate critter carriers but housed many of second clutch together. I am recalling with sadness how many are mutilated. Well, I am open to the feedback and appreciate the welcome.

 

[spikerocks]

Don't be surprised if they go thru a little seperation anxiety. :shock: It may take a bit for them to get used to the change. Just like relocation stress.

Let us know how you make out with finding a new tank.

Pics would be lovely! We love pics here! :love10:

 

[brianrn12]

Hi Jane!

Thanks again for the support. No luck with Craiglist aquarium search in the Louisville area, so I guesss I'll just lay out the $$ at a pet store. Locally, a chain called Feeder Supply has relatively competitive prices, better than other chains.

 

[flnatv]

If you are handy... you can build a new habitat. I have horses and a house built in 1900. Had lots of good lumber laying around... so I put what little skills I have together and $60 later had a new habitat for my beardie (4.5ft x2ft x2ft) $50 of it went for the thick plexi sliding doors. Of course, this didn't include all the decor. I will say for my beardies... a hammock is a necessity

Have fun with your babies... they are truely the best pets I have ever had... I love my dogs, cats, horses, goat, chinchillas, hamsters, etc... but my beardie is exceptional

 

[Slave2Scarlett]

Hello and Welcome!
Congrats on your new babies and we can't wait to see pics! One word of advice if u buy an enclosure at the pet store make sure you get something along the lines of the 40gallon breeder.. Floorspace is more important than height... Here is a link to a website that a lot of people including myself have used to build my enclosure... http://crossfireenclosures.webs.com/ Good luck!

 

[brianrn12]

To flnatv and slaveto scarlett,

Thanks to both for the welcome! Unfortunately, I now live in an apt environment and no longer can putter in a workshop, so retail prices here I come because I don't wish to wait for shipment-want to separate the kids ASAP. I don't think the smaller of the two is getting a fair share of cricks. Wow, to have horses, an older home, land......congrats! And, slavetoscarlet: beautiful creature!

 

[thanybeauty1]

Congrats on getting your beardies! They are awesome! You have come to the right site! The people here really love their animals. Looking forward to pics!