Please help with possible adoptions? One looks sick :(

[peteybird22]

I am just about ready to take the plunge into being a beardie mama after a lot of research. I was browsing craigslist last night and came across this post: http://austin.craigslist.org/pet/4364739625.html

It made me sad for obvious reasons. I have no bearded dragon experience whatsoever, but I want to "save" her. I do have concerns though about possibly taking on a sickly dragon as it would be my first time.

The other posts I came across were these:
http://austin.craigslist.org/for/4361607174.html
http://austin.craigslist.org/grd/4365900747.html
http://austin.craigslist.org/for/4365613048.html
http://austin.craigslist.org/pet/4364739625.html
http://austin.craigslist.org/pet/4307678995.html

Thank you SO much in advance!

 

[AHBD]

Hi there....it's really nice that you are considering a beardie that needs a home. First off, it's impossible to determine heath, especially in an adult dragon such as in the first ad , but it looks reasonably healthy. Having said that, there may be problems that are unseen. What you could do is go to see it personally....ask how often or if at all it has been bathed or soaked, or offered water. Chronic dehydration is sometimes found in a dragon that doesn't get bathed or orally watered, and I don't mean a water bowl, but more like a spray bottle directed on the snout to lap up the water. Is the dragon sluggish ? Even a mellow dragon should look around with interest when picked up. Check the eyes for discharge or tiredness, look at the vent for excessive poo stains. Get rid of ANY of the sand/crushed walnut.

As for the rest of the ads, the second one [ 3-4 month ] looks reasonably healthy....the 3rd one described as an adult that comes with a 10 gal. tank would probably be the worst off. Even a baby shouldn't be in a 10 gal. tank for any period of time. The last one described as a 12" trans. with great color is very small....should be at least 15+ inches at that size, some dragons are up to 20+ at that age. It could still grow + be relatively healthy, but it's a bit of a gamble there. Of course some people are way off on their guesstimates of size, but he does look kind of small. I think dragon #1 and #2 look like the best prospects.

The best thing to do would be to be able to see them in person. I hope this helps.

 

[peteybird22]

So I put the wrong ad up! THIS is the one that made me sad:
http://austin.craigslist.org/for/4356851927.html

 

[Taterbug]

That poor thing

If you do choose to rescue, find a really good herp vet and be ready for some big bills. Hopefully the dragon would bounce back when given proper care, but some long term problems can be very hard to identify and correct on your own.

 

[peteybird22]

Who's situation do you think is the most dire? The skinny one or the one in the 10g?

 

[Tonja]

I would, if it were me, take the skinny dragon. With some good care and being able to slowly put weight on her, she looks pretty healthy other than being dehydrated and thin. I would get a fecal done on her if you choose to get her and a wellness check. I would clean that tank thoroughly and get her off the sand. With good care she looks like she would bounce back well. Even though there is one with a 10 gallon he looks the most healthy. This one on sand is IMO the most dire to get rescued if you choose that route. Just my two cents.

 

[ShelbyLu]

Also, if you don't know anyone in the Austin Area, I will be there at the end of this month on business and I could meet you somewhere and look him over and answer any questions you may have while you're rehabbing him.

~Shelby

 

[peteybird22]

They never replied so I ended up adopting another dragon. Vet says he is fine, just needs to gain a teeny bit of weight.