What a wonderful site!!! I've been reading all day (got so little done lol).
To introduce myself, I'm a 38yr old mother of 3kids, 2 dogs, 2 parrots and a budgie. We live in Ireland (close to Dublin) and my youngest son (7) is and always has been lizard crazy.
I keep telling him when I think he's responsible enough I will buy him (but really for me too!!!) a bearded dragon. This isn't something I'm rushing into, I don't know any breeders in this area and I have a huge problem with petshops...their reptiles living conditions and their lack of knowledge and reliable information etc.
I'm not sure if there are any Irish (rep of Ireland) members that could steer me in the right direction as to where to go (and who to avoid) to find our new family member. Also should I be looking for a baby or would a young adult be a better choice for us?
Many thanks for those that took the time to read this and I look forward to getting to know you all.
Welcome!
I'm not in Ireland but thought I should say hi! I am a mother of two and my beard Vespa!
I started out with Vesp as a baby. I think I would recommened starting out with a baby (especially because you have children)...
Some adult beardies (adoptions) may have been treated poorly, or perhaps agressive (you can never REALLY know what care has been given). I have heard of more adopted/rescued beards being agressive and needing medical attention than then the ones raised from a baby with the same family. This is not to say that it couldnt swing both ways, and perhaps you wish to save a beard, which is great... Its just the norm and the best bet for little children. Vesp is great with my kids (2 and 4 years old) BUT they are in contact with him everyday. You need to make sure you have time daily to hold your dragon (even if its just for a few minutes)... This helps with taming and comfort!! The girls dont HOLD him everyday but there is definite interaction between them. If they dont touch him, they talk to him and generally want to be near him! :love5:
Best of Luck!
Kristy
I found our boy!!!!!!!
An animal sanctuary near me called me yesterday to say they had a dragon just finished his quarantine that I should come over and meet. He's 11mths old...missing the tip of his tail after an accident with a door but other wise in wonderful health.
We spent over an hour with him, he's so friendly and placid and loves being held. I've ordered a 36" vivarium that's due in during the week and then this little guy is coming home to live with us.
We are in love with him already. Here's some pics...isn't he GORGEOUS!!!
Sorry I shudda said...it's 36 long x 24 wide x 18 high
My son hasn't stopped kissing me and telling me how much he loves me since we got back. The whole family are over the moon. I'll post more pics as soon as we get him home. He's already been christened Tadhg btw, Irish for poet. Love him!!!
Yes that was it! do you speak fluent Gaelic? I dont know any unfortunately! I would say he is just 'normal' coloured, he is the same as my Maxi, I am not really sure what its called? When I took Max to the vets the other day she said it was nice to see he had kept all his baby markings cos some of them dont and go quite grey looking