Soon to be beardie owner

[Iago_Morgan]

Hi all

My name's Iago, and I will be getting my first beardie soon. I saw him at the pet shop the other day and fell in love with him. But first I want to fully educate myself and make sure I know what I'm getting myself into.

Currently we (my wife and I) own a desert tortoise named Mortimer. He lives in a giant kiddie pool in our bedroom. The main thing I'm concerned about is whether or not I can keep the two together. I have read that keeping a beardie with another reptile can spell trouble, but I'm wondering if that holds true when the other reptile has armor. Also, there is the fact that this particular beardie and mortimer were roomies at the pet store. Not that I fully trust the store owner's judgement (he claims that salmonella is limited to reptiles who live in 'wet' environments). What do you guys think? Obviously the pool will have to be modified. Any other tidbits of interest to a first time beardie owner would be greatly appreciated.

Nice to meet you all!
Iago

 

[brittany]

Welcome to the forum.

Usually other reptiles and beardies means trouble for the dragon, not the other animal. Dragons are so docile, it's unbelievable. I have a red ear slider turtle and have never had a problem with them being together. Salmonilla can be in any reptiles but it's really not near as big of a deal as everyone tries to make of it, as long as you're responsible and wash your hands after handling each animal. You wouldn't want the turtle and dragon free-roaming together unsupervised though.

Other tid bits, hmm. They will steal your heart and never let go, food for babies/juveniles is expesive (I spend upwords of $100 a month), they require a 4'x2'x2' viv when full grown (best to start that big instead of upgrading), they absolutely have to have a good UVB light, and if you'd like me to make a list of supplies for you, I can. I, as most on here, have found that ordering things online is extremely cheaper than buying from a pet store.