Toys for Beardies?

[thegreybush]

If you talk to your vet and he says that this set up is alright, all he wants from you is your money, he does not care about your dragon.

This statement is more unfounded and ignorant than the idea that was proposed.

 

[Gail]

I have to jump back in here. People were right to question this set up, its potentially dangerous especially to a new owner. Could you see some stupid kid trying to keep a dragon in a bird cage and actually being successful? While it is possible for experienced keepers to do things that aren't considered normal, its also very important that they don't go around telling people its ok to do the same.

I'm really upset and surprised that you are jumping on someone who is only concerned about the health of the dragon, after all this is why we are here. I am also concerned that a reptile "specialist" was ok with this set up. The dragon is not getting decent UVB unless its hanging from the sides of the cage for long periods of time, why was the vet not concerned?

On a side note, chicken feed is garbage for crickets, this has been discussed over and over on multiple forums I go to. From dragons to tarantulas, its isn't recommended for feeders.

 

[thegreybush]

I'm not jumping on their intentions. I'm jumping on their actions and the way they come across and the "kill the beast!" attitude that is running a muck on this this thread.

Could you see some stupid kid trying to keep a dragon in a bird cage and actually being successful?

There wasn't any question from the beginning on whether or not this was some stupid kid. It was brought up with references, experience, and professional guidance. I'm also concerned that a pet owner questions a reptile specialist.

 

[kaitquestions]

I think it's evident that this forum is full of knowledgeable, competent, and passionate beardie owners, which is a wonderful thing. I clearly have t'd off many of you - which was never my motivation to post. I wanted to share my experience, and that is all. I'm not re-writing care sheets, saying you are wrong, just offering a different point of view. I'm disappointed that it was received so poorly, but c'est la vie (this is the internet).

Many people made valid points - he could be injured from a fall. Definitely, and I take many precautions in where I set up perches and sticks for him to climb to. From watching him, he manages very well for himself, but if something comes up I'll be sure to share. Thanks for the advice.

I do understand concerns about heat, digestion, UV, etc... and I monitor my lizard daily to check for signs of distress and I'm happy to report he's doing great. I wrote to share my experience with success managing these things in an open cage, rather than a closed one. If anyone else wants to talk about my set up, feel free to PM me, or eventually read my blog.

However, this thread (the poor soul who began it haha) was about things that seem to entertain beardies - my cage was my suggestion for something to TRY - especially for an outdoor enclosure to get some sun. If you want to try something like this an alternative pen, you can find really great deals if you search on craigslist or in yard sales. In general, this is not a good way to save money on your enclosure (thanks for that RowenJade), because you do have to take extra measures to bug-proof and pimp out your cage. I never meant to imply that everyone should ditch their set up and do what i'm doing (copycats! haha) I just wanted to SHARE. just like

Slave2Scarlett said: Somethings that work for some may not work for others.

oh interweb...

ON a different note - my dragon likes to watch my bird feeders through his favorite window. Another (not life altering) fun thing to consider. Has anyone noticed this? It's a bird feeder outside the cage, behind thick, thick glass of course hahaha, and he watches the wild birds fly around. Seems to like it, even though they could probably kick his butt. I hung a birdfeeder from my window using one of those removeable hook things. just an idea.

okay - so everyone chill out. we all have done research and know lots of stuff. We all deserve equal amounts of respect and consideration. Just like thegreybush said,

these forums are not the end all discussion of bearded dragon care

 

[thegreybush]

and he watches the wild birds fly around. Seems to like it, even though they could probably kick his butt.

How still does he keep when watching them? lol My beardies tense up if they see a bird fly out the window. Natural predator and all.

@Gail I'm sorry. Let's be friends.

 

[lauraj1055]

@katiquestions.. very well written and very professional..

 

[Valerie]

I have to agree, katiquestions was very nice the whole time anyone disagreed. Very nicely done.
I see all the points of all that have written. Hmmmm. Points to ponder.
Valerie

 

[NightmareDisco]

I'm not trying to insult anyone and I apologize if I have. I'm not gonna quote someone and tell them that they are an ignorant ***** because I'm not that kind of person. I know that beardies live in all kinds of conditions in the wild and yes ours are fat and lazy. If she wants to keep her dragon in a birdcage, that does not affect my life, I just don't think that it is a great thing to be suggesting to people. If others don't want to worry about what COULD go wrong, then don't, but I certainly see nothing wrong with bringing the ideas to light so that they can be properly considered. I, personally, will always take precautions for things that could go wrong because I am not willing to experiment with my dragon's well being. I don't think that there is just one correct way to do things, but I do think that, no matter what the subject, there will always be a disagreement and different points of view.
I think that the reason people get so angry is that, instead of considering a person's entire response, they take the parts that upset them out of context.

Having said this, I will return to the original topic. I think that putting a beardie in a hamster ball is a terrible idea because their toes can get caught and they could break some bones if the ball were to fall, and, as mentioned above, I don't think that the tail would fit very well.

 

[kaitquestions]

How still does he keep when watching them? lol My beardies tense up if they see a bird fly out the window. Natural predator and all.

It mostly seems to depend on how active he is that day. He occasionally tracks them by cocking his head side to side, not very fast or anything...kinda like he does when he watches cars pass by. And I'll try to move him from the spot when play time is over (ending... he can be fussy haha) and he struggles to get back, or climbs back up the back of the couch on his own. I kind of think he likes the sound of them (we have a ton of bird feeders at my parents, and a like a flock of birds) chirping and fussing over food. They aren't overly huge birds either (New England area), just small little guys, the occasional blue jay or something. Maybe bigger birds near the coast or somewhere else would freak him out more?

Update on the hamster ball i bought - its MASSIVE (13" diameter) - my 18" beardie looks tiny in it (I'll have to post a picture). I let him use it a little in my house, and he seemed to like it (although he had a little trouble moving it on a hard wood floor haha) because he was active inside, and reluctant to get out. I thought this might be a good idea for my lizard because my roommate's cat is young and curious, and I don't want to risk contact between them. Plus there are a lot of fireflies where I live, and with a little screen application, hopefully I will feel comfortable enough to bring him outdoors.

Good call NightmareDisco, there are slits in the sides that are big enough for a toe or finger - so I'm fastening some bug screen to the inside of the ball to give him traction and to close up that gap. And your definitely right- these are not to be used near stairs or hills or... up high places haha - That reminds me of those messed up contests they have in like England (?) maybe - that people barrel roll down an absurdly steep hill (yikes!)