What age/size should I buy my dragon at?

[Ninniy]

I read somewhere that most baby bearded dragons don't make it past childhood, whether it be due to adenovirus or other causes.

Dachiu dragons, the breeder I plan on buying from, has this warning on the health/shipping guarantee page:

**Our breeders and currently available dragons have not been tested for adenovirus. Adenovirus is believed to be present in many/most bearded dragons, including ours. For those of you who wish to test – a positive tested animal may be returned to us within 6 weeks and a refund issued for the purchase price. *We do not refund shipping fees or testing costs

What size/age should I buy my dragon at to lower the likelihood of having one with adenovirus? They don't list the ages though, they just have 6-7 in, 8 in, etc.
Maybe I should buy the dragon from a different breeder?

 

[kingofnobbys]

You heard nonsense. This only applies to wild beardie hatchlings , most of which are killed by predators (other larger beardies, other larger lizards , snakes, predatory birds, and ferral and stray and pet cat dogs and cats).

Re AV infection in breeders .... if the seller can't give a guarantee of being AV free (or another infection or paracite free) I'd walk away, I wouldn't give them money for a potentially sick animal and wouldn't support their business.

A captive bred hatchling while being high maintenance (needs frequent feeding of live insects every day) is a great pet, even if it is likely to be very skittish to start (some are , some aren't , ie Peppa has been a snuggler and very people orientated and a great very calm handler from the getgo).

You will form a much tighter bond if you get your beardie young (about 5 - 6 weeks old) , and rear it yourself.

The problem with getting a older beardie (or any other lizard) is you simply do NOT know how well it's been cared for and fed and you are likely getting a lizard with serious health issues that are not obvious when you get it but will effect it and shorten it's life.

If the seller is not able / wont tell you how old the hatchling beardie is , walk away. This this reason I would advise NOT to buy from a pet shop.

Good breeders will know within a day or so how old each of their hatchlings are, they will separate hatchlings who are nippy , and who are not doing as well at their siblings, and will introduce them to grated veg and greens and have them nibbling on these before letting them leave their care.

 

[Ninniy]

Alright, thanks for the info!