What do you wish pet stores told customers about bearded dra

[Tehachopi]

Like the title says what do you wish pet store employees told customers when it came to our precious beardies? Is there something you learned after getting one that you wish you knew in advance? In my new job I am allowed to bring my baby for short shifts and of course that means educating the public about him and his needs. I personally like to teach others about these great lizards. So what would you like to see the public learning before they bring home their new family member.

 

[CooperDragon]

Casting aside what I know now and focusing on what I wish I'd known when Cooper picked me out of the crowd at Petco... I wish I knew how big they are as adults and their tank size requirements. I wish I knew that sand was not a good substrate for them (I was told it was). I wish I knew about their lighting requirements and the temperature requirements. I wish I knew their dietary requirements and how that changes over time. What I found out was how they have personalities, how they are curious and smart, how they learn and recognize us, and how they grow on us like children. They are amazing animals.

From a practical standpoint I wish stores would let people know that they grow up to be 16-24'' and require tanks that are 4'x2'x2' as adults, that their temperatures need to be calibrated using accurate thermometers, that the coil UVB bulbs are not sufficient for animals their size, that their lighting needs to replicate the sun and not be some strange color, and to avoid most of the things that come in the pre-packaged kits.

If the baby dragons could start with a 20g long tank (or bigger!) with a mesh top, a digital thermometer w/probe, dome lamp with 100w zoomed repti basking spot lamp, ReptiSun 10.0 T8 18'' bulb with reflective fixture, small habba hut as a hide and basking spot and the knowledge that they will grow and need more, I would be happy. If that was a starter kit along with a link to this site for us to help new owners along the way, I think many, many dragons would have a happier, healthier life and wouldn't wind up in homes with people who aren't able to properly care for them.

 

[yellowturtle1]

I tried my very best to learn about beardies before bringing Max home, but I suppose a lot of people don't research anything, at all.
I go to the pet store a lot to buy food and lights, and I have heard employees 'helping' customers with purchasing dragons a few times, and I wish I could say...
NO, calci sand is not a good substrate. Neither are walnut shells or lime.
NO, that 'bearded dragon starter tank' does contain everything you need for the rest of your beardie's life. In fact, it has a lot you DON'T need!
NO, that coil UVB will NOT do fine. Coils are one of the worst UVB choices you could make, for multiple reasons!
NO, they really do need a water dish at all times, and a bath would do them some good.
NO, you can't just feed them crickets everyday! And the times I've heard an employee talk about greens, it lettuce, lettuce, lettuce.
NO. He does NOT need a friend.
NO, you cannot grab onto his tail.
And good person buying this animal, you should not get him from a pet store. I'm sure the employees do their best, and I'm not saying everyone at pet stores purposefully trying to hinder the lizard's health, but really now. It's not right to keep them in a 10g tank forever, and I just wish stores made sure their employees are well-educated before telling people outdated information.