Beardies are WONDERFUL reptiles ...
There are things you have to keep in mind, is that when you hear they are great "starter lizards" ...
Because for starters, you may never want to get another kind of reptile again! Teehee.
:wink: Truth!!
And IF you start out with a very good set-up (proper lights, thermometers, tank, substrate, feeders, supplements) then, generally, it won't be an expensive or difficult journey for you or your dragon. The money you put into the GOOD set-up is going to save you sooooooo much money a few months into having your beardie, when you find out that everything is wrong. That's the kicker. When I got BlueBelle, everything was wrong. I had to spend so much more money into doing things the right way.
When I got Lexi, I knew what I needed to give her, so things were much smoother.
(Plus it helped I had some of BlueBelles extra supplies around
)
I think there a few key things that people don't tell people about beardies. Most will brumate, and in many different ways, which pet stores dont really tell you that. So when it happens, it can really freak you out. Also females can lay eggs without mating, another thing pet stores dont tell you and it can really freak you out. Also, two beardies together can be deadly, and babies (which most sell) are adorable yes, but require alot of time and energy.
As far as everything else, they will tell you, but the majority of it is incorrect information. That's why you come here
On the whole, beardies are the bestest ever
They each have their very own personality, quirky ways, features, color, expressions, likes/dislikes, all that.
Learning information and reading posts on this site will help your beardie flourish.
They are truly fascinating little balls of awesomeness.
When people say they are "hardy lizards" ... what they mean is they are definitely tough little dudes and dudettes. They can handle alot, and i think that is where the whole "beginner" lizard idea comes in. The problem with that is, you want to go into with all the correct information so that they dont ever HAVE to try to handle bad or unhealthy situations. So the "hardy" label doesn't dismiss the importance, the vitalness of a great setup, healthy foods and feeders, frequent handling, solid substrate, proper equipment and a LOT of love.
There is a huge difference between a beardie just existing versus a beardie really living and thriving.
Sadly a lot if people jump into it without trying to learn about the right care, or fix their mistakes from bad advice (that was me, I had to redo everything the first time around) ....
suddenly the beardie doesn't flourish, so they lose interest, or get annoyed, frustrated, etc .... and that beardie just "exists" and will eventually deteriorate both physycally and mentally. i have a rescue, Lexi, whom did just that in her old home. its a very sad thing. With a ton of care, she is bouncing back each day, each month that passes.
Just existing with no care is no life at all for such smart and interactive reptiles. Or any animal for that matter. Or person. Or anything. Ya know?
If you are willing to put the time and care into a dragon, ambitious and excited about getting a beardie, amped about learning and researching, then YAY for you and what a lucky beardie you will have. You will both be lucky to have each other. And you get back what you put in times a million. Yay!!! I really hope you let us kow what you decide to do so we can all help and dote over your baby! Or adult! Whichever you decide to get! (They are all our babies anyhow
)
-Em