04/08/2025
The basics of owning a bearded dragon...
DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!! Know EXACTLY what you need to do to ensure proper health.
Know that it's not going to be cheap. And if you're unable to handle the expense, don't feel ashamed! There are people that will help you if you reach out to them, so don't be afraid to ask! And if you are, please give your baby to someone that knows about beardies and will take your baby and will give it proper care.
Investigate and make sure you're buying from a reputable breeder. Don't purchase a dragon from a pet store chain UNLESS there is evidence of neglect, abuse, cohabitating, or improper husbandry that has affected or will affect the dragons safety. Trust me: I just acquired a baby girl from a pet shop that was a recipe for disaster, and I left that shop with a dragon, and $100 less in my bank account. Was it worth it? In EVERY way!!!
If you happen to get in too deep and cannot care for your dragon, reach out to someone who has the knowledge to care for them and surrender that dragon. Don't keep it and let its health decline. Nobody will judge you for giving your reptile up if you care enough to surrender it.
Don't go to just any vet. Reptiles need a herpetologist.
If you're worried about getting a baby, adopt a juvenile or an adult from a rescue. There are a LOT of dragons that need to be loved, and who need someone to love. You couldn't begin to imagine how much pleasure you will get the first time they bury their little head under your chin so they can feel safe, loved, and appreciative that you saved them!!
Don't be afraid to ask questions!! It takes a long time to learn everything, and there are people that are happy to help in any way. And just when you think you know it all, there's always something new to learn.
PLEASE ... If you're buying a dragon for a child, be completely involved and teach your child what you know. Keep them educated.
Beardies require tons of attention. They'll let you know when they want to be with you. They want love and attention from their human. Please don't ignore them purposely.
Last, you will really love being a beardie parent. Enjoy your baby! You won't regret it!!! And REMEMBER: these are just the basics - the very beginning of what it takes to be a good beardie parent. There's always something new to learn. Keep yourself educated!
