Am I overthinking? Local Reptile Specialized Store or a Breeder for Rankin Dragon?

[berecutecu]

Hi,

I'm starting to develop an interest in adding a reptile to my home. I have narrowed down my options to the smaller cousin of bearded dragons, the Rankin dragons. I don't have much space, and factors such as the less frequent need for insects for feeding and smaller droppings are important to me. I think I may be somewhat lucky that there is a reptile specialty store close to where I live that has two medium adult Rankin dragons for sale, which I heard are very rare to find. I went there yesterday and have a few questions based on this experience.

1. In the store, I asked a couple of questions. One of the first questions was how old those dragons were. The answer was that they got them from a breeder who didn't tell them anything. This made me a bit uncomfortable. Is this kind of situation regular and/or expected?
2. I asked about what they are feeding them. I'm not sure if I got it right, but I think he said crickets three times a week. I was hoping to hear that they were also trying some veggies with those dragons. Is it common for them to be fed only insects?
3. It is a minor detail, but when he took one of them out of the enclosure, he didn't ask me to clean my hands or anything. I was puzzled about how many people may handle those dragons without having their hands properly clean. Again, is it something that I'm overthinking, and is it okay to handle the lizards without some preparation?
4. When I had the Rankin with me, I placed it on my shoulder. He immediately said to be careful because those dragons like to jump. I was surprised because everything I have read so far indicates that bearded dragons like to climb and stay put. Are Rankins more energetic and prone to jumping, or could it be related to their age?
5. The lizards had nipped tails. They weren't very visible to my eyes, but is this a problem?
6. I didn't know what else to ask. This was my first time visiting the store. I tried to cover the basics. I'm now trying to set up the enclosure and supplies before bringing one Rankin home, but would you recommend that I look at some online specialized breeders instead of taking one of those dragons home? What additional questions should I have asked?

In the end I'm looking for a companion and I don't want to project any human response on it. I want to respent the bond and live along well with this little buddy. I need to be responsible and want to do it all right since from the start.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Sadie]

Hi,

I'm starting to develop an interest in adding a reptile to my home. I have narrowed down my options to the smaller cousin of bearded dragons, the Rankin dragons. I don't have much space, and factors such as the less frequent need for insects for feeding and smaller droppings are important to me. I think I may be somewhat lucky that there is a reptile specialty store close to where I live that has two medium adult Rankin dragons for sale, which I heard are very rare to find. I went there yesterday and have a few questions based on this experience.

1. In the store, I asked a couple of questions. One of the first questions was how old those dragons were. The answer was that they got them from a breeder who didn't tell them anything. This made me a bit uncomfortable. Is this kind of situation regular and/or expected?
2. I asked about what they are feeding them. I'm not sure if I got it right, but I think he said crickets three times a week. I was hoping to hear that they were also trying some veggies with those dragons. Is it common for them to be fed only insects?
3. It is a minor detail, but when he took one of them out of the enclosure, he didn't ask me to clean my hands or anything. I was puzzled about how many people may handle those dragons without having their hands properly clean. Again, is it something that I'm overthinking, and is it okay to handle the lizards without some preparation?
4. When I had the Rankin with me, I placed it on my shoulder. He immediately said to be careful because those dragons like to jump. I was surprised because everything I have read so far indicates that bearded dragons like to climb and stay put. Are Rankins more energetic and prone to jumping, or could it be related to their age?
5. The lizards had nipped tails. They weren't very visible to my eyes, but is this a problem?
6. I didn't know what else to ask. This was my first time visiting the store. I tried to cover the basics. I'm now trying to set up the enclosure and supplies before bringing one Rankin home, but would you recommend that I look at some online specialized breeders instead of taking one of those dragons home? What additional questions should I have asked?

In the end I'm looking for a companion and I don't want to project any human response on it. I want to respent the bond and live along well with this little buddy. I need to be responsible and want to do it all right since from the start.

Thanks for any input!

I am not familiar w/ Rankins but I do know someone who does I will get your post to them and see if she can help you

 

[EppsDynasty]

Hello, I am new to THIS forum but not to reptiles, my wife and I have a Non Profit Reptile Rescue. I would just say a few things about my experience. Usually Pet stores are TERRIBLE places to get info on anything. Pet Stores are in it for money not animals. Go to a Furniture Store and start asking who the maker is, where do they source their materials from? Things like that and what would you expect to get as answers .... Squat. The employees are usually very 'Ignorant' about basic care and housing info and are just making a paycheck. @Sadie knowing someone familiar with Rankins is your best bet on getting reliable info. Feeding ... this is done at as low of a cost as possible NOT what should or needs to be done. The issue with the tails ... perfect example of mis management of care, usually lizards that are not newly hatched are NOT kept together...another example of mismanagement of care. I am no Rankin expert but would sway you away from pet stores for anything, they are death traps.

 

[Sadie]

I am not familiar w/ Rankins but I do know someone who does I will get your post to them and see if she can help you

Here is the response I got
Rankin's care is like bearded care, the most notable difference is of course their size and the slightly different pattern, head shape and smaller size, maxing out at around 11-12". If the store owner doesn't know the age, just look up a chart of their sizes through the growth stage.

Never carry any beardie on your shoulder, there are too many accounts of them jumping and being seriously hurt. As for handling, it's up to each store for to allow it. If it's in a pet store it may even get recycled crickets that have been in another reptile cage where the reptile was sold but crickets were left.

Nipped tails are O.K , only IF they are not fresh open and infected. You can definitely ask for a discount , in the mean time post take if you want and post them here to be looked at if you're uncertain about the nip.

 

[berecutecu]

Thank you for your inputs; it is very educational, and I greatly appreciate the time you took to read my post and write your response. The responses in this forum/community are very informative and helpful. Given the season we are in the Northern Hemisphere, where we may see the dragons going into brumation (please correct me if this is misinformation), I'm not prepared yet, and I'm not in a hurry. I think it’s better to find recommended CB/CCB breeders.

Do we know if there is a list of recommended Rankin's Dragon breeders in the US? Would I find them at reptile expos?

I feel like I'm shifting my trust, but I didn't find the store to be a welcoming place. I hope I don't regret this decision and can find those specimens 6-7 months from now.

One last question: I looked into some other lizard options, like the Uromastyx and the Cuban False Chameleons. I like that Uromastyx are vegetarian, but they seem to be a bit more skittish or difficult to tame. The False Chameleons are quite nice, but they also appear to be more skittish or difficult to tame compared to Bearded Dragons and Rankin's Dragons. Do we know if there are any other small sized vegetarian lizards that are as comfortable with humans as Bearded Dragons and Rankin's Dragons?

 

[Sadie]

Thank you for your inputs; it is very educational, and I greatly appreciate the time you took to read my post and write your response. The responses in this forum/community are very informative and helpful. Given the season we are in the Northern Hemisphere, where we may see the dragons going into brumation (please correct me if this is misinformation), I'm not prepared yet, and I'm not in a hurry. I think it’s better to find recommended CB/CCB breeders.

Do we know if there is a list of recommended Rankin's Dragon breeders in the US? Would I find them at reptile expos?

I feel like I'm shifting my trust, but I didn't find the store to be a welcoming place. I hope I don't regret this decision and can find those specimens 6-7 months from now.

One last question: I looked into some other lizard options, like the Uromastyx and the Cuban False Chameleons. I like that Uromastyx are vegetarian, but they seem to be a bit more skittish or difficult to tame. The False Chameleons are quite nice, but they also appear to be more skittish or difficult to tame compared to Bearded Dragons and Rankin's Dragons. Do we know if there are any other small sized vegetarian lizards that are as comfortable with humans as Bearded Dragons and Rankin's Dragons?

Watch for breeders on Morh Market but be just as careful. Some are ethical, others just grab a few to resell. Always look for how long a breeder has been at it and check their reviews.
Still, if it's possible could you get pics of the Rankin's at that store ?

 

[berecutecu]

Watch for breeders on Morh Market but be just as careful. Some are ethical, others just grab a few to resell. Always look for how long a breeder has been at it and check their reviews.
Still, if it's possible could you get pics of the Rankin's at that store ?

Not the best pictures but here what I got when I was there.

 

[EppsDynasty]

I would start to do research about the Rankins if you want them, reptile expos are are great resource, not so much for specimens though. I think you are on the best track now asking, and getting a plan. Google Breeders of Rankins and start talking and asking different questions to get a feel for some of them and THEN and only then make a purchase.

 

[Sadie]

Not the best pictures but here what I got when I was there.

Poor little guys look so curious and appealing. That tail doesn't look bad but I can't see the very end. How much are they asking for them , how long has the store had them and who did they get them from ?

 

[berecutecu]

How much are they asking for them

$150

how long has the store had them

I didn’t asked, the person was not very informative and I think he would probably say “I don’t know”.

who did they get them from ?

“Local breeder” that is all that was shared