New and have questions!

[Bandit]

Hello everybody! I have a few questions and wasn't sure where to ask but since I'm new I figured here would be a good place to start I guess I will start with a little intro; I'm Bandit, I'm an FFA member, going to school for animal sciences, I currently own: 2 horses, a border collie, a cat, multiple freshwater fish, 2 male hissing cockroaches, and cattle. I've only recently became interested in keeping a bearded dragon after seeing what cool pets reptiles make and I plan to punches my first beardie sometime after April, right now I trying to learn everything I can and get everything ready.
My first question is what size tank would y'all recommend? I have heard anywhere between minimum of 125 gallons to a min of 30 gallons, I'm sure a lot of it is personal preference but being a broke college student with limited space I would like to keep everything as small as possible until I am able to move into a more permanent situation.
Are there any good beginner sets out there? I've seen the ZOO MED reptihabitat kits at my local Petsmarts but after doing some research on them I've found many people do not like them. Have any of yall ever bought one? Are there any other starter kits that come with just about everything you need?
Would yall consider them smelly animals? I'm still living with my family at the moment and the only concern my mother has is if they smell bad or not.
Last question I promise, how long can you keep them out of their tank? I heard that you can only keep them out for about 30 minutes but I've also heard of people taking them to the store with them for a few hours. I know they need to keep their body heat up but if its a nice day then could I possibly take it to stores/school with me?
Thank you! Any advice will greatly appreciated

 

[Hdrydr31]

Welcome to the forum.. I'm glad that you are doing some research on them prior.. Alot of your questions can be answered if you click on the link at the bottom of our signature line. It's called general info for newcomers..
the kits are not very accurate and your best getting things from amazon or the stores separately. They are not smelly but their poop is! so if you don't stay ontop of cleaning them/environment yes they will smell. Time outside of their basking/UVB lamps can be several hours, when they feel cold or stay dark it's a good sign they should be put back. Keep in mind they need the UVB and they need the heat to digest. I wouldn't recommend taking them to school, a short errand here and there most of us do. Also keep in mind each dragon will be different some don't travel well some do, some are way more active than others.. so safety outside of their environment is important as well as making sure they don't eat something they shouldn't.. Making sure proper hand washing/sanitation before and after handling them and making sure others don't make your beardie sick.

Check out the links and read around on the forum as there is alot of info here.

 

[PatsyB]

You would be best in the long run to buy everything separate. Some real good stores to order from are Dr. Foster and Smith, Pet Mountain, Amazon and Petsmart will sometimes have great sales on 40 gallon Exo Terra tanks. A 36x18x18 tank is the minimum measurements for an adult dragon and it is okay to start a smaller dragon out in that tank. That saves money in buying multiple tanks. The only thing that smells about them is their poop and sometimes their feeder bugs if you don't keep them clean too. When mine get free time out of their tank it's always after they've had at least 2 hours to digest their last meal. I usually give them an hour at a time and then put them back under their lights. I have 3 dragons so I have to cycle them out and give them each their own playtime. I've taken mine to the pet store for quick runs and I've also taken them to my work to visit everyone the longest they've been out of the house is about an hour.

 

[Pete33]

For a 40 breeder wait for petco's $1 per gallon sale.

 

[CrazyLeopardGeckoLady]

I only have one beardie and I tend to take him out for a few hours, I have been able to take him to my aunts house as well as other places but I make sure to have a heat source
I have a stuffed animal that I can hear up in the microwave so when he's cold and not near a lamp I'll put him on it (make sure it's not too hot) but he's also almost 4 so he's used to being out often

 

[Valiant]

I think the cheapest route is to adopt an adult beardy. U can get one including tanks, equipment, and some food for $100-$200 on Craigs list. A lot of owners just don't have the time to take care of them anymore. I got a baby from pet co for $60. Then Spent about $600 for tanks, equipment, and a stand/desk. If u want a juvenile that have awesome colors, such as reds and yellows, u can find breeders online. These run from $150-$350. The 40 gallon tanks at pet co are good. I like the ones that open on the front. Much easier to clean and get the little guy. And like the others suggested. Buy the items seperate. The ones that come in the kit dont look like the right lights and u will waste money on the useless things in there like the sand. Use paper towels or reptile carpets. Sand will lead to impaction.

 

[Bandit]

Thank you for everyone who answered! I figured the kit wasn't a good idea so I guess I will be on the look out for a sale or craigslist. I got a while since I'm planning on getting my beardy at the Asheville, NC ReptiDay show in July. Has anyone ever gone to any of the ReptiDay shows? What should I expect and would you personally buy a bearded dragon from a vender?

 

[Valiant]

Thank you for everyone who answered! I figured the kit wasn't a good idea so I guess I will be on the look out for a sale or craigslist. I got a while since I'm planning on getting my beardy at the Asheville, NC ReptiDay show in July. Has anyone ever gone to any of the ReptiDay shows? What should I expect and would you personally buy a bearded dragon from a vender?

I've never been to one. But buying from a vender there sounds like a great idea. That way u will have more babies to chose from, more options on color, gender, and personality, and will be able to talk to the venders to help u choose the right little friend.

 

[PatsyB]

I am going to my first reptile show in a couple of weeks. I'm not looking for a reptile but I know people like to go to shows because then they can see what they are getting as opposed to ordering online and seeing pictures.