my name is Shannon and I am interested in adopting a bearded dragon. I have never owned one before so was hoping for some advice. I am doing as much research as I can before jumping in. I have 4 children of my own and really need advice on if this is a good pet to have. Most of what I read points to yes. Any advice with bearded dragons and kids would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
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New with questions
- Thread starter ShannonC
- Start date
- Messages
- 169
- Location
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
Welcome to the group and it's awesome that you are doing your research first! Kudos to you!
There are tons of very knowledgeable people here and absolutely no question is considered a dumb question.
Just regarding Beardeds and children, I have an 8yr old in my house and so long as the child learns how to handle the bearded there are absolutely no issues.
Beardeds are considered great reptile choices for kids due to their docile nature and tolerance. Just as with just about any other animal on the planet, teach the kids proper handling and they will have a blast.
There are tons of very knowledgeable people here and absolutely no question is considered a dumb question.
Just regarding Beardeds and children, I have an 8yr old in my house and so long as the child learns how to handle the bearded there are absolutely no issues.
Beardeds are considered great reptile choices for kids due to their docile nature and tolerance. Just as with just about any other animal on the planet, teach the kids proper handling and they will have a blast.
Thanks so much! Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I always like to go through rescue but it does scare me a bit. I don't want to take in a sick one. The one I was looking at was surrender to a pet shop and then went into rescue due to eye issues. The people make it seem he just needs his eye wiped daily otherwise a sweet boy. Age 3-4... with young kids should I start fresh with a baby? I also get scared buying from a pet shop
- Messages
- 169
- Location
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
In my own opinion, with very young kids, I think I'd be too paranoid that the kids might hurt a baby accidentally. Maybe look into a juvenile or young adult?
Also, go with your gut on rescues. If you are not ready to handle any medical issues up front, than do not get one that may need them.
Also, go with your gut on rescues. If you are not ready to handle any medical issues up front, than do not get one that may need them.
I would start with an older dragon with young kids. However, make sure that you pick one that is healthy, especially for your first dragon. You are already learning about how to care for them, you don't want to take in a special needs dragon that is going to overwhelm a first time owner.
- Messages
- 169
- Location
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
I have to agree with Patsy. I would not take on any special needs for a first time Dragon. I'm all for rescues, trust me (nearly all my animals are rescues except for the Bearded). And normally I have a soft spot for any that are special needs, but for a brand new experience, make sure the one you choose is starting out healthy.
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- 5,574
That picture of him makes me a bit nervous as he looks really skinny, dehydrated and the mouth area doesn't look right.. I love that your looking at rescues just be aware that they can have lots of underlying issues that pop up. If your new to dragons it may be best to get a very healthy looking one to begin with..
Trust your gut, they should be alert, clear eyes, no deformities as you don't want lumps/twists/curves/kinks, be aware of nipped toes/tails or more, they should be plump, not wrinkly, see how they eat, will they eat?
I hate saying not to go the rescue way as there are soo many that need loving homes.....just not sure as a 1st one unless you feel that they are healthy enough. Hope that makes sense
Trust your gut, they should be alert, clear eyes, no deformities as you don't want lumps/twists/curves/kinks, be aware of nipped toes/tails or more, they should be plump, not wrinkly, see how they eat, will they eat?
I hate saying not to go the rescue way as there are soo many that need loving homes.....just not sure as a 1st one unless you feel that they are healthy enough. Hope that makes sense
