Bearded Dragon Help *Nevermind, I've decided to get a turtle

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

For my birthday, in October, I'll be buying myself a Bearded Dragon. I've done some basic research on them, but I would like some first hand knowledge from any dragon owners out there. I used to own an Anole Lizard, so I do know a little bit about lizards, but I know each lizard is different. Soooo help?

RoyalRaccoon · February 2011

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 wrote:

For my birthday, in October, I'll be buying myself a Bearded Dragon. I've done some basic research on them, but I would like some first hand knowledge from any dragon owners out there. I used to own an Anole Lizard, so I do know a little bit about lizards, but I know each lizard is different. Soooo help?

I own 2 dragons currently, and I have rescued others in the past, along with other species of herps like monitors, toads, geckos, etc. Reptiles are my passion, which is why I'm currently in college to become a herpetologist. I get giddy when I see more members interested in reptiles! Since you are buying your own, let me talk about expenses involved in the initial set up. I don't know if you've already got money set aside, but if you don't, then you need to start saving up now. October should give you plenty of time if you got a job, or routine allowance. Based on personal experience, these are my average estimates for a basic adult set up: An adult sized tank (40 gallon breeder, 55 gallon, 60 gallon, etc.): $50-$150 Screen top:$20-$50 Appropriate sized fluorescent fixture: $20-$50 Ceramic socket dome fixture that can handle at least 75 watts:$10-$20 Repti Sun 10.0 UVB fluorescent bulb(Lasts 6 months):$20-$50 A basking/UVA bulb that can reach temperatures of 95-105 fahrenheit(75-100 watt is normally enough): $5-$10 a bulb(cheaper in bulk) 2 Digital probe thermometers:$10-$20 each Digital Hygrometer:$10-$20 Solid substrate(repti-carpet, ceramic tile, outdoor carpet, etc.): $10-$20 to cover all the bottom 2 dishes for food and water: $2-$10 each Rep-Cal Calcium Supplement with Vitamin D3:$5-$10 Rep-Cal Herptivite: $10-$15 Pure Calcium Powder(whatever brand is available. I use JurassiCal):$5-$10 Decorations/Accessories(branches, hammock, hides, plants, whatever you like!):$20-? Veggies(1 week worth):$5-$10 Live food(1 week worth):$5-$30 Optional fancier equipment, cost of the lizard, and vet fees(required) are not included above. Total: $200-$500 As you can see, there is a difference in hundreds of dollars between the rough minimum and maximum you'll spend. It all depends on how prepared you are, and whether you shop around. Yard sales and newspaper adds are great places to find MAJOR deals, so start looking. Don't just settle for big chain stores either. Surprisingly, it can be a lot cheaper to order from small businesses, or reptile specialty stores locally or online.Keep in mind that these are all just to get your dragon ready for the first week. Your dragon is going to continue to cost you money throughout it's life, most of which will come from live food(an of average of $15 a week over 1 year is $780!), lighting(replaced ever 6 months, $100+ a year), and vet fees(annually, unless injured or ill, $100+ a year). Things to keep in mind BEFORE getting a dragon: 1. Do you fully understand the lighting and dietary requirements? Please go <a href="http://www.uvguide.co.uk/index.htm"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">HERE</a> and read all pages to better understand UV lighting. Please go <a href="http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutrition.html"; target="_blank" class="bb-url">HERE</a> to familiarize yourself with dietary options and requirements. 2. Are you willing to commit to keeping and caring for your dragon for it's whole life span, even if the dragon is not as friendly as the species is often described? Dragons can live for more than 10 years, and some dragons are never tamable. If you know you will be going off to college, moving, or can't handle the idea of dealing with a wild lizard that could send you to the hospital for stitches, then it's best to consider a pet that doesn't live as long, or isn't as dangerous. 3. Do you have all the correct supplies purchased and tested? Have everything tested and set up before the dragon comes home to avoid extra stress on you and the lizard. 4. Have you contacted and established a relationship with a vet that is qualified to look at your lizard? You may or may not be able to find a vet that specializes with reptiles, BUT a small animal vet can normally do at least the basic fecal parasite tests, and contact other vets for advice. Your lizard should have a fecal test done within a week of coming home, so schedule an appointment(if your vet requires one) and get ready to collect a sample. 5. Do you know where you will be getting your live food? You can save a ridiculous amount of money by ordering them online in bulk numbers(500+ count), but you will need plastic bins to store them in at your home, and they will need regular food and water. It's actually very cheap to keep most feeders. I can recommend some farms if you are interested. 6. Do you have a source of income to cover the annual costs associated with owning a dragon? If a parent will be paying for most of this, then make sure they fully understand and agree with what is required for keeping a dragon. You're looking at an average annual fee of $1000, give or take a little. That's all I'll say for now, since this is something that will be happening months from now. If you'd like more detailed advice, or brand recommendations let me know, and I'd be happy to share.

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

Thank you so much! That was incredibly helpful! I planned on spending atleast $300 on supplies, but that was a roug estimate from the prices off of Petco's website. I have a friend who breeds all kinds of reptiles, so I can get a large tank for pretty cheap. But anyways, I really appreciate you taking the time to write all of that up!

RoyalRaccoon · February 2011

I'm so glad you did your own research, and have already prepared yourself to spend a reasonable amount. Some people get into reptiles thinking they'll spend $100 or less, or they think that the expensive part is just setting the lizard up, when in reality it's the long term care that costs a lot more. It's that kind of unpreparedness that results in people saying things like "Eh, I don't think I really need to replace these bulbs every 6 months" or "I don't think it's really necessary to feed live food all the time." That's great that you know someone who breeds reptiles. They can be great resources to obtain used tanks for cheap.

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

Yea I had a little Anole lizard so I deffinately know how much crickets cost. For such a little lizard, he sure did eat alot,lol

RoyalRaccoon · February 2011

Dragons are by far the most ravenous lizards I've ever dealt with! I've had some piggish toads, and even savs(notorious for over eating), and yet they still don't compare to how much my dragons eat. As much as I love my dragons, I really don't think I'd ever get more(unless fostering), because I spend more on their weekly food than I do on my own.

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

Oh wow, now I'm kind of rethinking it. Is there any other type of lizard you would reccomend?

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Bearded Dragon Help *Nevermind, I've decided to get a turtle

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