How To Buy A Bearded Dragon

How To Buy A Bearded Dragon?

Here are some steps to follow when buying a bearded dragon:

  1. Decide where to buy: You can buy a bearded dragon from a licensed breeder, at a pet store, or from a reptile show.
  2. Selecting a bearded dragon: When selecting a bearded dragon, it is recommended to go for a full-grown or close to full-grown dragon as they are less fragile and have a lower risk of illness than younger babies. You should also inspect the enclosure for cleanliness and examine the dragon well before purchasing it.
  3. Find a reputable breeder: You can find bearded dragon breeders online and through your local herpetological society. It is important to identify excellent breeders who prioritize animal health and well-being.
  4. Avoid buying from certain locations: It is recommended to stay away from large commercial chains such as Petco and PetSmart as they often buy from places with low standards for husbandry and genetics.
  5. Cost: Bearded dragons usually cost around $100 each, though breeders or stores may vary. It is important to consider the cost of the bearded dragon habitat and invest in a healthy specimen right off the bat.
  6. Have supplies ready: Have a supply of food on hand to offer food as needed.
  7. Shipping: If you buy from an online breeder, make sure they have experience shipping live animals and use proper packaging and shipping methods.

Observe The Pet Store

Central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
Credit: robidobban

When selecting a pet, it’s important to observe the pet store and ensure it is clean and well-maintained.

When buying a bearded dragon, check the cages and tanks for cleanliness and organization. Observe the habitat and make sure it isn’t overcrowded.

Make sure there is food available for the dragons. Check that the bearded dragon you are interested in looks active, alert, and healthy.

Look for clear eyes with good movement, no sagging of their jawline, no crusting around their eyes or mouth, and look at its belly which should be whitish in color with a clean anal region.

In addition to being lively, make sure your beardie has all its toes and claws as well as a complete tail with no lumps or lacerations on its skin.

Finally, check that the environment is set up correctly with proper lighting and heating elements along with clean substrate – no feces left sitting around!

With all these considerations taken into account when buying a bearded dragon from a pet store, you can be sure that your new pet will be happy and healthy!

Observe the Bearded Dragon Habitat

Louey- Dwarf Bearded Dragon 3
Credit: Lani Troy

Take a look at the reptile habitat – if it’s overcrowded and dirty, you don’t want to take one of its inhabitants home.

When buying a bearded dragon, observing its habitat is key. Be sure to ask questions about the environment they are kept in before deciding on which one to bring home.

Bearded dragons require specific temperatures, lighting, and humidity levels for optimal health.

The enclosure should be large enough for them to move around comfortably and there should not be too many bearded dragons crammed into one area. Also, check that the substrate used is clean and free of feces left sitting around.

A dirty and unorganized pet store may indicate sub-standard pets, so make sure you observe carefully before making your purchase decision as part of your bearded dragon buying guide.

Observe The Bearded Dragon Itself

Bearded Dragon
Credit: Geoff Nowak

You can tell a lot about the quality of a pet by studying its behavior; observe closely to ascertain if it’s active and alert.

Bearded dragons should be lively and not lifeless. Check their eyes for clarity and movement, their jaw for sagging, and if they have any crust around the eyes or mouth.

Look out for lumps or lacerations on their skin, as well as missing toes or claws. Make sure they have a complete tail too!

The belly should be whitish with a clean anal region, while the skin around the vagina shouldn’t turn hard or yellow. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to look elsewhere for your bearded dragon pet.

Buying the Bearded Dragon

Image Source: istockphoto.com

Head to a reputable breeder or pet store for the perfect scaly companion, carefully considering the cleanliness and organization of their facility.

Be sure to purchase from a source that can keep track of the bearded dragon’s lineage, as well as provide health records and diet information.

When you’re ready to buy your bearded dragon, be prepared to spend around $100 for one. You may also want to look out for special deals on bearded dragons at reptile shows or events.

Once you have chosen your new scaly friend, make sure it’s alert, awake, and healthy before taking it home. Ensure that there are no broken limbs or skin lesions present and check its eyes for clarity and movement.

Furthermore, check if the belly is whitish in color and if the anal region appears clean. If all looks good with your little one, then you can bring it home!

Bringing the Dragon Home

Now that you’ve spotted the perfect scaly companion, it’s time to bring your new friend home!

Before bringing your bearded dragon home, you should ensure their housing is ready. Make sure the vivarium is at least 47’x23’x23′, with a screen top and glass sides that are well-ventilated.

The enclosure should also have a 10-12% fluorescent UV tube for a UVB lamp, as well as being able to maintain a humidity of 30-40%.

Ensure there is a substrate in place within the enclosure too. It’s also important to have food prepared before bringing them home.

These can include live invertebrates dusted with calcium supplements, alongside greens such as watercress, rocket, chicory, cress, and grated butternut squash. Avoid giving them spinach, cabbage, or kale.

Lastly, provide fresh water daily so they stay hydrated and healthy. Now your new beardy will feel right at home!

How to check the Bearded Dragon’s health in The Store?

Image Source: istockphoto.com

Heading to the store to pick out your new scaly pal? Before you make the purchase, it’s important to check their health.

So, take a look at their alertness, plumpness, and any broken limbs or skin.

First, make sure the dragon is active and alert. This can easily be checked by observing them running around in their enclosure. If they seem sluggish and lethargic, this could indicate an unhealthy dragon.

Next, ensure that the dragon is plump with no sagging along its jawline – this could indicate dehydration or malnutrition.

Finally, check for any broken limbs or skin lacerations as well as yellowing of the skin around the vent area which may be indicative of disease.

Doing these simple checks can help you confirm that your bearded dragon is healthy before taking them home!

Conclusion

Congratulations on making the decision to bring a bearded dragon into your home! With just a few steps, you can ensure that your pet is healthy and happy.

First, make sure to observe the pet store and the bearded dragon’s habitat before buying one. Check the dragon itself for signs of health.

When bringing it home, keep it in its own dedicated enclosure with access to plenty of food and water.

Finally, don’t forget regular vet visits so your dragon stays healthy and strong for years to come!

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to provide your new reptilian friend with a safe and comfortable home. Enjoy your new scaly companion.