Buying a Bearded Dragon - 5 Steps to Choosing a Healthy Beardie

When most people are interested in buying a bearded dragon they will head straight for the nearest pet store who carries them. They will then purchase the first beardie the store clerk grabs and shoves in a box for them. Everything might go great for a few days, weeks, even months if their lucky. Only to find one day that something isn't quite right, and an expensive vet trip ensues.



But not you.



You had the right frame of mind to look for some information before you jump into the fire...and you will be rewarded.



When buying any animal, or any-thing for that matter, there are a few particulars you want to keep in mind, so that you don't find yourself with buyer's remorse. Even worse,the possibility of prematurely losing a pet that you have just created a new bond with. All due to a preexisting health condition that you have no control over, but could have avoided.



Here are 5 steps that will give you the knowledge to make an educated purchase:



Ask Around - Do you already know someone who currently owns a beardie? Ask them if they know of a good breeder in your area, and where to get cheap supplies while your at it. You can also use the good ol' internet to look for reputable breeders.



Observe - From the second you pull into the driveway of a potential seller, you need to have your eyes wide open and observe your surroundings well. Take note the organization and cleanliness of everything from the parking lot, to the reptile enclosures themselves. These observations will be good indicators of how well the lizards are taken care of. If someone doesn't care enough to clean their own house...how well can they be taking care of their animals?



Habitat - I mentioned this in step two, but it is deserving of its own separate number. You need to carefully look at everything in the enclosure. Is the cage size adequate? Are the accessories and substrate clean? What are the temperatures? These are all clues to how the bearded dragon is cared for.



The Lizard - Of course we need to take a close and careful look at the beardie itself. Notice if there are any deformities within the spine, claws, limbs. They should be active and watching you intently. Also look for any open wounds or burns.



Inquire - Ask the breeder questions. If they know what they are doing, they should have no trouble answering any of your basic inquiries. Ask them anything from what the dragon is being fed, how much, how often, their age etc...



Owning a bearded dragon is a very satisfying experience. Because of their temperament, you quickly grow very attached to these loveable lizards like you would with a cat or dog. I pains me to think that some people have this experience cut short, simply because they did not have the proper knowledge prior to buying their pet.



There is even more in-depth information available here Buying a Bearded Dragon, as well as information on everything involved with raising a beardie at Caring for Bearded Dragons.