Six months is generally regarded as the ideal age for adopting a bearded dragon. At this age, the beardie is more resilient and capable of adjusting to a new environment. They are also less likely to have health problems than younger lizards. Although they are still growing, their rate of growth will slow significantly.
What You'll Learn
Why 6 Months Is The Best Age To Get A Beardie
More Resilient
Bearded dragons that are six months or older are more resilient and better able to cope with the changes that come with being in a new environment. They are more likely than younger dragons to be healthy and have fewer health issues. They are typically easier to handle and care for, making them more appropriate for first-time owners.
Better Able To Cope With New Environment
Beardies six months and older are more resilient than younger dragons, making them better suited to their new environment.
They have already gone through the early stages of development at this age, making it easier for them to adjust to their new surroundings. They are also more tolerant of being handled, making it easier for an owner to get to know and bond with their dragon.
However, even though a six-month-old beardie is more resilient and capable of coping with their new environment, they still require time and care to become comfortable and happy in their new home.
Disadvantages Of Getting A Younger Bearded Dragon
Purchasing a young bearded dragon has quite a few drawbacks. They are more vulnerable to health problems, such as parasites or mites, and may be more difficult to manage due to their youth.
More Prone To Health Issues
Younger bearded dragons are more vulnerable to health problems due to a lack of immunity and being unfamiliar with their surroundings. They may be more susceptible to illness, parasites, and mites because they are still developing.
Difficult to Handle
Young bearded dragons are more difficult to handle before six months because they have not yet become fully accustomed to human handling.
How To Pick A Healthy 6 Month Old Bearded Dragon
When looking for a 6 month old bearded dragon, it’s critical to look for signs of health. Check for signs of parasites or mites and make sure the dragon is alert and active. If possible, request the dragon’s health records from the store assistant.
Check For Signs Of Good Health
When looking for a 6 month old bearded dragon, look for signs of good health. Look for a dragon that is alert and active, with bright eyes and clear skin.
Check that the dragon has a healthy appetite and that its tail is not thinning. The dragon should also be at least 16 inches long and 300 grams in weight.
Ask For Health Records
When you find a healthy 6-month-old bearded dragon, it’s critical to request health records. Get the health history of the dragon from the breeder or store to ensure that your new pet is free of disease or parasites.
Inquire about vaccinations and whether the dragon has ever been treated for mites or other parasites.
If the breeder or store cannot provide any health records, it may be best to look for your new beardie elsewhere.
Look For Signs of Parasites or Mites
When choosing a beardie, keep an eye out for signs of parasites or mites. Check the eyes, ears, and mouth for any unusual discharge or irritation. If you’re not sure what to look for, consult with the breeder.
To be on the safe side, have your new pet examined by a veterinarian before bringing him home.
Other Considerations When Buying a Beardie
There are numerous other factors to consider when purchasing a bearded dragon. Can you afford the lizard and its habitat in their entirety? Are you able to provide your pet with the appropriate space and environment? Most importantly, will you be able to devote the time required to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy? If you can answer yes to these questions, you are ready to bring home your new beardie.
Can You Afford It?
When purchasing a bearded dragon, keep in mind that the cost does not end at the pet store. Supplies, food, and veterinary care are all extra costs to consider.
Prices for standard bearded dragons can range from $35 to $100, depending on age and other factors.
Setting up their habitat will also necessitate additional charges, which should be factored into your budget.
You’ll also want to ensure that you can afford your beardie’s ongoing care, such as food and veterinary care.
All of these factors should be considered when deciding whether a bearded dragon is the right pet for you and your budget.
Can You Provide The Proper Space And Environment?
Once you’ve decided that you can afford long term care for a bearded dragon, you’ll need to make sure you have enough space and an appropriate environment for them.
This includes constructing the appropriate size enclosure, maintaining the appropriate temperatures, and providing plenty of areas to hide and bask in.
They also require a variety of substrates in their enclosure so that they can dig and burrow. With the proper habitat and diet, your dragon can live a long and happy life.
Can You Make The Time Commitment?
Bearded dragons require a great deal of care and attention, so consider whether you have the time to devote to your pet.
Their diet, for example, is varied and must be supplemented with crickets and other live insects. You must also provide them with natural sunlight or UV lamps for 10-12 hours per day.
Also, remember to clean out their enclosure on a regular basis. If you work long hours or travel frequently, now might not be the best time to bring home a beardie.
Key Points
- 6 months and up is the best age to get a bearded dragon.
- When choosing your beardie, look for signs of good health, request health records, and check for parasites or mites.
- Make sure you can afford the total cost of the dragon and are able to provide the necessary space and environment and time commitment.
- A beardie can be a wonderful pet for many years if given proper care and attention.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
