Bearded dragons can be purchased from various sources such as pet stores, breeders, and reptile expos. It is essential to research the seller’s reputation, inspect the animal’s health and condition, and ensure that you are prepared to provide proper care for the reptile before making a purchase.
What You'll Learn
What To Consider Before Buying A Bearded Dragon
Before deciding to bring home a bearded dragon, it’s important to understand their housing requirements and dietary needs.
Bearded dragons are typically kept in terrariums or aquariums that measure at least 20 gallons for one small beardie, although bigger tanks may be needed if you plan on having more than one.
The enclosure should include a temperature gradient from 75–85°F with a basking area of 95–105°F during the day.
UVB lighting is necessary for them to metabolize calcium properly for healthy bone growth.
As for diet, they eat plenty of insects such as crickets, mealworms, wax worms, roaches and grasshoppers supplemented with dark leafy greens like kale and collard greens.
When shopping around for your new pet reptile companion, make sure you find a reputable pet store or breeder who can provide information about their care guidelines.
Do research ahead of time so you know what questions to ask when visiting potential sellers.
Reading reviews online is also an effective way to gauge which stores provide high quality animals and helpful advice regarding proper husbandry practices.
Fact-checking any health claims made by the shop owners is essential too; don’t take everything they say at face value!
With all these considerations accounted for, you’ll be well prepared to make an informed decision about bringing a bearded dragon into your life.
Finding A Reputable Pet Store
To start researching reputable pet stores, I’d recommend checking online reviews and asking friends for their experiences.
When evaluating the quality of a pet store, I’d look at their animal selection, customer service, and store cleanliness.
Lastly, when shopping for supplies, I’d make sure to compare prices, read product labels, and ask employees any questions I may have.
Researching Reputable Stores
When it comes to finding a reputable pet store, the best way to start is by doing research.
Vet reviews and health screenings should be top of mind when choosing where to buy your bearded dragon.
Ask friends and family for recommendations as well as read online customer reviews before making any decisions.
Be sure to visit several stores in person so you can get an idea of their product selection and quality control standards.
Finally, make sure the store has knowledgeable staff who can provide advice on proper care and handling of your reptile.
Evaluating Pet Store Quality
Once you have done your research and visited a few stores, it’s time to evaluate their quality.
Ask yourself if the store has knowledgeable staff who can answer any questions about bearded dragon care, as well as provide helpful vet references.
Make sure that the cages are properly set up with appropriate lighting, humidity levels, and substrate for your reptile too.
From there, you can make an informed decision on which pet store is best for you and your new scaly friend.
Shopping For Supplies
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect pet store, it’s time to start shopping for supplies.
Make sure to pick up everything your reptile might need – things like food, vitamins, and bedding.
If you’re not sure what kind of products are best for your bearded dragon, don’t hesitate to ask the staff at the store for help. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to finding quality items.
You may also want to schedule a vet visit so they can check out your new scaly friend and make sure their cage setup is appropriate.
That way, you know that your little one will have everything they need for a long and healthy life with you!
Searching For A Breeder
Finding the right breeder for your bearded dragon can be like finding a diamond in the rough. With hundreds of breeders across the country, it’s important to do some research and ensure that you’re getting your pet from someone who follows strict breeding criteria and has an excellent enclosure setup.
When looking for a breeder, start by asking around at local pet stores or reptile expos to get recommendations. Make sure to ask about their experience with any potential breeders they recommend—you’ll want to make sure they have good reviews both online and offline.
Additionally, take time to visit each breeder’s website before committing to buy from them. Many reputable breeders will list detailed information on their site regarding their breeding standards and enclosures used for housing their animals. This is also a great way to compare prices offered between different breeders as well as narrow down which ones are most likely able to offer the best care for your new pet!
Bearded dragons require specific habitats and diets so researching ahead of time is vital if you want yours to lead a healthy life. Take advantage of resources such as forums, websites dedicated to reptiles, and even YouTube videos made by experienced keepers where you can learn more about proper husbandry practices necessary for keeping these magnificent creatures happy and thriving in captivity.
Doing this kind of due diligence now can save you headache later when trying to provide adequate living conditions for your new beardie. And once you’ve found a suitable breeder with exemplary standards, then its time move onto the next step: visiting reptile expos!
Visiting Reptile Expos
Visiting reptile expos is a great way to get hands-on knowledge of the animals you’re interested in buying. You can see what they look like, how active they are, and even ask questions about their care and diet requirements. Going to an expo also gives you access to multiple breeders who specialize in different types of reptiles. This makes picking out your pet much easier as you can compare different options side by side.
At an expo, make sure you take some time to observe the bearded dragons before making any decisions on which one to buy. Notice how active they are, whether or not they have clear eyes, and if their skin looks healthy. Ask questions too – getting advice from knowledgeable people will prepare you for taking your new pet home later!
Lastly, it’s important to understand that each individual animal has its own needs and personalities. It’s best to find one that fits with yours so that when it comes time to bring them home, both you and your dragon will be happy with the decision transition into understanding your pet’s needs.
Understanding Your Pet’s Needs
It’s important to understand your pet’s needs before bringing a bearded dragon into the home. According to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over 8 million households across America own reptiles or amphibians, making them one of the most popular pets in the United States.
When it comes to housing requirements and diet considerations, there are some specific things you will need to know when caring for a bearded dragon:
- Provide an appropriately sized habitat with plenty of room for basking, climbing and hiding.
- Bearded dragons require ultraviolet light exposure on a daily basis.
- Make sure fresh vegetables and fruits are part of their regular diet.
- Avoid live prey such as insects because they may carry parasites that can harm your pet.
- Keep water readily available at all times so your reptile stays hydrated.
By understanding these basic needs prior to adoption, you’ll be able to provide your new companion with everything necessary for a healthy life.
Now is time to start thinking about preparing for your bearded dragon’s arrival!
Preparing For Your Bearded Dragon’s Arrival
Before bringing your bearded dragon home, it’s important to be prepared. Your reptile will need a proper habitat setup with the right temperature and humidity levels, as well as food, water, and decorations. Setting up their enclosure before they arrive is essential for providing them with a safe and comfortable environment that meets all of their needs.
It’s also wise to arrange a visit to a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles prior to getting your pet. This way you can ensure that they are healthy upon arrival and you’ll have someone on hand if any medical issues arise later down the line. A vet can provide advice on diet, husbandry, and other important topics related to caring for your new friend.
Arriving home with everything ready will help make sure that your beardie settles into its new home quickly and happily!
Conclusion
Before you buy a bearded dragon, it’s important to understand the commitment and responsibility that comes with owning one.
Pet stores, breeders, and reptile expos are all great resources for finding your perfect pet.
When done right, having a bearded dragon can be an incredibly rewarding experience – like unlocking an ancient secret – so plan ahead and make sure you have everything ready before bringing them home.
With proper care and attention, these fascinating creatures will bring joy into your life and become part of your family!
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
