When Buying a Bearded Dragon

When buying a dragon there are many things to look for. When you buy a Bearded Dragon when they are juveniles it is vary important to look for a healthy bearded Dragon. Here is a list I made to purchase a good dragon:

• all digits (toes, fingers)
• The bearded Dragon should not have the part of the tail gone.
• When at the store ask them to feed them. If they don't look interested in the food or other dragons over power them don't get that one because it is weak and the runt of the litter.
• When walking on a flat surface the hind legs should be off the ground. If they the hind legs are dragging the dragon probably has Calcium Deficiency. It can be corrected if it is still young but it’s a matter of if you want to deal with the problem.
• Make sure that it is awake and wanting to be active.

There are many other things too look for, you should ask the breeder or a qualified pet store employee eating habits and what they feed it and how they take care of the prey. You should look around from store to store because there might be a different dragon that is healthier, a different color and a better price. The end result of your pick is up to you. Remember they will be with you for a long time, from 4 to 10 years! I would not pick up a dragon that is all by its self because it is hard to see health differences without anything to compare it with. And you might not be getting the best lizard if there is only one to chose from.

Before you get the dragon you should have the tanks all set up with all the lights and heat laps working for about 2-3 hours and make sure it gets to the correct temperature. If you need to make adjustments to the wattage of the heat lamp, to have the bearded dragon at the correct temperature then you must do that before you get the lizard. Have a secure top so other pets or children can't get into it and to make sure that Bearded Dragons cant get out. It is amazing how high they can jump if they set their mind to the task.

If you decide to buy a lizard then you should get a few basic items for their habitat.

• Tank best if you get a bigger tank so they have room to roam.
• Heat lamp that is the appropriate wattage for your tank.
• Substrate
• Rocks and branches
• Place for them to hide
• Water dish
• Food dish
• 2 Thermometers (one for the basking area and one for the other end of the tank.
• UVB bulb and holder. Get at least a 5.0 bulb or a UVB 310 bulb depending on the company that makes it.
• Food for the Bearded Dragon
• Calcium supplements. There are two types of calcium supplements that I know of. One without D₃ and one with D₃. D₃ is what the sun gives the lizard. If the lizard does not get regular sun then you should get Calcium with D₃ so the calcium can be used. Without it the calcium is useless because it won't be activated.
• Vitamin Supplements