A few Bearded Dragon questions....?

Question

I am thinking about getting a bearded dragon. I've been to the pet store and got a basic care sheet for them, and have done a little online research about them, but I wanted some advise from people who actually have them as pets. So if anyone could answer as many of my questions as possible, it would be really really helpful. (I will be giving a best answer, by the way!!)

1. Are bearded dragons easily hand tamed, or are they very skiddish? (will it jump around like crazy if I open its cage?)

2. Is it completely necessary to feed live crickets? (or is the can o cricket stuff okay?)

3, Is it best to have one alone, or should they live in pairs? (if they should live in pairs, how old do they need to be before I can s*x them?, I don't want babies!)

4. What size tank is ideal for an adult dragon? (and is that size okay for a juvenile, or do I need to buy a smaller one to start with, then upgrade when it gets bigger?)

Any other tips that you have learned to be helpful in your experience with beardies would be helpful too.

Thanks so much!!!

Answer 1

1. A baby may be quite skiddish(spelling?), but if you handle it frequently it will calm down and soon enjoy coming out. Just be sure you leave it alone other than feeding and water for the first 1-2 weeks you have it to let it settle in.

2. Many Bearded Dragons will not eat crickets that aren't alive, and freeze-dried crickets aren't as good for them as live ones. I recommend sticking to live.

3. They should live alone. No matter what anyone says they are not 'social' and prefer being alone, only when breeding should you have them together otherwise you open the door for problems to arise.

4. A 40 gallon breeder is the absolute minimum for an adult Bearded Dragon - But bigger is always better so if possible get a bigger one. And it's fine to have it in its adult tank from a juvenile, they will like the extra space and grow into it.

Answer 2

The person who first answered has pretty much answered everything.

But some beardies will eat dead crickets if you hold the cricket

with some tweezers and make it act as if it's alive (Waft it around).

There is also something available called a vivicator- which is a remote control dish which vibrates and makes the dead crickets jump around

and make them seem alive.

I completely recommend getting a beardie :]