How to Select a Healthy Bearded Dragon

After you have decided to buy a bearded dragon for a pet and have a habitat set up, you’re ready to choose a dragon. When buying any pet, it is important to know what to look for to select a healthy animal. Here are some tips for selecting a healthy bearded dragon.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Research pet stores and/or breeders and select a reputable one.

2. Look at the condition of the bearded dragon habitat at the pet store or breeder. Feces should be minimal, food and water should be present, and you should be able to identify a heat source with a basking area and a shaded area.

3. Ask the pet store or breeder what they have been feeding the bearded dragons. Young bearded dragons should be fed vegetables (such as greens) and small crickets daily. Older bearded dragons may also be fed worms (such as superworms) and a wider variety of vegetables.

4. Watch the dragons and note how active they are. Healthy bearded dragons are active and alert. If a dragon cannot lift its head or appears lethargic, it is not a good choice.

5. Look in the dragon’s eyes. They should be clear and the dragon should look interested in you and its surroundings.

6. Check the bearded dragon’s eye, nose and mouth area for puss and goo. This can indicate a health problem.

7. Pick up the bearded dragon and examine its body for sores, deformities, and parasites that can indicate health problems.

8. Consider size. It is not a good idea to select a bearded dragon that is less than 6 inches long. If selecting a young bearded dragon from a group, it is a good rule of thumb that the larger dragons are the healthiest.

Tips & Warnings

• Bearded dragons are often missing bits of toes or tail. This might not look pretty, but as long as the area is healed, it is not a health issue.
• Bearded dragons are typically social lizards if cared for properly. If purchasing an adult bearded dragon, handle it to discover its temperament.