How to Choose a Healthy Bearded Dragon

When you have decided to make your next pet a bearded dragon, you should already have the knowledge of what they eat and the habitat they need. By now, you should have the pets habitat set up. When you are buying any pet, one of the most important features you will need to take into consideration is the pets health. Below you are going to find some tips to choose a bearded dragon that is in good health.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knowledge of Bearded Dragons

1. Research pet stores and breeders that are in your area. When you are done with the research, you should choose the most reputable one.

2. Look at the habitat the bearded dragon is living in in the store. The feces should be kept to a minimal, water and food should always be present and they should have a heat source with a basking area over them. There should also be a shaded area.

3. Talk with the pet store or breeder and ask them questions. Amongst those questions, you should ask what they have been feeding the dragons. Bearded dragons who are young should be fed small pin head crickets and vegetables, such as greens. They should be fed those things daily. Old bearded dragons can be fed superworms and have a wider variety of vegetables in their diet.

4. Keep a watch on the dragon and see how active they are. Bearded dragons who are healthy will always be alert and active. If a bearded dragon appears to be lethargic and is not able to lift their head, then this may not be a good choice.

5. Take a look at the bearded dragon’s eyes. The dragons eyes should be clear and the dragon should look interested in the surroundings and you. Make sure there is no puss and goo in the mouth, nose and eye area. Goo in these areas can mean the bearded dragon has a problem.

6. Before you purchase the bearded dragon, you should pick the pet up and examine the body. You will be looking for deformities and sores that can indicate the dragon has parasites.

7. Consider the size of the bearded dragon you are selecting. We recommend you selecting a dragon that is less that six inches long. If you are selecting a bearded dragon out of a group of dragons, then go for the bearded dragon that appears to be the biggest.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes, when you find a bearded dragon is in a pet store or breeder that isn’t properly caring for them and appears to be in poor health, you may want to purchase the dragon to rescue him or her and get them to the vet.
• Bearded dragons can be found missing toes or even a tail. This may not appear to be pretty to you, but the area should heal and it will not be a healthy issue.