I am thinking about getting a dragon for myself and my 5yr old and 2 yr old. In anyones opinion is this a bad idea? Am I just kidding myself to think they will be able to interact with the dragon at their ages? Any feedback would be great

A bearded dragon is probably one of the best to start out with for young children. They are large and hearty, but one of the more social reptiles, so won't be as adverse to handling.

A couple of precautionaries, though. Remember that with any reptile there is a chance it can pass on salmonella. Make sure your kids don't ever kiss the dragon, or handle it and then rub their eyes or put their fingers in their mouths. Keeping the cage very clean and making sure that you and anyone who handle the dragons thoroughly wash their hands reduces the risk of salmonella.

You may want to check with the kids' doctor to see what age salmonella becomes less a risk. For you and probably the 5-year-old it won't be too bad, but it may be a little more serious for a 2-year-old. I don't know, so it's better to check with a professional who can tell you definitively. It could be a matter of just not letting them handle it for a little while.

Other than that, I think it would make a great learning experience for them, and I think a Bearded Dragon makes a great starter reptile.

Here's a caresheet for you to look over: http://reptileguides.herpcenter.com/...-t15.html?t=15

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thanks for the info

If I recall anything below 5 is considered a salmonella risk. And a 2 year old really shouldn't be trusted handling a lizard anyway.
All the activities will need to be closely supervised. Children that age often don't understand that what they have is a living creature and can be seriously injured.

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Merlin,
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What would be considered a reasonable price for a small dragon? I guess baby to juvinile

In my area at a pet store you'll pay over $100 for a normal. From a breeder $60-150 for normal to some morphs. So I am definately going to a breeder if I ever get a Bearded Dragon.

The going pet store rate around here is about 50-60 for a baby. If you hit a reptile expo you can find babies from about 20 on up. The morphs would be more as will older dragons.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!