I always surf craigslist. I happened upon an ad the other day for a free "Bearded Dragon, sweet, friendly, needs a home due to big move." The lizard is listed at 17".

So I email the girl asking if she comes with her house, how big the house is, how often and what she feeds her and when her last vet exam was.

This was the response I got:

She told me that she would email me back with current photos. My concern, however, is that if this dragon is malnutritioned that I'm opening myself up for big headache and heartache down the road.

I have several lizards and several fish...and while I would love to have yet another lizard in the house, I'm concerned about the cons of adopting a Bearded Dragon.

As people who have more experience with them, would this response lead you to any conclusions or hunches? How would you feel?

Thanks! I appreciate any opinions.

Ah... It may be important to note that I asked for specific tank size and she said that she was unsure, but that the Bearded Dragon seemed happy and if we went textbook that it would probably say to get a bigger enclosure.

If it was me I would get her, But I have a soft spot for Bearded Dragons and wont stop and think of the pros and cons lol. Do what you think is best for you, the dragon and the pets you already have.

I know I would rescue the world if I could.

My concern is what could be the worst case scenario? And...If there is a worst case scenario, what do I have to do to rectify it and what will be the emotional and financial cost to me. Yanno?

If you are worried about the money than you may not want to adopt this dragon. There may be nothing in the world wrong with it but by the same token it could have a lot of underlaying problems. Need to find out how old it is and if it eats all she puts in for it or leaves some to be cleaned out and ask for pictures of the dragon and its house.

You need to make sure the dragon has had some type of UVB. If not, it's likely she'd have Metabolic Bone Disease, metabolic bone disease.
Sometimes that can be reversed by just getting a good UVB for the dragon [[I think... I want someone more experienced to confirm that though]], but if it's too bad, it could mean a costly vet visit.
And the tank size is very important.
As her to at least measure it... They need large enclosures, which can also get costy.
Also, if the Bearded Dragon has never been to the vet, I would get her checked for parasites.
You may want to ask how old the Bearded Dragon is too, just so you can know.

Hmm. Ask if the Bearded Dragon's fed any greens or given any calcium suppliments too. Those are very important.

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♥lauren♥

My Babies
1 Rough Green Snake [[unknown]] Sprite
3 Cats [[all male]] Yellow Cat, Tobey, Chicko
1 Dachshund [[male]] Buddy
1 Red Eared Slider [[female]] Jeremy
2Bearded Dragon [[i think male/female]] Raptor and Rosalie


My Wishlist
Fire Belly Toads [[males and females]]
Corn Snake [[male or female]]
Poison Dart Frogs [[males and females]]
Emerald Tree Boa [[male or female]]
Some kind of Gecko... not sure yet

Oh! I forgot to mention all the pros and cons.
Pros:
Everything! They are amazing pets, and each one has their own little personality.
Cute pets, usually sweet, easily tamed.
Fun to watch...
They're just wonderful :]]

Cons:
Tank size
Vet costs
Diseases


If you can afford it, I would say it's a most definite yes, but only you know if you can afford it.
Also, make sure you're willing to put the needed time and effort in to Bearded Dragon owning.
It's worth it to me though.
Both of mine were rescues, and they're amazing :]]

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♥lauren♥

My Babies
1 Rough Green Snake [[unknown]] Sprite
3 Cats [[all male]] Yellow Cat, Tobey, Chicko
1 Dachshund [[male]] Buddy
1 Red Eared Slider [[female]] Jeremy
2Bearded Dragon [[i think male/female]] Raptor and Rosalie


My Wishlist
Fire Belly Toads [[males and females]]
Corn Snake [[male or female]]
Poison Dart Frogs [[males and females]]
Emerald Tree Boa [[male or female]]
Some kind of Gecko... not sure yet

Anytime you take in a reptile from someone else you are getting a "pig in a poke". There may be nothing in the world wrong with it and the owner just has no option but to get rid of it.
Or...
You may be inheriting a host of problems, behavioral or medical. And if the cost of vet treatment concerns you, then you should probably step away.
Imagine getting the animal home to find out it has illness or other problems. If you are unable to provide the care it needs then YOU get to watch as it languishes and dies.
Suddenly YOU are the villian in the story!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I would also ask what substrate its been on.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.