Them and blue tongues are in my opinion the best first pet reptile for 9/10 people who aren't sure what kind of reptile they want but know they want a reptile. Because while they both have downsides, theyre the best pets out of all the beginner reptiles in my opinion. Because I do kind of feel like discussions of best beginner animals can kind of focus too much on what's easiest to take care of rather than which one is the most fun to have.
imagine being a bearded dragon and every afternoon your owner just starts making unknown sounds out of nowhere while you're on his shoulder and you're confused as hell
I'm not sure they are smart enough to be confused. Startled by things yes. I live on the seventh floor and my beardy used to run away from helicopters and seagulls, but has over time learned to ignore helicopters. Not Seagulls though cos they occasionally hover by his window perch.
I was thinking the same thing. She keeps looking at him and then back at where the camera would be. It doesn't look like he's using a cameraman to film so it's probably the camera or the lights. And yes, they are smart enough to be confused Liam. They basically have the same level of understanding as about a 4 year old human. They don't quite understand the details but they have a pretty good general idea of what's going on.
Bearded dragons aren't good pets for beginners at all. Husbandry isn't cheap, they're not cheap to feed by lizard standards, and they need complex lighting. I would say they're intermediate pets for people with enough disposable income.
Yeah, I'm 17 and I've already spent like 1600 on mine. She needed 600 for her current enclosure set-up (about 120 gallon). The other 1000 was for vet bills. I actually rescued her from a bad owner. Her and my car take all my money, but I don't mind working for those two things.
I had one as my first reptile because that’s what was recommended. I wanted a leopard gecko but they had ran out . I didn’t have any difficulties with her I was 17 so it was 22 years ago. When I moved countries I had to sell her so I sold her to someone who had experience of reptiles. Apparently a few months later they woke and found her dead with no obvious reasons.
That’s true!! Bearded dragon is my first reptile but I knew what I was getting into before I got her. Ppl don’t research beforehand and it’s the dragon that suffers 😢
Exactly, the best beginner reptile in my eyes will always be the leopard gecko. You can literally have 10 leopard geckos (I have a friend with 20+) and still have a pretty manageable collection.
@@hystericalstares7507 600 for a 120 gallon enclosure and set up sounds like you bought the most expensive things you could find at petsmart just on gp lol like what in the actual f***
A bearded dragon was my first reptile, it was a bit challenging to get everything correct at first but doing research and gaining experience became a very enriching experience caring and loving for my beardie
I got my beardie at 14 for Christmas along with a book on how to care for him, got him as a baby and he lived a good 13 years with me before passing in 2020. I miss that guy but they are a lot more work then people think but not the worst for a beginner
yes!!! beardies, red eared sliders, ball pythons, chameleons, green iguanas… all usually kept in terrible conditions because people just don’t know or care how to take care of them and they give these animals to kids with no experience or knowledge.
Fabulous pets! I had a blast learning how to care for Rufus, and when this sweet baby arrived, I was ready! He already loved mustard greens, so salad has never been an issue. He gets a big salad every morning, and dusted super worms, dubias or crickets twice a week. He LOVES hornworms!! He's been a great pet for 10 + years, so far.
This video helped saved me from impulse purchasing a bearded dragon, and probably saved a reptile's life long-term. Thank you and keep up the good channel!
I went into PetSmart just today to buy some fish food, and I just wanted to look at the lizards. A baby bearded dragon got really excited and ran up to the glass when I came close... then he put his paw on the glass like a puppy! Thanks for the reassurance that not impulse-buying him was, in fact, the right choice!
I bought mine cause that’s what happened. I wanted one and I said I’m just gonna go “look” and I found my little drako.. had for like 2 months, he got parasites like after a week of having him and just even after the vet and treatment , he didn’t recover well and died”…. It was really hard on me. But yes good job!
This is EXACTLY what happened to me yesterday in PetSmart. We almost took that little guy home with absolutely zero knowledge of what it takes to care for him. Thank God I watched this video.
If you do "RESCUE" one from Petco/Pets mart don't listen to their advice, don't buy their supplies... especially the sand they sell... My first beardie was on sale at Petco for only $20 and actually I found out was starting to get the soft jaw from MBD... Idk how but i saved her even though my husbandry and care at the beginning was horrendous because I listened to the "Animal Care Advisor" at Petco... Now whenever I have a concern or question, I come and listen to this guy, the Lizard Guru, Clint, Kenan, Snake Discovery and of course the guys over at NERD
I’m 13 exactly what you described happened to me when I was 10, I bought it after weeks on research and a few weeks after it was a adult it got some sort of disease where it spit it’s organs out and died
I feel for diamond, about 2 months ago I got a giant day gecko from someone who didn't take good care of it. I recieved it in a 20 gallon tank with nothing in it but a moldy shop towel, dead crickets, and lizard poo. Skinny enough I was surprised he was alive. Now he eats good and has a much better environment as well as a name. Sir sticky.
totally love my spoiled potty trained dragon, he basically says, mom, i need to poop can u put me in the bathtub please... lmao, then he is smart enough to back him self up and literally poop down the drain .. its nuts ... hubby didnt believe me til he finally got to see it for himself lol
mine does the same thing! He wants to get on the ground then he walks towards the kitchen sink where we trained him to poop (in a little Tupperware that we put in the sink)
I am baffled by people who "get bored" by their pets. I am a first-time reptile owner and he is a leopard gecko. I am still totally in love with him. I love these videos. It is so helpful. Beardies are just too cute. Maybe one day.
It is because they don't buy pets for the purposes to love and to care for, they buy them hoping the pets provide 24/7 entertainment. Or the individuals who buy a pet and become too frustrated/agitated/angry/annoyed, and then not feeling bothered with the pet anymore. These kinds of people shouldn't "bother with" owning any further pets at all in my opinion :)
My bearded dragon most days is boring. He really likes to just lay around watching. He will watch me play games, watch RUclips with me, and even when we go outside he will lay beside me watching. As long as he's with me he doesn't care where it is, but he will watch. It's really funny because I can set him down and he will stay put when I walk away. He will lay flat like he's trying to hide and then relax when sees me coming back. Took him to a family get together and we were outside, I set him in the ground to help move something, and he watched what was going on. A couple people asked me if he was going to run off and I told them no. He waited right there, laid flat on the ground, and when I came walking back over to him he lifted his head up. I wasn't more than 30 feet away at any point, but if I'm more than a couple steps away that's what he does. He "hides" and waits for me to come back and get him. No I don't do it often. When I take him outside if the mail gets delivered while I'm out there I'll walk over the mailbox about 20 feet away to get it while he stays basking in the sun. The part I'm happy about is the part that makes me sad for so many pets. He knows I'll keep him safe, trusts that when I walk away I'm not far and I'll always come back, and the first time I took him with me away from home he was unsure when I put him in a family members lap and after about a minute he came running straight to me. That kind of trust is something pets develop and so many people take advantage of it, abuse it, and take it for granted. Before I got my bearded dragon I raised praying mantis for many years and every single one of my mantis would come to me, stay on my shoulder/arm/hand, and they acted very much like my bearded dragon does. Very relaxed and trusting. If you develop that relationship it's so rewarding. When people say animals or insects don't have feelings I challenge that. My favorite mantis I've ever had was dying of old age. The day she died she scratched at her enclosure like she always did when she wanted me to hold her. She barely had the strength to crawl into my hand and lay down. She laid there for her last 20 minutes. It may just have been her seeking comfort in her final moments, but she wanted that time to be with me. That's an emotion that most pet owners don't understand. So no, I don't understand when people "get bored" with their pets.
I am definitely a reptile person, but I also know my limits. I am have bouts of depression, I need pets that are low maintenance so my pets health doesn't suffer when I can't do much. I think that is something more people need to honestly think about before they get a pet. No matter how much you love the species and how passionate you are, do they fit your lifestyle? Can you give them the best life? And I think that is kinda the gist of the "beardies aren't beginner animals" message is "know your limits and level of commitment".
Bearded Dragons along with BPs are the most unbeginner reptiles called a beginner reptile. Far too often a species that suffers from some humans' impulsivity and lack of due care. However, they are worth it when you put in the work and give them everything the need and want.
THIS!!! When I was a teen I went a got a baby beardie , have a 120gal but , had no clue how big they got, the work, the effort it took , nothing. My ex took him & rehomed him and I’m actually glad because I’m positive he has been cared for more than I could have due to my own Ignorance. Now I research for months before getting anything.
While this is sad, it's inevitable. If not a BP, then people will over buy Corn Snakes. If not BD, then some other lizard will take it's place. I don't have the answer, but that's how it is
Ball pythons' tendency to go off feed can be quite stressful for a newbie reptile keeper, especially one who already finds the weekly feeding 'inadequate' (these are usually people who are used to keeping mammals like dogs and cats that require daily feeding). That's why the best beginner snake in my eyes will always be the corn snake. Friendly, doesn't get big, easy to keep, hardy, and have really good appetites.
Got my beardie 3 months ago from a friend who didnt want him anymore. He's my buddy, and I havent spent 1 dime on his greens...... That's because I'm an urban farmer with 30 different crops on my property. It does pain me to say, but I was so pumped to grow swiss chard for the first time year from heirloom seed. It is a beautiful crop. Everyday I sneak it into his salad bowl, and he looks at me and says "I didn't eat it yesterday, and I'm not eating it today salad maker man!"
My baby beardie actually loves greens. So, I'm very thankful that I don't have to coax her. However, I bought her swiss chard once.. she spit it out and looked at me like, "don't ever let this mistake happen again." She didn't even take a chunk out of it. You could see her little teeth marks of rejection, though 😂😂
I work at a pet store and absolutely love all the information you share about caring for these amazing pets! It helps me educate and inspire new pet parents before they adopt and hopefully helps these incredible little guys find awesome forever homes! Thank you so much!
I say forget what the pet store people tell you. Give them the biggest home possible. It's about making their lives the best possible life because after all they are in captivity.
One year my mom told me she wanted to get a Bearded Dragon for Christmas, because she is obsessed with dragons. I responded to her by saying let's do research first. So we spent a month doing our own research separately, and then came together to see what we had learned. Her first beardie Tiamat is now approaching 7 years old, and she has two more. She actually rescued one of her three dragons, George Harrison, from my former roommate who got a pair of petsmart babies because they were cute and he liked my mom's; George and his brother both had metabolic bone disease and malnutrition from my former roommate; the other one died a month later, but Georgie is now almost 3 years old. I agree with you, they can be a good first pet if the potential owner actually does research into the care requirements and takes the time and energy needed to care for their pet. But they don't make good display pieces. I love bearded dragon's for their personalities. They're just like cats; they like to hang out and bask, they'll play with toys, and they just sit on you and chill.
I loved my dragon! He just passed, and it broke my heart. I will get another in the near future, but for now, I mourn my Elliott. Your video brought tears to my eyes, but they were good ones. Diamond is awesome! I am so glad I found you today. I loved your presentation and info. It showed me I did well for my boy, and can do so again. I have subscribed2 minutes into the video. I love how upbeat you are, it shows your love for your critters. Have a great day, and keep up the vids, I love them!
I was never into reptiles then my kids mom got them a beardie, his name was knuckles. he died and I realized there was now a bearded dragon sized hole in my heart. sonic is starting his first brumation
When I had a Corgi and was active in the Corgi community, there was a Thing we promoted called The Lesser Corgi Society. The LCS had one purpose… to keep Corgis out of the hands of idiots by being very vocal about the real downside of Corgi ownership. The shedding, the back problems, the herding instinct, the shedding… maybe you have just started the Lesser Beardie Society! Not everyone who thinks they want a beardie should have a beardie. We need to keep these little dragons out of the hands of idiots.
And the barking!!! One of my corgis came from a adolescent kid who saw one and through they looked cool but then realized they were a mismatch. I wish people did their research and considered the implications of bringing any animal into their lives
I’ve had my bearded dragon for 6 years and spend so much money on her I just paid 700$ for a vet visit they are definitely not beginner reptiles you have to understand so much about them
Oh, yeah, I ended up splashing out on the vet for my old female beardie when she had to be spayed because of a genetic condition making her struggle to lay eggs and also when she was suffering with cancer at the end of her life. But then getting insurance is even worse. I'm starting an emergency savings pot for my reptiles now after the carry on with my monitor lizard arriving sick when I bought her.
@@Faliat yea at first she was fine we brought her to the vet they gave her metacam and it dehydrated her and made her go into septic shock and we payed 700$ for her to get special food shots and fluids but she’s fine now but we basically paid for the vets mistake even afterwards they took her off the metacam and I’m only 17 making 7.50 an hr so basically a month of work to pay for it and I have a tegu too and worried if she gets sick I’ll have to pay even more because she’s so big and they would have to give her double of everything so I’m definitely going to start a vet bank account just in case I need to drop some money for them because that 700$ came right out of saving for a car
Yep. My beardie didnt poop for 2 weeks so i got scared. I tried all of the at home remedies for impaction / constipation. Nothing worked. 300$ vet bill later they tell me hes fine. Hes not pooping cause hes not eating cause hes about to shed. Im like. This is the first time hes not ate while shedding. I know that's a thing but mine hasnt done it before till now
@@MalonzeProductionsGaming ha ha - that reminded me of mine. He didnt eat for a while so I panicked and rushed to the vets. The vet spent the consultation saying what great condition he was in and that they can just go through phases of not eating (not brumation). I learnt to relax and watch for other signs. And weigh him regularly too. With a dog, the first meal that they dont eat is a worry, with a reptile they can refuse food for weeks and it can be fine.
My first reptile was a severely neglected Bearded Dragon. She was in such bad condition, she looked like she was gonna not make it tbh. No bulbs, on that store sand, dark as can be, owners threw in human food to her. Yeah, she looked terrible. I knew nothing about beardies and yet I just had to save her. I took her home, did obsessive research, set her up in a great temporary tank the following morning, and kicked it into 6th gear and did everything I had to do for her. Vet visits, proper nutrition, huabandry, lights, etc. That was almost 9 years ago and she is still with me today. Shes got a lot of bad underlining health problems, but we do our best to keep her as healthy and happy as we can. I now only rescue bearded dragons and all the dragons in my possession were bad neglect cases! Its sad, but it brings me joy in life to save these amazing creatures. Let me tell ya, having 1 is a lot. Having multiple dragons is a lot of work lol. But I love it. Now lets pray more people do their damn research on these kiddos. I did hardcore research, there is no excuse not to.
I got my boy in a similar condition, though he had old wounds on his tail from a fight with another dragon, the other dragon had lost a foot. I was gonna get that one but it found a home and I got my boy. Now you can barely see the scars and aside from being stunted and having occasional health issues he is happy. He’s actually spoiled rotten and staying with my grandmother for the time being, she loves the little dude which is hilarious. First it was “I won’t touch him” to now she takes him outside to sit on the porch for sun every afternoon. She adores him and he seems to enjoy the attention most of the time.
I have gotten everything for the dragon I have a 45 gallon tank but it's a baby but when it's older I going to get a 140 gallon and I have a question um I need a name I do not know I need ideas plss
I did a lot of research before getting my beardie, but as a beginner I didnt realize just how much of a learning curve there would be! Tons of health questions, as well as buying incorrect equipment and wasting a lot of money at first. Luckily I'm very dedicated to giving him the best possible care I can, but i was still surprised at just how much time and research he requires lol. Just be prepared if you're a newbie. It's about as much attention as a dog I'd say.
Adam you need to stop saying your just a guy on youtube and you cant believe we watch you. You are the most interesting youtuber in the reptile hobby that i watch. I love your vids and never change.
I love my bearded dragon so much. She also seems to respond well socially. Tells me all the time what she wants; if she want to go to toilet, eat and drink, if she wants company, left in peace etc. If I turn off the lights she often comes out from her terrarium to join me. Her terrarium is open all the time, and she seems to know where to go and where not to go. Went down the stairs only twice in 3 years. Told her not to do it and she doesn’t go there anymore.
Based on my research I'd say that, contrary to popular belief, bearded dragons are *not* beginner reptiles, but instead would be better off listed as "intermediate" reptiles Definitely agree that bearded dragons make awesome pets, but definitely wouldn't consider them a good "entry level" species for someone looking to get their first reptile Of course beginners can and have successfully kept bearded dragons alive and well...but it's not as easy or inexpensive as some of the other options available
I think there is a problem with the term “beginner ________” fill in the blank. I think whatever the animal, and no matter how easy or challenging it is to take care of, a beginner should still understand that there is a large commitment toward any animal and making sure that it’s needs are met, and that those needs HAVE to be met. Maybe beginners should understand that first. I’m not implying that a first time pet/reptile owner should take on something extremely challenging, but they should still be held to a high standard, regardless of the “beginner” status of an animal. Beardies are easy to handle and are great for handling for beginners, but they are also not great for beginners because things can go very wrong if you do not meet their essential needs, and the animal suffers. The risk is high to the beardie if the owner does not take their job and responsibility seriously.
Adam: Please your Omnipotence, have mercy! My Bearded Dragon: After you’ve picked up all my poop, then we can talk about mercy! Take his like button away!
I've got a 9 year old beardie. I bought a 300 gallon saltwater tank for $30 because it leaked. I setup multiple banks of light in the hood and replicated natural light lumens by putting in cheap home depot light fixtures. His enclosure is a mix of sand, dirt, leaves, logs, and hay. He has been the best pet we have ever had. he digs constantly. likes to bob his head when I get home. I like a lot of what you say, but in my experience. Where my beardie has lots of places to dig, climb, and run. When I pushed veggies, I would see weight loss. He's a very trim and muscular dragon. His feeder insects live in the soil and rocks. I buy crickets/dubias/worms once a week and it takes him all week if not more to hunt everything down. To the point I have baby crickets in the enclosure. The insect to veggie ratio I feel is more based on the amount of space and activity level that facilitates. MY guy will wait for all the hidden bugs to come eat the veggies, then pick them off. If it's fruit however. That guy loves strawberries and blueberries. A great treat when you think your beardie needs a bit of hydration. One thing I can't stress enough to potential beardie owners. Go on cragslist and look for large fishtanks with leaks. Often they are free. Set up the enclosure like I did with natural substrate. We call it "bio-active" Maybe I had a good dragon, but he always has something to do in his enclosure, and if he gets bored he perches on the top of the highest log and head bob's my wife while she is working from home. Many meetings have taken place with our beardie taking part.
I agree that someone completely new to reptiles shouldn't just buy a bearded dragon... However I have noticed (having worked in a reptile shop) that beginners are often encouraged to buy animals they don't really want so they can eventually move on to an animal they actually want. I really don't like this. Bearded dragons can work for a first time owner - but that owner needs to 1) do research - videos like this really help and 2) spend time with current owners to help develop their understanding prior to making a purchase. Even spending a couple of Saturdays shadowing someone in a decent reptile shop can be great prep for a first time owner of a beardie
hey thank you for your channel! i really want a bearded dragon one day and used to think they needed a 40 but now know they require a lot more! i'm saving up for a 120 gallon and one day once I have the time, money and space I can not wait to get a bearded dragon!!! thank you
I’d try to get bigger than a 120 gallon if possible, they’re very active and will use every inch of space given to them. Look into using a grow tent or building an enclosure :)
@@nightinggale6470 oh really? okay I'll definaetly look into that then! I won't even be able to a beardie till about 2 years from now when I'm not a full-time student, so that'll give me time to plan out an enclosure! :)
@@WickensWickedReptiles thank you... You know what the best part of your video I liked. Your take on loose substrate. BEARDIES LOVE TO DIG! The problem are owners who throw live food in their tank instead of having a separate feeder tank. Live food in their home can be it's own issue as their own food will feast on them while they sleep. Dust can be a problem too but only with poor ventilation and really just with super fine calcium type sand. Not how you mix it. That's perfect! Mad props 👊 I would use a reptile rug under the play sand to "soak up" much of the dust. Plus, then when they get to the bottom it's soft and comfy. Unfortunately Covid destroyed me and my life so... 😞
My bearded dragon is legitimately my child, but I sadly had to leave him with someone because I had to leave the country for school. I miss him more than my boyfriend.
I've been wanting a bearded dragon for years ever since I saw the babies in petsmart once. I realized they're funky little creatures that I really like and vibe with after doing some more research on them. Lately I've been thinking of finally getting one. I've been putting it off because I just wasn't in the position to care for one. And your video reminded me I'm still not. It hurts kind of because I love animals, and this is a pet I've been waiting years to get, but the truth is I'm still not in an environment or situation where I'd be able to give my beardie the best life it could. And knowing me, I'd love to give it an amazing enclosure and eats my meals with it, possibly give it snacks of m meals, if I'm having salad. (by snack I just mean a singular small strip of lettuce) Thank you for reminding me I'm not in a place to get one yet because I almost started the process of bringing one home. This is not to be sounding bitter, I'm trying to be genuine because if and when I am ever lucky enough to have one of these beautiful creatures, I'd love to give it a good life. I just can't give that right now.
When I did rehab and fostering, so many beardies came to me with bone issues. They get marketed for beginners, and then they forget the lights or calcium. I think leopard geckos are probably easier. I love dragons though!
Thank you for this video. I currently have whites tree frogs , but I was also looking into a bearded dragon in the future (like 2-3 years down the line). I really think it is important for people to understand that pets can be just as complicated as kids (sometimes even more because kids grow up to taking care of themselves but pets are essentially babies forever) .
The bottom line folks - This is a living creature. If you aren't willing to put the work in, DON'T GET ONE!! IF YOU ARE LAZY, DON'T GET ONE! It's not fair to the animal.
Gotta love Beardies but I agree with your beginning sentence, my first was a beardie and I don’t really know if that was a smart decision now looking back on things, such incredible animals and they for sure are great reptiles and for sure you can get one as a first but they are more advanced than they seem :)
What is often not stated is when you keep reptiles, you have to create their living space. That alone makes them far different than the warm-blooded pets most people keep.
Thank you for making this video! I haven’t managed to watch it all yet, but I’m so happy to see this one posted. It’s one I was interested in since I have been considering a bearded dragon to keep me company.
That’s how we got ours. His previous family bought him for their son and he outgrew him so he was neglected a little. He is our first reptile and we love him so much! He has a personality and likes to run around the house and watch TV with us. We feed him well and his house is big and nice. He has the best lighting too. We just had to study a lot but it’s fun for my kids and me.
Excellent as usual Adam! Educational and entertaining and oh so important information. Looking forward to part 2 of non venomous counterparts of beautiful dangernoodles, just saying 😉
My first lizard was an abandoned baby beardie from petco that was missing a leg. My dad found him. He was my little dude. First reptile and the one that lead to me looking into other reptiles and lead me to getting my baby gecko. I got him July 3rd and he is a very happy little leo. Rip Reggy you were my little homie
Beardies always have been appealing to me. However, I've never pulled the trigger for the first reason you've given - size commitment. I really think there need to be more of the "DO NOT GET A "xxxxxx" video series. I think there are WAY too many people just buying animals without research. Being in the hobby is awesome, and getting more people into it is great too. As you say, too many impulse purchases are the problem. I think this is my favourite video so far because of the message - "Do your research. Know what your commitments will be". My rule for myself is a minimum of 6 months of research before I get a new pet. Thanks for making the effort to get the message out there. 🦎🐢🐍
On here trying to see if I really deserve one I think that's super important before getting any animal ... I wanted a hedgehog one time and I did my research and realized I didn't have nearly enough time for one.. and that's okay.. better to know then hurt an animal
I got my bearded dragon from my roommate's brother who got bored of her after 6 years. She's lived in a 40 gallon her whole life with barely any UVB but she's in pretty good health despite the poor husbandry and she's super chill compared to our Uromastyx. Her 120 Gallon habitat finally came in yesterday and we'll be upgrading her this weekend. I'm so excited to see how she is going to react to her new enclosure.
Got my beardie at a reptile show and he was teeny tiny when I got him. Out grew his cage in less than a month and I have him in a 75gal now. Started my dubia colony because that’s his favorite thing to eat. They’re not the easiest, but they’re the best. They have awesome personalities.
I totally agree! My beardie is amazing and I love him so much, but he was my first pet as an adult, and first reptile ever. We got the 20 gallon starter kit and had to swap out most of the stuff. And within 4 months we had to upgrade and got him a 120 gallon, and he LOVES the 2 feet of climbing height. If I wasn’t worried about him hurting himself jumping from too high, I would have gotten him the 4 feet high. And all that was WAY MORE pricey than I thought. Also, the salad making is very involved and I had not anticipated the amount of insects he would need to eat to grow up. As well as the controversy back and forth over literally every single type of feeder insect.
I love that they're strict with these animals. Where I live, when you have an adult bearded dragon, you need at least 16 square feet for them (sweden) 😁
In your little rambles I usually learn something new 😂 I always wondered why my 2 year old beardie is HUGE (bought as a baby) and my new rescue who is apparently 4 is so small. At least I know I’ve been doing a good job! 😬
I've had my Bearded dragon Joey for 7,5 years and he just overcame liver infection and abscess which we only found because I had an ultrasound done #TakeCareOfYourAnimals
@@ravenbeaudoin109 It's not normal for reptile to lose mass at that rate so I knew something was us that was not just old age but besides the weight he was just as normal so it was tricky
Not just for bearded dragons, but I think the majority of pet owners have no idea what they are doing. I did research and thinking about it for 4+ years before I committed to getting a bearded dragon. I think they are amazing, but the only thing I don't like is how often my bearded dragon will just choose not to eat his veggies. He's grown to nearly 24 inches and he's healthy so I know he's obviously eating enough of them. I raised praying mantis for years before I got my first bearded dragon and one of the coolest parts of having him is there are days I get out of bed in the morning just to feed him. Whether I'm not really feeling up to getting up that morning or I went to bed too late I still get up to take care of him. It helps me to have something that I have to take care of. Another thing I do that I've seen many bearded dragon owners frown upon is I take him with me sometimes. Usually once a month, sometimes twice, I will take him with me when I go see family or even just to the pet store. I got a soft carrier for him he will sit there watching everything. He loves going for rides. The first couple times he was not sure at all about it so I take a blanket he likes. It's his safety blanket and if he's uneasy he will lay flat on it and he will relax while watching. That blanket is the only way I used to be able to take him outside for sun. Now he will lay on my arm or on my shoulder like he has his. My bearded dragon is definitely still not one that runs around and is excited to be out of his tank. When I do take him outside if I walk more than a couple steps away from him while he is sunbathing in the grass he will go completely flat. He feels way more confident with me nearby. He also will darken if I let anybody else hold him and parts of him will turn bright orange as soon as he's back in my hands. It's actually funny to see the difference. The only thing odd I'd say about my bearded dragon is until he probably 8 months old if I tried to pick him up from underneath he would run away, but if I tried to pick him up from above he would relax and let me. Then when he was on his blanket or in my hands he was fine. I saw everyone saying not to do that but it was the only way he would let me. After he go over that phase now he will let me pick him up from underneath.
I rescued a bearded dragon from a neighbor when I was in 6th grade and I had him from then until 2 years after I graduated highschool. His name was Rex and I still haven't loved a pet like I loved him.
When I had an iguana I would write the date my next UVB was due on a strip of tape and wrapped it around the cord that kept me on track with getting it changed
Awesome video. Ngl I was not aware of the care for our beardie. We may have not been the best first parents but he is amazing and fun and people like you help us new owners to learn.
Almost anything (within reason of course) can be a good beginner pet as long as you do a TON of research and then do some more, correct enclosure, have the money set aside for emergencies, ect. My nephew's(10yrs) first pet was a bearded dragon and he was 100% ready because he was committed and did the proper research. His enclosure is amazing, it's a whole room
As a first time owner I feel like I got extremely lucky. Of course, I’ve only had him for a year, but doing a baseline three months worth of research on husbandry I feel like I’ve done pretty good. Mine (Cecil) was perfectly healthy and very active when I got him when he was young. I even built him his own enclosure with safe to use wood that’s about 5x2x2 I believe. I’ve been very fortunate and he eats well and has a very good attitude. I even have a setup for him for when we go camping. Overall, I think the right people with the right ambition and research shouldn’t have too many problems starting out with bearded dragons! ^^
I’m really interesting in your camping set up for it, we also do like camping and planning to get a bearded dragon in the near future, what’s your set up like?
hey bud I really dig your vids! I have been looking to take the tiles and what not out of Frey'jas tank and go substrate. she ate the shit out of sand when i put it in there but what you do has my attention. would you please send me links of where to get it like yours? we'd really appreciate it
You’re absolutely right! The pet stores have it so wrong! The husbandry, diets, enclosure size, substrate! So many Beardies end up passing away due to owners being misinformed 🥺 thank you for this.
I just baby sat a beardie! She was awesome and sweet! And you are right, they need a big enclosure, they need uvb light and they need to be kept warm - and not overheated. They like to sit on fences and low branches. They need bugs and protein- not just "salad". They need to be handled on a regular basis. They have personality! They say that they carry salmonella, so handling with cleanliness is a must. So if you are the least bit lazy or busy - you should not have a beardie. They need your time! They need a specialized vetinarian. They need much more care than a cat or a dog! If you have the time, and you like to have one on your shoulder or in the crook of your arm most of the time, then a beardie can be great! Like I said, they have personality and they are quite surprising!
I have baby green igaua and BABY Beardie. My baby is in a 75 long right now and my igaua is in a critter nation til shed bigger I'll add on to it . Can a Beardie go in a critter nation ? Or just aquarium tanks
I’ve never owned a lizard, but always been drawn to bearded dragons. Now I know it would not be a good idea to get one. I also live in southern Ontario with no ac, so the humidity gets really bad in our house in the summer. Thanks for the really informative video!
Hi ! Liked your vidéo! Ive had mine for four years on tile to prevent what youre talking about with that fear of impaction and...IT kinda sucks how he just puts poop everywhere when im not around toi clean it at the moment. So m'y question is: what are those loose substrates i can safely use and find easily on petshops? Im in Canada too (Québec). Thank you!
save yourself some money and get a bag of play sand from a hardware store for $7, a brick of coconut coir for about $10 and have enough substrate mix for well over a year.
do you think Bearded Dragons make good first pets? Why or why not?
Yes when you have the space and the time
Yes if you are willing to put in the time and effort into it. Like getting a puppy as your first dog.
Nope, for lizards Leopard geckos, AFTs, and Crested or Gargoyle geckos are the way to go!
@@kaehume4742 but what if I want a day active animal?
Them and blue tongues are in my opinion the best first pet reptile for 9/10 people who aren't sure what kind of reptile they want but know they want a reptile. Because while they both have downsides, theyre the best pets out of all the beginner reptiles in my opinion. Because I do kind of feel like discussions of best beginner animals can kind of focus too much on what's easiest to take care of rather than which one is the most fun to have.
imagine being a bearded dragon and every afternoon your owner just starts making unknown sounds out of nowhere while you're on his shoulder and you're confused as hell
I'm not sure they are smart enough to be confused. Startled by things yes. I live on the seventh floor and my beardy used to run away from helicopters and seagulls, but has over time learned to ignore helicopters. Not Seagulls though cos they occasionally hover by his window perch.
I was thinking the same thing. She keeps looking at him and then back at where the camera would be. It doesn't look like he's using a cameraman to film so it's probably the camera or the lights. And yes, they are smart enough to be confused Liam. They basically have the same level of understanding as about a 4 year old human. They don't quite understand the details but they have a pretty good general idea of what's going on.
@@dmdave2512 no reptile is anywhere near the intelligence of a 4 year old are you insane? The smartest chimps are barely at the level of a 4 year old.
@@dylanb2990 You can disagree with out acting like a complete dbag you know. Have a nice day.
@@dylanb2990 yeesh! He didn't know. Anyone who thinks that's the way to educate someone is one stupid individual.
Bearded dragons aren't good pets for beginners at all. Husbandry isn't cheap, they're not cheap to feed by lizard standards, and they need complex lighting. I would say they're intermediate pets for people with enough disposable income.
Yeah, I'm 17 and I've already spent like 1600 on mine. She needed 600 for her current enclosure set-up (about 120 gallon). The other 1000 was for vet bills. I actually rescued her from a bad owner. Her and my car take all my money, but I don't mind working for those two things.
I had one as my first reptile because that’s what was recommended. I wanted a leopard gecko but they had ran out . I didn’t have any difficulties with her I was 17 so it was 22 years ago. When I moved countries I had to sell her so I sold her to someone who had experience of reptiles. Apparently a few months later they woke and found her dead with no obvious reasons.
That’s true!! Bearded dragon is my first reptile but I knew what I was getting into before I got her. Ppl don’t research beforehand and it’s the dragon that suffers 😢
Exactly, the best beginner reptile in my eyes will always be the leopard gecko. You can literally have 10 leopard geckos (I have a friend with 20+) and still have a pretty manageable collection.
@@hystericalstares7507 600 for a 120 gallon enclosure and set up sounds like you bought the most expensive things you could find at petsmart just on gp lol like what in the actual f***
A bearded dragon was my first reptile, it was a bit challenging to get everything correct at first but doing research and gaining experience became a very enriching experience caring and loving for my beardie
great to hear!
A beardie is my first lizard btw my lizards name is Charlie like the one in jurassic world
Exactly part of the reason why I want one. I’ve caught and kept fence lizards as a pet before but I want something that’s bigger and new to me
@@iggytheboi4714 oh the nostalgia
charlie, echo, blue, delta
THE RAPTOR PACK BRINGS ME NOSTALGIA
I got my beardie at 14 for Christmas along with a book on how to care for him, got him as a baby and he lived a good 13 years with me before passing in 2020. I miss that guy but they are a lot more work then people think but not the worst for a beginner
It's not hard work I haven't had a problem with mine then again I treat it like a wild animal not really a pet
What was his name?
@@tyrannotitanentertainment7579 chewy
Man: bearded dragons actually suck as your first reptile. Bearded dragon: dude I’m right here.
DIAMOND COULD BEAT ME UP TO
I love my beardie, she's awesome, but definitely a species that needs more experience than what they are usually marketed towards!
Well said
very well said
very very well said
Be quite uromastyx for life
@@Emir-jm8ke very very very well said
I’d love to see a “why x isn’t good for beginners” series.
And a series for “why x is great for beginners”
top 5 bad beginner reptiles
Yes!!!
Yes, please do this.
yes!!! beardies, red eared sliders, ball pythons, chameleons, green iguanas… all usually kept in terrible conditions because people just don’t know or care how to take care of them and they give these animals to kids with no experience or knowledge.
Fabulous pets! I had a blast learning how to care for Rufus, and when this sweet baby arrived, I was ready! He already loved mustard greens, so salad has never been an issue. He gets a big salad every morning, and dusted super worms, dubias or crickets twice a week. He LOVES hornworms!! He's been a great pet for 10 + years, so far.
I'm glad you love your beardie!! :)
What's the life span
@@cryptolord9826 10 to 15 years
Omggg my beardie's name is RUFUS TOO!!!😁👍🏾😂😂
@@Kreo678 thanks
This video helped saved me from impulse purchasing a bearded dragon, and probably saved a reptile's life long-term.
Thank you and keep up the good channel!
Great to hear!
I went into PetSmart just today to buy some fish food, and I just wanted to look at the lizards. A baby bearded dragon got really excited and ran up to the glass when I came close... then he put his paw on the glass like a puppy!
Thanks for the reassurance that not impulse-buying him was, in fact, the right choice!
I bought mine cause that’s what happened. I wanted one and I said I’m just gonna go “look” and I found my little drako.. had for like 2 months, he got parasites like after a week of having him and just even after the vet and treatment , he didn’t recover well and died”…. It was really hard on me. But yes good job!
This is EXACTLY what happened to me yesterday in PetSmart. We almost took that little guy home with absolutely zero knowledge of what it takes to care for him. Thank God I watched this video.
dam i got mine for free but he wasnt a lil baby he like 2 years old rn we got him when he was 1 n i always give him meh love
If you do "RESCUE" one from Petco/Pets mart don't listen to their advice, don't buy their supplies... especially the sand they sell... My first beardie was on sale at Petco for only $20 and actually I found out was starting to get the soft jaw from MBD... Idk how but i saved her even though my husbandry and care at the beginning was horrendous because I listened to the "Animal Care Advisor" at Petco... Now whenever I have a concern or question, I come and listen to this guy, the Lizard Guru, Clint, Kenan, Snake Discovery and of course the guys over at NERD
I’m 13 exactly what you described happened to me when I was 10, I bought it after weeks on research and a few weeks after it was a adult it got some sort of disease where it spit it’s organs out and died
I feel for diamond, about 2 months ago I got a giant day gecko from someone who didn't take good care of it. I recieved it in a 20 gallon tank with nothing in it but a moldy shop towel, dead crickets, and lizard poo. Skinny enough I was surprised he was alive. Now he eats good and has a much better environment as well as a name. Sir sticky.
wicked name!
totally love my spoiled potty trained dragon, he basically says, mom, i need to poop can u put me in the bathtub please... lmao, then he is smart enough to back him self up and literally poop down the drain .. its nuts ... hubby didnt believe me til he finally got to see it for himself lol
You should upload a video lol, would do many a fascinate
@@pangeagamer7223 that’s exactly what hubby said, I may do that, it never occurred to me before lol
@@carashea4207 lol I subscribed if you decided to upload
That is SO awesome!!! Mine tend to hold their poop until they are on my couch 🤦
mine does the same thing! He wants to get on the ground then he walks towards the kitchen sink where we trained him to poop (in a little Tupperware that we put in the sink)
I'm watching this with my bearded dragon.
He when he saw the title:
👁👄👁
Oh right, thats their face always!
hahaha
@@WickensWickedReptileswhat are you talking about they don’t suck there the best
I am baffled by people who "get bored" by their pets. I am a first-time reptile owner and he is a leopard gecko. I am still totally in love with him. I love these videos. It is so helpful. Beardies are just too cute. Maybe one day.
It is because they don't buy pets for the purposes to love and to care for, they buy them hoping the pets provide 24/7 entertainment.
Or the individuals who buy a pet and become too frustrated/agitated/angry/annoyed, and then not feeling bothered with the pet anymore.
These kinds of people shouldn't "bother with" owning any further pets at all in my opinion :)
Yea I connect with pets way too strong. I don’t understand it either.
@@siryesheit's because they live so long. Report back in 15 years
My bearded dragon most days is boring. He really likes to just lay around watching. He will watch me play games, watch RUclips with me, and even when we go outside he will lay beside me watching. As long as he's with me he doesn't care where it is, but he will watch. It's really funny because I can set him down and he will stay put when I walk away. He will lay flat like he's trying to hide and then relax when sees me coming back.
Took him to a family get together and we were outside, I set him in the ground to help move something, and he watched what was going on. A couple people asked me if he was going to run off and I told them no. He waited right there, laid flat on the ground, and when I came walking back over to him he lifted his head up. I wasn't more than 30 feet away at any point, but if I'm more than a couple steps away that's what he does. He "hides" and waits for me to come back and get him. No I don't do it often. When I take him outside if the mail gets delivered while I'm out there I'll walk over the mailbox about 20 feet away to get it while he stays basking in the sun.
The part I'm happy about is the part that makes me sad for so many pets. He knows I'll keep him safe, trusts that when I walk away I'm not far and I'll always come back, and the first time I took him with me away from home he was unsure when I put him in a family members lap and after about a minute he came running straight to me. That kind of trust is something pets develop and so many people take advantage of it, abuse it, and take it for granted. Before I got my bearded dragon I raised praying mantis for many years and every single one of my mantis would come to me, stay on my shoulder/arm/hand, and they acted very much like my bearded dragon does. Very relaxed and trusting. If you develop that relationship it's so rewarding.
When people say animals or insects don't have feelings I challenge that. My favorite mantis I've ever had was dying of old age. The day she died she scratched at her enclosure like she always did when she wanted me to hold her. She barely had the strength to crawl into my hand and lay down. She laid there for her last 20 minutes. It may just have been her seeking comfort in her final moments, but she wanted that time to be with me. That's an emotion that most pet owners don't understand. So no, I don't understand when people "get bored" with their pets.
I am definitely a reptile person, but I also know my limits. I am have bouts of depression, I need pets that are low maintenance so my pets health doesn't suffer when I can't do much. I think that is something more people need to honestly think about before they get a pet. No matter how much you love the species and how passionate you are, do they fit your lifestyle? Can you give them the best life? And I think that is kinda the gist of the "beardies aren't beginner animals" message is "know your limits and level of commitment".
Bearded Dragons along with BPs are the most unbeginner reptiles called a beginner reptile. Far too often a species that suffers from some humans' impulsivity and lack of due care. However, they are worth it when you put in the work and give them everything the need and want.
THIS!!! When I was a teen I went a got a baby beardie , have a 120gal but , had no clue how big they got, the work, the effort it took , nothing. My ex took him & rehomed him and I’m actually glad because I’m positive he has been cared for more than I could have due to my own Ignorance. Now I research for months before getting anything.
While this is sad, it's inevitable. If not a BP, then people will over buy Corn Snakes. If not BD, then some other lizard will take it's place. I don't have the answer, but that's how it is
Truth 🖤
Ball pythons' tendency to go off feed can be quite stressful for a newbie reptile keeper, especially one who already finds the weekly feeding 'inadequate' (these are usually people who are used to keeping mammals like dogs and cats that require daily feeding). That's why the best beginner snake in my eyes will always be the corn snake. Friendly, doesn't get big, easy to keep, hardy, and have really good appetites.
I agree I had two ball pythons that sadly died from starvation because the sellers made it afraid of mice.
Got my beardie 3 months ago from a friend who didnt want him anymore. He's my buddy, and I havent spent 1 dime on his greens...... That's because I'm an urban farmer with 30 different crops on my property.
It does pain me to say, but I was so pumped to grow swiss chard for the first time year from heirloom seed. It is a beautiful crop. Everyday I sneak it into his salad bowl, and he looks at me and says "I didn't eat it yesterday, and I'm not eating it today salad maker man!"
My baby beardie actually loves greens. So, I'm very thankful that I don't have to coax her. However, I bought her swiss chard once.. she spit it out and looked at me like, "don't ever let this mistake happen again." She didn't even take a chunk out of it. You could see her little teeth marks of rejection, though 😂😂
I work at a pet store and absolutely love all the information you share about caring for these amazing pets! It helps me educate and inspire new pet parents before they adopt and hopefully helps these incredible little guys find awesome forever homes! Thank you so much!
I say forget what the pet store people tell you. Give them the biggest home possible. It's about making their lives the best possible life because after all they are in captivity.
It's the hamster if the lizard world. Nobody bothers doing any more research than a PetSmart pamphlet and they end up abused
One year my mom told me she wanted to get a Bearded Dragon for Christmas, because she is obsessed with dragons. I responded to her by saying let's do research first. So we spent a month doing our own research separately, and then came together to see what we had learned. Her first beardie Tiamat is now approaching 7 years old, and she has two more. She actually rescued one of her three dragons, George Harrison, from my former roommate who got a pair of petsmart babies because they were cute and he liked my mom's; George and his brother both had metabolic bone disease and malnutrition from my former roommate; the other one died a month later, but Georgie is now almost 3 years old.
I agree with you, they can be a good first pet if the potential owner actually does research into the care requirements and takes the time and energy needed to care for their pet. But they don't make good display pieces.
I love bearded dragon's for their personalities. They're just like cats; they like to hang out and bask, they'll play with toys, and they just sit on you and chill.
My dragons a rescue named Georgie too lol
Beardies are so expressive and goofy, that's why I think they are so popular for sure. They also aren't huge, and that helps for sure!
100%
If im getting a reptile im getting a big one ya know like a legless lizard an example of one is the couple from snake discovery
I loved my dragon! He just passed, and it broke my heart. I will get another in the near future, but for now, I mourn my Elliott. Your video brought tears to my eyes, but they were good ones. Diamond is awesome! I am so glad I found you today. I loved your presentation and info. It showed me I did well for my boy, and can do so again. I have subscribed2 minutes into the video. I love how upbeat you are, it shows your love for your critters. Have a great day, and keep up the vids, I love them!
I was never into reptiles then my kids mom got them a beardie, his name was knuckles. he died and I realized there was now a bearded dragon sized hole in my heart. sonic is starting his first brumation
You're telling me this man has done body building, stand-up comedy but not crack..... We're onto you WWR 😂
hahahahhaa!
When I had a Corgi and was active in the Corgi community, there was a Thing we promoted called The Lesser Corgi Society. The LCS had one purpose… to keep Corgis out of the hands of idiots by being very vocal about the real downside of Corgi ownership. The shedding, the back problems, the herding instinct, the shedding… maybe you have just started the Lesser Beardie Society! Not everyone who thinks they want a beardie should have a beardie. We need to keep these little dragons out of the hands of idiots.
I've fostered a special needs corgi and a whole litter of purebred Pembrokes They were bananas! They were nuts but so funny
@@rose87245 That perfectly describes Corgis… nuts, but so funny!
@@MrsVrba yep!
And the barking!!! One of my corgis came from a adolescent kid who saw one and through they looked cool but then realized they were a mismatch. I wish people did their research and considered the implications of bringing any animal into their lives
My beardie is literally never on the ground, he loves his branches
I’ve had my bearded dragon for 6 years and spend so much money on her I just paid 700$ for a vet visit they are definitely not beginner reptiles you have to understand so much about them
wow eh!
Oh, yeah, I ended up splashing out on the vet for my old female beardie when she had to be spayed because of a genetic condition making her struggle to lay eggs and also when she was suffering with cancer at the end of her life. But then getting insurance is even worse. I'm starting an emergency savings pot for my reptiles now after the carry on with my monitor lizard arriving sick when I bought her.
@@Faliat yea at first she was fine we brought her to the vet they gave her metacam and it dehydrated her and made her go into septic shock and we payed 700$ for her to get special food shots and fluids but she’s fine now but we basically paid for the vets mistake even afterwards they took her off the metacam and I’m only 17 making 7.50 an hr so basically a month of work to pay for it and I have a tegu too and worried if she gets sick I’ll have to pay even more because she’s so big and they would have to give her double of everything so I’m definitely going to start a vet bank account just in case I need to drop some money for them because that 700$ came right out of saving for a car
Yep. My beardie didnt poop for 2 weeks so i got scared. I tried all of the at home remedies for impaction / constipation. Nothing worked. 300$ vet bill later they tell me hes fine. Hes not pooping cause hes not eating cause hes about to shed. Im like. This is the first time hes not ate while shedding. I know that's a thing but mine hasnt done it before till now
@@MalonzeProductionsGaming ha ha - that reminded me of mine. He didnt eat for a while so I panicked and rushed to the vets. The vet spent the consultation saying what great condition he was in and that they can just go through phases of not eating (not brumation). I learnt to relax and watch for other signs. And weigh him regularly too. With a dog, the first meal that they dont eat is a worry, with a reptile they can refuse food for weeks and it can be fine.
My first reptile was a severely neglected Bearded Dragon. She was in such bad condition, she looked like she was gonna not make it tbh. No bulbs, on that store sand, dark as can be, owners threw in human food to her. Yeah, she looked terrible.
I knew nothing about beardies and yet I just had to save her. I took her home, did obsessive research, set her up in a great temporary tank the following morning, and kicked it into 6th gear and did everything I had to do for her.
Vet visits, proper nutrition, huabandry, lights, etc.
That was almost 9 years ago and she is still with me today. Shes got a lot of bad underlining health problems, but we do our best to keep her as healthy and happy as we can.
I now only rescue bearded dragons and all the dragons in my possession were bad neglect cases!
Its sad, but it brings me joy in life to save these amazing creatures.
Let me tell ya, having 1 is a lot. Having multiple dragons is a lot of work lol. But I love it. Now lets pray more people do their damn research on these kiddos. I did hardcore research, there is no excuse not to.
I got my boy in a similar condition, though he had old wounds on his tail from a fight with another dragon, the other dragon had lost a foot. I was gonna get that one but it found a home and I got my boy.
Now you can barely see the scars and aside from being stunted and having occasional health issues he is happy. He’s actually spoiled rotten and staying with my grandmother for the time being, she loves the little dude which is hilarious. First it was “I won’t touch him” to now she takes him outside to sit on the porch for sun every afternoon. She adores him and he seems to enjoy the attention most of the time.
It’s sad, but a lot of them are out there needing a home after people realized they don’t want to put the work in! Adopt if you can, people!!
I have gotten everything for the dragon I have a 45 gallon tank but it's a baby but when it's older I going to get a 140 gallon and I have a question um I need a name I do not know I need ideas plss
Reginald the Third
I did a lot of research before getting my beardie, but as a beginner I didnt realize just how much of a learning curve there would be! Tons of health questions, as well as buying incorrect equipment and wasting a lot of money at first. Luckily I'm very dedicated to giving him the best possible care I can, but i was still surprised at just how much time and research he requires lol. Just be prepared if you're a newbie. It's about as much attention as a dog I'd say.
100%
Adam you need to stop saying your just a guy on youtube and you cant believe we watch you. You are the most interesting youtuber in the reptile hobby that i watch. I love your vids and never change.
I love my bearded dragon so much. She also seems to respond well socially. Tells me all the time what she wants; if she want to go to toilet, eat and drink, if she wants company, left in peace etc. If I turn off the lights she often comes out from her terrarium to join me. Her terrarium is open all the time, and she seems to know where to go and where not to go. Went down the stairs only twice in 3 years. Told her not to do it and she doesn’t go there anymore.
😮 wow I pray the one I get is as compatible as yours!
Based on my research I'd say that, contrary to popular belief, bearded dragons are *not* beginner reptiles, but instead would be better off listed as "intermediate" reptiles
Definitely agree that bearded dragons make awesome pets, but definitely wouldn't consider them a good "entry level" species for someone looking to get their first reptile
Of course beginners can and have successfully kept bearded dragons alive and well...but it's not as easy or inexpensive as some of the other options available
well said!
I think there is a problem with the term “beginner ________” fill in the blank. I think whatever the animal, and no matter how easy or challenging it is to take care of, a beginner should still understand that there is a large commitment toward any animal and making sure that it’s needs are met, and that those needs HAVE to be met. Maybe beginners should understand that first. I’m not implying that a first time pet/reptile owner should take on something extremely challenging, but they should still be held to a high standard, regardless of the “beginner” status of an animal. Beardies are easy to handle and are great for handling for beginners, but they are also not great for beginners because things can go very wrong if you do not meet their essential needs, and the animal suffers. The risk is high to the beardie if the owner does not take their job and responsibility seriously.
Adam: Please your Omnipotence, have mercy!
My Bearded Dragon: After you’ve picked up all my poop, then we can talk about mercy! Take his like button away!
I've got a 9 year old beardie. I bought a 300 gallon saltwater tank for $30 because it leaked. I setup multiple banks of light in the hood and replicated natural light lumens by putting in cheap home depot light fixtures. His enclosure is a mix of sand, dirt, leaves, logs, and hay. He has been the best pet we have ever had. he digs constantly. likes to bob his head when I get home. I like a lot of what you say, but in my experience. Where my beardie has lots of places to dig, climb, and run. When I pushed veggies, I would see weight loss. He's a very trim and muscular dragon. His feeder insects live in the soil and rocks. I buy crickets/dubias/worms once a week and it takes him all week if not more to hunt everything down. To the point I have baby crickets in the enclosure. The insect to veggie ratio I feel is more based on the amount of space and activity level that facilitates. MY guy will wait for all the hidden bugs to come eat the veggies, then pick them off. If it's fruit however. That guy loves strawberries and blueberries. A great treat when you think your beardie needs a bit of hydration. One thing I can't stress enough to potential beardie owners. Go on cragslist and look for large fishtanks with leaks. Often they are free. Set up the enclosure like I did with natural substrate. We call it "bio-active" Maybe I had a good dragon, but he always has something to do in his enclosure, and if he gets bored he perches on the top of the highest log and head bob's my wife while she is working from home. Many meetings have taken place with our beardie taking part.
Nice!
How can you do a list of "the crappy things about beardies" & not mention how bad beardie crap smells? Lol
Is there good smelling crap, though? 🤣
Yes my daughter warned me! Until he did it on my shirt ugh the worst smell for such a small guy lol
I agree that someone completely new to reptiles shouldn't just buy a bearded dragon... However I have noticed (having worked in a reptile shop) that beginners are often encouraged to buy animals they don't really want so they can eventually move on to an animal they actually want. I really don't like this. Bearded dragons can work for a first time owner - but that owner needs to 1) do research - videos like this really help and 2) spend time with current owners to help develop their understanding prior to making a purchase. Even spending a couple of Saturdays shadowing someone in a decent reptile shop can be great prep for a first time owner of a beardie
hey thank you for your channel! i really want a bearded dragon one day and used to think they needed a 40 but now know they require a lot more! i'm saving up for a 120 gallon and one day once I have the time, money and space I can not wait to get a bearded dragon!!! thank you
I’d try to get bigger than a 120 gallon if possible, they’re very active and will use every inch of space given to them. Look into using a grow tent or building an enclosure :)
@@nightinggale6470 oh really? okay I'll definaetly look into that then! I won't even be able to a beardie till about 2 years from now when I'm not a full-time student, so that'll give me time to plan out an enclosure! :)
Watching your videos make my day, I am always ready the second you post XD You're Awesome
You're the best!
I have 4 bearded dragons. I love caring for them.it honestly gives me something to look forward to-at the end of the day.
they can be such great reptiles
I have 8 and they are my heart!
I came for the Dragon and stayed for the bald guy!
🤣🤣🤣
Subbed! 👍
I appreciate you!
@@WickensWickedReptiles thank you... You know what the best part of your video I liked. Your take on loose substrate. BEARDIES LOVE TO DIG! The problem are owners who throw live food in their tank instead of having a separate feeder tank. Live food in their home can be it's own issue as their own food will feast on them while they sleep. Dust can be a problem too but only with poor ventilation and really just with super fine calcium type sand. Not how you mix it. That's perfect! Mad props 👊 I would use a reptile rug under the play sand to "soak up" much of the dust. Plus, then when they get to the bottom it's soft and comfy. Unfortunately Covid destroyed me and my life so... 😞
My bearded dragon is legitimately my child, but I sadly had to leave him with someone because I had to leave the country for school. I miss him more than my boyfriend.
bahahahha, amazing!
I've been wanting a bearded dragon for years ever since I saw the babies in petsmart once. I realized they're funky little creatures that I really like and vibe with after doing some more research on them. Lately I've been thinking of finally getting one. I've been putting it off because I just wasn't in the position to care for one. And your video reminded me I'm still not. It hurts kind of because I love animals, and this is a pet I've been waiting years to get, but the truth is I'm still not in an environment or situation where I'd be able to give my beardie the best life it could. And knowing me, I'd love to give it an amazing enclosure and eats my meals with it, possibly give it snacks of m meals, if I'm having salad. (by snack I just mean a singular small strip of lettuce) Thank you for reminding me I'm not in a place to get one yet because I almost started the process of bringing one home. This is not to be sounding bitter, I'm trying to be genuine because if and when I am ever lucky enough to have one of these beautiful creatures, I'd love to give it a good life. I just can't give that right now.
Get good idiot
Diamond is gonna bite your ear even more now haha.
he's loco
When I did rehab and fostering, so many beardies came to me with bone issues. They get marketed for beginners, and then they forget the lights or calcium. I think leopard geckos are probably easier. I love dragons though!
Thank you for this video. I currently have whites tree frogs , but I was also looking into a bearded dragon in the future (like 2-3 years down the line). I really think it is important for people to understand that pets can be just as complicated as kids (sometimes even more because kids grow up to taking care of themselves but pets are essentially babies forever) .
The bottom line folks - This is a living creature. If you aren't willing to put the work in, DON'T GET ONE!! IF YOU ARE LAZY, DON'T GET ONE! It's not fair to the animal.
Have you ever done or had a ring-neck snake i would like one but cant find captive breed ones anywhere and there is not much on the care of them
Gotta love Beardies but I agree with your beginning sentence, my first was a beardie and I don’t really know if that was a smart decision now looking back on things, such incredible animals and they for sure are great reptiles and for sure you can get one as a first but they are more advanced than they seem :)
my first reptile too!
What is often not stated is when you keep reptiles, you have to create their living space.
That alone makes them far different than the warm-blooded pets most people keep.
Thank you for making this video! I haven’t managed to watch it all yet, but I’m so happy to see this one posted. It’s one I was interested in since I have been considering a bearded dragon to keep me company.
You are so welcome!
Took my dragon outside today and I’m pretty sure he got possessed by a demon lol.
Always get the full size enclosure first it saves so much
I agree
Hey Adam. We just adopted a 3 yr old beardie. Your videos are invaluable. She's doing great so far.
that's so awesome!
I chose a Beardie as my first reptile, but I've been doing research for months to prepare. I adore them, have the space and time.
they can be so great!
That’s how we got ours. His previous family bought him for their son and he outgrew him so he was neglected a little. He is our first reptile and we love him so much! He has a personality and likes to run around the house and watch TV with us. We feed him well and his house is big and nice. He has the best lighting too. We just had to study a lot but it’s fun for my kids and me.
YES, BEEN WAITING TODAY. INSTANTLY CLICKED LOL
woooooooooooo
Same
"And you're going to get rickets" I laughed so hard that the neighbors looked at me weird
hahaha!
Ive had lots of experience with lizzards nor beardies but i just got my 2nd beardie
Excellent as usual Adam! Educational and entertaining and oh so important information.
Looking forward to part 2 of non venomous counterparts of beautiful dangernoodles, just saying 😉
Thanks again!
My first lizard was an abandoned baby beardie from petco that was missing a leg. My dad found him. He was my little dude. First reptile and the one that lead to me looking into other reptiles and lead me to getting my baby gecko. I got him July 3rd and he is a very happy little leo. Rip Reggy you were my little homie
Beardies always have been appealing to me. However, I've never pulled the trigger for the first reason you've given - size commitment. I really think there need to be more of the "DO NOT GET A "xxxxxx" video series. I think there are WAY too many people just buying animals without research. Being in the hobby is awesome, and getting more people into it is great too. As you say, too many impulse purchases are the problem.
I think this is my favourite video so far because of the message - "Do your research. Know what your commitments will be". My rule for myself is a minimum of 6 months of research before I get a new pet.
Thanks for making the effort to get the message out there. 🦎🐢🐍
for sure!Q
@@WickensWickedReptiles while you might see this: have you heard of the Mata Mata turtle? THEY ARE EPIC!!!
Title I would make up for this video: People are lazy.
On here trying to see if I really deserve one I think that's super important before getting any animal ... I wanted a hedgehog one time and I did my research and realized I didn't have nearly enough time for one.. and that's okay.. better to know then hurt an animal
Thank you for this realistic look at Beardies! I've loved them for years, but know we simply don't have the space to give them the life they deserve.
I already know one of the reasons is that they will bite your ear.
hahahaha!
@@WickensWickedReptiles I saw the thumbnail and my first thought was "oh no Diamond must have nipped Adam's ear a few many times this week".
Clearly a protein deficiency lol joking of course :)
I got my bearded dragon from my roommate's brother who got bored of her after 6 years. She's lived in a 40 gallon her whole life with barely any UVB but she's in pretty good health despite the poor husbandry and she's super chill compared to our Uromastyx. Her 120 Gallon habitat finally came in yesterday and we'll be upgrading her this weekend. I'm so excited to see how she is going to react to her new enclosure.
It's 3am, I'm still a little buzzed, meant to look up dragon's beard candy, but here I am. Not disappointed.
Me who got a bearded dragon as my first pet ever: Hmm yes.
woops
@@WickensWickedReptiles Ehh its fine, he's very healthy (and from what i can tell) pretty happy.
Got my beardie at a reptile show and he was teeny tiny when I got him. Out grew his cage in less than a month and I have him in a 75gal now. Started my dubia colony because that’s his favorite thing to eat. They’re not the easiest, but they’re the best. They have awesome personalities.
I totally agree! My beardie is amazing and I love him so much, but he was my first pet as an adult, and first reptile ever.
We got the 20 gallon starter kit and had to swap out most of the stuff. And within 4 months we had to upgrade and got him a 120 gallon, and he LOVES the 2 feet of climbing height. If I wasn’t worried about him hurting himself jumping from too high, I would have gotten him the 4 feet high. And all that was WAY MORE pricey than I thought.
Also, the salad making is very involved and I had not anticipated the amount of insects he would need to eat to grow up. As well as the controversy back and forth over literally every single type of feeder insect.
*me watching this as I stroke my bearded dragon *
samsies
I love mine since she is trained and she is sitting in me rn
awesome
Ty
Wow, those bracelets are sick! Gonna pick one up with your code!
I love that they're strict with these animals. Where I live, when you have an adult bearded dragon, you need at least 16 square feet for them (sweden) 😁
...yeah but they don't check that
In your little rambles I usually learn something new 😂 I always wondered why my 2 year old beardie is HUGE (bought as a baby) and my new rescue who is apparently 4 is so small. At least I know I’ve been doing a good job! 😬
I've had my Bearded dragon Joey for 7,5 years and he just overcame liver infection and abscess which we only found because I had an ultrasound done #TakeCareOfYourAnimals
Happy Joey is feeling better!
Do you know how jo jo got sick? :(
@@ravenbeaudoin109 It's not normal for reptile to lose mass at that rate so I knew something was us that was not just old age but besides the weight he was just as normal so it was tricky
i’m a beginner, and i’m doing a ton of research for bearded dragons and what they need, would it still be recommended or no?
Not just for bearded dragons, but I think the majority of pet owners have no idea what they are doing. I did research and thinking about it for 4+ years before I committed to getting a bearded dragon. I think they are amazing, but the only thing I don't like is how often my bearded dragon will just choose not to eat his veggies. He's grown to nearly 24 inches and he's healthy so I know he's obviously eating enough of them.
I raised praying mantis for years before I got my first bearded dragon and one of the coolest parts of having him is there are days I get out of bed in the morning just to feed him. Whether I'm not really feeling up to getting up that morning or I went to bed too late I still get up to take care of him. It helps me to have something that I have to take care of.
Another thing I do that I've seen many bearded dragon owners frown upon is I take him with me sometimes. Usually once a month, sometimes twice, I will take him with me when I go see family or even just to the pet store. I got a soft carrier for him he will sit there watching everything. He loves going for rides. The first couple times he was not sure at all about it so I take a blanket he likes. It's his safety blanket and if he's uneasy he will lay flat on it and he will relax while watching. That blanket is the only way I used to be able to take him outside for sun. Now he will lay on my arm or on my shoulder like he has his.
My bearded dragon is definitely still not one that runs around and is excited to be out of his tank. When I do take him outside if I walk more than a couple steps away from him while he is sunbathing in the grass he will go completely flat. He feels way more confident with me nearby. He also will darken if I let anybody else hold him and parts of him will turn bright orange as soon as he's back in my hands. It's actually funny to see the difference.
The only thing odd I'd say about my bearded dragon is until he probably 8 months old if I tried to pick him up from underneath he would run away, but if I tried to pick him up from above he would relax and let me. Then when he was on his blanket or in my hands he was fine. I saw everyone saying not to do that but it was the only way he would let me. After he go over that phase now he will let me pick him up from underneath.
I rescued a bearded dragon from a neighbor when I was in 6th grade and I had him from then until 2 years after I graduated highschool. His name was Rex and I still haven't loved a pet like I loved him.
When I had an iguana I would write the date my next UVB was due on a strip of tape and wrapped it around the cord that kept me on track with getting it changed
I keep my leopard gecko in a 40 gallon, I can’t even imagine keeping a grown beard dragon in a 40 gallon.
I can get a bearded dragon I have a 140 gallon tank the neighbours gave me the tank
Awesome video. Ngl I was not aware of the care for our beardie. We may have not been the best first parents but he is amazing and fun and people like you help us new owners to learn.
Almost anything (within reason of course) can be a good beginner pet as long as you do a TON of research and then do some more, correct enclosure, have the money set aside for emergencies, ect. My nephew's(10yrs) first pet was a bearded dragon and he was 100% ready because he was committed and did the proper research. His enclosure is amazing, it's a whole room
As a first time owner I feel like I got extremely lucky. Of course, I’ve only had him for a year, but doing a baseline three months worth of research on husbandry I feel like I’ve done pretty good. Mine (Cecil) was perfectly healthy and very active when I got him when he was young. I even built him his own enclosure with safe to use wood that’s about 5x2x2 I believe. I’ve been very fortunate and he eats well and has a very good attitude. I even have a setup for him for when we go camping. Overall, I think the right people with the right ambition and research shouldn’t have too many problems starting out with bearded dragons! ^^
I’m really interesting in your camping set up for it, we also do like camping and planning to get a bearded dragon in the near future, what’s your set up like?
I got a beardie as my first reptile. The size thing was a problem for us so we got a dwarf beardie instead. He’s awesome
cool!!!
hey bud I really dig your vids! I have been looking to take the tiles and what not out of Frey'jas tank and go substrate. she ate the shit out of sand when i put it in there but what you do has my attention. would you please send me links of where to get it like yours? we'd really appreciate it
at 7:56 when he spills all the worms then looks at you like "Excuse me are you going to clean that up?"
basically
You’re absolutely right! The pet stores have it so wrong! The husbandry, diets, enclosure size, substrate! So many Beardies end up passing away due to owners being misinformed 🥺 thank you for this.
I just baby sat a beardie! She was awesome and sweet!
And you are right, they need a big enclosure, they need uvb light and they need to be kept warm - and not overheated. They like to sit on fences and low branches. They need bugs and protein- not just "salad". They need to be handled on a regular basis. They have personality! They say that they carry salmonella, so handling with cleanliness is a must. So if you are the least bit lazy or busy - you should not have a beardie. They need your time! They need a specialized vetinarian. They need much more care than a cat or a dog!
If you have the time, and you like to have one on your shoulder or in the crook of your arm most of the time, then a beardie can be great! Like I said, they have personality and they are quite surprising!
Was i the only one *anxiously* waiting for Diamond to bite his ear?
he is such a savage!
I have baby green igaua and BABY Beardie. My baby is in a 75 long right now and my igaua is in a critter nation til shed bigger I'll add on to it . Can a Beardie go in a critter nation ? Or just aquarium tanks
what do you think about corn snake are they good for begginers
absolutely!
@@WickensWickedReptiles tnx
Last night we picked up our first reptile pet. It's a baby beardy. Wish us luck!
good luck!
My dragon was my first ever reptile and I have had him for 5 or 6 years and I adore him and he is a very big boy.
very cool!
I’ve never owned a lizard, but always been drawn to bearded dragons. Now I know it would not be a good idea to get one. I also live in southern Ontario with no ac, so the humidity gets really bad in our house in the summer. Thanks for the really informative video!
Hi ! Liked your vidéo! Ive had mine for four years on tile to prevent what youre talking about with that fear of impaction and...IT kinda sucks how he just puts poop everywhere when im not around toi clean it at the moment. So m'y question is: what are those loose substrates i can safely use and find easily on petshops? Im in Canada too (Québec). Thank you!
save yourself some money and get a bag of play sand from a hardware store for $7, a brick of coconut coir for about $10 and have enough substrate mix for well over a year.
A soil/playsand/clay mix is best. Natural, safe, and holds their burrows.