Bearded dragons can cost between $49 and $100, they are quite affordable compared to other reptiles that are sold for $100 - $500. A hatchling dragon goes for about $49 and then juveniles and adults will cost more. However it is suggested that if you are a first time buyer of a "beardie" it would be wise not to get a hatchling, it is better to get an adult to start off your experience as a pet lizard owner. They are much easier to take care of for a beginner. Considering that they only grow about a half an inch every week, buying a fully grown lizard for the price of a hundred dollars is a pretty good deal.
You should also know what to look for when you buy one. I would not recommend buying your first lizard as an online purchase. If you buy online, how can you be sure the lizard is healthy and has been properly cared for. So I would say pass with online suppliers for now, that way you can physically choose a healthy one. You can get them from a private breeder or from an exotic pet shop. Here are some things to look for:
1. As mentioned before, if you are a beginner, I would choose buying a juvenile or adult lizard; a hatchling needs much more care in the beginning.
2. Make sure you check the skin of the bearded dragon. Look to see if their skin is clear, check for wounds that may be infected. Though if you see bite marks, most likely from their fellow dragons, as long as they are not infected that should be fine.
3. Healthy bearded dragons are almost always alert; they will observe you as soon as you walk into the room. A whole group of dragons will probably all turn their heads at once to take a look at you. If you touch a bearded dragon and it doesn't even lift its head that could indicate that it is a sick critter.
Now that we talked about the cost and purchase of a bearded dragon you must also consider the expense of other necessary items that you will need to keep your lizard safe and healthy. You will need an enclosure that simulates their natural environment. One of the things you can use is an aquarium, or there is another type of glass enclosure used for small reptiles called a vivarium. Some of these have sliding glass doors on the front so you can easily get inside to give food and clean their cage. An aquarium can be used if it is set lower to the ground so you can reach inside fairly easily.
Your cage will also have to have a heating and lighting system. A proper heat light will allow your lizard to bask in a type of sunlight that ensures that it will be able to metabolize what it has eaten. They need to properly digest their food or they will not survive for long.
Other expenses that you will meet are food and supplements for your bearded dragon. Vitamin D is crucial if they are not getting enough sunlight. This is usually purchased in power forum and sprinkled on their food. They will need a balanced diet of insects (some worms), fruit and vegetables. Baby lizards eat mostly protein when young, and then as they get older they will eat more vegetable and fruit as well. This is just an introduction to get one started on the road to owning a bearded dragon. I would suggest to purchase or get a hold of a good book or e-book about bearded dragons, so you will have the information you need for a happy healthy pet dragon in your home.
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