Disclaimer: The information below is a compilation of personal experience, information and advice that I have obtained while owning and researching these animals. It is of a general nature and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or an individual personal consultation. This is by no means an exact or complete care guide. Presented here are some of the most important care items that I have learned from personal experience, books and from the web. I try to answer the most commonly asked questions. Everyone who breeds or sells any animal seems to have their own opinion and methods regarding their care. So you will have to determine the method that works best for you, while keeping your animal’s health and happiness foremost in your decisions. Please consult a veterinarian in person if you think your animal is sick. If your animal is bleeding, unresponsive, paralyzed or has any severe problem, take them to a DVM immediately. Always get care information before you buy your reptile and bring it home. Never buy on impulse.

• Selecting a Beardie
  The first step in getting any new animal is to deal with people who have a good reputation. Deal with a reputable dealer or breeder that stands behind what they sell! If you would like to buy only one Beardie, try getting a male (although it's hard to sex a Beardie at an early age). During breeding season the females present a risk of becoming egg-bound as well as other complications from laying eggs, fertilized or not. Single males have a better chance then females, of living to an old age. You should take your new BD to the vet just to check for any health problems such as parasites and bacteriological infections twice a year. These can be easily checked by making sure you take a fresh stool sample. No matter where you buy an animal from, always be aware of possible health problems and quarantine new animals for at least a month (I prefer 3 months). Get a fecal done as soon as possible.
  

• Don't buy any pet from a pet store that is not properly maintained and clean! If it's dirty and the pets don't look happy get out.
• When picking out a Bearded Dragon make sure you take a good look at it first. You need to make sure of the general health of the animal. Check for the following signs:
• They should generally not lay flat with their heads down.
• They should always maintain their balance not tip their head back so far they tip over.
• Is the animal alert? When you pick it up, it should show some movement and alertness.
• The animal's eyes should be clear. There should be no mucus or crust. The animal's eyes should be open wide.
• The body and tail should be full and rounded not too many skin folds.
• Is the animal eating well? This is easy to prove as Beardies are usually hungry, (unless they just ate). Just ask management to feed your animal so you can watch him eat.
• Does the animal have any parasites on its body (ticks, mites)? After handling check and see if they have mites. (either on your hands or on the lizard)
• Does the animal have any unexplained swellings, bumps or lumps?
• Is there any mucus coming from the nostrils?
• Does the animal have all its digits (toes), and is the tail complete? (This is not necessarily harmful to the animal but it may be a potential problem. Many Beardies live normal happy lives missing limbs and tails. They are usually sold at a discount and as long as the animal is healthy, it's a way to save a few bucks)

Buying on the net
Who sells on the net? Individuals that have a few extra babies to sell, people just trying to support their hobby, someone with no clue what they are doing but they have Beardies cheap, a dragon mill just pumping out babies fast and cheap, a serious hobbyist working to improve the line, a broker selling other peoples problem pets, quality breeders who care about their animals… good and bad of all types. Buying on the net has its pitfalls and advantages. It is a little different than buying in person. Most pet stores are not breeders, they are retailers trying to move product and make a profit. Buy low and sell high. Because of the massive turnover needed to make a profit, many times attention is not paid to the animals or their enclosures. These stores will buy Beardies from whoever sells them for the best price without regard to breeding standards. If animals come in sick or distressed and die, another animal may be placed in the same enclosure and the disease passed on unknowingly. It is even more important to deal with a reputable breeder.

Updated 1-1-05