When you go to buy bearded dragons it is important that you choose a healthy animal so that they will live a full and happy life. Many animals sold throughout the pet trade are susceptible to many different parasites, malnutrition and even injuries. Training yourself on what to observe before you make your purchase will give you the best chances of choosing a beardie that is full of life.
Parasites
Parasites are a danger to all animals and humans alike. These can be in internal like bacteria and worms, or external such as mites. It won't be possible to see internal parasites so you will have to make your decision based off of a few other factors. Take a good look at the habitat in which you lizard is being kept. Here are a few questions you will want to ask yourself and /or the seller.
What are the temperatures?
Is there uneaten food or feces laying in the cage?
Is the habitat generally clean?
Does the lizard look lethargic?
Is the animal eating properly?
Are bowel movements regular?
Again, these are not set rules that determine whether a lizard has internal parasites, as a dragon in a completely sterile environment can still have parasite problems, and a dragon in a filthy enclosure could have none. However, if the conditions are suspect, the chances of these parasites are greatly increased so be cautious.
External parasites like mites are fairly hard to see, but can be spotted with a keen eye. They will look like miniscule black specs that appear to be burrowed into your lizards scales. These are quite the pain in the rear to deal with, so if you notice them on any dragons within the same enclosure as the one you want to purchase, it is better to look elsewhere.
Nutrition
The second thing you will want to ask of the seller is what they feed the lizard on a daily basis. Ask them what types of foods, how often they are fed, and how much they eat. You will also want to ask if the beardies are given any nutritional supplements. A healthy diet and proper supplements are essential to bearded dragons, especially adolescents. Another good idea is to visit the store or breeder during feeding times, or on several different days. This way you can see first hand how well the dragon is eating. One of the first signs of a health issue is a lack of appetite, something younger dragons definitely don't normally have a problem with.
Physical Health
The last thing you should take note of is the overall appearance of the animal. Take a close look at the mouth, eyes, vent and appendages of the dragon. All areas should appear clean, clear, and free of any type of fecal matter, puss, mucus, or wounds. Mucus in the mouth or nose could be a sign of bacterial and respiratory infections and open wound can quickly become infected. The colors of the beardie should also be vibrant, unless they are in the process of shedding.
When looking to buy bearded dragons these tips will save you a ton of money, hassle and heartache that comes with buying an unhealthy animal. It really boils down to having a well-trained eye for these sort of things. The tips included in this article will give you a great start, but by taking your time and exploring several different breeders or sellers, you will quickly become an expert at spotting potential problems. Now go out and find yourself a happy, healthy beardie that you can love for years and years to come!
For more tips on Buying a Bearded Dragon visit Joselyn's website Caring For Bearded Dragons. Here you will find vital in-depth information regarding all aspects of beardie care including buying, feeding, illness prevention, lighting and heating requirements, as well as breeding information.
All the Best,
Joselyn Rhodes
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