Raetea

Animates would be through the roof lol. I remember years ago when beardies first started getting popular in NZ, I saw them in a Wellington store - for $1200 each. Now that's an expensive lizard!

I'm getting a beardie next year when I'm all set up for one. And yes, not many about this year - so just as well I'm not after one sooner! What's a reasonable amount to expect to pay for one? I saw some babies on trademe recently for $400 ish. I haven't seen any cheaper than that. I've also seen 5 year old adults for nearly $600. Haven't seen any in the pet stores yet, but I imagine they would be much more expensive. *Edited typos*

Has anyone got any advice regarding the pros and cons of getting a juvenile dragon, vs. an adult? I'm pretty set on a juvenile at the moment. I'd like to experience my beardie growing into an adult etc. However I'm also interested to hear other peoples thoughts/experiences. TIA

Really appreciating every ones input into this thread - it's great to hear advice directly from NZ beardie keepers. Especially regarding outdoor dragons in summer. *starts fantasizing about a really cool adventure enclosure on the deck for summer*

Regarding outdoor enclosures - do those of you who have beardies still put them out for a bit of sun in winter, or on days where while sunny, it's still not very warm? NZ temperatures can drop so quickly. I was just wondering how they fare when they aren't in the warmth of their tank,- even if just out for a cruise around on the sofa. They must get 'cold' eventually? I imagine a good beardie owner knows when it is time for their dragon to go back into it's enclosure where it has everything it needs.

Excellent - glad to know that size will be okay then We have a lovely sunny deck so s/he will certainly also have an outdoor enclosure too for nice days.

Ah. That size enclosure might be around the biggest I can go in our small place, due to lots of windows. I read it from a few sources while researching as the minimum size - and the beardie would get taken out quite a bit, so I figured it would be okay for 1 beardie? Hopefully I can go a bit bigger, no point getting a beardie if I can't fit a big enough enclosure along the wall for him/her What would you personally recommend as the minimum size? Having had enclosure pets before, I know how important this is. Cheers

I'll definitely be running the enclosure for a bit to make sure temps etc are all good. Certainly will be careful with bulbs - sorry to read of your loss Regarding the 100w bulbs mentioned above - is one of them suitable for a typical 1200x60x60mm tank enclosure, or will it still be too strong?

Cheers guys, especially Varanophile for laying out that info, very helpful, it covers a few things that were a bit murky for me. There's soooo much info out there on google - as a newbie it's hard to know what is right or wrong, and just where to begin. I think I'll also pick up the bearded dragon manual at some stage, just so I've got something that's not on line based to flick through. Re. worms, what is the reason they are not so good to feed? Is it that they might tangle and cause impaction? (Just a guess) Also, vet checks - how often do people find their beardie might need a vet trip? Do they need to go in for worming etc

Sure have, I've also had a sift through the forum - very helpful. I'm really just looking for any extra recommendations I can supplement with, I see there is a few books around, not sure which are good/up to date.

Hi all Just wondering if there are any bearded dragon keepers out there who can recommend any good books/sites? I'm looking at getting a beardie next year, at the moment I'm learning as much as I can about them (I'll be a 1st time owner). Cheers *Edited typo*

Thanks guys. I've been having fun this evening doing searches on breeding insects. If anyone has any good books to recommend on bearded dragons that would be great - there is a lot of info to wade through on the net, cross referencing half of it is a nightmare, and a lot of the info is generally contradictory/incorrect... Happy Easter :bounce:

Hi everyone Complete newbie here - there are no fish, amphibians or reptiles at my place! I'm mega keen on getting a bearded dragon, sometime next year. I came across this forum during my beardie research, and finding it useful already (was thrilled to see there is a vet nearby in Paremata who is interested in reptiles) decided to join so I can keep an eye out for new posts that I may learn something from... All going well I should be popping up to ask some questions later on when I'm getting set up... In the meantime I'll have to make do admiring other members beardie pics! Cheers