Bearded dragon and kids

Heidi · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 06:02 PM

I have a friend who after visiting my family is interested in getting some sort of reptile. He has had a ball python in the past so has some experience but I'm not sure of how much. He has three young children, ages 6, 4 and 3 who did very well with my snake. I was thinking of suggesting a bearded dragon because I've heard they are good with kids but I have no personal experience with them. I wanted to get some ideas from some people with more BD experience before making the wrong suggestion.

Livia · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 06:20 PM

I take my beardie to schools and let the kids play with her, she has always done really well. I'm sure every lizard has its own personality but as far as hardiness, tolerance of handling, stress, and ease of care for a child, I think its a good way to go.

Liv

barker109 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 03:22 AM

I've got 24 beardies and would definitely say its a good way to go as long as the kiddo's are supervised. They need to make sure they do their research before they get a beardie though. As with all reptiles they have certain requirements. They are truly amazing little creatures.
Take care,
Karen Barker

PythonGuy24 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 03:45 AM

I also have no beardies but a good friend of mine does and he has a 5 year old sister and she loves it more than he does. I would highly recomed them as long as they have supervision so they dont freak out and injure the beardie, I doubt that a beardie would ever harm a child.

nycsfinezt61189 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 04:25 AM

i love beardies... i might get one soon

Bubba_ho_tep · #6 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 04:41 AM

I'm proud of my collection of reptiles thus far, and the beardie is one of my favorites to show off to kids. They don't move around or explore to much. I place them on childrens shirts around there chest area so they can craddel them, kids love it. A little research needs to be done by the parents though they have a few special needs vitamin d3, calcium, and ultraviolet light are some examples. I agree with barker109 in that they should be suppervised when handeling them

NicoleRussell · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2005, 12:15 PM

Someone asked me this last week.
Her daughter (who's 6) wants a lizard---and I explained that all day dwellers need expensive lighting---and come with monthly lighting bills. Beardies are great but people who do not own any reptiles are sometimes not happy when they start to see the cost (not to mention the cost and inconvience of live insects)of electricity each month.
When I buy my daughters a new snake--it's understood that I am shouldering the responsibilty for care, vet bills and expense. They get to hold the animal once in a while, and name them, but I get all the other stuff.
And parents also need some lessons in husbandry. It's not a dog or a gold fish---and they need to hear all the pit falls---including potential exotic bills from the vet.
Once someone is well educated in all this ---then they can make a better choice.
While beardies are great personality wise, for some they might not be collectively the right reptile. The woman I spoke with is leaning more towards a gecko now.

palio · #8 (**permalink**) 03-19-2005, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicoleRussell

While beardies are great personality wise, for some they might not be collectively the right reptile. The woman I spoke with is leaning more towards a gecko now.

My daughter has a leapord gecko, Although a wonderful pet we have found its not as easy to hold as a dragon (it will put up with being held but perfers to be left alone.) it is also a night time animal which means basically she never sees it. when she is going to bed it when its waking up. When hse is getting up its ready for its nap. At this point to her its like having a tank in her room that she feeds once a day. At least she can interact with the crickets *LOL*

Just our opionon. Other may and likley do feel different

donttouchmycloaca · #9 (**permalink**) 03-19-2005, 11:08 AM

with kids in those ages you need somthing durable like a sulcata tortoise about 12 to 18 inches in diameter lol like a tonka truck. on a serious note uramastyx are good slow durable little creatures have they considered one of those they look like a mini dinosuar. neat huh.
pardon all my spelling i sucked in school i had better things do to then pay attention so i thought.

futureCROChunter · #10 (**permalink**) 03-20-2005, 12:26 AM

Like Nicole said, the biggest thing is the cost! If they dont have the TIME and MONEY to care for a beardie then it wouldnt be a good idea! You might want to see if a gecko would work for them, they come in many diff. colors and are easy to care for and don't cost as much(I have 2 of them). And if she wanted she could get one for each child because they aren't so expensive.
But if she still is looking more towards a beardie, she needs to do some research long before getting one. They do take alot of work and time. But are GREAT pets!

spike06 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006, 11:45 PM

u just have to watch out for salmonella

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