Who owns reptiles and parrots

[Maria_Metropolis]

My son wants a bearded dragon, and I'm not sure.

Do reptiles cause any issues with parrots, like transmission of disease, other issues?

 

[riddick07]

I own a bearded dragon, blue tongue skink (well this one is my mothers), a boa, and a python. I would make sure you get the beardie from a breeder with good standing. Salmonella would be a worry since its more common in reptiles but is still not real common. Turtles are the most common for salmonella. Parasites are also a health issue for beardies but can be prevented if they have a good diet. Real health issues that can be transferred aren't overly common in bearded dragons. I wouldn't be too worried about getting a beardie! Just go to a good breeder instead of a petstore. Inbreeding can be common in beardies too so be careful of that one when looking to buy. Bearded dragons make awesome pets...if you feed lobster roaches you may scream when they end up on your hand...I did... I feed mostly silkworms now and fresh foods obviously! One common health issue for breaded dragons is metabolic bone disease but that is not transferrable and is a diet and light issue.

On a side note I love leuistic colors in dragons!

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

Thanks. They have reptile rescues too, what do you think about those?

 

[thekarens]

Beardies make fantastic pets. To me they are the most "pet like" of the reptiles. They have great personalities. If it weren't for the feeding requirements I'd have one. Just make sure hands are well washed after handling.

Personally, I think a rescue would be fine.

 

[riddick07]

I agree a rescue beardie should be fine! I didn't think of one of those since I don't see them in the rescues very often. It is mostly iguanas after people realize they got something that could break their arm.

 

[riddick07]

Also, if you are going for pet like the Irian Jaya blue tongue skinks make great pets too.

 

[mrgoogls]

i own a few reptiles. i havent had any problems disease wise or anything. just make sure they arent out with each other(seems obvious but people have done worse things.)

 

[sonja]

I have birds and reptiles. In fact, I run a reptile rescue and we have 3 beardies for adoption right now. If you are anywhere near Maryland, feel free to contact me if your are interested.

Beardies are not the easiest of reptiles, and depending on how old your son is, plan on doing most of the work yourself. They need fresh food chopped up every day. They also require fairly expensive lighting that much be replaced every 6 months or so. But, they are fun pets, generally easy to handle and stay a reasonable size for most people to keep as a pet.

 

[riddick07]

Sonja if I had anymore room I'd take one I inherited mine after my grandmother was put in a retirement home. He was not in the best of shape since she had no idea how to take care of him (she inherited him from my uncle when he passed away) but he runs across the room at full speed now and has the weird thought that he can fly....he always tries to jump from the couch into his cage after he is done being out...the first time he did it he scared the crap out of me...he was perfectly fine and couldn't seem to understand why it didn't work...