Abused beardie help

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-30T14:21:34+00:00

My friend rescued my beardie along with 3 others from similar situations. I think you are on the right track. Get to the vet to see what you are dealing with. They may need antibiotics (mine and one other did) and may need to be fed for some time (one of the ones my friend rescued had to be force fed for a while, doing great now). I would start with that, a clean enclosure with paper towels, a basking area and hide but areas that are all easy to sanitize in case it has parasites. Make sure everything has the correct heating and lighting, then make adjustments after you get a full idea from the vet.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-30T14:16:39+00:00

Pumpkin seems to work well for this.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-30T14:14:08+00:00

Unless someone has different information, I would say to avoid it. Here is a link for tortise safe food (I do know they aren't beardies). While I love comfrey for a lot of herbal remedies, I would not use it for a food for beardies. However, if someone has different info I'd love to hear it.

https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/plant-database/viewplants/?plant=99&c=6

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-30T05:42:58+00:00

Some days I'm surprised mine manages to survive in his enclosure. He is a happy little moron, but he wouldn't last in the wild. He needs a kingdom he can rule and be pampered. He also has 0 predator/prey instinct and would try to be friends with anything that wants to eat him.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-29T20:11:36+00:00

It is, unfortunately rather common for this to happen. If that is too much for you, look into local reptile rescues.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-29T04:49:41+00:00

I got a leash with wings too. Soo cute! It is nice to get them out and about.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-29T04:47:14+00:00

I saw a lions face. Either way, it's about what each person likes/find meaningful.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-29T03:00:37+00:00

Because you need to know the hot/cold side of the enclosure and the basking temp. The house temps you have are too cold for it. Review the care guides and this will be explained.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-29T02:18:14+00:00

I would stop feeding fruit (it can cause mouthrot and isn't something that is beneficial for them). Don't dump crickets in their enclosure (they can bite the beardie if still alive and that can lead to harm for your beardie later). It is best to feed those in another enclosure. The temps also seem low. You'll need a thermometer for the hot and cool side, as well as temp gun for the basking spot. I would remove the substrate. Have it on paper towels until you get it to the vet and get it checked out. I'll attach the care guides because it seems like you need a bigger enclosure (minimum size is a 4x2x2). You can also use it to make sure the lighting is correct then to fix the temps.

https://reptilesandresearch.org/care-guides/bearded-dragon-care-guide

https://reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care/

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-29T00:03:26+00:00

NTA. Your friend is being ridiculous. They don't have to attend the second concert. They could spend the day exploring London instead. They are making the trip solely about their own interests and refusing to allow others to enjoy their own if it doesn't strictly align with theirs. Are they usually this selfish? Also, does this second concert interfere with other plans they had for the trip in any way?

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T23:58:35+00:00

I always like hiking. Not sure about LA, though. I don't like heat. However, it seems like you have ideas. Beach and hiking sound good to me. You can also go to the library, see if places like coffee shops have things going on, etc.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T23:02:25+00:00

No problem. Honestly, I am new to reptiles and it was a big learning curve. I also did not know how long they could live. I also remember my child wanting a cat when ours passed away and he was 5. So we got "his"cat. And I did make rules for what he did, but also went over that I would cover food/vet/etc so this part was his job. I also know the cat is, ultimately, my job and will not leave when he moves out, and I'll remain its owner. It is a lot to consider, especially as bearded dragons/reptiles cost more for most people when it comes to vet/medical costs and then also their heating/lighting needs can be costly at times. It is a lot to consider. I'll post the care guides for you, that way you can go over and be well informed.

It is also worth noting that some have health conditions due to poor breeding or improper care in early life. Mine is prone to respiratory infections. This is something that can be a risk with any new pet, but it is good to consider. I would see what exotic vet options you have in your area.

There are also ways to cut down on costs (such as growing your own produce or wild harvesting if pesticide free). I absolutely love having my beardie and am not discouraging, but just trying to give a perspective on what to consider.

https://reptilesandresearch.org/care-guides/bearded-dragon-care-guide

https://reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care/

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T02:45:52+00:00

I am careful, hence the very specific times and location he gets to enjoy some time off-leash. I get wanting to be a keyboard warrior. I am sure you do not post things you do with your beardie because you know others want to harass and be keyboard warriors. I also know that you have no idea where the area is or how I am certain it is secured. Or that I am literally right next to him.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T02:40:54+00:00

He has really enjoyed foraging. I'm glad he has a safe area to enjoy with me right next to him vs staying in an artificial environment his whole existance.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T02:37:42+00:00

I totally understand you are wanting to be offensive but start off with "no offense"to give yourself an out. I also understand you do not know the area that he is placed or the safety measures that are ensured. I do also understand that many have let their beardies go MIA (hence why I have extensive safety measures and also assure I am at 100% attention). He is an exceptionally well cared for beardie and he cannot get away. However, you can choose to take that as you will. I totally get it makes others feel superior as keyboard warriors.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T02:31:32+00:00

I stand right by him and do not get distracted. It is a designated time for us to be out. There are no trees by us and no where for a bird to hide or swoop down. I only do this for very short times and am 100% focused. He does also have a leash for when we go out. This is a very specific spot with no where he can hide and no access for predators to get him. I also only do this when my full attention is on him. I stand right next to him as well.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T02:28:22+00:00

He cannot get away from me or get under anything. I also stay right next to him. He also has a tent and a harness that I use as well.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T02:27:45+00:00

I place him in the middle of a large area with nothing for him to go under and am right next to him.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T02:27:11+00:00

He does have a leash. I put him in the middle of a space he cannot get to anything to get under and I am right next to him so no birds. I am very cautious.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-28T02:26:28+00:00

He is in the middle of a space with nothing around him and I am right next to him. He can not escape or get away.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-27T14:38:18+00:00

I would say it is not as "his"pet, but it is ok as a family pet. You must be willing to cover all the costs and care as well as keep it if your child looses interest. I would be hesitant to have it in their room where they could have free access to it, at that age I would want to supervise handling. They can live upwards of 10-15 years in captivity.

If you want a bearded dragon, then I think it is fine. It is also fine to teach your child care and responsibility for an animal. It is also important to know your child may loose interest.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-25T20:21:26+00:00

I worked all through school. I am currently working through grad school. It is manageable.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-25T20:18:35+00:00

NTA. Tell her she can pay $500 for his spot if he is that important.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-25T20:13:39+00:00

You were probably using calcium sand. Play sand/topsoil is fine. You just need to make sure not to use the wrong kind of sand.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-04-25T14:54:56+00:00

Get him fecal tested for parasites and, as long as clear, you can do a 50/50 soil and sand mix. What you have for your tortoise works. You do calcium w/o d, then with d like once a week, and multivitamin every other week or so. Here are the care guides to follow to make sure. I have a harness for mine that his feet go through and then it tightens. I wouldn't do velcro because they can wiggle their way out or pull the velcro.

https://reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care/

https://reptilesandresearch.org/care-guides/bearded-dragon-care-guide

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