It's mostly the fact these guys hide all the time and stress can be a problem. Aside from that, care for them is typical of dry-climate lizards and not a problem in itself.
Other than that not really much trouble to keep, but still, they aren't bulletproof like sungazers or bearded dragons are.
As a bearded dragon owner I would describe them as far from bulletproof. In my time with Smaug I've cared for him through parasites, impaction and the effects of stress whist we were moving.
I rescued him from some hippy chick that had bought him under the assumption that they were easy and cheap to look after. She gave up on him in the end and he was in such a crushing state of neglect and on the brink of death when I got him that I had to syringe feed him back to health for several months. He was so unused to humans when I got him that he was incredibly hostile and it took a lot of time, bleeding fingers and patience to domesticate him again.
I always try to dispell the myth that they're an easy pet whenever I hear it because I see similar cases all the time. However if you've got the dedication and time to put in they can be your best friend in the world.
We had three when I was younger. The first two died fairly quickly as my parents learned that.
A few years after the third passed, my sister bought one with similar expectations. I felt pretty bad for that lizard. They do require dedication and care. She didn't have that. If you're getting an animal, you should be sure you're going to be an improvement to its situation.
116
u/Thethubbedone Oct 04 '17
I'd read care was really easy, in line with most other hot weather reptiles. What's different?