dragon lizards as a pet

Question
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Followup To
Question -
dave, i am interested in getting your opinion on a bearded dragon lizard as a pet for my 7 yr old son. we live in miami. can u please answer these questions and give me some heads up pro or con.
1. how big do they get?
2. what do they eat?
3. suitable containment/housing size?
4. lifespan?
5. special needs or concerns?
6. are they safe for a 7 yr old(my son loves bugs and snakes and so forth)
7 and your overall breakdown on having one in miami etc... YES A BEARDED DRAGON LIZARD
thankx 4 your help
Answer -
Sorry, I'm not sure what you mean by 'dragon lizard.' Are you referring to Bearded Dragons? Please email me with the name of the animal, and I'd be glad to help.

Answer
Okay; First thing: Make sure you are getting it from a trustworthy store. Miami is known for having several great reptile stores, as well as many that don't have such a great rep. I'm sorry that I cannot give you personal advice, as I have never been to Miami, but I would just ask around, and use some overall judgement when looking at the store; i. e., clean environment, clean cages, etc. Also, make sure the dragon was bred in captivity.
Okay, in response to your questions:
1) Mine is about 3 years old and 20 in. Most will not exceed this size
2) They eat a wide variety...Their diet should be 50% vegies(romaine lettuse, collard greens, carrots, etc.) and 50% bugs (esp. crickets, but also mealworms, waxworms, superworms, and even small mice can be used) A young beardie should have slightly more bugs than lettuce.
3) Housing is not that extensive...A 40G tank minimum is sufficient, although it is highly recomended to get a larger one. As far as other requirements, a heat lamp with a heat bulb will be needed to keep the temperature where it should be (about 75-80 F air temp, with a 90-95 F basking spot) Also, a UVB flourescent bulb is required, and will need to be changed every six months. A water dish and some sort of substrate(bedding...i.e. sand), along with a few decorative rocks and something that he can climb on(beardies need to be able to climb..they will suffer from stress if they cannot) and you will be all set.
4)A typical bearded dragon will live about 5-7 years, depending mostly on diet.
5)Bearded Dragons are fairly easy to care for...the only thing that I could think to mention is that they eat alot...especially young ones, which could eat up to 40 small crickets a day.(once they stop growing and are able to eat bigger food and more vegies, they should only eat about 20 crickets)
6) I'm sure your 7 year old would love it...They are one of the most docile reptiles in the world..(mine has never tried to bite me), yet they are very voracious eaters.
7) Miami is probably the reptile capitol of the country...There are thousands of reptile experts there, including many veteranarians/breeders that should be able to help you with any concerns/questions you may have