Bearded dragons are among the most popular exotic pets, renowned for their calm temperament and unique appearance. If you’re looking to buy one, it’s essential to understand the different options available, from national pet store chains to specialized breeders, and what sets them apart. This article provides a complete comparison of all the options to help you find the perfect pet.
| Option | Accessibility | Variety | Quality | Price | Support | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petco | Very High | Low | Moderate | $50 – $80 | Low | Convenient for beginners; limited variety of morphs. |
| Petsmart | Very High | Low | Moderate | $50 – $80 | Low | Beginner kits available; ideal for young dragons. |
| Breeders (like MorphMarket) | Medium (Online) | Very High | Very High | $150 – $500+ | Very High | Best option for rare morphs and ongoing support. |
| Reptile Expos | Low (Occasional Events) | Very High | High | $100 – $300 | High | Wide variety in one place; interact directly with breeders. |
| Adoption | Low | Low | Variable | Free – $50 | Moderate | Great for giving a home to a dragon in need. |
| Local Specialized Stores | Medium | Moderate | High | $100 – $250 | High | Personalized care; staff with better reptile expertise. |
Bearded Dragon for sale in Petco
What does Petco Offers?
Petco is one of the largest pet store chains in the United States, known for its wide range of products and services. Its main advantage is accessibility: you can visit the store, observe the bearded dragons in person, and assess factors like behavior, health, and coloration before making a purchase.
From my experience, this is particularly helpful for beginners who want to see the animal up close before deciding. I’ve visited several Petco locations, and while the staff is friendly, their knowledge of reptiles is often basic. This means you might not get detailed answers about advanced topics like UVB lighting or specific diets.
Important Considerations
While you can find healthy bearded dragons at Petco, remember that many come from large-scale breeders. These facilities prioritize mass production, which can negatively impact the care the animals receive before arriving at the store.
Additionally, Petco often has good deals on beginner kits, including terrariums, lamps, and other essential accessories. If you value convenience and affordability, Petco is a reasonable choice.
Bearded Dragon for sale in Petsmart
What does Petsmart Offers?
Like Petco, Petsmart is a national chain that sells bearded dragons along with all the supplies you’ll need. In my visits, I’ve noticed that some Petsmart locations seem to focus more on cleanliness and animal welfare, which can be a plus depending on the store.
Pros and Cons of Petsmart
One key difference between Petsmart and Petco is their approach to morphs. Petsmart typically offers basic morphs and has less variety overall. If you’re looking for a standard bearded dragon and don’t have specific requirements for color or genetic traits, Petsmart might be a good option. However, as with Petco, the dragons’ origins are something to consider, as they often come from large-scale breeding operations.
Bearded Dragon for sale in Breeders: Wide Varieties
Why Choose a Specialized Breeder
If you’re seeking a bearded dragon with unique traits, like vibrant red coloration or rare genetic patterns, specialized breeders are your best option. Platforms like MorphMarket connect buyers with breeders across the country, giving you access to a wide range of choices.
Advantages of Breeders
- 🌈 Variety of Morphs: Breeders offer a wide range of unique morphs, including rare and vibrant options like Hypo Translucent or Leatherback.
- 💎 Superior Quality: Animals are raised in controlled environments, ensuring excellent health and optimal genetics.
- 📞 Ongoing Support: Many breeders provide after-sale advice and guidance on care, diet, and habitat setup.
- 🏆 Ethical Practices: Responsible breeders prioritize animal welfare over mass production, ensuring humane treatment.
From my experience, buying from a breeder is one of the best ways to ensure you get a healthy, well-cared-for bearded dragon. While it may be more expensive, the investment is worth it if you’re looking for something special.
Challenges
The main downside of breeders is shipping. If the breeder is in another state, you’ll have to pay for transportation and trust that the dragon will arrive healthy. This can be stressful, but reputable breeders usually handle the process professionally.
Popular Morphs
One of the fascinating aspects of bearded dragons is their incredible variety of morphs (genetic variations that affect color, pattern, or scales). Some morphs are significantly more expensive due to the difficulty of producing them or their rarity in the market.
Hypo Zero Bearded Dragon
This impressive morph has a lighter color and an absence of dark pigmentation in the nails, with a price range of $150 – $300. Personally, I have to say this one is my favorite. Visit our article to know all about this impressive morph!
November 7, 2024
Hypo Zero Bearded Dragon
Traslucent Bearded Dragon
The features of this morph are the partially translucent scales and black eyes in juveniles, with a price range of $200 – $400. Visit our article to know all about this morph!
November 6, 2024
Translucent Bearded Dragon
Leatherback Bearded Dragon
The impressive characteristics of this morph are the smoother scales and softer skin texture, with a price range of $150 – $250. Visit our article to know all about this morph!
November 6, 2024
Leatherback Bearded Dragon
Silkback Bearded Dragon
This morph is completely scaleless with extremely smooth skin, with a price range of $200 – $500+. Visit our article to know all about this morph!
November 11, 2024
Silkback Bearded Dragon
Citrus Bearded Dragon
The features of this morph are its vibrant yellow and green colors, with a price range of $150 – $250. Visit our article to know all about it!
November 7, 2024
Citrus Bearded Dragon
Red/Orange Morphs
The characteristics of this morph are the intense red and orange tones, with a price range of $200 – $400.
From my point of view, the Red Monster bearded dragon is a truly exotic and unique morph, and the Red bearded dragon is one of the most popular morphs on the market. Visit our articles to know all about them!
November 7, 2024
Red Monster Bearded Dragon
November 6, 2024
Red Bearded Dragon
If you want to discover other morphs, look at this other article:
November 4, 2024
Bearded Dragon Morphs: Exotic Varieties
Why Some Morphs Are More Expensive?
The price of rare morphs reflects several factors:
- 🧬 Genetic Complexity: Rare morphs require generations of selective breeding to achieve specific traits.
- 📉 Low Availability: Some morphs are scarce due to limited breeding populations or high demand.
- 💰 Market Demand: High demand for unique morphs like Hypo Translucent or Citrus inflates prices.
- 🛡️ Care and Quality: Breeders invest in superior care, ensuring health and vibrant traits.
- 🔬 Recessive Traits: Producing certain traits like Silkbacks or Leatherbacks can be challenging due to their recessive nature.
Other Less Popular Options
Reptile Expos
Reptile expos are specialized events where breeders and sellers showcase and sell reptiles. They’re an excellent opportunity to see a wide variety of bearded dragons in one place. Additionally, you can interact directly with breeders, ask questions, and get advice in person.
Adoption
If you’d prefer to give a home to a bearded dragon in need, adoption is a noble and cost-effective option. Rescue organizations and adoption groups often have dragons looking for new homes. While these animals may require additional care due to their history, it’s a wonderful way to help a reptile in need.
Local Specialized Stores
Some local reptile stores can offer a more personalized experience than large chains. These stores often have staff with more reptile knowledge and may provide bearded dragons raised in better conditions.