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I adopted a defective lizard from a breeder for a 20$ fee. This particular defect often results in culling the animal, as it is often too expensive and time-consuming to care for. Because of this, not much is known about its care.
I now am one of the most prominent "experts" on caring for this particular subset of creature. Though no one but the most experienced keepers should own one, I am still happy to give information to folks who may have to care for one, either from rescue or purchasing one before knowing exactly what they're getting into.
Aside from being able to give advice on keeping these creatures alive, that's not all the value: the real value is my stupid lizard. I got him literally just a couple of weeks before the pandemic & lockdowns started. He's an absolute angel who has brought me so much joy in my darkest times. He's sweet, gentle, goofy, and is a wonderful companion animal. He now has complete freedom in the front of my home (when he's not in his vivarium) with his own heatlamp, ramp, and a view of the road where he love watching all the cars go by.
I love my stupid lizard. ❤️
In what way is he defective ? because he's yellow ? Beautiful creature regardless
They're supposed to have scales and spikes and look like this.
My boy nekkid.
omg no he’s perfect just how he is! He’s adorable. I love him…what a wonderful story!
He's definitely the opposite of perfect, but he's perfect to me.
Thank you!
I love your sweet boy, what's his name? I had a buddy with a bearded dragon named Mothra and I loved that little dude. RIP Mothra, you were taken way too soon.
Thank you! His name is Pączki. Pronounced like "Pawnch-key" or the more common American pronunciation "Poonch-key" is also cool. He doesn't mind, either way. Americans will recognize it as "the donuts they sell before Fat Tuesday/Lent/Mardi Gras."
I'm sorry to hear about Mothra. Loss is never easy. Bearded dragons are such wonderful creatures. Definitely not for everyone, but, personally, they've made my life so much more vibrant with just how sweet and goofy they are.
I used to think that people who owned reptiles were crazy (they still might be, but for different reasons lol), but when a bearded dragon was suddenly thrust upon me one day.. it took a while, but I came to absolutely adore them.
I love my dumb, goofy boy.
Punch key
Did you have to figure out how to care for him on your own or did you have help? What special treatment does he require since he doesn't have scales?
TL;DR at the bottom. But do note that you SHOULD NOT set out to own a scaleless bearded dragon!! Aside from their crazy difficult care, they are often NOT produced ethically, resulting in sick dragons that often suffer and meet an early end.
I used to foster dragons, so I already knew tons about their ideal care & conditions. However, when looking up care for this particular defect (they're referred to as "silkbacks"), a ton of it was/is just people parroting information they'd only heard thirdhand, as there is barely anyone who actually owns one/has one that isn't a rescue of questionable origin. Because of that, tons of myths and misinformation are online now about silkback care. I essentially had to start from scratch on care and use trial-and-error to figure out what was true or not. It's not malicious misinformation, though! It's just ignorance.
Let me be clear: the reason barely anyone owns one is not because they're rare! They're actually very easy to produce. It's just that most ethical breeders do not sell them to the general public, for a very good reason. It'd be like someone selling one-legged puppies and advertising them as "rare." My breeder genuinely produced Pączki by accident (genetics are crazy), and separated the pair afterwards. They only offered him up to me after I brought up my credentials/experience while attempting to purchase a different dragon from them (who was sold before I could get them, unfortunately).
Owning one of these is bearded dragon ownership cranked up to "Nightmare Mode". The dragon can grow up fine, but it takes a ton of time, energy, money, and dedication to do so. I'm an idiot who decided that I had all of that, plus a curiosity to see the difference between the silkback vs. normal dragon care in case I decided to foster again and found myself in possession of a rescue.
Here's an abridged list of extra care requirements: no rough surfaces or sharp edges in their habitat, no bugs that risk bites (so no crickets, which are a common staple), slightly reduced/farther placed UVB due to higher eye sensitivity since they are prone to blindness/eye issues, same heat requirements, weekly/biweekly baths IN CONJUNCTION WITH: specialized lotion, aloe, massages, shed "help", etc.
They will injure themselves, no matter how safe you make their environment. The injury may also stem from you, as I've even accidentally gouged him with my fingernail before. They're not extra-fragile or anything, but they do require careful handling. It's basically like human skin.. but much slower to heal and much more prone to infections because of that– it's a trait of cold-blooded animals.
TL;DR: I basically had to figure out care myself, due to widespread misinformation from folks who have only heard thirdhand.
Their care requirements is a lot of buying extra things and constantly paying attention to prevent & treat any injuries that may occur because of their skin.
There's a lot more, but those are the basics. Hopefully that helps!
Again, DON'T GO SEARCHING TO GET YOURSELF A SCALELESS BEARDED DRAGON!!! If you want a less prickly dragon, look for a "leatherback" bearded dragon! Their care is the same as a standard dragon and they still have all their scales.
That is really cool you were able to do that!!
Thanks! I'm just a sucker, tbh. He was on the cusp of being culled if he wasn't taken by someone, and, even though he wasn't what I was looking for, I was in the market for a dragon, so..
But I'm glad I did. He's my best buddy, and we've helped to inform more people about dragons and their care. I'm happiest when I'm able to help people.
When I was doing research on getting a reptile pet I thought about getting a bearded dragon. But they really need a set temperature, in a big enclosure, and eat bugs. I got a ball python instead.
I'm happy to hear you did you research and got yourself something you feel you were more capable of handling!
If you ever feel like showing off your noodle-boy, definitely post them up here or in a reptile/herp community. I'd love to see them!