Things I didn't know before getting a bearded dragon

1. The setup is not cheap. UVB lighting, the right enclosure size, basking temps, cool side temps — it's more research than I expected.

2. First shed is terrifying if you don't know it's coming. He went cloudy, stopped eating, and I posted a panicked question at 11pm. Completely normal. Three people answered immediately.

3. They have personalities. Sol is opinionated about everything. He bobs at me. He goes flat when he's annoyed. He tracks Biscuit across the room.

4. The community is genuinely good. Reptile people are helpful and patient with new keepers.

What did you wish you'd known before your first [species]?