Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have to assume that despite the reputation of Beardeds as easy to take care of that Collareds, beat them as I have rarely seen much complaint posts on this forum as compared to the Beadies forum. I can't say from experience since I've only had mine for two months but I have cerainly experienced more issues with my beardie!

I think collareds are a bit harder than beardies. You likely see more problems on the beardie forum because there are so many beardeds in captivity, and they are a common beginner lizard. I guess the species and origin of your collareds can make a difference in difficulty. Wild caught collareds can have a lot of problems, like parasites and stress issues. Some just don't seem to want to acclimate to captivity. Certain species or (former) sub species, can be more difficult to maintain in general. Austin and I have found that vestigium, dickersonae, and yellow heads are some of the more difficult types to maintain.

I agree. Even the well acclimated collareds are at least as hard has beardies. They need proper temps, UVB, and lots of space, and getting their calcium down when they refuse dusted crickets is very tricky. The wc are very high stress and will starve themselves, bang their faces into the glass, and dehydrate very quickly.

But boy, do we love them anyway!

From my experience alot of the issue's that arise with Beardies is the lack of proper knowledge on keeping them as pets.

You are a first time buyer and well Beardies are in the top 5 of the favourite lizards to keep. So you go to a pet store like a chain of some sort, not naming them. You get advice from the 'lizard expert' suggesting you purchase crushed walnut shells or VitaSand, in addition to lighting, water dish, decorative hide box, and a dozen of tiny wheeny crickets. I saw this happen to parents purchasing a baby bearded for their child. I quickly took them aside gave them kingsnake.com as a knowledgeable website with sound advice and advised the on what works for me with my beardies.

How many people get sold advice from an 'expert' as being the end all and be all and fully trust that person. Where from my personal experience that many of these salespeople don't have a clue as to how properly house and husband our lizard pets.

In dealing with collareds, they aren't really that well known as the awesome pets they are. I came here after it was recommended by a salesperson from a family owned and operated pet store. So the advice we get here is from hard and fast pet keepers with ton's of experience.

I have to agree with all of my fellow collared lovers statements.

As far as Boost, you hit it on the head, I think there is nothing as valuable as knowledge from people who have kept these guys Beardies or collareds, for many years and have dealt with numerous problems, and will CONTINUE to try and remedy new problems that arise with the help of other keepers/enthusiants, sharing their experiences as well.

I know I love everything about these gorgeous lizards, BUT yes they also come with a price as far as health issues, have dealt with parasites, anorexia, male sexual agression, wounded lizards that have been sent to me, failure to thrive, so many things.

All I can say is NEVER get to cocky and think you have ALL the answers OR have their care down pat, THERES NO SUCH THING, lol.
Theres a basic care, but the things that can crop up one day will, and it's always something different to deal with, always MORE TO LEARN.

So it's awesome to have others to share with, to help keep these beautiful lizards thriving as long as we can.

It's so worth learning to keep guys like this alive and magnificent, They knock my sockies off, so awesome.

Tatanka

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PHEve / Eve

I agree. I'm so glad to have all the good info and advice from all of you. I think my lizards would have expired without it.

I think of you all every time my lizards make a good step forward. Like the other day, I put my dixie cup on top of the tank to drip some water. My boy Kermit looked up, cocked his head, ran over and took a big long drink! That sounds like a simple thing, but it was the first time he has ever done that! I felt like a proud daddy. And yes, wild-caught asre so much work! But I could not have done it without this forum!

John (Hayseed)

I have never kept collared, but from experience keeping my girly beardie she has calm down a lot and never struggle anymore when I hold her, which I try to limit. She's become very trusting of me and is thriving. Can you say that about collared lizards. From reading other people's comment, collared seems to be more high strung...or maybe it's up to each individual keeper, too. I have read that fenced lizards don't thrive well in captivity, but I have kept babies, sub-adults, and adults, and they all seemed to be thriving in my care. They eat quite a lot, so i guess they were happy. I eventually let them go in my yard, so they live around my house. Once in a while I see them basking in the sun. That's my 2 cents!