Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i would like to start a discussion on which of these two lizards are the better pets. i would like for you to reply telling me which is the better pet and some facts to support your statement.

I keep both Leopard Geckos and Bearded Dragons.
Personally, I like Beardies Better.
Leopards are easier to house beacause they require less space, but Beardies just have the greatest personalities, and are (in my opinion) The Best Pet Lizard!

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-Lauren

~ Lauren's Lizards ~

groups.yahoo.com/group/LaurensLizards

i have bred leos for 3 years and i am trying so hard to get a bearded dragon and get the set up purchased. are they really that much better and worth all the initial costs???? thanx!

I also have both leo's and dragons. I've had a pair of leopard's since they were babies (now 3-4 yrs old)and have enjoyed them, but I recently got baby bearded dragons (now ~4months old) and they are the best. They seem to be much more aware of your presence than the geckos. They are also more active feeders and have a variety of odd and amusing behaviors. Also, they are diurnal(awake during daylight hours), wheras the leopard geckos are nocturnal -your pet is going to be more interesting and enjoyable if it is awake when you are.

I too have both leos and beardies (also crested geckos that should breed next year). I've been breeding leos for about a year now and love them dearly. Their interaction level with you depends on how much time you spend with them as well as the individual's personality. I have one big female that comes to the side of the tank when I walk by and wants to come out. Others have to be taken out of their hides to interact. Since I am generally around in the evenings I do have the time to sit with them. I take each one out on it's own and watch tv while they walk around on my body. Even if it is only for a short time each night, I try to have contact with every one of them. I have never had one bite even though I have heard from other people that they can be a little aggresive.

Beardies are the most laid back lizards I have ever seen. They spend most of their time basking in their light and watching the world go by. I've been taking them across the street to the park and letting them wander along the grass on little leashes. They are so cute and seem to really like being outside. When it is too hot for me outside, I put them beside the window on a piece of wood propped up against a plant. They love to sit there and look outside at the people walking by. I have taken my big female with me on my shoulder when I've gone to the grocery store for milk. She sits there quietly and seems to really enjoy the outting. Since they are durial there are more hours in the day that you can interact with them.

For a more sturdy interactive pet I would go for a beardie, though they do have high care needs. Where leos eat mostly gutloaded mealworms and crickets, beardies need a wide range of vegetables to meet their nutritional needs along with the bugs. Leos don't require UV light but do need an undertank heater. Leos need a moist hide, while beardies need to be sprayed down 1-2 times a day (more if shedding).

That is my 2 cents. Hope it helps.
Randi