Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK You Experts, need some advice.

I've been raising snakes for decades and my kids have decided they'd like to get into Lizards, specifically Bearded Dragons. I'd like to know what you feel are the most important aspects of maintaining these reptiles. Diet, light, caging etc. I think I've got a grasp on the basics, but want to know what difficulties are common with these Lizards. Second choice they have is Blue Tongued Skinks, is this a mistake? I want them to have something docile that has lots of character.

Thanks for Your Help.

Mike

I have 2 beardies, 1 male and 1 female. I find them very fascinating and a pleasure to watch. I have them both housed together and they get along great. The most difficult was the lighting. I have a heat lamp, day lamp and a red lamp for night. I do not regret buying them. They handle nicely, and are very docile with the family. They enjoy their necks rubbed.

you said you have a heat lamp, day lamp and red night light?

are any of those UV?

i suggest having no light on at night time....they need to sleep. and the red light can keep them up.
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a free range dragon is a happy dragon

I think besides the lighting (basking spot and UV) the biggest thing for me is making sure they have sufficent room. A single beardie needs a 40 gallon breeder tank.
Also, I would highly recommend getting an adult dragon for your kids. They are less delicate than a hatchling, and calmer. Also, you can get one that already tame and used to being handled. That's what I did for our first dragon, and 6 years later we have 4 more pet dragons, and he's still the family favorite (although we all also have our special dragon, as well - he's mine).
But I've also met some really nice, handlable blue tongue skinks. I just don't know their specifics for keeping, so can't compare that.
Let us know what you decide!
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1.0.0 Dumeril's Boa, Bruce
1.0.0 Mexican Kingsnake, Vincent
1.0.0 Graybanded Kingsnake, Boris
1.1.0 Ball Pythons, Pete & Frank
2.3.0 Bearded Dragons, Bela, Sally, Caijun, Phoenix & Spook
0.1.0 Fattailed Gecko, Sahein
2.0.0 Rats, Captian Howdy & Despero
1.0.0 Pushy Lovebird Baxter

i wouldn't go straight to buying an adult....most times people are getting rid of an adult because of some problem....like they weren't taking care of it well...so it is probably mean or even sick.

babies grow really fast. they reach full growth in almost a year. plus it's fun to watch them grow.

bd's are more entertaining than a skink...can a skink sit on your shoulder like a parot?
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a free range dragon is a happy dragon

YOu want personality? Beardies sure have that! I have two beardies, and they have the sweetest personalities, but they're both different. They love to be handled and they love to knit with me or watch tv! LOL The older one is more of a cuddler. He's even been known to take a nap on the couch with me. LOL

Actually, they're bigger cuddlers than my cat! lol

Maleea