Better Lizard for a Beginner?

[volcom2772]

My original plan was to get a corn snake but my mom really hates snakes. If I can't persuade her into letting me get one I plan on getting a lizard. My question is are both bearded dragons and leopard gecko's just as easy as each other?

-Thanks

[blackcrystal22]

My original plan was to get a corn snake but my mom really hates snakes. If I can't persuade her into letting me get one I plan on getting a lizard. My question is are both bearded dragons and leopard gecko's just as easy as each other?

-Thanks

Bearded dragons are much more high maintainence IMO.

They need much larger cages than a leo and could not live in anything under than a 40g breeder as a sub-adult.. at least in my opinion.

Maybe you should talk to your mom. Tell her, that your set on getting something, but a lizard will be a lot more to maintain as well as feed and cost. Snakes don't need bugs, while they can be fine on frozen rodents that don't make noises or escape.
They're husbandry is a lot more complex, but if your going for a lizard, a leo will be much easier for a beginner.

[volcom2772]

Okay yeah. I'm still trying to talk to her about it. I've been researching both and I had questions on bearded dragon lighting/heating.
1. Would I only need a UTH, ceramic heat emitter, and a UVB fluorescent?
2. At night would I still have to keep any of the lights on or switch bulb to red/blue?

-Thanks

[mainbutter]

IMO bearded dragons aren't an easy lizard. They aren't specifically hard either, but they require more time and energy, especially young growing dragons. One of the bigger issues is diet. One of the surprising things I found out when I was looking at getting one of my own is that growing beardies will go through many more feeder insects than I thought they did.. up to 50 a day.

Beardies also require a larger enclosure, which can be an issue for some people.

I don't know anything about you or your living situation, but you might be perfectly capable of taking care of a bearded dragon. Just because a pet requires more energy and time does not make it less suitable for you, or a "worse" pet. In fact, sometimes that's a pretty good argument for that particular animal being more enjoyable and rewarding to raise and take care of.

There are many lizards that you could learn to take care of with no prior reptile experience, so don't limit yourself or be too impulsive and get a "2nd choice" pet that you end up getting bored with. Boredom is the #1 cause of captive reptile mistreatment.

IMO leopard geckos are pretty to look at, very handleable, and easy to take care of. However they are a little too common and I think they're a little too boring for me to want for myself. Plenty of people have them and love them though!!

If what you really want is a snake, don't give up with just a simple 'no' before you get a chance to argue why a snake, especially a corn snake, would make a great pet for you and why your mom shouldn't hate snakes. I'm sure people on these forums could help you on that

I'm just going to throw this out there, take a look at crested geckos if you're thinking about lizards. They are the only lizards I have right now, but are my favorite "small, affordable, and easy to take care of" lizard. I bet other people will give you some suggestions for other species to consider as well. If you take out "affordable" from those considerations it opens up my favorites to a couple other species as well that are a bit more than just a $45 lizard.

A final note:

DON'T LIMIT YOURSELF TO THE SPECIES YOU SEE AT PETSMART/PETCO! There are TONS of really cool species out there, and just because the big box pet stores have made a handful of species the reptiles they push "popular", it does not mean those species make the best or most rewarding reptile pets. Back in the '90s, green iguanas were all the rage in pet stores that had reptiles, however they are one of the most difficult lizards to raise correctly for a number of reasons including diet, personality, and housing. Luckily the big box stores, due to pressure from the reptile community, have stopped selling green iguanas. You can still find them, but the "impulse purchase of a difficult reptile for your 8-year-old" isn't happening as much anymore.

That is probably more of an answer than you were looking for but I hope that I've been a little helpful!(p.s. good luck on convincing the mom to let you have a snake, they are my favorite reptiles to have as pets)

[volcom2772]

I'm positive I'll be able to take care of a baby bearded. I've been researching bearded dragon and corn snake for about a week.
I watched a on youtube video by a guy named cavajason. It was basically "how to persuade your parents into letting you keep a reptile" vid which I plan on showing her tomorrow.
Don't get me wrong I would rather have a corn snake but if I can't I would love to have a beardie or leopard gecko if I can't get the snake though. I'll look into crested gecko's too.

[BMorrison]

IMO if you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT get a snake.

Beardie. I love my little Isabella, they're a very fun and interactive lizard and yes they require a little time and energy but keeping any reptile or pet in general takes time and energy.

[volcom2772]

Just gonna bump these questions down here. If anyone can answer these that would be great. Questions regard bearded dagons.
1. Would I only need a UTH, ceramic heat emitter, and a UVB fluorescent?
2. At night would I still have to keep any of the lights on or switch bulb to red/blue?

-Thanks

[ThyTempest]

If you want an easy lizard, I suggest a leo or a crested. They are both easy and docile. We had a crested for several months then it mysteriously passed away. She was eating and drinking fine, pooping regularly, etc.

Overall, I agree, beardies take way more time, space and money.

[llovelace]

Yep, go with a Crestie or Leo

[Beardedragon]

Beardies are in no way a Beginner lizard. I spend about an hour + a day tending to them and they are not cheap to keep.