I cant decide which to get??

[monty's dad]

Im really likeing the idea of getting a beardie! They seem awsome in every aspect! Im just not thrilled about the cost of feeding one. Im also really likeing creasties! They are much easier to feed but dont seem to have all the personality of a beardie. Someone help me decide. tell me which one you like better!

[waltah!]

I like em both. Beardies are more expensive to keep, but have tons of personality. Cresties are just cool. Playing catch the crestie when they jump from person to person is pretty fun

[NYDragon]

I've never owned a crestie so I can't offer an opinion there. But my beardie is absolutely awesome. She's like a scaley dog If you get a sub-adult or adult then the feeding cost would be much less. I find the most expensive part was getting the tank (75 gallon) and the uvb bulb (I use a megaray that I replace once a year). Of course she is an adult now and doesn't eat as many buggies. But she is very entertaining and cracks me up all the time.

Happy not-so-little lizard


Cuddling


Hanging out with one of my dogs


Good luck and if you need anymore info on beardies at least, just pm me

Erin

[Mettle]

Having owned both I can safely say these are two TOTALLY different animals.

The beardie is going to eat a lot more and likely demand a bit more of your time when it comes to care. However, the crestie will have daily maitenance just the same as the beardie.

The cost for housing a beardie is also more with a larger enclosure needed, heat lights (thus hydro), special uvb lighting, etc. Cresties on the other hand don't require nearly as big of an enclosure, no special lighting and no heating.

Beardies are diurnal. They're out during the day and sleep at night. I love this as it's an animal I always get to see every day. Cresties are nocturnal. Some do come out in the early evening, but some in my collection I only saw when cleaning their tanks as they were super shy/secretive.

Cresties are far easier to breed than a beardie. Their eggs don't need a special incubator, a shelf is fine. And they lay clutches of two eggs at a time, generally up to 8 clutches a year. The eggs will hatch two at a time making it easier to house/raise/sell. A female beardie could drop a couple dozen eggs... and that's a lot of little mouthes to feed.

I was keeping/breeding cresties for two years. And then I got tired of it. And found I even lost interest in them a little. My beardies are not a project, but a true pet. And I really enjoy having them even though they do demand a little more of me than my ball pythons, heh. They're worth it. Even my grumpy one, who is a bit of a jerk, but that's just how he rolls.

[myreptilehabit]

I own and breed both, it matters in alot of respects what your day to day life is and what you are looking for personality wise.

Beardies are very much like dogs, they love to go for car rides, watch TV, cuddle, chase your dog and cats (so funny to watch ,lol) ect. but do require more attention and expense. They do repay you with tons of personality though! Look into the RepCal pelleted diet, it has been a staple diet in my home for 10 yrs now. If you buy it by the 5 lb bags and keep it in the freezer it can help immensely with the food costs. They are still offered insects for treats and veggies are always available to my beardies. Cage wise, plastic storage containers are cheaper, comes in xlarge sizes for about twenty bucks, easy to sanitize, maintains temps better, and very easily replaced if damaged. Oh and Beardies are better for younger ones (harder to squish and squeeze), plus there is that whole cant stick to and climb almost anything option. Leash trainable!

If you have a busier lifestyle Cresties are better and dont require as much food and cage space. They are very sweet but harder to keep ahold of. You have to be careful when they decide to jump, which can put them into percarious places. Harder to find escapies. But food cost is minimal.

Definately do your research and dont make a purchase until your confident with your choice. Good Luck!

[BPelizabeth]

Well I do not own a crestie and I can tell you....I never really wanted a beardie. But my son always wanted one. After about a day....OMG...cannot imagine life without my little man. He is hilarious and seriously I could start a whole category based on Bob the Beardie and his antics. They are hilarious and the topic of conversation most of the time here. I can tell you...they do demand allot more time than say...the BP's. He eats like there is no tomorrow...which can get a little pricey. Also you will find yourself shopping for greens you have never heard of before and chopping them up everyday. I also would like to say....you will need a reliable pet sitter for him if you go away for a few days. Unlike the snakes ....they need someone everyday.

But with all of that stated.....I would never go back to NOT owning one. They are so worth the effort and give you so much back in terms of interaction.