The Great Lizard Debate

[Reptilian]

I've come to a crossroads with the decision as to what my next purchase will be. I've come down to a lizard, but can't decide on a bearded dragon or a crested gecko.

I like the idea of having a larger lizard that I can leash and have out on sunny warm days, but then I like the idea of having the prepared commerical diet food for cresties since I am not a big bug person. I mean I'll handle them if i have to but I won't go out of my way to catch, touch, pick one up.

So you guys, what's the pros and cons of each lizard. Which do you prefer?

[mlededee]

if you're not big on bugs i'd go with a crested gecko. beardies needs lots of crickets and other insects--and i do mean LOTS!

the size of a beardie is nice but that means they will need a larger enclosure when they reach adult size and they require a lot more food. beardies also require supplemental heat and lighting.

cresteds don't require insects although they do appreciate a few every now and then and they don't need any supplemental heat or lighting. they can be jumpy, but if you handle them regularly from the time they are small they can become quite calm.

[Kagez28]

how could you say no to thins guy???



i love cresties, not to high maintenance, and fun to handle. i have read that breaded dragons eat alot of food, and you have to feed them a bunch of different things.

ultimately it comes down to YOU.

[Reptilian]

Oh that is too cute!

I had a dream last night that I was setting up a tank for a new crestie. Maybe my subconsious is trying to tell me something. LOL.

Now a few quick questions about cresties. Are those fresh air habitats ok for them, or how about those ExoTerra glass cages?

[Kagez28]

i'd go with a glass one, like the exo terra one with the double doors, cause cresties need humidity to be 50-60%, and an open air kind of cage wouldn't hold humidity very good. if you get a hatchling or a young one, they might be better in a smaller tub like set up so they don't have trouble finding food.

i plan on getting something like the exo terra one when my guy (or girl) gets alittle bigger.

[Reptilian]

they might be better in a smaller tub like set up so they don't have trouble finding food.

What do you mean a tub setup? I thought they liked vertical spaces...how would I acomplish that with a tub? Do you have any pictures?

[mlededee]

hatchlings and juvies do better in smaller spaces like kritter keepers so that they can more easily find their food--these can be set up with papertowel substrate, fake vinery and plants. subadults and adults are better suited to vertical spaces and an exo-terra cage would be great. i use the crested gecko cage from reptile depot for subadults and adults: http://reptiledepot.com/reptprices.html (second one down on the page).

[Reptilian]

i use the crested gecko cage from reptile depot for subadults and adults.

How many adults can you keep in the cage you gave the link for?

[chris B]

I just got a bearded dragon this past Saturday. I will tell you, they eat alot, it gets expensive. They also need UVB lightning which needs to be replaced every 6 months. If cost is no issue for you I'd deff. go with a beardie, nothing beat's having them fall asleep on your chest *which mine did last night* or even the evil death stare you get while looking it them it's hilarious.

Now I will tell you my brother has two crested gecko's, they're alot of fun also but at about 15-20 minutes of handling they get a bit squirmy, not saying all might but his will. If cost is an issue by all means get a crestie, if not i'd say bearded dragon, both are excellent lizards though.

[chris B]

How many adults can you keep in the cage you gave the link for?

I'd prolly stick with a 1.2 combo or even 0.3, but 3 is the most i'd go. Emily can help you more with that though.