Gecko or bearded dragon?

[NorksEnormous]

DS is into reptiles in a big way, he has wanted a lizard for a long time. We have kindly now been given the full set up, but having never owned a reptile before I don't know which type to get. He is only 5 so most of the care will be done by me and DH, however I would like one that he can handle. I was thinking a bearded dragon would be the best for beginners like us, however someone else recommended a gecko. Does anyone have any experience of these as pets?

Thank you ??

[FunkyBarnYardBroom]

A leopard gecko wouldn't be able to climb vertical surfaces, most other geckos can!

In my experience beardies can be really smelly. They both will need live food, are you ok with the odd escapee?

My Leo's only appeared at night so perhaps a small person would get a bit bored of them?

[lazydog]

You mentioned having been given the full setup, but beardies and leopard geckos have very different space and UV requirements, so perhaps you need to consider what equipment you already have? Housing that's an ok size for an adult leo would soon be far too small for even a sub-adult beardie...

[NorksEnormous]

Thank you for your advice, so one is boring and one is smelly? Hmm any other suggestions what we could get?

The vivarium (isn't that what that are called ) was used for a bearded dragon so it's quite a big one, I thought if we were getting geckos we could maybe get two as it's so big? Apologies if that sounds daft, this is all new to me!

[Dropdeadfred2]

we have leopard geckos. they are lovely and friendly ..not boring

[NorksEnormous]

Would you say they are easy to care for dropdeadfred?

[Dropdeadfred2]

yes they really are. we have had them from babies and we alternate feeding them crickets and wax worms. when we open the cage they come to the door wanting to climb on our hands

[reallyneedmoresleep]

We have both!
The bearded dragon is much more fun - she is awake during the day; easier to handle and more interactive than the gecko. However, she is really expensive to look after. She needs fresh veg and live food, which can cost up to £10 per week. Beardies need a minimum of a 4ft vivarium in order to get the correct temperature gradient, plus a basking lamp, plus a UV light. They don't usually smell, unless they have parasites which they can catch very easily from their live food, resulting in hefty vet fees. Then there's specialist boarding when you go on holiday....

There are so many bearded dragons looking for rehoming, as lots of people think they'd be a cool pet but don't realise the time and effort required in looking after them.

The leopard gecko is cute, but more skittish and fragile, so I'm much more nervous about the kids holding him. As he's nocturnal; we don't see him out and about much during the day! Geckos don't need lights, just a statted heat mat. Another thing to be aware of with geckos is that they can live for over 30 years!

Have you thought about a Rankins Dragon? (Like a Beardie, but smaller) or a tortoise?

Feel fre to ask any more questions!

[NorksEnormous]

Thank you really thats really helpful!

I have never heard of a rankins dragon before, just googled it and it's quite cute! The skittishness of a gecko is what is putting me off to be honest, I would imagine the smaller the lizard, the faster it will be, and have visions of DS holding it and it getting away and getting lost in the house somewhere!

Just measured terrarium and it is 120cm which is roughly 4 foot so should be fine for a beardie? That's what was in it before it was given to us. I personally would love a tortoise however DS said no way he wants a lizard or a snake and I really don't want a snake!

[reallyneedmoresleep]

I do love our beardie! The viv should be 4ft x 2ft x 2ft. Depending where you live, there will probably be a reptile rescue centre who can help you with your set up and ensure that you have a lizard with the right temperament for your family. Good luck!

[sweetkitty]

I was just going to post a thread about bearded dragons

DD2 has wanted one forever, she is reptile mad and has saved

[sweetkitty]

Saved up enough money for one and well be getting her one in July. I'm going to try and get a vivarium second hand to keep costs down and pick up the other essentials.

There's quite a few for sale though with full set up but she wants a baby but maybe a rescue would be better.

[reallyneedmoresleep]

Bear in mind that baby beardies are quite demanding; they are quite fragile, quick and need feeding 3 times a day! Adults are usually much more docile.
Check out the reforming section of the reptile forums website, where people often give unwanted beardies away