should I get a bearded dragon or a iguana?

Question

im planning on getting a bearded dragon but my mom want an iguana which should i get

Answer 1

They both make good pets.
PLEASE do some research - there is a lot of information on the internet about both critters. learn about each of their care, personalities, requirements and see how they blend into your schedule.

Most people don't realize that keeping a reptile as a pet is alot of work. They require specific kinds of enclosures and need fresh food every day, sometimes as frequently as 2-3x per day. They also grow, sometimgs quite large and need a suitably sized enclosure.They also have lifespans of 8+ years so make sure you're committed.

It is expensive to set up reptile enclosures no matter which reptile you choose, be prepared for the initial costs. I spent about $300 setting up for my dragon. Keep in mind as well, that there are maintenance costs. Bulbs and heating elements must be replaced every 6 months (they run about $35 each - most enclosures have 2 of them) as well as the ongoing electric bill for heating and fresh food/insects/fruits/veggies.

Your critter should also go to the vet regulary as reptiles have sensitivity and if they get it, it could kill them. Reptile specialists cost more than a regular vet, and you must see a specialist.

Having a reptile is great fun and very enjoyable. Both are great pets. Do some research to see which would suit your life best.

But the bottom line is, your mom will make the final decision. Do research of both so you can impress her and maybe influence her decision.

Answer 2

I am an experienced bearded dragon owner, and I also do private reptile rescue. Heres what I have to say...

THIS is especialy aimed towards the person that has the post about how a bearded just needs a red night bulb and a blue or white day bulb... WRONG... lets start there. Bearded Dragons first off, are bothered by the red light. LEOPARD geckos, cannot see it if its a good quality bulb from a pet store, but dragons can. During the day they need a bright heat lamp, and also a UV light. They are very pricey. Flourescents are about 32 bucks per tube light, and they need replaced a few times a year... they stay lit but usually dont put out the proper amount of UV after that. You can spring about 50-80 bucks for a Mercury Vapor Bulb, they take care of the heat and the UV needs, and last about a year!!!!!! no bulb at night, if its too cold you and supplement with a ceramic heat emitter. They also need baths a couple times a week, vitamin supplements, insects, veggies, misting, proper humidity. I have WAY too many neglect cases coming in here with the problems that become caused by lack of these things. I currently have one that has MBD which is a bone disorder.. no UV.. cause his bones not to form right, and eventually was a big ol body of mush.. its taking a lot, he still cant eat most things because he has no teeth, and its hard.. please do complete research in at least 10 differant sources before getting either animal!!!

Answer 3

Though you should thoroughly research about any pet before getting it, this is especially true for iguanas. They don't stay those cute little things for long, they can easily get as long as an 8-10 year old.

If you're looking for a interesting pet for a glass aquarium and spend a maximum of 5 minutes a day caring for it, then get the bearded dragon. In this comparison, they are the easier pet to take care of.

If you have time and energy to devote to nurturing a large, potentially aggressive reptile, then by all means get an iguana once you do your research. Just be sure to provide a large home, a variety of greens (preferably dark produce), a way for the iguana to get real sunlight and to stay warm, and a warm "bath" (they use it as a toilet and for relaxation). You'll also need to take the iguana to the vet at least yearly to make sure it has no hidden issues.

Answer 4

Depends how much space you have. An Iguana can grow bigger than a large dog. My fully grown dragon is just over 14 inches. An Iguana need a lot of space to live and get exercise. My dragon lives in a 40 gallon tank. My fully grown dragon eats crickets & some fruits once a week. The Iguana eats whole lot more and more frequently which involves you visiting the fruit & veggie store quite often.

Answer 5

Well, I know that a bearded dragon get usually 15-19", but some get as big as 24". They tend to be a fairly mellow and social able reptiles. they are omnivorous, insects and vegetables for their diet. I know that Iguana's can get 5 feet long and have been know to attack women at certain times of the month. Plus with a bigger animal, you'll need a bigger enclosure. If this is your first experience at keeping a reptile, I'd say stick with the bearded dragon. Find one that is at least 6-8 weeks old. A reptile show in you area would be your best bet, unless you know a breeder. you can proubly do further research for yourself if reptiles magazine has a website. they would have more info. I know the iguana was on a list of ten least desirable reptiles, for the above stated reasons.

Answer 6

Iguanas are cool but they get big and they can really hurt if they whip you with their tail. And males can get aggressive around women when they are having their period. Bearded dragons are better I think I have had both and Iguanas can carry salmonella and are a bit dirtier too. Bearded dragons aren't really the type to be real tame you can hold them and pet them but after a while they want to go. You have tohandle it a lot to get it hand tame but it is nottoo hard. And they are cool to feed, they will eat out of your hand and they will eat small (baby) mice when they get big enough. I'd say get the Bearded Dragon.

Answer 7

Well for a first or easy reptile for a person would be the bearded dragon because iguanas need alot of maintinance, like Supplements (vitamins) , Bearded dragons dont need that much.

Answer 8

A bearded dragon they stay small in size, iguanas get larger in size if you have the space great, if not bearded dragon is a better choice.

Answer 9

A bearded dragon, an iguana bit skin off the tip of my finger when i was little, so i was rather traumatized and now I'm not very fond of Iguanas.

Answer 10

Which will you have the room for?

Full grown Green Iguana - 6'
Full grown bearded dragon - 2 '


How long do you want the lizard?

Green Iguana lifespan - 20 years
Bearded Dragon lifespan - 10 years


What are you willing to feed it?

Iguana -shredded or torn vegetables and fruits such as green beans, orange-fleshed squash, carrots, escarole, parsley, mustard, dandelion and collard greens, raspberries, mango, and cantaloupe
Bearded dragon - same as above with cultured crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, king worms, and wax worms and pink mice.


Just to let you know, we have a one year old Iguana. Here is information on his cage. http://stembol.com/Pets/Iguana/speedy.htm