Beardie or uro?!

[dragonwagon]

Hi all, I'm from Alberta Canada. This fall I am hoping to add either a bearded dragon or uromastyx to the home, but I simply cannot decide! I am absolutely in love with the look of a uro, but what puts me off is the mixed reviews on handling. I love to be able to handle and interact with my pets, but I don't want to stress them. So that's when I started looking at bearded dragons. I love their personalities! They've got a nice appearance, but there is just something about a uromastyx chubby cheeks anyways, I'm hoping to gain better knowledge on both species and come to a decision. I've got a fair bit of time, the whole summer to decide!

 

[PatsyB]

Bearded dragons are very handleable. They are okay sitting in their tanks when they need to but love to be out and interacting with you even if they are just sitting on the couch with you!

I don't know anything about Uro's they are cool looking. Before I got my beardie we had leopard geckos that were pretty to look at but we didn't really handle them because they were awake at night. I have 5 whites tree frogs that are just for decoration. I never handle them unless I need to break up a fight or move them to clean their tank, or push a prolapse back in. So beardies are great!

 

[dragonwagon]

Bearded dragons are very handleable. They are okay sitting in their tanks when they need to but love to be out and interacting with you even if they are just sitting on the couch with you!

I don't know anything about Uro's they are cool looking. Before I got my beardie we had leopard geckos that were pretty to look at but we didn't really handle them because they were awake at night. I have 5 whites tree frogs that are just for decoration. I never handle them unless I need to break up a fight or move them to clean their tank, or push a prolapse back in. So beardies are great!

Yes, that's what draws me to them. I have a couple whites myself, also just for decoration they are awfully cute. I have a ball python as well, and I handle him a fair bit but I worry that I might stress him, which is why I'm looking for another companion honestly, the scaly pets are always the best snugglers over "pocket pets"!

 

[PatsyB]

The Whites are adorable. They are so cute that the croaking at weird hours of the night doesn't bother me anymore, I even miss it sometimes! I have one that will sit on the door of the tank and when I talk to him he will climb to the top like he's trying to get out and get to me. I always get tempted to take him out but with my luck he would jump somewhere and I would lose him and the cat would get him! Plus, my boyfriend has never picked one up so i'm not sure if one jumped on my back if he would get be able to pick it up LOL!

Go with the beardie. Having a bearded dragon is like having a prickly pear that loves you

 

[Mushuandcricket]

I was in your same shoes when I was deciding to get a lizard those were the 2 choices I was looking at. I have to say I am so glad I choose the dragon. The uromastyx needs high heat and I live in a cold climate so it couldn't be out long for me to interact with. I also read they can get stressed from over handling like a tortoise. The dragons are so personable and do enjoy being with you like Patsy mentioned. They can be out of their enclosure longer. If you want something to handle & cuddle I would choose the dragon. If you just enjoy looking more and would like to get out a little here & there the uromastyx may be a good choice since you like the looks. If you like in a desert type area that is always hot you might be able to get your uromastyx out more than I could here in the colder climate. I have a tortoise that I enjoy mainly to watch I don't handle her much other than care. Mushu is my buddy to hang with so I have both type of reptiles some to hold and others to watch and care for.

 

[dragonwagon]

I was in your same shoes when I was deciding to get a lizard those were the 2 choices I was looking at. I have to say I am so glad I choose the dragon. The uromastyx needs high heat and I live in a cold climate so it couldn't be out long for me to interact with. I also read they can get stressed from over handling like a tortoise. The dragons are so personable and do enjoy being with you like Patsy mentioned. They can be out of their enclosure longer. If you want something to handle & cuddle I would choose the dragon. If you just enjoy looking more and would like to get out a little here & there the uromastyx may be a good choice since you like the looks. If you like in a desert type area that is always hot you might be able to get your uromastyx out more than I could here in the colder climate. I have a tortoise that I enjoy mainly to watch I don't handle her much other than care. Mushu is my buddy to hang with so I have both type of reptiles some to hold and others to watch and care for.

Thanks for the response. Do you find that beardies crave or want to be handled?i live in Alberta, not exactly desert like lol! Tortoises are difficult to "handle"

 

[PatsyB]

Dexter has gotten used to a certain amount of handling and she does seem to be upset when she isn't taken out of her tank at the times of day she's normally taken out. Luci is more of a free spirit and can take it or leave it. He never seeks out being held or snuggled but when he is he doesn't fight it. Dexter will fight and crawl up my arm when I try to put her in her tank, Luci will just jump in his tank!

We live in the midwest, not exactly Alberta but it's still cold. Luci spends a lot of time running around on the floor so I keep an eye on him to make sure he doesn't get too cold.

 

[Mushuandcricket]

Thanks for the response. Do you find that beardies crave or want to be handled?i live in Alberta, not exactly desert like lol! Tortoises are difficult to "handle"

With Mushu when he wants out will pace the enclosure. I don't take him out everyday just because of being busy but when he wants out I will take him out. He is still a growing baby so I don't handle him for long periods of time.When he seems like he is done I put him away. I think he likes coming out with me and listens as I rub his head and talk to him. I would join a uromastyx forum and ask those who actually own them. Then you compare the two. I just used the tortoise as an example of a pet reptile that is more the type to take care of than handle. Out of the reptiles I have owned , uromastyx not being one of them, I can say the dragon seems to enjoy people the most. The rest I am their food supplier but I love them all for different reasons. I can see why dragons are popular and I can say I plan on always having one I like Mushu that much. I just wish they had a longer life span .

 

[dragonwagon]

With Mushu when he wants out will pace the enclosure. I don't take him out everyday just because of being busy but when he wants out I will take him out. He is still a growing baby so I don't handle him for long periods of time.When he seems like he is done I put him away. I think he likes coming out with me and listens as I rub his head and talk to him. I would join a uromastyx forum and ask those who actually own them. Then you compare the two. I just used the tortoise as an example of a pet reptile that is more the type to take care of than handle. Out of the reptiles I have owned , uromastyx not being one of them, I can say the dragon seems to enjoy people the most. The rest I am their food supplier but I love them all for different reasons. I can see why dragons are popular and I can say I plan on always having one I like Mushu that much. I just wish they had a longer life span .

I did join a uromastyx forum, but because they a more rare species, it's not exactly a very active forum. That's another down side about beardies the lifespan!

 

[Mushuandcricket]

I did join a uromastyx forum, but because they a more rare species, it's not exactly a very active forum. That's another down side about beardies the lifespan!

I may be a bad influence but get both !!!

 

[dragonwagon]

I may be a bad influence but get both !!!

Lol I do plan on it! But I have to choose one first....haha