Introduction

Are you looking for a new pet reptile and considering a bearded dragon or leopard gecko? Both are popular choices for beginner reptile owners, but which one is the best fit for you? This guide will provide an overview of both reptiles, including their behaviors, needs, and care requirements, so you can make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!

Bearded Dragon

Behavior

Bearded dragons are known for their friendly demeanor and curious personalities. They are diurnal (active during the day) and enjoy basking under a heat lamp or UVB light. Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both insects and vegetables. They are intelligent and can even be trained to recognize their owners.

Housing

A bearded dragon requires a spacious enclosure with plenty of room to roam and climb. A minimum enclosure size is 40-50 gallons for a single adult, and larger is always better. The enclosure should have a basking area, a UVB light, and hiding spots. The substrate can be paper towels or reptile carpet, or a loose substrate like sand or coconut coir, but avoid using loose substrates with hatchlings to prevent impaction.

Care

Bearded dragons require a varied diet of insects like crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches, as well as vegetables like collard greens, kale, and squash. They also need a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking. The enclosure should be cleaned regularly, and bearded dragons require regular interaction and handling to stay socialized and healthy.

Leopard Gecko

Behavior

Leopard geckos are nocturnal (active at night) and are known for their docile personalities. They are insectivores, preferring crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Leopard geckos are also intelligent and can become quite tame with regular handling.

Housing

Leopard geckos are smaller than bearded dragons and require a smaller enclosure, typically around 20 gallons for a single adult. They need a heat source like an under-tank heater and a hide box for privacy. The enclosure should be lined with a sticky substrate like reptile carpet, paper towels, or tile, as leopard geckos can lose toes or even get impacted with loose substrates like sand. A UVB light is not necessary for leopard geckos as they do not require it for survival.

Care

Leopard geckos require a diet of mainly insects like crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches with occasional treats like waxworms. They also need a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking. The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily and deep cleaned regularly.

Which Should You Choose?

Both bearded dragons and leopard geckos make great pets, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Bearded dragons are more active during the day and require a larger enclosure, while leopard geckos are more active at night and can live in a smaller enclosure. Bearded dragons also require a UVB light, while it is not necessary for leopard geckos. Both reptiles require a varied diet and regular care to stay healthy.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons and leopard geckos are both excellent choices for beginner reptile owners. They are friendly, intelligent, and relatively easy to care for. By following the guidelines and caring for them properly, you can enjoy many years of companionship and fun with your bearded dragon or leopard gecko.