Have you ever wondered which reptile makes the better pet: the blue tongue skink or the bearded dragon? Well, look no further than the Reddit community where passionate reptile lovers come together to share their experiences and opinions. In this article, we will explore the ongoing debate between blue tongue skink enthusiasts and bearded dragon aficionados on Reddit, as they discuss the pros and cons of each reptile, their unique qualities, and the joys and challenges of owning these fascinating creatures. So, whether you’re a reptile enthusiast or simply curious about these scaly pets, read on to discover the exciting world of blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons through the lens of the Reddit community.
Size and Appearance
Blue Tongue Skink
Blue Tongue Skinks are medium-sized lizards, typically reaching 18 to 24 inches in length. They have a robust body and short legs, giving them a stocky appearance. When it comes to their coloration, Blue Tongue Skinks showcase a range of patterns and hues, including shades of brown, gray, and orange. One distinctive feature of these lizards is their namesake blue tongue, which they often display as a warning signal when feeling threatened.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, are slightly smaller compared to Blue Tongue Skinks, usually growing to around 16 to 24 inches in length. They have a slender body and longer limbs, enabling them to be more agile climbers. Bearded Dragons have rough, scaly skin with a range of patterns and colors, including shades of brown, gray, red, and orange. One unique characteristic of Bearded Dragons is the “beard” of spiky scales under their throat that puffs up when they feel threatened or want to display dominance.
Habitat and Housing
Blue Tongue Skink
Blue Tongue Skinks are native to Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands. When housing a Blue Tongue Skink as a pet, it’s important to create a suitable environment that mimics their natural habitat. This includes providing a spacious enclosure with a mix of textured surfaces, such as rocks, logs, and substrate for burrowing. The enclosure should also have a temperature gradient, allowing the skink to thermoregulate by moving between warmer and cooler areas. Providing a UVB light source is crucial for their overall health and calcium absorption.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons are also native to Australia, specifically the arid regions. As pets, they require a well-equipped habitat to thrive. A terrarium or enclosure should be large enough to accommodate their active nature, with branches and rocks for climbing and basking. Substrate options such as reptile carpet, sand, or a mix can be provided as a comfortable base. Similar to Blue Tongue Skinks, Bearded Dragons also require a temperature gradient for thermoregulation and a UVB light source for proper bone development.
Diet and Feeding
Blue Tongue Skink
Blue Tongue Skinks are omnivorous, meaning their diet consists of both plant matter and animal protein. In the wild, they consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, insects, and even small vertebrates. As pets, it’s important to provide a balanced diet that includes a mix of vegetables, fruits, and high-quality protein sources such as insects, snails, and eggs. Calcium and vitamin supplements should also be provided regularly to ensure proper nutrition.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons are omnivorous as well, but their diet leans more towards insects and other invertebrates when they are young. As they grow, their diet shifts to include more vegetation. Offering a variety of leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits is essential for their nutritional needs. Insects like crickets, mealworms, and silkworms should be included as a protein source. Calcium and vitamin supplements are vital for their growth and overall health.
Temperament and Handling
Blue Tongue Skink
Blue Tongue Skinks are known for their docile and calm demeanor, making them a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts. They are generally slower-moving and tend to tolerate handling well. However, it’s important to handle them gently and not to force them if they display signs of stress or discomfort. Regular and gentle handling can help build a bond with your Blue Tongue Skink and contribute to their overall socialization.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons are often referred to as one of the most social and friendly reptile pets. They are generally quite tolerant of handling and are known for their curious and interactive behavior. However, like any animal, individual temperament can vary, so it’s crucial to approach and handle them with care. Gradual and consistent handling from an early age is beneficial for their socialization and helps them become accustomed to human interaction.
Activity Level
Blue Tongue Skink
Blue Tongue Skinks are considered to be of moderate activity level. While they are not as active as some other species, such as Bearded Dragons, they still require space to move and explore their environment. Enclosures should provide enough room for them to engage in light exercise, soak in a shallow water dish, bask under a heat source, and hide in cozy spots.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons are known for their active nature and love for exploration. They enjoy climbing, basking, and even running short distances. Providing them with ample room to move and various platforms and branches to climb on is important to meet their activity needs. Incorporating different enrichments, such as tunnels or obstacles, can also stimulate their mental and physical well-being.
Lifespan
Blue Tongue Skink
Blue Tongue Skinks have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years when provided with proper care and a well-balanced diet. Some individuals may even live into their late 20s or early 30s, making them long-term companions for reptile enthusiasts.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons, with proper care, can live between 10 to 15 years. There have been reports of some individuals even living up to 20 years. Consistency in their diet, habitat conditions, and regular veterinary check-ups can contribute to their longevity.
Social Behavior
Blue Tongue Skink
Blue Tongue Skinks are primarily solitary animals in the wild, and this behavior can continue into their captive life as well. While they may tolerate the presence of other Blue Tongue Skinks in larger enclosures, it’s important to monitor their interactions for any signs of aggression or stress. Some individuals may display territorial behavior and should be housed separately.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons are generally more social and tolerate the presence of other Bearded Dragons, especially when raised together from a young age. However, introducing two unfamiliar dragons can pose a risk of territorial disputes and aggression. It’s important to provide enough space and resources if opting for a multi-dragon setup.
Ease of Care
Blue Tongue Skink
Blue Tongue Skinks are considered relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced reptile keepers. They have straightforward dietary requirements, and their docile temperament makes handling and general care less challenging.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons are also considered to be relatively easy to care for, especially for reptile enthusiasts who have little to moderate experience. Their dietary needs may require slightly more attention compared to Blue Tongue Skinks due to the transition from insect-based to more plant-based as they mature.
Cost
Blue Tongue Skink
When considering the cost of owning a Blue Tongue Skink, various factors need to be taken into account. These include the initial setup costs, such as acquiring a suitable enclosure, heating equipment, and lighting fixtures. Additionally, ongoing costs such as food, substrate, and routine veterinary care should be considered. The price of a Blue Tongue Skink itself can also vary depending on factors such as morph, age, and availability.
Bearded Dragon
Similar to Blue Tongue Skinks, the cost of owning a Bearded Dragon involves various elements. Initial setup costs include purchasing or building an appropriate enclosure, providing suitable heating and lighting equipment, and acquiring substrate and decorations. Ongoing expenses such as food, supplements, and veterinary care should also be considered. The price of the Bearded Dragon itself can differ based on factors like morph, age, and availability.
Conclusion
Both Blue Tongue Skinks and Bearded Dragons make fantastic reptile pets, each with their own unique characteristics and care requirements. Blue Tongue Skinks are known for their calm demeanor, moderate activity level, and relatively straightforward care needs. Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, display a more active and social behavior, requiring a bit more attention to their diet as they mature. Ultimately, the choice between these two wonderful reptiles depends on your personal preferences, level of experience, and ability to provide the necessary care and environment for their well-being.
