Beardie, Uromastyx, or other

[Reitz]

I'm moving out of the dorm and into an apt next year. I've always wanted a beardie so I figured this was a good time to invest. The dorm didn't have enough room for the tank, of course, but my apt will. I've read a lot of online care sheets, but I'd like some first hand advice, if anyone case to chime in.

First, I've always loved beardies, but this new oppertunity has got me thinking. Mali Uromastyx seem to be the new bearded dragons, if you know what I mean. Are there advantages? It seems that they're less active, given that they burrow, but I could be miss-guided. Do uromastyx have as much "personality" as beardies? More? Is there any other lizard of about the same size you'd recommend? I'm looking for something fairly laid back, friendly (given that I'll put in the holding time necessary), and relativly active for a lizard.

If I do get the beardie, here's the plan. I was going to get it as a baby this summer and keep it in a 10 gallon so it has a chance to catch it's food. Then in the fall I'll move it to a larger tank. I'm looking at a 30 gallon breeder, but I'm not sure they're tall enough, given that I understand beardies like to climb up when they bask. The other option is a 55, of course, but this seems too big in the wrong places given that I only want one beardie.

A couple more things. First, I really like the colors of "sunfire" beardies, but what seems to have more bearing on adult coloration, genes or care? Is it worth the investment in some designer lizard, or can I get a "regular" one to look great with lighting and diet?

Finally, how fast do they grow?

Thanks for any and all answers, I really appreciate it.

Chris

 

[Phillip]

Uros are nice also and they are just as good for handling and personality. They do have to be kept warmer though and they aren't as widespread in their food choices so they can be just a tad harder to keep. This isn't to say they are hard at all but few things lizard wise are as easy to please as a beardie.

Phil

 

[Phillip]

Sorry missed the color part of the question. Both genes and care play a role in it so if you want a glowing red one you have to drop the coin on the genes and don't skimp on the light in order to get it.

Phil

 

[Joe]

For a lizard of about the same size, I like blue tongue skinks (Tiliqua sp.). IME, they have more personality that a bearded dragon or Uromastyx.

http://members.shaw.ca/cloose/

There's a page with a bunch of pics and a caresheet.

 

[kellygirl]

My uro has a ton of personality but so does my beardie... both are handleable. I've found that as they get older, they become more sluggish. The beardie is growing much faster than the uro. Either one--but you may find more color variety with beardeds.

-Kelly

 

[Reitz]

Thanks for the replies.

The skink is an idea, though I've never been a huge fan. I'll have to go put some face time in with a couple to see what I think.

As for the color, I've seen a lot of brightly colored uros--they seem to have more range than beardies. It's just that uros live longer (from what I've read), and are just a bit trickier to care for.

I'll keep thinking, there's still time.

Does anyone have any thoughts on my housing question? 10 gallon for the baby, then up to a 30 breeder, or do I need something with more height? Like I said, 55s seem to be too thin, and a 55 breeder would be too wide to move anywhere.

Also, if anyone is up to it, could you recommend some web sites that have pics of different beardie color phases? I've been looking for the last few days for some good comparision pics, but can't seem to find any. I know a lot of you herpers visit reptile forums. Do any have good picture galleries?

Thanks again for all the info,

Chris