Hello,

My son Jarod (8) has been patiently waiting for months to get a lizzard for his birthday. The time has finally arrived and now he's busily researching all the possibilities. His first choice is a Bearded Dragon, but I'm worried about this species not being a good "starter" pet. We do already have a Leopard Gecko in the house, so we'd like to see if there is another species that is fairly easy to take care, likes to be held (at least once a day), doesn't get too big and won't live for a 100 years. Any suggestions? I'm looking forward to some ideas. Thanks!

Barbara & Jarod

Actually a bearded dragon is a perf starter pet. I have one and my 5 yr old loves to walk around with him. They do have more complicated requirements than a leopard gecko, but once everything is set up.... there are no probs....good luck in your quest....Lyn

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

I have to totally agree with Lyn. You cannot find a better starter lizard than a Bearded Dragon. I strongly suggest that before you go out and buy your lizard, no matter which you decide upon, that you first read the caresheets provided on all of our network of sites. Then when you get it print out the caresheets for quick reference. We welcome your posts and pics. (seeing as you already have a herp in the family)
One final thing.....Welcome to our family.

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Fran
January 9, 1940 - June 1, 2006 (R.I.P)

Hello,

Welcome to HC Barbara. I hope you find the site useful.

Bearded Dragons are a great pet lizard and after a leopard gecko, are the perfect starter lizard. They are not difficult to keep, but they do require some preparation and they do require special lighting.

We have a great Bearded Dragon area on this site that can answer a great deal of your questions and get you ready for what you could expect in regards to husbandry.

Here is some info on Dragons: Bearded Dragon Articles

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actually....if you want a little variety. Blue tongue skinks are a larger, but very neat lizard. Keep in mind they are fairly hard to find, but they are not very expensive and they seem to enjoy being held, especially as adults, and are not very hard to keep. But make sure you narrow it down to the exact species you want because there are northern blue tongues, easterns, irian jaya etc. Most shows you go to will have blue tongues for sale somewhere ....just a thought

good luck!

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-Adam

"Help Protect our Planet from Overcollection, Purchase Aquacultured Livestock and Captive Bred Herps"

Welcome to the HC! Hope you find the right lizard for you little guy.

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http://dragcave.net/user/manhirwen

Welcome to Herpcenter Barbara..as said above Leopard geckos or bearded dragons are the best starters. I would review both caresheets, weigh the pros and cons of each and go from there. Any questions you have, we are here to help you.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Welcome to HC Barbara!

As most have said, Bearded Dragons make GREAT pets. Glad you decided to join us!

Steven

Welcome to HC! I have to agree with the majority here and go with a bearded dragon for your son. Since you already have a leo, I think you're ready to take the next step and get a Bearded Dragon. The only bad thing about getting one bearded dragon is that you will eventually want more, I promise.

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Lost my best friend - RIP Dax

Yayyy for bearded dragons lol - I have found they are great for children. I got my first because my 3 year old daughter was a little intimidated by Godz (our old iguana) - she absolutely loves him. We now have 3 babies and she has started to help me with their care by giving them their greens and stuff - they are so friendly that any child would just love them. Good luck in your decision and can't wait to see pics of your final choice