Choosing between a Bearded Dragon and an Iguana depends on your personal preferences. Bearded Dragons are small in size and are diurnal creatures. They need high basking temperatures and eat both plants and insects. If you have never kept either of these animals before, you might be wondering what the differences are. Read on to learn more about these two unique reptiles.
Bearded dragons are smaller
Although they are smaller than iguanas, bearded dragons are just as large as iguanas and are a great choice for people who want a small and low-maintenance pet. Bearded dragons reach full adult size at eight to twelve months of age, and some species reach this size in less than three years. Male bearded dragons tend to grow slower than females, and females are generally lighter than males.
As with iguanas, a bearded dragon needs high levels of light, temperature, and humidity to thrive. The ideal beardie diet is composed of 60% vegetables and 20% protein. Feeding insects is best done as a juvenile. As the beardie ages, it can be fed larger amounts of protein without affecting its digestion. Generally, fruit is not suitable for bearded dragons, but small pieces of fruit and vegetables should be fed as treats.
They are omnivores
While both bearded dragon and iguanas eat plants, the former is a better choice for the beginner. Iguanas are herbivores, so owners should be careful about what they feed them as proteins can damage the reptile’s internal organs. Luckily, bearded dragons are much less aggressive, and they’re both affordable for the novice.
Iguanas are omnivorous in the wild, but their diets can vary. Some species of iguana are strictly herbivorous, while others are omnivorous and prefer a vegetarian diet. Regardless of their diets, both bearded dragons and iguanas require a regular supply of plants, fruits, and insects.
They are diurnal
Although both iguanas and bearded dragons are nocturnal, they differ significantly in their daily routine. Iguanas enjoy routines and are often angry when certain items in the house are removed from their cage. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are tolerant of a variety of changes in their surroundings and will not bite or scratch a person who tries to disturb them. You’ll need to provide plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, and meat in their cages and wash their food daily.
Iguanas are primarily diurnal, but some species can be found sleeping during the day. For example, Central Bearded Dragons will drink from free standing water in captivity. In addition, they stand on their rear limbs in light rain and lick the water flowing over their bodies. While primarily diurnal, Central Bearded Dragons are also known to be active at night.
They need high basking temperatures
The temperature range of bearded dragons varies from baby to adult. In general, they prefer higher temperatures and decrease in temperature as they mature. Baby dragons have higher digestive needs than adult dragons and therefore need hotter basking areas. A temperature probe is a helpful piece of equipment to keep the appropriate basking temperature for your beardie. It’s best to check your beardie’s overall temperature daily to ensure it’s within the correct temperature range.
A heat source can be either a UVB light or a basking lamp. One of these provides high temperatures while the opposite corner remains cooler. To keep temperatures within the desired range, keep the basking area about 20 degrees cooler than the cool spot. For accurate temperature measurements, a contactless thermometer is an excellent choice. A contactless thermometer is the easiest way to do this. A quality thermometer will give you instant feedback on the temperature of the cool spot.
They are vegetarians
Both bearded dragons and iguanats are vegetarians, and are easy to care for, although some owners have reported problems with them. They are also known to scratch, so it is important to learn how to properly care for your lizard. Bearded dragons are more social than iguanats, and are prone to aggression if they feel threatened. However, both species enjoy human interaction, and both bearded dragons and iguanas make good pets for children.
In the wild, both lizards are herbivorous, meaning they will eat fruits and vegetables. Iguanas and bearded dragons are vegetarians, but they do have similar cage needs. Both lizards prefer a warm environment, and terrariums can provide a variety of fruits and vegetables for your pet. Moreover, both bearded dragons and iguanas are easy to train.
They are easy to tame
Iguanas and bearded dragons are not only adorable pets, but they also don’t bite. While they are unlikely to bite you, iguanas can be rough on your fingers or even scratch your skin, so wearing thick gloves while handling them is a good idea. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are much friendlier and don’t bite humans. But they still don’t like to be handled regularly.
Iguanas and bearded dragons are very similar in appearance and are fairly small. While a bearded dragon is small and doesn’t require a large terrarium, iguanas require a custom enclosure that is large enough for them to move around. Iguanas require a large terrarium to live in, whereas bearded dragons can live in a 40-65 gallon tank. If you’d like to get one of each, you can choose from one of the following two species.
