Should I get a leatherback or normal?

[mudskipper]

Hello all,

I'm looking to get my first bearded dragon. He will also be only bearded dragon. I know that I want a citrus, but I don't know if I should get a leatherback or a normal.

What are the differences? Do leatherbacks require special care? I have leopard geckos and actually have never held a bearded dragon before. Are the spikes on the normal sharp? :shock: LOL

 

[BeardieMommy3991]

Regular dragons aren't "sharp". They look prickly, but I can snuggle with mine no problem- his nails are another issue! Haha. Leatherbacks will show color more, as they have "reduced spines" that wont get in the way of pattern and color.

I don't beleive they need any extra treatment- but I have never owned one. Hopefully someone will chime in.

 

[BotanicalStig]

Nah care is the same. It's more of a matter of what you think looks better, or which dragon you just fall in love with. I wasn't planning on getting a leatherback. No particular reason, though. I told the breeders I talked to that I wanted normal scales, but when I saw moose it didn't matter

You should really hold one before you get one. leathers definitely have smoother backs... But I mean they aren't actually "leathery" or anything... Still prickly if you go against the grain- kind of similar to their underside, I guess.

 

[Mysticsilk]

I would say look at both types of dragons and see which one you fall in love with, my dragon was a little dull coloured but as soon as I saw him I knew I had to have him because of his personality, and now he has turned a lovely citrus/pastel colour

 

[mudskipper]

I followed the advice and went to the local reptile store to hold their one-year old beardie for a few minutes. I definitely should worry more about the nails. LOL.. but I guess those can be trimmed. The reptile store didn't have a leatherback, but I guess a leatherback would just feel like the back of a leopard gecko?

 

[SpitFyre]

Kinda... did you rub the underside of the dragon? It's kind of like that.

 

[mudskipper]

Kinda... did you rub the underside of the dragon? It's kind of like that.

I didn't rub it, but I could feel her soft belly on my skin. I'm going to get a leatherback then

 

[patrickmb21]

Leatherbacks are the bomb.