The question tha'll sell me on a beardie

[yellowturtle1]

Ho!
Alright, so for a few years now, I have been looking into two lizards...
Bearded Dragons, and the infamous Blue Tongue Skink.
I have learned both to the fullest of the, well, fullness, and for a long time I know I'd settled on a BT. I found a reputable breeder, established what I 'd need, all the fun stuff. But... I've waited, because I just LOVE the 'concept' of both lizards.
BT's are unique, and big and smooth and slow. They have amazing eyes. BD's are still unique, but more common... big, (and we'll get to that part :lol: )
I have 'majored' in turtles and torts for several years now, and I love the 'concept' of a gregarious reptile. I love cats. And SO many times I have seen BT's be described as the 'cats of the reptile world', and BD's as the dogs.
So, this is the question that can sell me on a BD... or a BT.
Quite bluntly, how cat-like are BD's? Pretty laid-back? They look like little runners to me.
I think I sound very harsh, but while I fully comprehend both lizard's care requirements, I want a lizard that will tolerate going out, being handled, and is the most laid-back guy ever. (I know personalities are a part here)
And I believe I know what you guy's will say but I am just, well, VERY indecisive.
So what do you guy's think? Beardie? Or Bluey?

 

[Elmontare]

I dont know anything about the BT's and as much research as i thought i did on the BD's i was still in for a few surprises, so be aware It seems to me that animal personalities are all over the board, its all nature vs nurture. Beardies are relativly easy to care for and in my opinion could be considered cat-like in the general sence of thier daily activities...I get the impression from you that no matter which one you choose after a few months you'll be considering getting the other in addition...yeah the thought WILL cross your mind!

 

[Gail]

I've had both beardies and blue tongues. Beardies hands down are more laid back and easy to handle. Blues just don't like to sit still on you, they always are looking to get away and hide. Personality wise, they are more like a snake, they tolerate handling but never really bond with their owners. You also can't keep a harness on their slick bodies.

Once a beardie hits adulthood, they are pretty dang lazy and are generally happy to hang out on your lap or shoulder. Put a harness on and head to town, they often will happily hang out on the dash while you are driving.

I just recently got rid of two blues after three years and went back to beardies, nothing really compares to a beardies personality. Beardie do require a bit more care but they are completely worth it.

 

[yellowturtle1]

I dont know anything about the BT's and as much research as i thought i did on the BD's i was still in for a few surprises, so be aware It seems to me that animal personalities are all over the board, its all nature vs nurture. Beardies are relativly easy to care for and in my opinion could be considered cat-like in the general sence of thier daily activities...I get the impression from you that no matter which one you choose after a few months you'll be considering getting the other in addition...yeah the thought WILL cross your mind!

I would absolutley LOVE to have both eventually :mrgreen:

 

[yellowturtle1]

I've had both beardies and blue tongues. Beardies hands down are more laid back and easy to handle. Blues just don't like to sit still on you, they always are looking to get away and hide. Personality wise, they are more like a snake, they tolerate handling but never really bond with their owners. You also can't keep a harness on their slick bodies.

Once a beardie hits adulthood, they are pretty dang lazy and are generally happy to hang out on your lap or shoulder. Put a harness on and head to town, they often will happily hang out on the dash while you are driving.

I just recently got rid of two blues after three years and went back to beardies, nothing really compares to a beardies personality. Beardie do require a bit more care but they are completely worth it.

This means quite a bit. I've never actually seen someone who has owned both and shared their experience.
I have considered walks, and harnesses... their legs would also be a problem, I would assume, because the harness could easily slip off.
Thank you. This is what I was *looking for. It's pretty great to know they are quite chill

 

[Gail]

Trying to harness a bluey is like trying to harness a snake, they are just too cylindrical and slick. I tried many times, my poor bluey just hated it, poor guy.
Blues also have pretty bad eyesight which means they see most everything as food, including you. They are prone to try and eat moving things before they really know what it is. Its can be a bit disturbing to have a 2 foot hissing lizard lung at your hands. I really feel blues are better off with a experienced owner.

Give yourself some time with a adult dragon before tackling a bluey. I really think you'll be happiest with a beardie, I've had some even learn their names.

 

[yellowturtle1]

Alright.
Thank you so much

 

[yellowturtle1]

Hey guys? One last thing.
BD's and in their glorious spineyness look pretty painful. Are they really rubbery?

 

[Gail]

No, they aren't rubbery at all. Some of the spikes can be a bit sharp but for the most part, they are just rough.

 

[yellowturtle1]

Thank you