Bearded Dragon vs. Uromastyx: What Is Easier to Keep? If you’re considering getting a reptile as a pet, you might wonder which one is easier to care for – a bearded dragon or a uromastyx. Well, the truth might surprise you!
Bearded dragons are simple to handle and keep, unlike the uromastyx, which are slightly more temperamental and may not always be in the mood to handle or caress. Nevertheless, uromastyx can be easier to care for.
If you are torn between the two, keep reading this guide to find out which better fits you. In this post, we’ll compare uromastyx to bearded dragons on various criteria, which will help you narrow down your search and make a more informed conclusion.
Comparing the Bearded Dragon vs. Uromastyx
So, you’re in a pickle of choosing between the two pet reptiles. They are both such good options, so which one do you go with?
Both uromastyx and bearded dragons make excellent companion lizards. However, you should be aware of significant differences between bearded dragons and uromastyx that determine how easy they are to keep.
Terrarium Requirements
Beardies and uromastyxs require medium-sized tanks, but uromastyx requires a slightly larger tank. Bearded dragons require a modest-sized terrarium, which is essential. A small enclosure will bore, stress, and prevent your beardie from thermoregulating properly.
A 55-70 gallon tank with a minimum length of 36 inches (92centimeters) is ideal for one adult bearded dragon. A 40-gallon tank is a bare minimum, though your beardie deserves more.
A uromastyx requires a moderately sized terrarium but is slightly larger than bearded dragons because uromastyx can be pretty active and require higher temperatures, which a small room cannot provide.
A single adult uromastyx needs a tank that measures more than 48 inches in length, 24 inches in height, and 24 inches in width (75 plus gallons). The Egyptian uromastyx requires a minimum tank size of 6x3x3 feet in length.
Personality, Adaptability, and Docility
Bearded dragons are the victors in this category. The majority of bearded dragons are gentle and take little time to tame. However, you cannot be confident with your uromastyx becoming tame, much more so if you expect a young one.
You can obtain an adult uromastyx who is already docile and tame for easy management. You can also engage your uromastyx to gain trust.
Bearded dragons are very popular, friendly, and gentle pet reptiles. Most beardies are receptive when handling and even like emerging from the tank to settle on your shoulder or lap for an extended period.
Uromastyxs are intelligent and friendly pet lizards. They enjoy observing the world around them with their gorgeous inquiring eyes. Unfortunately, not all uromastyx open up to handling and may be scared.
Furthermore, uromastyxs need an extended period to develop trust in their owners and become tame – some as long as months or even a year. However, you may practice with your reptile pet, and most will finally become tame.
Some will gladly step forward and get handled, and some will be overjoyed to come out once they have gained their tameness. In summary, most uromastyx are either tolerant of handling or have the potential to become so.
Possibility for Group Living
Bearded dragons & uromastyx cannot be kept together, which is a common question. While uromastyx and bearded dragons both require live food, bearded dragons require it. Temperatures for uromastyx are also higher. The tank must be at least seven feet long and include a boundary in the middle to prevent them from touching each other.
Bearded dragons are lonely and aggressive reptiles. You can keep the hatchlings together for the first several weeks, but you’ll have to separate them afterward. You should avoid putting bearded dragons in the same enclosure at all costs.
While it is possible to keep uromastyx in the same enclosure, it is not recommended. Households with many males are not allowed. Male and female or two males and two females can sometimes work, but you’ll need a vast cage to make it work. As a result, you must be prepared to separate any pairings or trios that grow violent against one another.
It would be best if you did not keep bearded dragons in the same enclosure. It may work with uromastyx, but you will require a lot of space and monitoring. Additionally, it is difficult to determine the uromastyx’s sex until they reach three to four years old. You should first ensure that both uromastyxs are not males.
Suitability for Beginners and Children
It is reasonable to say that both beardies and uromastyx are ideal for first-time owners. Before getting a pet, research temperature, light, humidity, and how to set up a tank. Later, you’ll get better at it as you learn more about caring for your pet.
Bearded dragons are relatively easy to keep and make excellent beginner pets due to their obedience and calm nature. Besides the setup process and live bug feeding, bearded dragons are simple to maintain.
After setting up the cage, uromastyx is simple to care for. Most uromastyx don’t have to eat daily, and feeding is straightforward. Beginners should handle it, but it may not be the best pet for that purpose.
However, bearded dragons necessitate you to handle live insects. Both pets are suitable for children. However, uromastyx can be aggressive and difficult to handle for lengthy periods.
Humidity, Lighting, and Temperature
As desert dwellers, bearded dragons require a high-temperature basking location and a lot of UVB rays. The ideal humidity level is between 20 and 40 percent.
Uromastyx requires high UVB and basking temperatures to thrive. Bearded dragons’ heat requirements are lower than those of uromastyxs. Uromastyx also requires low humidity – between 20% and 30% – and avoidance of soaking or bathing.
Beardies and uromastyxs demand a vital UVB source of 10% -12% and high basking temperatures. Bearded dragons demand basking temperatures of approximately 92 – 110 degrees Fahrenheit (33-43 degrees Celsius), whereas uromastyx require temperatures of 120 – 140 degrees Fahrenheit (49-60 Celsius).
Breeding Challenges
Bearded dragons are easy to breed as they begin breeding relatively young. Bearded dragons can breed between 18 and 24 months, whereas uromastyx can breed between 3.5 and 5 years. However, the breeding challenge is comparable in general.
Uromastyx sexually matures slowly, and you must wait till your uromastyx reaches the age of 3.5 or 4 – 5 years before breeding them. Additionally, most species are difficult to sex, and breeding is simple after the uromastyx reaches reproductive age.
Efficacy and Odor
Bearded dragons poop on average every one to three days, which can occur in various locations throughout the tank. However, if you have the time, you may train your bearded dragon to defecate inside the bathtub daily. Bearded dragon poop is frequently stinky, although if you locate the poo, clean it, and it will be fine.
Uromastyx also defecates on average every 1-3 days. Their feces is odorless, as they do not consume living insects. Spot cleaning is straightforward.
Bearded dragons have a more pungent odor than uromastyx. Both would require tank cleaning daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Bearded Dragon vs. Uromastyx Care Costs
When deciding on a pet reptile, one of the factors to consider is the cost of ownership. While both Bearded Dragons and Uromastyx are relatively low-maintenance pets, there are differences in their costs.
Regarding the initial cost, Bearded Dragons are more expensive than Uromastyx. The price of a Bearded Dragon can range from $50 to $500, depending on factors such as age, morph, and breeder. On the other hand, Uromastyx can be purchased for as little as $30 to $50, depending on the species and source.
The cost of housing for Bearded Dragons and Uromastyx also differs. Bearded Dragons require larger enclosures, and the size of the tank will depend on the age and size of the dragon.
A 40-gallon tank is recommended for a juvenile, while a full-grown adult may need at least 75 gallons tank. Additionally,
Bearded Dragons need specific UV lighting and heating, which can increase the cost. Uromastyx, on the other hand, can thrive in smaller enclosures and does not require UV lighting. A 20-gallon tank may be sufficient for a single Uromastyx.
The cost of food is another factor to consider. Bearded Dragons are omnivores and require a diet of both insects and vegetables.
They also have specific dietary requirements, such as a high calcium intake. Uromastyx are primarily herbivores and can be fed a diet of vegetables, fruits, and occasional insects.
Overall, the cost of feeding a Bearded Dragon tends to be higher than that of feeding a Uromastyx.
Regarding veterinary costs, Bearded Dragons and Uromastyx require similar types of care.
However, Bearded Dragons are more prone to health issues such as metabolic bone disease and respiratory infections, which can increase the cost of vet visits.
table comparing the cost of ownership for Bearded Dragons and Uromastyx:
| Cost Factor | Bearded Dragons | Uromastyx |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | $50-$500 | $30-$50 |
| Housing | Larger tank and specific UV lighting and heating | Smaller tank and no UV lighting required |
| Food | An omnivorous diet including insects and vegetables, a higher cost | Herbivorous diet including vegetables and fruits, occasional insects, lower cost |
| Veterinary Costs | An omnivorous diet including insects and vegetables, higher cost | Similar types of care |
| Overall Affordability | More expensive in initial cost, housing, and food, but not significantly different in veterinary costs | More budget-friendly in initial cost, housing, and food, with similar veterinary costs |
Remember that the actual cost of ownership for a Bearded Dragon or Uromastyx can vary based on factors such as the individual pet’s needs, the owner’s preferences, and the region where the owner lives.
Brumation
Most uromastyx or bearded dragons may brumate throughout the winter, and brumation is frequently triggered to acclimate them to the mating season. However, if your pet detects a drop in temperature, it will enter brumation.
Beardies brumate in captivity between the ages of 18-24 months. A bearded dragon can not feed when brumating but will occasionally come out and be somewhat active.
However, not all bearded dragons kept in captivity will brumate. While some Uromastyx may slow down during the winter, not all do.
Diet
As omnivores, bearded dragons necessitate a diet including live feeder insects and greens. On the other hand, adult bearded dragons consume fewer insects and more vegetables as they become older. Bearded dragon babies feed on insects for the first 12 months of life, but as they grow older, they switch to greens.
Feeding your uromastyx pets bugs is unnecessary because they are vegetarians. Vegetables, greens, certain legumes, and seeds are what your uromastyx needs to consume.
Uromastyx has a clear advantage in this category. It’s considerably simpler to feed uromastyx since you don’t have to purchase, maintain, or breed live bugs. For many people, this is the breaking point.
Biting
Bearded dragons rarely and are unlikely to bite. They can bite if they mistake your fingers for meals or if people disturb them.
Uromastyx is also unlikely to bite except if provoked to do so. When you threaten an uromastyx, it will hiss and flee to its hideouts.
Bearded dragons and uromastyx are improbable to bite. A baby bite would not cause bleeding, but an adult’s bite would.
Can I Keep Bearded Dragons and Uromastyx Together?
Trying to mix these two reptiles is never a good idea. First, the habitat requirements for uromastyxs and bearded dragons are pretty distinct, and Uromastyx requires higher temperatures in the ambiance and basking zones.
Bearded dragons require live food like insects. On the other hand, uromastyx does not.
Keeping the two species may result in uromastyx ingesting bugs, which is unfavorable to their health at the very least.
Finally, keeping bearded dragons with uromastyx is only feasible if the terrarium is at least seven feet long and has a barrier separating the uromastyx and their surroundings from the bearded dragons.
FAQs about Uromastyx
Conclusion on Bearded Dragon vs. Uromastyx: What Is Easier to Keep?
Bearded dragons & uromastyx are equally adorable lizard pets, and a bearded dragon is a better choice for being calm and tame. However, the cage would require modest modifications to accommodate the bearded.
The uromastyx takes longer to slow down and become manageable, usually about a month and a half. If you want more updates on bearded dragons, sign up to keep you posted when we have new content.
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