Ball Python or Bearded Dragon

I'm thinking about getting a Ball Python or Bearded Dragon. I read a bunch online about how to take care of them and everything but I'm just not sure if I'd like a snake or a lizard more. I was also wondering which are easier to handle. A draw back I see with a bearded dragon is the needed for a really big cage (50+ gallons) where as a Ball Python can be happy in a 30 gallon tank.

I've never owned a ball python, but after owning my bearded dragon for a few months I've become really fond of him. Have you considered how much time you want to commit to your new pet? I think a ball python requires less maintenance such as feeding when compared to a bearded dragon. I'm using a 40 gal breeder tank for my bearded dragon and it works just fine. Most 50 gals I see in my pet stores have less width than the 40 gallons, but more length. I liked the dimensions of the 40 gals better, so that's what I chose, not to mention the price difference. My Zilla 40 gal (comes with sliding mesh top) was bought at Petco and it was on sale for $60 (50% off) which is not bad at all (last I checked, the sale is still going on in CA, not sure elsewhere though). As far as ease of handling, my bearded dragon is very tame and enjoys sitting on my shoulder as I take it on walks. It also patiently sits on any surfaces such as a table when I hand feed it. I think that's one of the perks to owning one as well, it eats often and you hand feed it

Beardies are great lizards, I have a male and a female. They're really tame animals, but if you're a busy person, keep in mind they need daily maintenance. Cleaning feeding etc takes time. If you have the time, go for the dragon.

If you want lower maintenance, go for the BP, feeding is just once weekly, and it's easier to store frozen mice than livefood.

Gallon sizes don't really say much, I like to keep as a rule, 20 sq/in floor space for one or 2 beardies. My new tank will be 3ftx2ft and 2 ft high. I should be getting a BP soon too, but it will be housed in a similar enclosure with the exact same sizes (bit overkill maybe).

JamieLawrence has dragons and was going to take a BP too, but he hasn't been online for a while so I don't know if he has one already.

I'd like to spend quite a bit of time with my new pet, but I got school and other things I'm doing so I might not be able to spend at least 2 days out of the week with it. The bearded dragon does sound a bit more appealing than a ball python. I did hear that they become less active as they get older so instead of being funny and climbing on things, they just sit there and bask.

As long as on that 2 days you have 5-10 minutes for feeding it (or somebody else who can do it for you), I think you'll manage just fine. Mine are both adults, so basically they get more attention 2 times a week. Wednesday they usually get crickets/worms, or a pinkie, and saturday they get also crickets/worms, cage cleaning and sometimes a bath. The other days I just make sure each evening/morning that they have enough greens/fruits. They always have a dish of granulated food too in case I forget to add fresh food.

A hatchling/youngster will need feeder insects more often though.

Don't underestimate their "lazyness" they're a very social lizard and it's really cool when they just lay flat on your arm or shoulder and "bask" there for hours, absorbing from your body heat.

Dragon's are by far my favourite herp. There's a reason why they're called the labradors of the lizard world

DolbyR wrote:

JamieLawrence has dragons and was going to take a BP too, but he hasn't been online for a while so I don't know if he has one already.

I didn't end up getting the royal in the end mate. I still can if I want to but I'm holding off for now due to the collection being at a good size at the mo and I don't want to make too much work for myself but still thinking.

That's a hard choice as they're both so different pets. I can fully recommend beardies though, they're just my favourite reptile to keep as a pet. All what's been said is true about more time needed with the beardies, I know I've got 3 lol but love them and well worth the effort. It really needs updating now but here's when I posted 'em up.

https://scorpionforum.darkbb.com/t4848-beardie-tanks-finally-finished?highlight=beardie