BTS vs bearded dragons

[1991kmh]

Hey there!
I'm new to the forum. I'm looking for more information about blue tongue skinks, especially how they compare to bearded dragons. We have a two year old beardy and we are planning on expanding our family with a new pet reptile. I did a quick internet search and most results said that BTSs are similar to beardies in both temperament and care requirements. Does anyone have experience with both lizards?
Thanks in advance!

[Richard.C]

If u do a search,you will find this is a very common question

[1991kmh]

Oh! Sorry! Thank you!

[jesswebb93]

I have an adult Bearded Dragon as well as 2 adult Blue Tongue Skinks. Honestly, both species have great temperaments and are equally intelligent, in my opinion. If you like Bearded Dragons, then you will love owning a BTS

[Gao]

I have both and I tell you blue tongue skinks are much easier to take care of. And keeping a bearded dragon can be pretty expensive because they eat tons of live feeders every single day. My sub-adult blue tongue only eats twice a week and she takes no live feeder. Blue tongues are also much calmer than bearded dragons. People say bearded dragons are docile I call it *I_Can't_Read they are hysterical little big jerks*. And they get scared so easily. Mine even gets scared when I open the curtain and the light comes in. Bearded dragons are so overrated in so many ways. Spread the word and don't get a beardie.

[jesswebb93]

In response to what Gao said, I completely disagree. My beardie is extremely docile, just like my Skinks. My beardie even sleeps in my bed with me every night and waits for me to wake up in the mornings. I have one skink that is more skittish than the other, but they all have different personalities. I personally think beardies are just as good as Blueys.

[splashy07]

Matter of personal preference. I've kept both but find blueys are much easier to care for. My beardies used to freak out when they saw my snakes. Blueys don't care. I got my beardies off live and onto pellets and vegetables, so it is possible as adults you don't have to do the bug thing, but when I was breeding and had tons of little ones I needed a constant supply.
I no longer keep beardies, but still breed all my own feeders for my community tank and treats for my blueys, but it's not necessary to keep all those nasty bugs if you have blueys. Also, they do not eat as often and a trip to the grocery store will take care of all their feeding needs. They also may live twice as long and have way fewer health issues and I find them a bit more tolerant of just about everything. AND...their poo does not stink nearly as bad....again, though, a matter of personal choice, but I'd say if you have as little time as I do, go for the blue.

[Susann]

Matter of personal preference, but I'd say if you have as little time as I do, go for the blue.

Good point.

It does depend on many things, among them: what your expectations are and how much time you want to commit; less within your control is what the animals' individual personalities are --which can make a big difference depending on your expectations.

Both are good beginner reptiles from what I hear, as I've never owned a beardie, but it sounds to me like a BTS requires much less daily and weekly care.
I would make sure to read up on the requirements of each animal before making your decision.

[Meeper]

I had a beardy I while back... He was pretty much the nicest lizard I've ever met. I will have to agree with the previous posts about care though. I've only had my BTS for a while, but the ease of care is dramatic. Beardies are a LOT of work, they require dramatic temperatures, and LIVE prey. Mr Skink, however... I keep an eye on his temps, and thaw a cube of food a few times a week. Even making his batch of grub for the month took about as much time to prepare as the food prep for EVERY DAY that you'd do for a beardy. Now, my beardy was drop dead stunning with his whites and oranges, but Mr. Skink is darn cute