bearded dragon/leopard geckos?

Question
Hi I was planning on getting a bearded dragon but... I found out that there life span is only 4/6 years! so I was thinking that maybe a group of female leoaprd geckos would be better, they seem to live to be at lest 10 years but according to everything I've read they can live to be 20!, anyways now I'm not sure which I want and was hoping you could help me make a desisen....

I have a three foot tank with an under tank heaters, basking lamp & I was getting a uvb bulb & fixture if I got the bearded dragon, I am kinda scared of bugs but for a lizard I can by pass this, I would like it if the lizard would learn that I'm the one that feeds him and remember me, I would like to be able to handle this lizard every now and then say a few times weekly or maybe for five minutes daily, I want to be able to take it out once or twice a week for a run around in a lizard friendly area, I want a lizard(s) that wont die a few years after I get all this expensive stuff for it and something that is intersting to watch.... do you know which one would be better for me? Also even thou I've read sevral things that say how longthey should live how long do you think each of the above mentioned lizards live?

Answer
Hi,
thank you for your question.
Leopard Geckos do live longer than Bearded Dragons, then can reach an age of 25 years. I don't know about the colour breeds, they might die sooner because of extensive inbreeding.
Bearded Dragons might reach an age of ten years and many reach an age of eight years.

If you don't plan to buy a bigger tank in the near future, a group of Leopard Geckos is better suited for the tank you already have. A Bearded Dragon would need an enclosure twice this size after one year. For a group of one male Leopard Gecko and two females it has just the right size.

Both species are friendly and can be handled from time to time but they won't enjoy being petted (closing their eyes is often interpreted as a sign of pleasure but it's a sign of discomfort). They will learn to recognize their owner and wait for food (I know a group of Leopard Geckos that has even learned the time they are fed and will wait at the door of their terrarium).

Leopard Geckos are easier to maintain, they won't need UV lighting since they are nocturnal. A basking spot is used occasionally. They are very cat like in their movement especiaslly when hunting and their group behaviour is interesting to watch.

All things considered, I think that Leopard Geckos are the better choice for you.
I hope I was of some help
Jennifer