Lizards can be fun and low-maintenance, which can make them great pets. That said, it's important to understand the care requirements for the lizard you choose and ensure you're up to take on the job. Today, we list the top 5 lizards recommended for beginners.
Is a pet lizard right for you?
Lizards can be excellent pets for people of any age. However, they do have certain needs when it comes to caring for them. If this will be your first time caring for a lizard, you'll likely want to choose one that has fairly easy requirements so that you'll have a positive first experience.
What are my pet lizard's care requirements?
Many different lizards may be kept as pets. However, some have more complex care needs than others. If you're thinking of bringing home a pet lizard, we recommend considering the following:
- Dietary requirements
- Lifespan
- Habitat needs
- Temperament
- Susceptibility to disease
When selecting your first pet lizard, consider how easy they are to handle — you likely don't want your first experience with a lizard to be with one that's prone to biting. Also find out how easy it will be to access information about them by looking up the type of lizard online. Ask your veterinarian who treats exotics what you should know about this type of lizard.
What kind of lizard should I get?
There are a few types of pet lizard for beginners to consider, including:
1. Bearded Dragon - These lizards are generally gentle and friendly. Originally from Australia, bearded dragons are now a worldwide favorite pet. They are medium-sized and hardy, making them fairly easy to handle.
2. Leopard Gecko - Leopard Geckos are a slow species of gecko and don't have the sticky pads of a typical gecko that make escaping easy. They are relatively low-maintenance and come in a range of colors. They also have fairly easy dietary and tank cleaning requirements.
3. Blue-Tongued Skink - Native to Australia and Indonesia, these larger lizards are generally pretty easy to handle. However, they love a variety of food and enjoy digging. So be prepared to prepare a varied menu and purchase a tank big enough for them to burrow.
4. Crested Gecko - Originally from the island of New Caledonia, crested geckos are easy-going climbing lizards. They thrive at room temperature and don't need any special lighting, making their habitat fairly easy to maintain. The only thing these little guys need is a lot of vertical climbing space, so be sure to get a tall tank.
5. Uromastyx - There are several species of uromastyx that make a good lizard for beginners. These spiny-tailed lizards are native to Africa and the Middle East. They eat an almost exclusively vegetarian diet and enjoy being handled.
Regardless of which lizard you pick, be sure to research its care needs before purchasing it. You want to be sure you are setting your lizard up for a long and healthy life. Be ready to provide your new pet with the nutrition, habitat, handling, and veterinary care needs it needs to thrive.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.