Lizards can make great pets, they can be low-maintenance and fun. However, it's important to look into the care requirements for the lizard you're selecting to make sure you're up to the task. Today, our Waxhaw vets share the top 5 lizards they recommend for beginners.
So You're Thinking About a Pet Lizard
Lizards can be great pets for people of any age, but they do have certain care requirements. If it's your first time caring for a lizard, you'll probably want to select one that has fairly easy requirements so that your first experience is positive.
What are the care requirements for a pet lizard?
There are many different lizards that can be kept as pets but some have more complex care requirements than others. When considering lizard care you need to think about the following:
- Lifespan
- Dietary Requirements
- Temperament
- Habitat Needs
- Susceptibility to Disease
When choosing your first pet lizard you should aim for one that is familiar and easy to access information about. You should also select a lizard that is easy to handle—your first experience with lizards should not be with one that is prone to biting!
And keep in mind that lizards need very specific habitats. Starting with a smaller lizard may make it easier to create the perfect home for your new pet.
What kind of lizard should I get?
There are a few pet lizard types that are good for beginners. Our Waxhaw vets would suggest:
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.