Post by LadyViper on Nov 16, 2007 9:33:06 GMT -6
Lizards as Pets
Choosing the Right Lizard and Basic Care
Lizards can make excellent pets, but first you must be prepared for what you are getting yourself into.
While a lizard may be inexpensive, chances are that getting all the correct equipment is going cost a fair amount of money. Do not trust the pet store to tell you about all of the correct equipment either - do your research first! Keep in mind how big your lizard will get - those cute baby iguanas grow into 5-6 foot lizards that need a lot of space and a lot of care. Here's a starting point to research the right lizard for you!
If you are new to lizards, start with one of the easier species to care for and/or handle. Leopard geckos are a popular starter and for good reason: they are small, easy to handle, and don't require huge terrariums or special UVA/UVB lighting. Bearded dragons are included on this list because they are quite easy to handle, but you will need to invest a fair amount in setting up a large terrarium and providing lighting.
Even anoles, another inexpensive and commonly found lizard, require expensive lighting. All of the following are suitable for beginners, but only if you are willing to invest in the proper equipment.
Leopard Gecko -
Bearded Dragon -
Blue Tongued Skink -
Green Anole -
Other Geckos - the fat tailed gecko, tokay Gecko, and
madagascar ground gecko are less common but manageable for beginners. Day geckos are more challenging.
Other lizards are a bit more challenging, whether it be setting up the proper environment, ease handling, the size of space you will need to care for them, or a combination of these or other factors. In this category, iguanas are the most poorly misunderstood. They can be excellent pets but require a good deal more space and care than a lot of owners expect. Here are some of the more challenging species you might consider once you have a bit of experience
Iguanas -
Chameleons -
Geckos - Day Geckos
Argentinian Black and White Tegu - these are generally docile but require large housing.
Savannah Monitors - as far as monitors go, this is the most manageable.
exoticpets.about.com/od/lizardsaspets/a/lizardspets.htm
Pam aka Lady Viper
Live in Texas? Interested in reptiles??
Check for the latest Texas Reptile news,
Click the link below to join us.
groups.yahoo.com/group/TexasAreaReptileEnthusiasts/
Choosing the Right Lizard and Basic Care
Lizards can make excellent pets, but first you must be prepared for what you are getting yourself into.
While a lizard may be inexpensive, chances are that getting all the correct equipment is going cost a fair amount of money. Do not trust the pet store to tell you about all of the correct equipment either - do your research first! Keep in mind how big your lizard will get - those cute baby iguanas grow into 5-6 foot lizards that need a lot of space and a lot of care. Here's a starting point to research the right lizard for you!
If you are new to lizards, start with one of the easier species to care for and/or handle. Leopard geckos are a popular starter and for good reason: they are small, easy to handle, and don't require huge terrariums or special UVA/UVB lighting. Bearded dragons are included on this list because they are quite easy to handle, but you will need to invest a fair amount in setting up a large terrarium and providing lighting.
Even anoles, another inexpensive and commonly found lizard, require expensive lighting. All of the following are suitable for beginners, but only if you are willing to invest in the proper equipment.
Leopard Gecko -
Bearded Dragon -
Blue Tongued Skink -
Green Anole -
Other Geckos - the fat tailed gecko, tokay Gecko, and
madagascar ground gecko are less common but manageable for beginners. Day geckos are more challenging.
Other lizards are a bit more challenging, whether it be setting up the proper environment, ease handling, the size of space you will need to care for them, or a combination of these or other factors. In this category, iguanas are the most poorly misunderstood. They can be excellent pets but require a good deal more space and care than a lot of owners expect. Here are some of the more challenging species you might consider once you have a bit of experience
Iguanas -
Chameleons -
Geckos - Day Geckos
Argentinian Black and White Tegu - these are generally docile but require large housing.
Savannah Monitors - as far as monitors go, this is the most manageable.
exoticpets.about.com/od/lizardsaspets/a/lizardspets.htm
Pam aka Lady Viper
Live in Texas? Interested in reptiles??
Check for the latest Texas Reptile news,
Click the link below to join us.
groups.yahoo.com/group/TexasAreaReptileEnthusiasts/