What Do You Feed a Pet Salamander
Congratulations: you've decided to add a pet lizard to your family! To say that this is an exciting step would be an understatement. You'll find that having a pet lizard is both rewarding and enjoyable. Nevertheless, they are living, breathing animals, which means you should be prepared to invest time and resources into your new pet.
With so many different types of species available to keep as a pet, it can be difficult to decide which is the right one to add to your own family. That's where we step in: we're here to help.
Today, we're going to walk you through the best lizards to keep as pets. First, we'll share some must-have information about lizards and keeping one as a pet. Then, we'll dive into some types of lizards you should consider getting.
All About Lizards
The lizard is part of a group of animals referred to as reptiles. The animal that the lizard is most closely related to is the snake. In fact, plenty of the lizards today resemble the reptiles that were around during the dinosaur era.
This means that the ancestors of the lizards appeared on the planet a massive 200 million+ years ago. There are over 16 families, more than 380 genera, and–get this–over 4,675 different species of lizards. That means there are tons of options, and it's important to choose correctly.
The lifespan of a lizard varies greatly depending on the particular species, but it's not uncommon for them to live to be up to 50 years old. The way lizards reproduce is usually by laying eggs, but there are some species in which the eggs develop inside the mother lizard.
Lizards vary greatly in their size and shape, so be sure that you're buying a habitat that will be suitable for your particular breed of lizard. Generally speaking, however, you'll find that lizards have small heads, short necks, and lengthy bodies and tails. They differ from snakes in a variety of ways, including how they have eyelids that move.
Similar to a snake, the lizard is able to smell using the tongue. This means that your lizard pet relies heavily on their tongue to gather information around the world around them. And did you know that lizards are actually found on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica? It's true. As you can already tell, there's a lot to learn about lizards!
That brings us to our next point: what you need to know before you bring a pet lizard home. First, we'll begin by sharing that it's important to complete rigorous research before you decide which lizard you want–or if a lizard is even the right match for your household.
The reality is, while lizards make wonderful pets, you are going to need a significant amount of time and energy to maintain yours. Be sure that you will be able to provide the lizard with everything they need to survive and thrive throughout their entire lifespan, not just at the beginning.
When you're deciding which lizard you should get (or if you should get one at all), we recommend keeping in mind that getting a lizard is a long-term commitment, and the equipment necessary to care for the pet can be pricey.
Plus, your lizard could get significantly larger as they grow, and all reptiles are at risk of carrying salmonella–so be sure to know how to minimize the risk.
Next, we also want to mention the importance of purchasing your new pet from a reputable breeder, if possible. Regardless of the type of lizard you opt to get; it's important that your new pet was captive-bred. Unfortunately, wild-caught lizards tend to be more prone to parasites and disease, are often more stressed, and can prove difficult to tame. In addition, there's also the concern about depleting the natural population of wild lizards.
Once you've pondered all of these factors, it is officially time to decide what type of lizard you are going to get–which is exciting! We know how intimidating it can be to decipher which type of animal will be right for your home, and that's why we're here to help. Prepare to have all of your questions about which lizard you should get answered now!
What Are the Best Lizards to Keep as Pets?
So, you've decided a pet lizard will be the right fit for your family and household. Now what? It's officially time to start looking for your new pet. Here's our handy guide to four different types of lizards that might be the right match. As you might have guessed, these lizards are all acclaimed for the fact that they make great pets.
#1: The Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons, or "Beardies," as they're often affectionately referred to, are known for being outgoing, popular, and relatively easy to care for. As far as reptile pets go, they're one of the best. Bearded Dragons are native to Australia and are known specifically for their communication strategy. There are folds of skin under their chins that puff out into a "beard."
These lizards are usually active during the daytime and are omnivorous, which means they'll consume both fruits and insects. They should be given a calcium supplement to buoy their diet and will need to eat several times a week.
One reason that Beardies are so popular is because of how social they are. Most of these lizards enjoy spending time with their owners, and many owners have stated that their "dragons" have their own unique personalities.
These lizards' easy, warm temperament makes them an ideal starter lizard. They will usually grow to be one to two feet long and live somewhere between ten and 15 years. Be sure you provide your Beardie with the right resources, and they'll be loyal to you for life.
#2: Leopard Gecko
Up next, we have the Leopard Gecko. These lizards are also widely considered to be excellent starter pet lizards. This is partially due to the fact that they're small and easy to handle. Their size means that they will only require a small tank, and they won't need special UVB lighting as some other lizards do.
You can expect your Leopard Gecko to grow to be ten inches (maybe one foot) in length at most. In addition, they usually live to be about 15 years old. You'll notice that your new pet has a pattern of dark brown spots all over them, similar to the Leopard, which is what they're named after.
These lizards are strictly insectivorous and will require a calcium supplement. Your Leopard Gecko is also nocturnal, so prepare for that. Otherwise, you'll observe that a Leopard Gecko is extremely docile and won't typically bite. They're also easy to care for, which means beginners often gravitate towards this type of lizard.
We also want to note that they don't need a tall tank because they don't have sticky toes or climb. Remember to never house multiple of these geckos together as they can be quite territorial.
#3: Blue Tongue Skink
The Blue Tongue Skink has a unique name, and one look at this lizard, and you will understand why. These lizards, as you might have guessed, have a brightly colored blue tongue!
Once again, they're considerably kind and docile, which makes them excellent beginner lizard pets. In addition, they're easy to tame. Still, we want to mention that when they feel threatened, they can bite. It's okay for a child to handle them, but be sure to do so with training and supervision.
The Blue Tongue Skink is native to Australia, omnivorous, and a bit heavier than some of the other liards we've mentioned. Still, they don't get too long for their weight–typically growing to be around 20 inches.
#4: Crested Gecko
Did you know that the Crested Gecko is native to a group of islands close to Australia? This Gecko is renowned for their "eyelashes," which are technically spines that travel from their eyes all the way down to their tail.
The Crested Gecko is similar to other geckos in the way that they have webbed feet and enjoy climbing. This means that you'll have to invest in a tall tank. In addition, your Gecko will require a warm environment that is very humid, so prepare to maintain a tank that suits them in that way.
Crested Geckos are also nocturnal, and they're not going to require special lighting. It's best to provide them with somewhere between two to four hours of light every day for their circadian rhythm.
Similar to Beardies, Crested Geckos are known for being docile and unlikely to bite. As long as you're gentle with your Crested Gecko, you'll find that they are easy to handle. They're usually small and can grow to be around eight inches long. Prepare for your Crested Gecko to live around ten years or more.
Love Lizards
There you have it: the four best lizards to keep as a pet! We know you'll choose the perfect pet for your family. Get excited: owning a pet lizard is rewarding and plenty of fun. Good luck!
SOURCES:
5 Great Pet Lizards | Reptiles Magazine
Top 20 Best Pet Lizards For Beginners | Everything Reptiles
How to Choose and Care for a Pet Lizard | The Spruce Pets
Lizards | San Diego Zoo
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