Pet Lizards for Kids and Beginners

People keep pet lizards all over the world.

Given that there are so many species of lizards there is surely a pet reptile that suits each individual’s personality.

If you are planning to have pet lizards then you need to educate yourself on how to take care of them, what to feed them, their lifespan, health issues, etc. It is worth remembering that lizards are cold-blooded animals. And yes, your pet lizard will have this cool ability to shed their tail when threatened.

• As far as pet lizards go, the Leopard Gecko is a popular one. No prizes for guessing how it gets its moniker. This lizard can grow up nine inches long. This gecko, which is nocturnal by habit, does not cost more than $25 and needs at least a 10 gallon tank with appropriate heat source. They feed mainly on insects, so introduce crickets or cockroaches into their tank every alternate day. See that they have a supply of fresh water. The Leopard Gecko is an agile animal that is not very comfortable with being handled.

• The Bearded Dragon can reach a length of 24 inches or two feet. They present a striking appearance, particularly if they posses some special marking. $50 should get you a specimen. Such pet lizard require space, a 55 gallon cage at the very minimum. Sand will work fine as a substrate. This dragon has an appetite and will eat anything, so food should not be a problem; they usually get the water they need from what they eat. But you will have to invest in a source of UVA/B lighting so that the animal can stay warm at night. Place some plants, real and fake in their surroundings. They don’t mind being handled.

• The Blue Tongued Skink comes from Down Under. It is a creature of the grasslands. It can grow up to one and half feet long and live for more than twenty years. They have a very attractive grey or tan hide with brown or reddish markings. You can get a Blue Tongued Skink for $70. As far as pet lizard are concerned, this one is sure to present a striking appearance as it sits to bask or munch on veggies in its 55 gallon tank.

• The Green Anole is a native of the United States and a small, easy to keep lizard. You can purchase one for around $10. A 10 gallon tank will do fine for one specimen or maybe a 20 gallon one if you want to have a male and a female or maybe two females together. They usually do not grow beyond eight inches in length and are perfect pet lizard for those that are just getting introduced to the hobby.

Iguanas and chameleons also make good pet lizards but are not meant for beginners.

They don’t like to be handled and have stringent care requirements that are best fulfilled by an experienced pet lizards lover.

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.