Pet lizards can be a great addition to any household, provided they are given the proper care they need. With so many different species of lizards available, it can be hard to decide which one is best for your home. To help make your pet lizard selection process easier, here are eight of the best pet lizards you should consider:
Bearded Dragon
This popular lizard is one of the friendliest and easiest to care for. They require a large enclosure with an appropriate substrate and plenty of hiding spots so they can feel comfortable. Their diet consists of insects, vegetables, and occasional fruits.
Leopard Gecko
These small, gentle lizards make great pets for beginners as they are hardy, easy to handle, and relatively low maintenance. They need a humid terrarium with sand or peat moss substrate to hide in, plus calcium dust for their diet of live insects like crickets and mealworms.
Chameleon
For experienced owners only! Due to their complex needs, chameleons are considered to be difficult pets. They need a cage with live plants and plenty of ventilation. Chameleons are insectivores, so their diet consists of crickets, locusts, and other small bugs.
Green Iguana
If you’re looking for a large pet lizard that is impressive to look at, then an iguana might be a perfect choice. Although iguanas require more care than some species, they can make great companion animals if given enough attention. Iguanas need special lighting and heating lamps in addition to a diet that includes greens like collard, turnip, and dandelion leaves as well as vegetables like squash and carrots.
Water Dragon
This semi-aquatic lizard is native to Asia and loves to swim, so it needs an enclosure with both land and water sections. Its diet consists of crickets, earthworms, small fish, and wax worms.
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink
These eye-catching lizards can be great pets if given the right care. They require a large terrarium that mimics their natural environment with plants, branches, and plenty of hiding spots for warmth. In terms of diet, they eat live insects like crickets as well as some fruits and vegetables now and then.
African Fat Tail Gecko
These geckos are unique in that they don’t need to be handled. They are nocturnal and prefer to hide during the day, so they don’t need a lot of interaction with their owners. Their diet consists of crickets or mealworms as well as some fruits and vegetables.
Tokay Gecko
This bold lizard is one of the most colorful species that can make a great pet if given the proper care. They require an enclosure with plenty of places to hide, plus heating lamps for warmth at night. They are carnivorous and primarily feed on insects like crickets, roaches, wax worms, etc.
8 Reasons Why Leopard Geckos Make Great Pets
Leopard geckos have steadily risen in popularity as a pet and there are plenty of good reasons why. These lovable little reptiles make great pets for many reasons, including their low maintenance needs, friendly dispositions, and long lifespans. Here are 8 reasons why leopard geckos make the perfect pet:
Low Maintenance Pets
Leopard geckos are relatively low maintenance compared to other types of reptiles. They don’t need special diets or require frequent vet visits; instead, they thrive with basic care from their owners such as regular handling, temperature control, and proper feeding.
Easy to Handle and Care For
Leopard geckos are docile creatures that can be easily handled and cared for. They don’t require a complex set-up to live comfortably; instead, they just need a simple terrarium with the right conditions and substrates.
Long Lifespan
Leopard geckos can live up to 25 years, making them an ideal pet option for those that want their beloved companion around for many years.
They’re Friendly and Sociable Creatures
These little lizards are very friendly creatures which makes them delightful pets. Despite their small size, leopard geckos have lots of personalities and love interacting with their owners.
Fun to Watch
Watching your leopard gecko explore its environment is fascinating! Watching these curious reptiles wander around their terrarium and climb up branches with their long toes is a sight to see.
Easy to Feed
Leopard geckos are omnivorous, so they feed mainly on insects such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and super worms. This makes it easy for pet owners to provide a balanced diet for their geckos without having to buy live food.
No Special Housing Requirements
Because of their small size, leopard geckos do not require special housing needs beyond the basic requirements that are necessary for any reptile: proper temperature control and appropriate bedding material.
Great for Beginners
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for reptile, leopard geckos are a great choice. They’re relatively easy to handle and don’t require any special diets or housing needs. This makes them perfect for beginners looking for an enjoyable pet experience.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new pet lizard, then any one of these eight species would make a great choice. With the right care and attention, they can make a wonderful addition to any home. With so many lizards out there, it’s important to research each species to find the one that best fits your lifestyle. Make sure you consider their size, diet requirements, activity levels, and enclosure needs before making a decision. Be sure to do plenty of research to ensure you understand how to properly care for your new pet lizard.