We need a lizard that can live in a smallish cage. Can be handled by my little bro (who is 7). And one who dosen't need extra care.
PLEASE HELP!
2006-08-20 18:15:37 · 14 answers · asked by scuder1002 2 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I would suggest a leopard gecko also. They can live in a 10 gallon tank their entire life. They eat crickets, meal worms, silkworms, and lobster roaches are all fine for staple prey. They do not need any type of UVB light since they are nocturnal lizards. Geckos are also carnivorous and do not need to be fed any type of veggies or greens. Feed them insects only and feed them at night. Leopard geckos can have a UTH (under tank heater)....it's actually best if you do to aid in digestion. You can also have a black light bulb so you can see them at night. Don't get any party light bulbs from stores and stuff.....get one made by reptile companies. They have a special covering over their bulbs that wont hurt the leo's eyes. Leopard geckos are very low maintenance compared to other lizards and are great for beginners. Never use a loose substrate for geckos. I like paper towels because they are a easy clean up. Temperatures for the cage needs to be around 85-90. They also need a cool end around 75-80. Temps need to be measured with a digital thermometer with probe. Hope this helps!
EDIT: for supplements you need a calcium with vitamin D3 and without vitamin D3. For babies and juveniles, you should dust the food every day with a plain, no phosphorus calcium powder. For adults, dusting can be done every other feeding. Twice a week (for adults and babies), substitute with a calcium powder with D3 for dusting. Do NOT use the D3 powder for every dusting, as Leos can not absorb that much D3 and remain healthy.
2006-08-21 06:45:50 · answer #1 · answered by Spiral Out 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
sorry to tell you this but lizards can offten take more caring than say a cat, theres so many things you have to keep maintained for it to live, such as temp and humidity, if things arn't maintained you might have trouble getting the lizard to eat or shed properly, also like any other pet it will need fresh water every day and the cage should be cleaned regularly, also how big is a smallish cage? most lizards need space to move around and can require a large cage. do some research on basic lizard care, then decide what kind of lizard if you're still interested in getting one, then do research on the care of the specific lizard.Good luck!
2006-08-20 18:35:07 · answer #2 · answered by psycho_sweetie_92 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have to get a pet lizard, get a leopard gecko. They can live in a fairly small cage, but need certain things to be healthy. Almost no reptile likes to be handled. Handling any reptile too much can cause them to die by stress. If you do decide to get a leopard gecko, they need: a heating pad, a heat lamp and an UV lamp. Do NOT by a heat rock. They are not a reliable source of heat, and may burn the animal. Also make sure that the cage has a fine screen that insects cannot escape through. Geckos need a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other small insects. Some will eat fruits such as grapes and apricots as treats or snacks, but cannot consist on them alone. Also when feeding your gecko crickets, make sure to calcium dust them or to "load" (feed the crickets) with fruits and veggies first. This will make sure that your gecko has all the vitamins and minerals that they need.
Also do not use sand as a substrate for lizards. They tend to eat it, which can lead to a condition called impaction (similiar to constipation).
Hope this helps!
2006-08-20 19:15:13 · answer #3 · answered by Rocky 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most reptiles grow larger than people think, and cannot be kept in small enclosures.
Bearded Dragons are popular but can quickly outgrow their tank. Geckos are not always handleable. Turtles can carry disease that can make you very sick.. not necessarily a problem if you wash your hands but 7 years olds are not well known for that. Chameleons can be hard to keep properly, they have very specific health needs.
In all honesty, a lizard is probably not the best pet for your 7 year old brother, children that age will often quickly grow bored of pets. And vet care for a lizard can become quite costly if there's a problem. They have more special needs than many people realize.
Ask some people who REALLY know their stuff, like on a lizard fanciers forum. They are the best to help you make an educated decision, not the random people on Yahoo. Also, very often the people at the petstore don't know what they're talking about, either.
http://forum.kingsnake.com/
http://www.reptileforums.com/forums/cmps_index.php
Remember that every pet needs to be carefully thought out and researched before it is added to your family.
Best of luck..... make sure you do lots of research. :-)
2006-08-20 18:34:29 · answer #4 · answered by moosh_moosh_smoosh 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
first of all chameleons , anoles, and iguanas have very specific care to keep them alive and healthy they are not for beginners they need certin light humidity and caging type and size leopard geckos are great for a first pet ten gallon tank will work and no need for uvb lighting they eat crickets and need fresh water and a clean tank also bearded dragons are pretty good also they do need uvb light and a bigger tank and sometimes when they are young they may be a bit nippy though but as they get older they are one of the best lizards to have
2006-08-21 10:40:54 · answer #5 · answered by modfrogg 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
geckos can live in a small cage but your little bro can not hold them because they are to fast. the best lizard is a bearded dragon that he can hold because they are calm. but they do need a large cage. i advise you and your family to go to a reptile show that is somewhere near where you stay and you can talk to different breeders that have been breeding for over 5 years or so.
2006-08-21 09:05:16 · answer #6 · answered by smilez_69_01 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do not get an Iguana..they are alot of work and require alot of stuff to stay healthy. They have to have fresh greens everyday and require UV lighting and will grow out of a small cage quickly.
We have a 6 yr old Iguana is is over 6ft long.
2006-08-21 07:16:49 · answer #7 · answered by Krista S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest getting a low maintenance lizard like a green anole. They require little upkeep and are great as pets. This was my first dabble in teh repitle world so i thought i would pass on the advice and happy hunting. Reptiles are very rewarding pets.
2006-08-20 22:34:39 · answer #8 · answered by bobbye 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Don't get a gecko, they are mean and like to escape alot. When they do, they will hide where it's dark and then say, for example, you turn on a light switch, they will bite your fingers, lol. A small lizard that is great to have for a pet is a chamelion. they are passive and fun to watch change colors with the surroundings!!! Good Luck
2006-08-20 18:24:50 · answer #9 · answered by Honeywest 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Don't get a lizard, reptiles need to be out in the wild.. Why would you want to put a beautiful animal like that in a tiny cage.. what kind of life is that..Reptiles also have specific dietary requirements, that if not met, lead to a slow and painful death. If you guys really want a good pet, get a cat or a dog.. A cat is even better, as they are independent. Children lose interest in animals after a while, at least a cat can be enjoyed by your parents as well.
2006-08-20 18:24:57 · answer #10 · answered by oneblondepilgrim 6 · 2⤊ 6⤋