What is the best beginner lizard to own?

Question

I've had iguana's and I'm found them too fast and picky eaters. Not to mention one of them got mean after 3 years. I've heard leopard geckos are a good try. I'd like something that moves on the slower side....

Answer 1

Yeah, try baby Kimono dragons. They're cute.

Answer 2

Either a bearded dragon or leopard gecko would be a good beginner lizard. Some of this will depend on your preferences. The bearded will get bigger (up to 2 feet) but the gecko will stay under a foot. The bearded needs special lighting. The gecko will live up to 18 years with proper care, the bearded will live for 8-15. The bearded will probably cost more.

Check out the care of both (or any other species you might be interested in) before you decide to purchase. Here are some websites with good care sheets:

http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/
http://www.anapsid.org/
http://www.kingsnake.com/features.html
http://www.coloherp.org/careshts/index.php

Don't get an anole - these lizards are fast, hard to handle, and require an intermediate level of care to do well! See kingsnake's "best reptiles-" and "worst reptiles for beginning hobbyists" sheets!

Answer 3

the two most popular and best beginner lizards are the leopard gecko and the bearded dragon..

leopard geckos are nocturnal, are pretty lazy, except when hungry and can be handled.. they are attractive and relatively low maintainence... they also don't require a huge tank.. they will be more than happy in a 40 gallon breeder, but you can have them in a 20 gallon if need be

bearded dragons are more popular.. they are daytime lizards.. the maintainence is slightly higher as they require warmer temps and very low humidity.. however they are very social, and have some personality(as mush as a lizard could have) you can tell when it's mad or upset, and it has certain gestures like arm waving and head bobbing that can be funny to watch, but also have meaning.. they do get bigger though and you need at least a 40 gallon breeder tank... but you should really have a 72 gallon.. they get about 20 inches compaired the the leopard geckos max of 8 or 10 inces... i have had both and i would recommend the bearded dragon if you have room for the tank(you can start them in a 20 gallon if you get a juveniles)

Answer 4

Crested geckos are a good one. But they're fast and not exactly for beginners, since they cost a lot of money to buy and breed. I would suggest Anoles, maybe. Or bearded dragons. There aren't many lizards who tend to be on the slow side. Good luck!

Answer 5

The best begginers lizards are Leopard geckos, Crested geckos and bearded dragons.
Personaly i think Crested are probably easiest.

Answer 6

Try an Anole first if that lives then step op to and Gecko or a Bearded Dragon.

Answer 7

Best Beginner Lizard

Answer 8

I would recommend a bearded dragon. They come in a variety of color morphs and even large (german giant) and small (rankins). They are very docile, and even seem to be affectionate at times. When I pet my males head he closes his eyes and eventually goes to sleep while laying on my chest. They are just so sweet.

Answer 9

hi there
a bearded dragon is the best .. they have great personalities they love being held and easy to care for ...they don't get to big 18 inch including the tail.. hope this helps more info on our website.. under the lizard section...

Answer 10

good luck most lizards are fast, you could go with a snake but thats not a lizard. What about an anole, they are great for beginners, very cheap, and easily kept

Answer 11

leapord geckos usually work. they are the best. they are also the easyest to care for u sould get them a 20 gallen tanks sand a hidding rock and a shallow water dish