See, I live in Illinois and it gets quite cold in the winter. I would love to get a lizard, but would like to know which ones live long, have a good temperment, and would be able to survive the cold? All help is appreciated :)
2007-02-10 09:01:07 · 16 answers · asked by Lie to me 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
the second answerer has no idea what he is talking about first off chameleons would not be good for a beginner and it would probably have a hard time with the cold. Komodo dragons are not even possible to keep as pets and would get bigger than you. I would suggest getting a leopard gecko. they are usually realy calm and will let you hold them. they eat crickets and aren't that expensive. they require around a 20 gallon tank and they are really easy to take care of. I personally love all reptiles as pets but For you This is a good idea. Bearded dragons are another choice they are more expensive and require more space and more care but are very friendly as well. Another more tropical reptile I would suggest is a chinese water dragon they are very fun pets and are aroound the same price as bearded dragons. They are really cool and are really friendly.
2007-02-10 13:41:58 · answer #1 · answered by jason c 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are new to reptiles, I'd say to get a bearded dragon or a gecko. Both are considered easy for beginners to keep: http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymountain/RMHPages/RMHbest.htm Also, look at this website that list the WORST reptiles for beginners: http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymountain/RMHPages/RMHworst.htm.
Now that's out of the way, let's take a look at some choices. A bearded dragon is a great pet, the lifespan is 5 - 15 yrs. (how long do you consider "long"?). They will need heat, plus UVB lighting, plus a fairly large tank as an adult (get to ~20"). On the good side, these are calm and like to be held. A uromastyx is similar to a bearded dragon in personality, but needs a VERY WARM environment - they like a basking area of around 120o! Think of what that will do to your electric bill! (Bearded dragons only need a basking area of 90-105!). There are several kinds of uromastyx, ranging in size from just over a foot to 30", and these can live 30 -35 yrs. Leopard geckos are also a good beginner lizard, stay small (adult size is 8-10"), can be kept in a 20 gallon aquarium, like a basking area 85-88o, don't need special lighting and can live 15 - 20+ years. All of these can be handled if hand-tamed when young. All eat insects; the beardie and uromastyx also eat veggies.
Another lizard you might consider is the crested gecko - they don't need special lighting and can live at "room" temperatures.
I'm providing some links to sources with good caresheets and species profiles so you can get more info on these (and other) lizards and pick the one that's best for you!
http://www.kingsnake.com/features.html
http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/lizards/
http://www.anapsid.org/mainlizards.html
Good luck with the new pet!
2007-02-10 15:09:42 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No lizard can survive in the cold, you would need heat sources and UV lights. You can try Bearded Dragons and Leopard Geckos, no lizard is easy but they seem to be alittle easier then others. Make sure you do alot of research before getting a lizard.
Do not listen to the person who said to get a chameleon they are the most difficult lizards to care for and have very strict care requirements.
2007-02-10 10:49:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best type of lizard would be a leopard gecko. I raise and breed them. They are great lizards, easy to care for, friendly, etc. They get about 10 inces long and can live for a while. I have one that is 17 years old. My dad bought it for me when I was a kid and she's still alive and doing great. They come in many colors and designs. If you can find a carrot or high orange they are the prettiest.
2007-02-10 14:40:21 · answer #4 · answered by Brandi W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, you don't put a lizard out in the cold. They require heat lamps and UV bulbs over their cage so no matter how cold it gets outside, as long as they have the right heat inside, that's all that matters. Do all your research and look up care sheets first. Bearded Dragons and Egyptian Uromastyx are great for beginners.
2007-02-10 09:24:21 · answer #5 · answered by KathyS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bearded Dragon
2007-02-10 09:04:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Lizards are cold-blooded. None will be happy in cold weather.
2007-02-10 09:04:16 · answer #7 · answered by Meg W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well as long as you provide wool sweaters and blankets they should be fine.
My beared dragon has a cute winter hat and scarf to keep him warm!
serioulsy, all lizard need heat lamps and heat pads to keep them warm enough in cold climates.
too bad I can't post a link....I have a great photo of my bearded dragon in his hat and scarf!
2007-02-10 14:27:43 · answer #8 · answered by kayleighleigh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can start a 20 gallon terrerium with a small bearded dragon. They make great pets.
2007-02-10 10:42:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
bearde dragon or if you get a good heat lamp then try a leopard gecko, they are very fun.
2007-02-11 08:08:41 · answer #10 · answered by frog fanatic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋