What kinds of lizards are good for a beginning owner?

Question

I want a lizard but don't know what to get. I don't want something that gets large or needs a gigantic terrarium (bigger than a 35 gallon aquarium is a little too big). I would definitely prefer a diurnal lizard, since they are active during the day, but i will settle for something nocturnal. Mostly i just want an entertaining and interesting lizard.

I was thinking about some sort of gecko (such as a crested gecko) or a green anole. Are these good? Any other suggestions?

Thanx for any help!

also, i don't really care if i can handle them or not.

I don't want a bearded dragon. They seem very interesting and are recommended by many people, but they need too big of a tank.

Answer 1

Gecko's are awesome, but the downside is, they are nocturnal. I would suggest a green anole, long tailed lizards, or five lined skinks. Those guys are just active enough to be hilarious, especially when hunting. Gecko's are pretty cool, but only if you are willing to watch at night. If you aren't looking for something that will need a big tank, you will definatly need a smaller lizard like an anole, long tail, or five lined skink. Good luck! :)

Answer 2

Unfortunately, one of the most common lizards found in pet stores, the iguana, is not a great choice for beginners, largely due to their size and tendency to become aggressive at maturity, as well as their specific diet and environmental needs. Many lizards have very specific requirements when it comes to heat, humidity, light (especially special bulbs that emit UVA and UVB light), and diet. However, a couple of lizards stand out for their suitability for beginners and availability.

Leopard Geckos
This is considered by many to be the ideal lizard for beginners. They are relatively small and easy to care for. A 15-20 gallon tank is large enough and since they are nocturnal, they do not need specialized (UVA/UVB) lighting. They are insectivores and should be fed a variety of insects. They are also quite docile and easy to handle.

Bearded Dragons
These are probably the most challenging of reptiles listed listed here, mostly due tot he equipment needed to keep them. This Australia native reaches a size of 18-24 inches so needs a good sized tank (40 gallon for an adult). They are desert dwellers so a relatively high temperature needs to be maintained, and exposure to UVA and UVB light is a necessity (the bulbs are relatively expensive). Owners of these lizards can expect to spend a fair amount of money on the proper enclosure. However, these lizards are entertaining and easily tamed. They need a diet that is a combination of insects and a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit.

Corn Snakes
These beautiful snakes are docile and easy to care for. They reach an adult size of 3-5 feet or so, and can be expected to live 10 years or more. Corn snakes are excellent escape artists and need an enclosure with a tight fitting lid, though!

A small constricting snake (adults reach 3-5 feet) that is usually quite docile and easy to care for. They do have a reputation for refusing to feed, so potential owners should be persistent in finding a healthy captive bred ball python (you may even want to ask for a feeding demonstration to ensure the snake will readily take killed mice). Ball Pythons can be expected to live a long life (20-30 years).

Answer 3

Both leopard and cresteds are nocturnal, but still nice and interesting. You can use a red light at night to watch them hunt and move about. Other options are grass lizards or anoles. A good place to research species is on this forum--you can check out the care sheets and ask questions so you can make an informed decision:


http://www.reptilerooms.com/

Answer 4

I would say a bearded dragon is the king of reptile pets. Next I have to go with uromastyxs they are low priced very interesting and have a good attitude, Both can be handled and seem to like the friendship. Geckos are nite animals and spend their days out of sight. By the way I have all three of these animals.

Answer 5

If you want a Lizard that you can handle a lot and feed by hand I would suggest a Bearded Dragon. They are fairly low maintenance and are the right size for your requirements. They eat well and enjoy being held. They all have different personalities and they can be very entertaining. They are docile and not the least bit aggressive. I have had several and loved every one of them. They are definately a great "beginner" lizard. Good Luck

Answer 6

seriously for a beginner, you really asked a lot.
Anole is a bit tougher to keep than a bearded dragon..
Gecko is fine.. If you really don't want to get a bearded dragon, then i guess i'll go with gecko.. but it does not mean that you should not do a research on how to take care of it.

and, one more thing:

I don't care what they say but DO NOT get a chameleon.
It is NOT a beginner's pet..
It is very delicate and hard to keep. And they are not to be kept in a glass aquarium.

Answer 7

Most people buy Bearded Dragons, and while they are fun to look at, they do get big, and they have practically the worst smelling poo! I've had two, so believe me on that! I would probably get a little Gecko. I believe they are nocturnal, but they're pretty to look at with all the foliage in their cage, unlike many other lizards. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Answer 8

leopard geckos are perfect reptiles for new owners! they are easy to take care of, and get about 10 inches long. they can come in a variety of colors. bearded dragons are also very active reptiles, but you would need a 50 gallon tank or so for an adult. green anoles are ok, but i find them hard to handle and interact with, they are mainly just fun to observe especially if you have a few.

Answer 9

based on your description evidently like a bearded dragon. This lizard will upward thrust as much as 17-24 inches long. you will desire a 40 gallon tank minimun. Your ought to have a basking rock, a stick/log to climb on, some style of plant, a cave or a hiding place, and a foodstuff and water dish. The lighting fixtures is very complicated pondering it particularly is a wasteland animal, yet you will choose UVB and UVA lighting fixtures. those are an absolute nessessity. The UVB lighting fixtures must be a ten.0 bulb(it particularly is beneficial to look up differents types on-line), and the UVA gentle is in many situations in maximum warmth bulbs. purchase a a hundred and fifty watt bulb and positioned it on the element the place it basks. it ought to have a warm and cool element of the cage. the warm element must be the place his basking rock is and it would be saved at ninety 5-a hundred and five. The cooler element can pass down so some distance as seventy 5. additionally you ought to get an infared warmth gentle to coach on because it sleeps. you ought to get a 100watt bulb which will positioned the cage at approximately eighty at nighttime it particularly is a sturdy temperature. you ought to positioned sand on the backside of the cage. human beings say which you desire a particular reptile sand for 15$ a bag it particularly is a few distance overrated. a nicely-known bag of play sand at domicile Depot/Lows is totally positive.For feeding you shood feed 2-three times an afternoon. no remember if it particularly is and person it would be ingesting often vegetables.you ought to additionally feed it crickets well-known. ensure in spite of foodstuff you purchase has calcium in it and its mandatory supplementations. If the foodstuff does not, then your ought to purchase a calcium supplement. you will additionally might desire to grant it a tub each 2 days because of the fact a good number of bearded dtagon won't drink from a water bowl and could lick moisture off their pores and skin. additionally once you feed it crickets, ensure it the two eats all the crickets interior the cage or take them out after it particularly is accomplished ingesting because of the fact the crickets will crawl on it collectively because it sleeps and eat on its pores and skin which will reason numerous varieties of illnesses. Take it out of its cage1-2 situations an afternoon because of the fact those lizards are very social. in case you do no longer it will boost very propose and agressive. desire i ought to help.

Answer 10

Lepard Geckos are pretty cool and great for beginers and if i could get a lizard this is deffinitly what kind i would get but i have two African Dwarf Frogs right now.