Choosing lizards takes time and research. Lizards require special habitats, special handling, special diets, and most of all special knowledge. Before choosing a lizard, research the care and feeding of lizards in general and then decide on a particular breed. Many lizards have lifespan of fifteen to twenty years or more, so choosing a lizard for a pet is not a decision that should be made lightly.

Regardless of the type of lizard you choose, you will need to invest in a fair amount of equipment. For starters, you will need a tank of some sort. All lizards will require some sort of heat source, either for their entire tank or just a basking spot. Most lizards will also require some amount of humidity control. Many lizards require special lighting, especially ultraviolet lighting that simulates the effects of the sun.

Choosing lizards that are a good match for your experience level is important. If you are just starting out with lizards, a good species to choose is the leopard gecko. They grow to about 8-10 inches long, are easy to care for, and do not require special lighting. Other geckos that are good for beginners include Tokay geckos, fat tailed geckos, and Madagascar ground geckos. Bearded dragons, blue tongued skinks, and green anoles are also fairly easy to care for, but all of these lizards will require investing in some fairly expensive lights.

Other species of lizard, especially iguanas, can require a lot of effort and expense, and can grow very large or become difficult to maintain. Many lizards have life expectancies of at least 10 years, in many cases far longer, so it is important to be prepared to care for the animal for a long time.

When choosing lizards, start by talking to reputable dealers. Talk to other lizard owners you know, or research dealers on the Internet. On some websites you can also find forums or discussion boards regarding dealers. Try to select a reptile dealer who has received good feedback from previous customers.

To choose a healthy lizard, look at the overall physical condition of the animal. They should be neither unusually plump nor overly skinny. Their skin should look clean and free from cuts or bites, and should not have spotting that is inappropriate for the species. The lizard’s eyes should be clean and clear, and she should be alert and active. Before bringing home a pet lizard, be sure you have the environment completely set up and operational.

Choosing lizards means doing your homework before making your decisions. Be sure you consider all the needs of the animal, including how you will house it, what you will feed it, and how you will care for it, before choosing lizards.

QC-PR-011607-AM