Introduction

Are you thinking about getting a pet lizard? This article will help you how to choose a pet lizard. Before taking the plunge, it’s essential to do your research and educate yourself on the different types of lizards available. There are many factors to consider when choosing a pet lizard, including size, lifespan, temperament, diet, and enclosure requirements. This article outlines 12 tips on how to choose a pet lizard that is right for you. Read on for more information and consult your veterinarian before bringing home your new scaly friend!

 

1. Choose a Species That Fits Your Lifestyle:

Different species of lizards have different temperaments and require varying levels of care. Some lizards can live happily in smaller enclosures with minimal attention, while others may need larger tanks with lots of space to explore and require more frequent interaction. Take the time to research each species and determine which one is best suited for your lifestyle.

 

2. Consider Size:

When choosing a pet lizard, size is an important factor to consider. Lizards come in many different sizes, ranging from small geckos that can fit in the palm of your hand to large iguanas that can grow up to six feet long! Smaller lizards may require less space and fewer resources while larger species need more room to roam and bigger enclosures. Additionally, some smaller species may be more docile than their larger counterparts. It’s important to research the potential adult size of any lizard you’re considering before bringing it home.

 

3. Think About Lifespan:

Lizards can range in lifespan from three years to over two decades, so it’s important to consider how long your pet may live before making a commitment. Some species are short-lived while others may outlive their owners! Be sure to research the expected lifespan of any pet lizard you’re considering before bringing them home and ensure that you will be able to provide them with a lifetime of care, if necessary. When choosing a pet lizard, be sure to look into its lifespan. Certain species can live up to 20 years or longer so it’s important to consider if you are ready for such a long-term commitment before bringing home a reptile friend.

 

4. Research Diet:

When researching a pet lizard’s diet, it’s important to note what type of food they naturally eat in the wild and how you can replicate this in captivity. Generally speaking, lizards are carnivores that feed on small insects such as crickets, mealworms, wax worms and more. Many species also enjoy fruits and vegetables and some may even require them for a balanced diet. It’s important to provide your pet with various foods so they receive adequate nutrition. When feeding your pet, be sure to keep an eye on the size of their food; too large of prey items could cause choking or internal injury. Additionally, many lizards need supplementation with calcium or other minerals for optimal health. Speak to your veterinarian about the best ways to supplement your lizard’s diet and ensure that their nutritional needs are being met.

In addition to providing a balanced diet, it is important to consider the amount of food you give your lizard each day as well as how often they should be fed. Generally speaking, you should offer them food once every 1-2 days but be sure to speak to your veterinarian about specific needs based on age and species. Overfeeding can lead to obesity which could have serious health implications for your pet so it’s best to follow recommended guidelines regarding diet and portion size.

 

5. Consider Enclosure Requirements:

When selecting a pet lizard, it’s important to consider the size and type of enclosure they will need. Different species require different environments and levels of care so be sure to research the specific needs of any lizard that you are considering. Generally speaking, most lizards need an enclosure that is at least four times their body length in each direction and made from a durable material like PVC or glass. The enclosure should also have lighting, heating and humidity control as these are important for providing your pet with a comfortable environment. Additionally, your pet should have plenty of hiding spots to feel secure and safe.

The substrate used in the enclosure is also important for providing your pet with comfort and security. Sand is not recommended as this can cause impaction if ingested. Instead, look for reptile-safe substrates such as cypress mulch or coco fiber which will provide your pet with optimal humidity while remaining easy to clean. Be sure to clean the substrate by spot-cleaning frequently and changing it completely every few months.

 

6. Learn About Temperament:

All lizards have their own personality and temperament so it’s important to learn about the species you are interested in. A good way to do this is by reading up on them or talking with pet stores or reptile experts who can provide more information.

 

7. Cost of Care:

Before getting a pet lizard, consider the cost of its care. Lizards require specialized diets which can be expensive, along with enclosures, decorations, and other supplies required for proper care. Be sure to research these costs ahead of time so that you know what kind of financial commitment owning a pet lizard entails.

 

8. Consider Handling Requirements:

Some lizards like to be handled while others prefer not to be touched at all. If you are looking for a pet you can take out and handle, research the species first. Handle lizards with care and wash your hands before and after handling them to avoid the spread of disease.

 

9. Look Into Breeding:

If you are interested in breeding lizards, it’s important to research the specific species you plan on getting. Certain types of lizards may require specialized setups or diets in order to breed successfully so it’s best to be well informed before taking on this task.

 

10. Ask Questions:

Before bringing home a pet lizard, don’t hesitate to ask questions! Talking with experts or experienced lizard owners can provide valuable insight into caring for and choosing the right lizard for your lifestyle.

 

11. Find a Reputable Breeder:

When looking to purchase a pet lizard, do some research into breeders in your area. Ask local pet stores or reptile expos to find reputable and experienced breeders who can provide healthy lizards with proper care instructions.

 

12. Consider Genetics:

If you are interested in breeding lizards, it’s important to consider their genetics before purchasing them. Researching the lineage of any potential pet will help ensure that you have healthy animals that have the best chance of producing healthy offspring if you decide to breed them in the future.

Ultimately, taking the time to properly research and select a pet lizard species that is right for you and your lifestyle can ensure that both you and the reptile are happy. With the right care, a pet lizard can be a wonderful companion to have around the house.

Many homeowners consider bearded dragons as the best addition to their homes. When having a pet in your home, it’s important to take care of it to ensure it stays healthy and active. With extremely high growth and metabolism rates, it’ll be wise to provide the pet with appropriate nutritious foods when having routine care. Feeding is a core step when caring for your bearded dragon. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to care for a bearded dragon with feeding schedules.

 

How to Care for a Bearded Dragon

Caring for your bearded dragon is key to having a happy and healthy pet. Besides feeding, we’ve got other ways you can care for the dragon to ensure the animal stays healthy and happy. Let’s look at the basics of caring for the bearded dragon:

● Provide the right habitat and keep the habitat clean regularly

● Keep track of the humidity and temperature levels

● Create a basking spot to ensure the appropriate temperatures and effective metabolism of calcium

● Provide appropriate meals, which include vitamins, insect food, and fresh greens.

● Add the appropriate tank accessories in the habitat, like bedding, basking rock, and plants.

● Provide the right bedding materials, such as slate, interlocking wood, fake grass, or reptile carpet.

● Include weekly baths in the routine to hydrate and keep the dragon clean

● Have gradual bonding sessions with your pet

 

Overview of Feeding the Bearded Dragon

With feeding being one of the main practices for caring for your dragon, it’ll be appropriate to get right with the program or schedule. Experts advise that you feed young dragons with the appropriate feeds as their high growth rate and metabolism requires sufficient foods rich in calcium and proteins. A proper diet and feeding schedule increase the pet’s lifespan and prevent diseases like a metabolic bone disease.

Age is key in determining the reptile’s nutritional requirements, feeding behavior, and dietary composition. For instance, the main diet of a young beardie includes crickets and other insects to enhance protein and fat levels. In contrast, you can feed the mature dragon a vegetable-rich diet for superior nutrition and health.

Despite being constantly hungry, most individuals may find it hard to give grass or greens to baby dragons below 4 months. You can feed young bearded dragons who refuse to eat grass with calcium and vitamin supplements. Remember, the time the reptiles take to start eating vegetables varies.

 

Feeding Schedule for Bearded Dragon

When feeding the dragons, it’s important to monitor the calcium to phosphorus levels to ensure the pet get’s the right nutrient amount. You can use phosphorus-free multivitamins for bearded dragons that prefer vegetables with high phosphorus levels. Remember, too much phosphorus is harmful to baby dragons as it prevents calcium assimilation.

The right ratio of calcium to Phosphorus is 2:1 or 1:1. This ratio represents the best husbandry approach to get your pet’s preferred meal and achieve consistency. In addition, you can include feeder insects in the diet to supplement the diet.

 

Here are the major feeder insects you can include in the diet:

 

Crickets

Most homeowners commonly use crickets as a feeder, as they’re cheap and a good source of protein. After eating, remove the leftover to prevent bites and spreading infections to the dragon. Furthermore, give the reptile the right amount of crickets to maximize the health benefits. So, how many crickets should you feed your dragon:

● Young dragons (between 1 to 3 months) – feed 25 to 60 one-year-old crickets thrice daily. Ensure that the pet eats approximately 450 crickets per week

● Juvenile dragons (3 to 9 months) – 40 to 65 medium crickets per day

● Mature pets (above 9 months) – 50 to 70 medium crickets.

 

Dubia Roaches

Dubias are large tropical roaches in different sizes and the best inclusion in your pet’s diet, as they have high fat and less fiber content. With their faster reproductive rate, insect feeders are cost-effective for your pet. Below are the right dubia roach proportions:

● Young ones (1 to 3 months) – 30 -50 small roaches thrice a day. Ensure the reptile eats approximately 1050 roaches weekly to support growth.

● Juvenile dragons (3 to 9 months) – 25 – 50 medium roaches twice a day

● Mature beardies (above 9 months) – 3 – 5 adult roaches daily. With high-fat content feeding your reptile with more roaches might result in obesity.

 

Discoid roaches

These feeder insects provide the best and nutritionally superior options for your pet. Unlike dubias, discoid roaches have more moisture content. You can use these feeders when your reptile suffers terminal impaction. In addition, the lean physique and high protein content make them the best feeder insect for younger dragons. The food’s high phosphorus helps neutralize calcium and maintain a robust skeletal structure.

 

Black soldier fly larvae

Experts rank the black soldier fly larvae as one of the most nutritious insect feeders for reptiles. With their high fat and protein levels, they’re the best options to enhance the growth of your young reptiles.

In addition, with the 1:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio, the feed enhances your pet’s nutritive needs without spending too much money.

 

Follow the guideline below to feed your dragon with the larvae:

● Young dragons ( 1 to 3 months) – approximately 400 small larvae weekly

● Juvenile beardies (3 to 9 months) – 20 – 40 larvae twice daily

● Mature dragons (above 9 months) – 10- 15 larvae daily

 

Silkworms

While individuals consider silkworms the best insect feeder alternative, most don’t prefer them. These insect feeders are very expensive and difficult to maintain. In addition, they don’t travel appropriately during transit. With these disadvantages, most individuals shy away from using this insect feeder.

 

Hornworms

Including hornworms in your pet’s routine diet offers the perfect supplement. It’s a great addition to the diet as the insect feeder has more water weight, which makes it a better supplement to other feeds. The high water level makes hornworms the best option when your pet has hydration issues.

 

Leafy greens and fruits

When feeding your dragon, it’s good to include greens in the diet. Experts recommend that you consider the age and nutritional requirements when feeding your pet greens. 50% insects and 50% vegetables are appropriate for a juvenile dragon, while it’ll be appropriate to reduce the protein intake as the pet grows.

 

Feeding the reptile twice a day will be appropriate to enhance proper growth and development. The common greens to feed your dragon include green beans, snap peas, bananas, yellow squash, collard, mustard, and mango.

While feeding your pet, it’ll be good to avoid giving the reptile mealworms, avocados, fireflies, and lettuce. Some of these meals or food are hard to digest or may contain high protein levels, which are harmful to the reptile.

 

Wrapping Up

Feeding is a core step when caring for your bearded dragon. The appropriate meals and proper feeding schedule enhance growth and keep the pet disease-free. Depending on the age, choose the right meal and proper feeding frequency to suit the reptiles.

You can incorporate feeder insects and greens to make the food nutritious and enhance growth. Above is a comprehensive guide on proper feeding schedules and routines while taking care of dragons. Adopt the feeding strategies and tips to keep your pet healthy and happy.

 

The world of reptile husbandry is a fascinating one, filled with unique creatures that require specific, and often exacting, environmental conditions in order to thrive. To ensure your pet has the best home possible, you’ll need to invest in some essential equipment, such as spot lamps and thermometers. Having these items will help you create a comfortable habitat for your reptile companion, so it can remain healthy and happy. When it comes to keeping reptiles, the two most important pieces of equipment are spot lamps and thermometers. Spot lamps provide heat and light for your reptile’s habitat, while thermometers measure the temperature inside the enclosure. Getting the right combination of these two items is essential in ensuring that your reptile remains healthy and happy.

 

 

Types of Reptile Spot Lamps and Thermometers

 

There are 2 main types of lamps designed for reptiles:

1. Incandescent bulbs

• Incandescent bulbs emit an orange light which helps simulate the warmth of their natural environment while also providing a good source of light for the reptile to bask in.

 

2. Halogen bulbs

• Halogen bulbs produce a bright white light which allows you to observe your pet more clearly and can also help with photosynthesis when used with live plants.

 

When it comes to thermometers, there are digital models or analog (dial-type) models available.

Digital thermometers tend to be more accurate as they have sensors that measure temperatures with greater precision than dial type thermometers. However, both types will provide you with essential information about the temperature of your reptile’s habitat so that you can make any necessary adjustments.

 

 

Top 10 Best Reptile Spot Lamps and Thermometers with Prices

Here is a list of the top 10 best reptile spot lamps and thermometers with prices:

 

1) Zoo Med Reptile Basking Spot Lamp

This is a bright incandescent bulb that emits natural heat for your reptile. It comes with an adjustable clamp and costs around $10.

 

2) Zoo Med Reptisun 5.0 UVB Fluorescent Bulb

This fluorescent bulb provides beneficial UVA rays, which help reptiles synthesize Vitamin D3 and maintain healthy bones. It costs around $20.

 

3) Exo Terra Nano Halogen Lamp

This is a powerful halogen lamp that produces a bright white light to help you monitor your pet’s movements more clearly. It costs around $15.

 

4) Fluker’s Heat Mat Thermostat Controller

This thermostat controller helps regulate the temperature of your reptile’s environment and costs around $25.

 

5) Zoo Med Digital Thermometer

https://zoomed.com/digital-thermometer/

This digital thermometer accurately measures the temperature of your reptile’s habitat. It costs around $20.

 

6) Zilla Analog Thermometer & Humidity Gauge

This analog thermometer and humidity gauge provide essential information on the temperature and humidity levels in your pet’s habitat. It costs around $10.

 

7) Fluker’s Reptile Sun Lamp Timer with External Socket

This timer helps control how long your lamp is on, ensuring it doesn’t stay on for too long or too little time. It costs about $15.

 

8) Repti Zoo Reptile Night Heat Lamp

This infrared lamp provides a dim light and gentle heat for your reptile during the night. It costs around $15.

 

9) Exo Terra Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer

This digital thermometer and hygrometer provide precise temperature and humidity readings so you can make any necessary adjustments in your reptile’s habitat. It costs around $30.

 

10) Repti Zoo Infrared Heat Lamp

This infrared lamp is perfect for nighttime heating as it produces an intense but safe amount of heat. It costs around $20.

 

 

What to Look For When Buying The Best Reptile Spot Lamps and Thermometers

 

1. Size of your pet’s habitat

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a lamp or thermometer is the size of your pet’s habitat. You’ll need to ensure that the equipment you purchase is suitable for the size and type of environment you have created.

 

2. Safety

When purchasing spot lamps, make sure that they are designed with safety features such as an automatic shut-off function. This will help to prevent any potential harm to your reptile if it gets too hot in its environment.

 

3. Durability

Look for lamps and thermometers that are designed with durable materials so they can withstand regular use without breaking down over time. This will ensure that you get good value for money from your purchase.

 

4. Price

Make sure that you compare prices across different stores and online platforms to ensure that you are getting the best deal on your purchase.

 

5. Ease of use

Look for equipment that is easy to operate so you don’t have to spend a lot of time trying to figure out how it works. This will save you time in the long run and make it easier for you to monitor your pet’s environment.

 

These are some of the key things to look for when buying reptile spot lamps and thermometers with prices. By taking these into consideration, you can be sure that you are making an informed decision about which products will suit your needs best.

Finding the right reptile spot lamps and thermometers with prices can be a challenging process. However, by keeping in mind some key factors such as size, safety features, durability, price, and ease of use, you can make an informed decision that will ensure your pet’s habitat is properly monitored and regulated. By doing your research on these items and comparing prices across different stores, you are sure to find the perfect lamp or thermometer that fits both your budget and needs. Ultimately, finding the best reptile spot lamps and thermometers with prices comes down to being prepared for what you need and doing your due diligence when researching online. With a little bit of effort, you can easily find quality products that will help keep your pet safe and healthy for years to come.

The bottom line is that when it comes to buying the best reptile spot lamps and thermometers with prices, you need to make sure you are doing your research and are well-informed about what each product offers. By taking safety features, durability, price, size, and ease of use into consideration, you can easily find the perfect lamp or thermometer for your pet’s habitat. Happy shopping!

Pet lizards can be a great way for kids with an interest in reptiles to get involved with animals that are far less intimidating than regular snakes. These critters are often easier to maintain and care for, as they don’t need as much space and require less feedings. The fundamental reason you should consider getting a pet lizard is that they are very easy to take care of, and they require very little to no attention. They may not produce any egg-laying females, but they’re still pretty decent pets if you don’t mind waiting a few weeks for your reptile to reach sexual maturity.

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Best Pet Lizards For Beginners

Below are some of the best lizards that you can purchase or keep as a pet lizard. You can find more information about the different species on this list on the Pet Lizards Buyers Guide

1. Leopard Gecko

The Leopard Gecko is one of the most popular lizards on the market because of the amazing colors and patterns it can exhibit. This lizard produces eggs and drives its young to be born in their own little nest. You can also find them in an egg-laying, territorial form. They are relatively inexpensive and peaceful animals, although they do generally bite if they’re aroused or feel threatened. They’re a lot easier than other species as they rarely bite or play with you.

2. Corn Snake

The Corn snake is one of the most recommended pet lizards, as they are very easy to maintain and they get very big. They generally grow up to 20 inches long and have a life span of around 14 years, although that’s when they’re kept under ideal circumstances. They’re generally docile and don’t produce babies by themselves. They are somewhat sensitive to vaccinations and feed on a diet that consists of crickets, mice, mealworms, fruit flies, wax worms and other insects. However, they haven’t been known to be venomous but have been known to bite if startled or scared by sounds.

3. Bearded Dragon

The bearded dragon is an Australian species of lizards that grows up to about 30 inches long and can live for 20 years. Their life expectancy depends on external factors, including the quality of their environment and the level of care they’re receiving from their owner. They require a moderate temperature while they’re maturing and growing up to two years old, but when they reach maturity they are able to withstand extreme heat and are able to live in temperatures well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. These lizards eat everything from crickets, flies, worms, grubs, fruits and vegetables to insects.

4. Leopard Gecko

The leopard gecko is a species of lizards from Asia that has been bred in captivity due to its popularity among people. It’s one of the most popular reptiles kept as pets, and it likes to eat insects such as crickets, mealworms and wax worms. They’re generally active in the night and lay eggs as well. They grow up to about eight inches long and can live for up to 15 years with proper care, however if their care is neglected they can live significantly shorter lives.

5. Fire Salamander

The fire salamander is know as the Fire Dragon that lives in the northern parts of the United States and Canada. It’s not a pet, but they are a great pet at home as they are common with many insects, crickets and other smaller animals. They can be kept by small children without supervision if their caretakers are willing to provide adequate heat during winter months. The fire salamanders usually mate in the spring and hatch the eggs in nests they make on the ground or alongside rocks. They remain small for around five years and grow from 25–50 cm.

6. Uromastyx

The Uromastyx is an excellent pet lizard that’s fairly easy to maintain. It’s known to have a life span of around 8 years in captivity, but it can also live for up to 10 years if the owner takes care of them correctly and provides additional supplements in their diets. It’s known to eat insects such as crickets, slugs, snails, flies and other various bugs. They mainly eat greens such as alfalfa pellets or chopped lettuce with vegetables including carrots, leafy vegetables and the occasional fruit treat such as apples or bananas once a week. They have also been known to go through feeder mice every six months.

8. Blue Tongue Skink

The Blue tongue skink is a small lizard, making them great pets for those who want to keep their pets in the home. They’re typically 18–24 inches in length and 15–18 inches in width. They are excellent lizards for beginners as they do not tend to bite or play hard when people handle them. However, it’s important to note that they have been know to bite if startled or scared by noises. They generally eat mice, crickets, grubs and other insects that can be purchased at your local pet store or ordered online.

9. Horned Dragon

The Horned dragon is one of the most popular pets kept in captivity. They grow up to around 36 inches long and grow from 2 years to maturity. They are a species from Australia that eats insects such as crickets, mealworms and wax worms, as well as vegetables and fruits. They’re generally very easy to maintain, although their behavior patterns are somewhat unpredictable when they’re first handled. Their adult life expectancy is about 15–20 years in the wild, and 20–30 years in captivity, though proper care can extend their lives significantly longer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lizards can make for great pets at home as long as their caretakers are willing to provide them with the proper care and attention they need. However, it’s important to remember that reptiles do not like those who are cold and appear withdrawn from the world. They respond best to good company and slowly warming up to you. Lizards can be a lot of fun for children as well as adults, so consider their needs before taking one on as a pet.

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