Best Pet Lizards For Beginners

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.