A pet lizard is a great reptile. However, there are many things you should consider before you buy one. Leo Spinner, a herpetologist, founder and owner of the Spotted Turtle Herpetological Institute, stated that while lizards can be very rewarding to keep, they require more attention than snakes and need to be taken care of properly.
A new lizard keeper must be willing to take care of the lizard’s daily requirements. If someone has never had to care for lizards before, it is not recommended that they be adopted.What do these daily needs look like? These are some things you should consider when purchasing a pet Lizard.
What are Lizards Eating
All lizards eat every day. birds facts Some species can eat non-living, commercial food while others require live prey. Some lizards have special diets that can be difficult to obtain. Mike Wines, Turtle Back Zoo’s Lead Reptile Keeper, said that Horned Lizards, for instance, eat mostly ants in the wild. “Make sure that you’ve done thorough research on your pet and have the right diet for it.
What should my lizard’s habitat be
To thrive, lizards need a certain amount of space. Before you bring your lizard home, it is important to determine what that space will be. Wines stated, “Find out the adult size of your lizard and work from there.” Some lizards can grow to be very large, such as iguanas or several monitor species.
These lizards require a lot of space and freedom to move and often need to swim. Spinner stated that some species of lizards may outgrow their environment, so the owner of the lizard will need to be able and willing to provide for these needs. These are additional questions you should ask about setting up your lizard.
Can Lizards Live together?
Care for a lizard is very involved. Because lizards are so unique, it’s unlikely that they will want to share their habitat with other lizards. Spinner stated that some animals are more comfortable in groups than others. To get an idea of the personality of your species, research it before you buy it. Also, ask about how it behaves from the place it was purchased to determine if it is comfortable with other pets.
How should I interact with my lizard?
Lizards are great pets because they respond well to their owners’ activities and behavior. Spinner stated that lizards are more active than most reptile pets which makes them more interesting in captivity.
Although lizards can be interactive pets, that doesn’t mean they need to be handled 24/7. They should not be left alone. Spinner stated that over- or under-handling lizards can lead to stress and nerves. Spinner stated that too much or too little handling can cause stress. Nervous behavior can also lead to stress,
which can ultimately lead to stress. Your pet lizard will need regular veterinary visits and mental and physical enrichment in order to be happy and healthy. Wines stated that research on a pet Lizard is more than just having a conversation with someone at the pet shop. You should be able to care for your pet throughout its life. Not just when it is young and small.
You may have questions
about caring for your lizards. Are Birds Mammals? Before you take it home, make sure to learn all you can about their diet, size, humidity, care requirements, and handling requirements.
Wines stated that you should ensure your lizard is properly fed before you bring it home. You should check to make sure the lizard is healthy. Wild-caught lizards are not recommended. They are often taken from the wild and can be susceptible to parasites. Bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and leopard geckos are good starter lizards. But always do your homework first.”