With well over 3,000 species of lizard, although only some are suitable as pets they have a wide range of characteristics and provide at least as much if not more entertainment and enjoyment as more conventional types of pet. Most types of pet lizard are surprisingly sociable with people if tamed from young.
Lizard Cages
The size of terrarium for keeping a pet lizard will vary depending on the size and type of the lizard. The large lizards grow to around six feet in length and will normally be kept as single occupants. Smaller lizards are usually best kept in groups though often with no more than one male in a group due to their often territorial nature about food, shelter and females. Even in a suitable group of a male with two or more females, giving them as much space as possible is advisable. Most lizard cages are best having height in them to allow the occupants to climb and scamper around on branches, strong plants or shelves.
A benefit of keeping pet lizards is that their terrariums can be used to create small landscapes, usually resembling desert or forest which can make an attractive feature in itself in the keeper's home. Given that heat, often administered by spotlights, is a key requirement for keeping pet lizards, this can also be used to enhance the appearance of the lizard cage. With the appropriate environment prepared and their behavior understood, most pet lizards are low maintenance pets.
Lizard Care
Pet lizards are best tamed from young as an adult lizard not used to its keeper is likely to be unsociable. Some adult lizards, especially the larger species, can actually be aggressive in any case as they grow older, so familiarizing suitable types with handling from young is highly advisable to try to circumvent the problem.
Small lizards should generally be very active and alert and move easily. Difficulties in movement often indicate a possible problem in their skeleton which might be best checked by a vet. More brightly colored skin is often a sign of good health in many species. Lizards usually shed their skin in sections, will re-ingest it and generally are very clean and odor-free, especially the smaller species.
Most importantly, before buying a lizard, research should be carried out about their lifepspan, feeding, breeding and general care and habitat requirements. It can be surprising how easily many types of pet lizard can be kept and enjoyed if cared for properly from the outset.
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