One of the best attributes in having a pet lizard at home is the diversity of this animal. Caring for lizards as pets can be one of the most unique experiences a pet lover would have. These reptiles are very distinctive animals with specific needs and functions.
Knowing all these peculiarities, you can help to provide your pet lizard with good health and well being. Lizard care can be a daunting experience but it is fulfilling. Here are 7 tips on how to provide the best care for your pet lizards at home:
Tip#1: If you want to have pet lizard at home, then start by getting a lizard which is very easy care for. The Australian bearded dragon is one of the best lizards to deal with. Blue-tongue skinks can grow up to 13 inches in size. This type of reptile can resist stress as long as they are properly handled. These lizards are tame and they eat various types of food which include vegetables, fruits, insects and small mice.
Tip#2: If you don't have much experience you may be best avoiding the lizard species which are quite difficult and challenging to keep. Species to avoid include Nile monitors, iguanas, chameleons and small species which have around 3-8 inches in length.
Tip#3: Before you acquire a pet lizard, try to know more about the species which might suit what you need. In this way, you can assess how easy or challenging it would be to have that kind of lizard at home.
Tip#4: Keep in mind that snakes and lizards are quite related animal groups but owning a lizard at home and the care it needs is totally different. Lizards would prefer to eat every day unlike with snakes which require food once a week or a month. Always keep the terrarium where you keep your lizards free of rotting and dirty food items. The germs and bacteria might contaminate the environment and the lizards could get sick.
Tip#5: Never hold or grab your pet lizard by its tail. Though their tail will not break off, it could be a very awkward position when you try to interact with your lizard. Proper holding of your lizard should be done by putting one hand under the belly area to support the entire weight of the lizard.
Tip#6: A lot of people are not comfortable around reptiles, thus avoid using lizards to pull a prank on someone. You should introduce your lizard to people gently and educate them on how wonderful these reptiles are.
Tip#7: Avoid releasing your reptile into the wild. Keep in mind that most of these pets are not accustomed to its natural habitat. If you release your lizard into the wild, you must know that it might not survive. For example diurnal lizards need ultraviolet light so they can maintain a temperature of 78 degrees F.
