Are you considering getting a lizard as a pet? Lizards can make great pets, with their unique personalities, interesting behaviours, and wide variety of species to choose from. If you’re looking to learn more about lizards as pets, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of owning a lizard pet, go over the basics of lizard care, and discuss some of the food that is dangerous for lizards. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a better understanding of the joys and responsibilities that come with owning a pet lizard.
Choosing the Right Lizard for Your Home
The first step to owning a pet lizard is to choose the right type for your home. There are a variety of lizards which make great pets, including bearded dragons, leopard geckos, and blue-tongued skinks. When selecting a lizard, it is important to consider the size and activity level of the species, as well as the amount of space and supplies you have available.
Bearded dragons are popular lizards for pet owners in Australia, and they can grow up to 24 inches in length. They are active during the day, and require an enclosure that is at least four feet long, two feet wide, and two feet high. Bearded dragons require a temperature gradient in their enclosure, as well as a basking area that is kept at around 30-35’C. They also need a variety of live insects, as well as vegetables and fruits, to provide a balanced diet.
Leopard geckos are another popular lizard for pet owners in Australia. They are small in size, growing up to 8 inches in length, and they are nocturnal, so they are active during the night. They require an enclosure that is at least two feet long, one foot wide, and one foot high. Leopard geckos do not require a temperature gradient, and they can be fed a variety of commercially available insects, as well as vegetables and fruits.
Setting Up the Perfect Habitat for Your Lizard
Creating the perfect habitat for your lizard is essential to ensure they are happy and healthy. It should be designed to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible. Here are some tips on setting up the ideal habitat for your lizard.
Firstly, you will need to consider the type of lizard you have when deciding on the size of the habitat. Smaller lizards will require a smaller habitat, while larger lizards will need a larger environment. Make sure it is big enough for your lizard to move around and explore, with plenty of hiding places and climbing surfaces. You should also provide a basking area where your lizard can relax and warm up.
When it comes to the substrate, you should choose one that is safe for your lizard. Common substrates include sand, gravel, and reptile carpet. Make sure the substrate is deep enough to allow your lizard to burrow and hide. You should also provide a water dish for your lizard to drink from and bathe in. Additionally, you should include a few live plants to provide shelter and a natural environment for your lizard.
Feeding Your Lizard: What to Know
Feeding lizards can be a tricky business, especially for first-time reptile owners. It is important to understand what your lizard needs to stay healthy and happy. Here are some key points to keep in mind when feeding your lizard.
Firstly, it is important to provide your lizard with a balanced diet. This usually includes a combination of live insects, such as crickets, and fresh vegetables. Live insects should be dusted with a calcium-based supplement to ensure your lizard is getting the necessary nutrients. It is also important to provide your lizard with a variety of food items, as this will help to keep them interested in their meals.
Secondly, it is important to provide your lizard with fresh water every day. This can be done by using a shallow bowl or dish, which should be changed every day. It is also important to monitor the temperature of the water, as lizards prefer warm water. Additionally, it is important to provide a humid environment for your lizard, as this will help them to stay hydrated. Finally, it is important to provide your lizard with a place to hide, such as a rock or log, as this will help them to feel secure.
Common Health Issues in Pet Lizards
Lizards are a popular pet choice for many households across Australia. While they are relatively easy to care for, it is important to be aware of common health issues that pet lizards may face.
One of the most common health issues in pet lizards is metabolic bone disease. This is caused by a lack of calcium and vitamin D3 in the diet, and can lead to softening of the bones, fractures, and even paralysis. To prevent this, owners should ensure that their lizards are receiving a balanced diet, with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. Additionally, providing a UV light source can help lizards to absorb calcium and vitamin D3 from their food.
Another common health issue in pet lizards is respiratory infections. These can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor ventilation, overcrowding, and a lack of humidity. To prevent respiratory infections, owners should ensure that their lizards have adequate ventilation, and that their enclosure is not overcrowded. Additionally, providing a humid hide can help to keep lizards healthy and prevent respiratory infections.
Handling and Bonding with Your Lizard
Lizards make great pets for those who are looking for a unique and interesting companion. Handling and bonding with your lizard is an important part of the pet-keeping experience. It is important to remember that lizards are wild animals and can be easily stressed, so it is important to take it slow and be gentle when handling them.
When first introducing yourself to your lizard, it is best to do so in a quiet, relaxed environment. Start by offering your lizard a treat, such as a piece of fruit or a cricket, and allow them to get used to your presence. As your lizard becomes more comfortable, you can start to gently stroke their back and sides. It is important to remember to never grab your lizard, as this can cause them to become stressed and scared. Over time, your lizard should become more comfortable with handling and may even enjoy it! Spending time with your lizard, talking to them and offering them treats, is a great way to bond and build a strong relationship.
Training Your Lizard: Is it Possible?
Lizards can make great pets, but training them can be a challenge. Training your lizard is possible, but it requires you to understand their behaviour and needs. It’s important to remember that lizards are not domesticated animals, so they will not respond to commands in the same way that a dog or cat would.
When training your lizard, it’s important to be consistent and patient. Start by creating a routine for your lizard, such as feeding times, and stick to it. Lizards are creatures of habit, so the more consistent you are, the better they will respond. You can also use positive reinforcement techniques such as offering rewards for desired behaviours. For example, you can give your lizard a treat when they come when called or when they perform a trick. Training your lizard can be a rewarding experience for both you and your pet.
Interacting with Other Pets in the Home
When you bring a new pet into the home, it is important to consider how it will interact with your other pets. This is especially true when it comes to lizards as pets. Lizards are usually solitary animals, and they may not get along with other animals in the home.
Before introducing a lizard to your home, it is important to research how it will interact with other pets. If you already have other animals, such as cats or dogs, you should consider how they will react to the new lizard. You may need to make adjustments to the environment to ensure that the animals can all live together peacefully. It is also important to provide the lizard with its own space to retreat to, as this will help it to feel safe and secure. With the right preparation and caution, it is possible for lizards and other pets to live together harmoniously.
Final Thoughts
owning a pet lizard can be a rewarding experience. Taking the time to research the type of lizard that is best for your home, setting up the perfect habitat, and providing a balanced diet are all important steps in caring for your pet lizard. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of common health issues, as well as the interactions between your pet lizard and other pets in the home. With the right knowledge and care, you can ensure your pet lizard has a happy and healthy life.
Lizards as Pets FAQs
Lizards can make good pets for responsible children, but they require adult supervision and may not be suitable for younger children who may not understand how to properly handle and care for them.
While lizards may not be as trainable as dogs or cats, they can learn to recognize their owners and may even be taught to eat from their hands.
Lizards can be fascinating and entertaining pets to watch, and they require less attention than more demanding pets like dogs or cats.
Lizards can be expensive to care for, they may require specialized diets, and some species can be difficult to handle or may not enjoy human interaction.
Lizards require a proper enclosure, heat source, UVB lighting, a varied diet, and regular veterinary checkups.
UVB lighting is a type of light that provides lizards with the UVB radiation they need to produce vitamin D3, which is necessary for proper bone health.
Lizards have varied diets depending on their species, but most require a combination of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
The size of the enclosure will depend on the size of the lizard. A general rule of thumb is that the enclosure should be at least 1.5 times the length of the lizard.
Most lizards need a heat source such as a basking lamp or ceramic heat emitter to maintain a temperature gradient in their enclosure.
Some popular pet lizards include bearded dragons, leopard geckos, crested geckos, blue-tongued skinks, and iguanas.
