Lizards are a popular starting point for people just starting out with reptile pets. These creatures can vary greatly between species, some small and cute, others large and seemingly menacing. Size aside, there are a number of other important factors that determine which lizards make good pets such as:
- Care requirement
- Temperament
- Socialization
- Size
If you are unsure where to start, here’s a list of the three good species of lizards to keep as pets, which are also still plenty of fun for intermediate and experienced lizard-lovers.
Leopard Gecko
Widely regarded as one of the cutest of all reptiles, these friendly lizards are as sweet as they look. Leopard geckos are both beginner and kid-friendly. These small lizards are very calm, quite friendly, and highly tolerant of handling. They typically grow to be between 6 and 8 inches long, making them easy to accommodate in a small living space. Unlike other geckos, this species does not have those funny-looking sticky toepads that allow them to climb vertical surfaces. This means that you won’t have to worry about having to buy an expensive extra-tall tank for climbing.
Blue Tongued Skink
To answer the question you are no doubt thinking: Yes, the tongue really is blue, it’s a defense mechanism they developed in the wild. Their blue tongue can reflect ultraviolet light and distract a potential predator. Captive blue-tongued skinks don’t have to worry about those things as pets, and they have quickly adapted to domestic living.
Despite their large size (they can grow up two feet long) and perhaps initially sassy nature, these skinks can be tamed rather quickly. They are known for being big lizards with equally big personalities. They are extremely friendly towards humans and are known for loving pets, scritches, and spending quality cuddle time with their owners.
Bearded Dragon
It’s impossible to talk about pet lizards without mentioning the famed bearded dragon. This popular species isn’t just the most commonly kept pet lizard, but one of the most desirable pet choices of reptiles as a whole. There are several reasons why this is the case. Bearded dragons have a winning personality, above-average intelligence that makes them more affectionate than your average reptile and are quite easy to care for.
Beardies, their affectionate nickname, come from the deserts of Australia. As you can imagine, that means they like their surroundings to be hot, and most of all, dry. This makes it easy for their owners to create their ideal environment and takes out the sometimes tricky guesswork that can come with owning a humid-loving species.
Where To Buy Lizards
As reptiles have become an increasingly popular pet option, they have been easier than ever to find. The best place to find leopard geckos, blue-tongued skinks, and bearded dragons for sale is going to be at online specialty shops. These stores have dedicated their inventory to exotic pets and will have the best selection of animals as well as the expert know-how of how to care for your new lizard.
