Embarking on the exciting journey of reptile companionship, especially for beginners, can be a thrilling yet challenging endeavour. Among the diverse world of scaled and fascinating creatures, choosing the right lizard species as your first pet is crucial. In this guide, we will navigate the realm of reptilian companionship and shed light on the best lizard species for beginners.
Join us as we delve into the top 5 pet lizards (in no particular order) and discover the finest varieties for lizard enthusiasts.
1. Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos are renowned for their gentle and docile personalities. They are often considered one of the most beginner-friendly lizard species due to their calm nature. On average, they can live for 10 to 20 years or even more.
Leopard geckos are relatively small reptiles. On average, they reach a length of 7 to 10 inches (18-25 cm) as adults. Their compact size makes them suitable for housing in moderate-sized enclosures.
A 10 to 20-gallon terrarium is typically sufficient for a single leopard gecko. Provide a secure lid with ventilation to maintain proper airflow. These geckos thrive in a setup with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves and logs, to mimic their natural environment.
Leopard geckos are insectivores, and their diet primarily consists of insects. Common food choices include crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Dust the insects with calcium and vitamin supplements before feeding. Feed them every other day to maintain their health, adjusting the portion size as they grow. Always provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish.
2. Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are known for their friendly and inquisitive personalities. They often enjoy human interaction and can become quite affectionate with their owners. They can live between 10 to 15 years or more in captivity.
Bearded dragons are moderate-sized reptiles. As adults, they typically reach lengths of 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm), including their tail. Their size makes them suitable for spacious enclosures.
Provide a spacious terrarium, ideally a 40-gallon tank or larger for an adult bearded dragon. Ensure it has adequate ventilation and secure, escape-proof lids. Create a habitat with a basking area, hiding spots, and branches for climbing.
Bearded dragons are omnivores, with a diet consisting of insects, leafy greens, and vegetables. Common food items include crickets, mealworms, and dark leafy greens like collard greens and mustard greens. Offer a variety of foods to ensure a balanced diet.
3. Chameleon
Chameleons have unique personalities and are often characterized as solitary and independent. Handling should be limited to minimize stress, as they are sensitive creatures that prefer observing their environment from the safety of their enclosure. Chameleons’ lifespans vary depending on the species, but most can live for 5 to 10 years or more in captivity when provided with the right care.
Chameleon sizes vary by species. Most chameleons are relatively small, ranging from about 7 to 24 inches (18-61 cm) in length, depending on the species.
Chameleons require specialized enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. Screened enclosures work well to maintain proper airflow and humidity. Ensure the enclosure has branches, plants, and foliage for climbing and hiding. A drip system or misting schedule helps maintain humidity, and UVB lighting is essential for their health.
Chameleons are insectivores, primarily feeding on a diet of insects. Crickets, roaches, and mealworms are common food choices. Additionally, they may consume small amounts of leafy greens and fruits.
Here’s another article to gain further understanding: https://petsbell.com/health-issues/chameleon-care-tips-for-enigmatic-pet-companions/
4. Black and White Tegu
Black and white tegus are known for their inquisitive and intelligent personalities. They often become quite interactive with their owners and can even be trained to some extent. With proper care, black and white tegus can have a relatively long lifespan in captivity, often living 15 to 20 years or more.
Black and white tegus are among the larger reptile species kept as pets. They can reach lengths of 3 to 4 feet (90-120 cm) or even longer, including their tail. As a result, they require a substantial enclosure.
Provide a spacious and secure enclosure, such as a custom-built pen or a large reptile enclosure. Tegus are burrowing reptiles, so offer a deep substrate like a mix of topsoil and cypress mulch. Include basking areas, hiding spots, and branches for climbing.
Tegus are omnivorous and have a varied diet. They eat insects, small mammals, fruits, and vegetables. Common food items include crickets, dubia roaches, lean meats, and leafy greens. Here is a video: https://youtube.com/shorts/MzkL1FTlhl0?feature=shared
5. Crested Gecko
Crested geckos are known for their gentle and docile personalities. They are typically calm and tolerant of handling, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced reptile keepers. With proper care, crested geckos can live for 15 to 20 years or more in captivity.
Crested geckos are relatively small reptiles. They typically reach lengths of 7 to 9 inches (18-23 cm) as adults.
Provide a suitable terrarium with good ventilation. A 20-gallon tall tank or similar-sized enclosure is typically sufficient for one crested gecko. Include plenty of branches, vines, and foliage for climbing and hiding. Use a substrate like coconut coir or paper towels for bedding.
Crested geckos are omnivores but primarily eat a diet of fruit and insects. Offer a specialized crested gecko diet that is commercially available, supplemented with occasional insects such as small crickets.
