How long will you be housing and taking care of your pet lizard? How will this fit into your plans? Are you buying a pet for your son or daughter? If that lizard is a very long-lived species, what will the plan be when they decide to move out?

If that lizard is a very short-lived species will it cause too much trauma for them when their pet passes away? How long will you be taking care of it? How long will your pet lizard be with your family?

So, how long do lizards live in captivity?  I decided to do some research to answer this very question. As it turns out it really depends on the species. My research involved a sampling of 25 species that are commonly kept as pets.  Here’s what I found.

Based on 25 different species commonly kept as pets the average age of a pet lizard in captivity is 13.6 years. This very much depends on the specific species and can even depend on gender. Male panther chameleons average about 3 to 5 years of age. If females are breeding, they may only last 2 to 3 years. On the other side of the spectrum, uromastyx lizards can live more than 30 years but 15 years is more typical.

I wanted to focus my research on lizards that are actually kept as pets.  And narrow that list further to include those that are the most common and most popular, such as bearded dragons, crested geckos, leopard geckos, blue tongued skinks, green iguanas and so forth. The entire list is below.

25 Lizards Commonly Kept as Pets

• Ackie Monitor
• African Fat-Tailed Gecko
• Argentine Black and White Tegu
• Argus Monitor
• Asian Water Monitor
• Bearded Dragon
• Black Throat Monitor
• Blue Tongued Skink
• Chinese Water Dragon
• Chuckwalla
• Crested Gecko
• Dumeril’s monitor
• Frilled Dragon
• Gargoyle Gecko
• Giant Day Gecko
• Green Anole
• Green Basilisk
• Green Iguana
• Jackson’s Chameleon
• Leachianus gecko
• Leopard Gecko
• Ornate Uromastyx
• Panther Chameleon
• Savannah Monitor
• Veiled Chameleon

When researching the life span of each lizard species I began to realize that there is a lot of variability. Some species live longer than others and some don’t live nearly as long as I thought. So, asking “how long do lizards live in captivity” may not be the right question.

I’m reminded of the movie I,Robot when the hologram of Dr. Lanning tells Detective Spooner (played by Will Smith), “I’m sorry, my responses are limited. You must ask the right questions.”  

The answer to our question really depends on the specific species. So, a better question would be, “How long do leopard geckos live?”  Of course, if you aren’t considering a leopard gecko then your question would be…well…you know what I mean.

Not only is their variability when considering a range of 25 different species there are also wide age ranges within a specific species.

For example, the average captive lifespan for bearded dragons is between 6 and 10 years, but there are reports of some living up to 20 years. Ours is currently at 13 years.  6 to 20 years is quite a bit of a range. This is like saying most humans live about 75 years but some live to 150!    

The following chart shows the 25 species in this study and their average life expectancy in captivity. Keep in mind that averages are not meant to be exact numbers. Some individuals will live longer and some will not even reach the average age. 

What Determines How Long a Lizard Will Live?

So, what determines how long your pet lizard will live? This question is probably best asked when looking in the mirror because the answer will be staring right back at you.

The single most important factor affecting your pet lizard’s quality of life and how long that life will be is you.  Owning any animal requires taking on responsibility. One of the oldest, most rewarding and interesting ways to teach a child responsibility is to get them a pet to take care of.

In captivity, your lizard depends on you for everything.  They depend on you for how much space they will have to stretch out. They depend on you for what kind of food they will eat, the quality of that food and how often they will be able to eat it.

Your pet lizard depends on you to learn as much as you can about its specific needs and to provide the right conditions for it to be healthy and happy.  This includes the right kind of lighting, temperature, humidity levels, substrate, access to water, places to hide and places to explore.

Pet lizards can’t do any of these things for themselves.  In the wild, all of these things are provided by mother nature. In captivity, you are taking on that role. This can be sobering and exciting.

There are certainly other factors that have an impact on how long your lizard will live. Some of these things are just not in your control.

Genetics, unforeseen health issues unrelated to husbandry, and natural disasters come to mind.  You can only control what you can control. And you can control how you care for your pet.

Some keepers make honest mistakes, that if corrected, won’t impact their pet lizard’s health significantly. We all make mistakes and that is part of the learning process.

With a little research and talking to other more experienced keepers, this can be an ongoing and rewarding process, especially if your collection grows from one species to another and another or even more. Part of the joy of keeping reptiles as pets is learning all about them! It’s so much fun!

Unfortunately, some owners don’t take this role very seriously. Some don’t do enough research and fail to provide the right conditions. And sadly, some are just lazy and negligent. Their animals live out a sad existence and die slowly. Don’t let that person be you.

The best thing you can do is find the right information. And this should start before you buy your new lizard. So, how do you find the right information?

How Do I Find the Right Information?

In our world, there is no shortage of information. Even in places that have little food, you can still find internet access. We are swimming in a sea of videos on YouTube, posts on social media, and searches on google. The key is getting the right information.

So, how do you get the right information?

 Hopefully, you are buying your new pet lizard from a breeder. If that is the case you are getting off to an excellent start. Breeders started off just like you with an interest in buying a new pet lizard.

They learned all they could and took that interest so far that they are now reproducing the lizard species they love.

They are experts. Reputable breeders will often have something called a “care sheet” this is a one- or two-page document that will give you the right information on how to care for your new pet reptile.

If you are buying your lizard from a pet store, they may also have a care sheet or even a book about how to care for your specific species.

Always cross-reference any of the information they give you with another credible source.  I have seen pet stores recommending the wrong guidelines for caring for a specific kind of reptile way too many times.

Even if you didn’t buy your animal from a breeder you can often find breeders online that share that information freely on their site. 

There are also reputable websites that have very helpful information such as reptilesmagazine.com. I have often found answers to my questions on their website.

Other experienced keepers, who have kept the species you are interested in successfully, are also good people to talk to.   

What Kind of Keeper Will You Be?

Raising reptiles and keeping them as pets can be fun and interesting.  It’s a hobby that is growing in popularity every year. Keeping your favorite lizard can be fun and exciting but comes with responsibility.

It’s up to you to decide what kind of keeper you are going to be. Most people want to do everything they can to care for their reptiles so they have a good quality of life.

Do your best to control what you can control, learn as much as you can, and provide the best quality of life you can for your pet lizard.

As you do this, your amazing reptilian pet will have a long and happy life, and you will have a wonderful and rewarding experience.

What about Australian water dragons? They are similar but completely different lizards. Are Australian water dragons good pets? I decided to do a little research. The more I learn about them the more interesting they are. Here’s what I found.

Australian water dragons are great pet lizards for the right person. They are a larger-sized lizard that is generally docile and adapts to handling very well. They are very interesting to look at and relatively easy to care for if you have the budget and space. Australian water dragons are generally better suited for intermediate keepers.

They are very hardy and can be just as tame as a bearded dragon (which is about as tame as a lizard can get!) but they have some specific care requirements.

This is not to say that they are not a good choice for your first pet lizard. It just means they require a little more than other lizards.

More space, more food, more water, more lights. Some beginners are very ambitions and these things may not be a problem at all. You just need to be aware of them.

If you are committed and have the financial means, as well as space, then they can be a great first lizard. We will discuss all the reasons they make good pets and some things to consider later in this article.

Interesting Facts About Australian Water Dragons

• Where do Australian water dragons come from? – The eastern coast of Australia in wooded areas close to water.

• How big do Australian water dragons get? – Australian water dragons can grow to about 3 and a half feet. Males are bigger than females.

• How long do Australian water dragons live? – Australian water dragons can live up to 20 years in captivity.

• Are Australian water dragons aggressive? – Australian water dragons are not known to be aggressive. They are nonvenomous and not dangerous to humans.

Australian water dragons are one of the few lizards that actually have “dragon” in their name. This is awesome! If you have always wanted to own your very own pet dragon, Australian water dragons could be a good choice.

So, let’s talk about all the reasons they make good pets. We will also review some things go consider before adding a dragon to your family and home.

More About Australian Water Dragons

Australian water dragons:

• Are relatively easy to care for
• Adapt to handling very well
• Are Big but not too big
• Look like dragons!

Considerations:

• Can be difficult to care for
• Hard to find
• Expensive

Why Australian Water Dragons Make Good Pets:

Are Relatively Easy to Care For

Almost all Australian water dragons that you will find available for sale (unless you live in Australia) are captive bred. Captive bred reptiles always do better in captivity than wild caught animals.

Australian water dragons are also very hardy and from this stand point it makes them relatively easy to care for. This means that even if you make a few mistakes your pet dragon isn’t going to suddenly die on you.

Having said this, it’s still very important to learn as much as you can about caring for them and do the best you can to give them what they need to live healthy happy lives. 

The healthier your dragon is the happier he will be.  The happier your dragon is the better he will respond to you especially when being handled.

This is one big reason Australian water dragons make good pets. They are hardy. One breeder said, that if kept in the right conditions, it’s very rare for Australian water dragons to become sick. After raising hundreds of Australian water dragons he never saw even a hint of illness.

The key is “the right conditions”. The concepts of caring for them are pretty straight forward but there are some specifics that also make caring for one a big consideration which you will see below.  

Adapt to Handling Very Well

Australian water dragons have a very docile and pleasant disposition. In the wild their typical response when sensing danger is to slide into the water and swim away.  They are not defensive or aggressive.

In captivity, even when not being handled, they will be more or less indifferent when people are nearby. They are not high-strung and nervous like some lizards and their behavior is pretty consistent and predictable. They will not constantly try to escape, bite or whip you with their tail.

When Australian water dragons are handled frequently, they can become very tame. And because of their calm disposition they can truly be a very rewarding pet.

Big but Not Too Big

A lizard reaching over 12 inches is impressive. A 3-foot-long lizard is very impressive. Australian water dragons can get even longer. Males can reach lengths of 3 and a half feet!  Now that’s a big lizard.

Australian water dragons can be very impressive but not too big to manage. If you want a large lizard but you are not prepared for a 5 or 6-foot iguana or 100+ pound water monitor an Australian water dragon may be just right for you.

They get big enough to be impressive but not so big that you have to consider giving them an entire room in your house! Big but not too big. 

Look Like Dragons!

Have you ever wanted your very own pet dragon? I’ve always thought it would be amazing. Australian water dragons are one of a handful of lizards that have the word dragon in their name.

Not only is dragon part of their name, they actually look like little dragons. Minus the wings of course. They have scaly ridges above there eyes and spikes going down their backs. They have muscular bodies and long, flat, fin-like tails.

Australian water dragons have a beautiful pattern with dark horizontal stripes beginning near their eyes and stretching back to their necks. They also have dark vertical stripes on their bodies and tales.

Males even have a red colored belly. It’s easy to see why they are called dragons!

What You Need to Know Before You Buy One

Can be Difficult to Care For

Australian Water Dragons are very hardy, and though the concepts of caring for one are pretty easy to understand, and very straight forward they require a bit more than other more popular pet lizards. These are things you should be aware of when considering one as a pet.

You will need:

• Special lighting
• A Large enclosure
• Large water feature
• Humidity
• Lots of food

Special lighting

They need both UVA and UVB full spectrum lighting to be able to digest their food properly. This is not uncommon for many other lizard species but because of how large your Australian water dragon will get and the size of the enclosure you will need, you are going to need quite a bit of lighting which can be expensive.  

Large enclosures

You will not only need floor space but you will need height because Australian water dragons like to climb. At least a 5-foot by 2-foot by 2-foot cage is recommended but larger and higher is better.  Only one side of the cage should be glass. This will help your dragon feel secure. That is a pretty large cage.

Large water feature

Experts say it’s a must to have a very large water feature in the enclosure. Something almost as long as your dragon. And larger is better. This creates a need for more maintenance especially since they like to poop in the water.

Dirty water will need to be changed which means you will be changing their water on a regular basis. You will also need to make sure the water doesn’t get too cold.

The makes caring for your dragon more complex and enough for some people to avoid them all together.

Humidity

Speaking of water, you will also need to make sure the cage is kept at about 40-70% humidity. The water in the enclosure will help with this.

Lots of food

Australian Water dragons eat a lot. And since they are a large sized lizard you will need to feed them large quantities of food frequently. This means large quantities of a variety of insects such as crickets, hornworms, superworms, mealworms and dubia roaches.

As they get older you may also feed them greens.These food items are very common to keeping other lizards. The difficulty comes in the quantity.

Unless you are raising your own feeder insects you are going to be making a lot of trips to the pet store and spending a lot of money feeding your dragon.

Hard to Find

I don’t think I have ever seen an Australian Water Dragon in a pet store. I have rarely ever seen them at reptile expos. They are hard to find.

Chinese water dragons are much more popular and less expensive. If you want an Australian water dragon you are going to need to find them online and will probably need to get on a waiting list.

Expensive

Australian Water Dragons are not as available as other lizards and can be expensive. They are generally about $400-$500 U.S. dollars.  The cost to buy the lizard is one thing but the total cost of caring for one is another. It all adds up.  

I love reptiles and I love dragons. Now that I know more about Australian water dragons, I find myself imagining what it would be like to own one and I have to say I’m very tempted to take that step.

If you are looking for a large lizard that is friendly, relatively easy to care for and looks like a dragon, the Australian water dragon is an excellent choice.

I did some research involving 11 popular pet lizard species and this is what I found.

The average time it takes for lizard eggs to hatch is 80 days. This depends on the species. For example, it takes an average of 60 days for leopard gecko eggs to hatch and much longer for veiled chameleons at around 180 days. It all depends on the kind of lizard you are breeding.

There are also other factors to consider. The temperature and humidity levels in the incubator can affect this time and eggs will either hatch a little sooner or a few days later.  Leopard gecko eggs can hatch in as little as 35 days or just over 1 month and veiled chameleon eggs can take as long as 9 months!

That’s similar to humans! Though obviously humans don’t lay eggs…

Common Pet Lizards That Are Bred in Captivity

The lizards in my research include those that are most commonly kept as pets. Some are widely bred by your average pet lizard owner and hobbyists, while a few are bred mostly by professional breeders.

These include the following: 

• Bearded Dragons
• Crested Geckos
• Gargoyle Geckos
• Leopard Geckos
• Green Iguanas
• Argentine Black and White Tegus
• Blue Tongued Skinks
• Asian Water Monitors
• Ornate Uromastyx
• Chinese Water Dragons
• Veiled Chameleons

The chart below shows the average number of eggs laid by each species (average clutch size) and the average number of days it takes for those eggs to hatch.

The above numbers are averages. It can take less time for eggs to hatch and may take longer depending on the conditions.

Will the Eggs Hatch at All? 

Most lizards do not raise there young. The majority deposit their eggs in a nice secluded spot where temperatures and humidity levels are stable, bury them and leave. Never to return. Talk about abandonment.

Predators can be a factor. In the wild, predators will pillage a nest of lizard eggs and eat them all for a nice meal.

In captivity the main factor contributing to the time it takes for lizard eggs to hatch and if they will hatch at all is the breeder.

The Human Factor

It can be fun and exciting to care for and hatch the offspring of your pet reptile! Maybe this is one reason the hobby is growing so fast.

Unlike a lizard who lays her eggs and leaves, breeders have the opportunity to take a parental role in this process. Breeders become the caring parents those little eggs have been missing.

This means that the various factors that play a role in giving lizard eggs a chance to hatch, and how long it takes them, are largely in your hands.

Just as temperatures and humidity determine how long it takes for lizard eggs to hatch, they also determine if the eggs will hatch at all. If these two factors are not in an appropriate range, the eggs will not make it.

These requirements will vary among species and it’s important to get them right. Fortunately, there are incubators made specifically for this purpose that are available commercially. It is also possible to build one yourself.  

In captivity, the threat of predators is also eliminated; unless your cat is allowed to roam the house (and breeding/incubating room) free.

Once you have established a controlled environment and collected the eggs. All that’s left is to put them in the incubator, adjust to the appropriate settings and wait. There is actually a little more to it. You will want to check the incubator on a regular basis to make sure all is going well.

Though it may be impossible to predict exactly when those little eggs will hatch, it helps to have an idea. The chart above can give you a reference for average times but it’s a good idea to do some additional research on your specific lizard species.  

The more you know the better you will be able to care for those eggs. You will be able to increase the percentage of eggs that hatch successfully as well as more accurately predict how long it takes.

Many Mouths to Feed

One last thing to keep in mind. Once your lizard eggs hatch whether that takes 35 days or 9 months you will soon have many little mouths to feed. If that is 2 or 22 or even 50 that certainly adds up and it’s important to be ready for that added responsibility.

Are you going to sell them? Do you have potential buyers? Are you going to keep them? Are you prepared for what that will mean in terms of care? Do you have the appropriately sized food items readily available?

Even if you do plan to sell them there is a good chance you won’t sell them all at once and you will need to care for all those little babies during that time.  Whew, being a parent can be a lot of work. It can also be very rewarding!  

I’m not sure if I will ever get into breeding lizards, but I have to say after writing this article, I’m thinking about it again. My daughter has been asking for a crested gecko. Maybe we’ll get a few and see if we can start our own little breeding project. 

Related Questions

How many eggs do lizards lay?

The average clutch size for lizard eggs is 17. This depends on the species.  The fewest eggs per clutch for lizards on our list are crested geckos and gargoyle geckos with 2 eggs per clutch. The highest are veiled chameleons at 56 and they can lay as many as 85.

Other factors that determine clutch size include the age, size, and health of the female.  Larger more mature healthy females often lay more than the average. 

What is the average temperature for hatching lizard eggs?

The average temperature for incubating lizard eggs is about 81 degrees. About 70 degrees for chameleons and as high as 92-93 degrees for uromastyx.

What is the average humidity for incubating lizard eggs?

The average humidity required for incubating most lizard eggs is about 75%. Humid but not wet. If eggs get too wet there is a good chance mold and fungus will grow and attack your eggs. In this case, the eggs will become infertile and not hatch.

Interesting Facts

• Some lizard species lay multiple clutches during the breeding season. Crested geckos, for example, will lay 2 eggs every 30 to 45 days.

• Incubation temperatures can also determine if baby lizards will be male or female.

• Some species of nearly hatched lizards are believed to be able to sense if predators are nearby. They will burst out of their eggs and take off running.

I asked the guy working in the store if I could see the gecko. He said okay and reached in to grab him. That’s when it happened. The gecko bit him and bit him hard. He screamed and let out a word I won’t repeat. I couldn’t hold back a smile when I said. “Okay, I want that one.”

I have to admit, I was scared. Scared and excited. This gecko seemed like the coolest lizard, large exotic and unpredictable. I was so happy to have one. I really had no idea how to care for it but I was going to find out.

So, do Tokay geckos make good pets?

Tokay geckos make great pets for the right person. They are easy to care for, hardy, and very interesting. However, if you are looking for a pet lizard that you can handle often, they are probably not the best choice.

Interesting Facts About Tokay Geckos

• Where are they from? –Tokay geckos come from southeast Asia, northeast China, Thailand, and Indonesia, as well as some Pacific islands. They are arboreal and are found in bushes, trees, and rocky outcrops.

• How big do they get? – Tokay geckos are one of the largest living gecko species. They can grow more than a foot in length.

• How long do they live? – Tokay geckos have been known to live as long as 20 years.

• What do they eat? – Tokay geckos are opportunistic feeders and eat a wide variety of prey items. In the wild, they eat an assortment of bugs, spiders, insects, other lizards and geckos even small rodents and nestling birds. In captivity, they are raised mostly on crickets, mealworms, super worms, hornworms, wax worms, and occasionally pinky mice.

• Do they make noise? – Yes! Geckos are the only lizards that have vocal cords. Tokay geckos make a barking noise that sounds a lot like they are saying “To-kay! To-kay!”This is also how they got their name.

Why Tokay Geckos Make Good Pets

Affordable

When I bought my tokay gecko, I was surprised at how affordable it was. I thought that such an exotic lizard would be several hundred dollars. This was not the case. Tokay geckos were very affordable at the time and they still are. You can find captive bred tokay geckos ranging in price from $25 U.S. dollars to about $100 dollars for various interesting color morphs.    

Easy to Care For

One of the things I found was how easy Tokay Geckos are to care for.

You will need:

• An Enclosure
• Substrate
• Heat
• Humidity
• Places to hide
• UVB lighting

Enclosure

Tokay Geckos are one of the largest gecko species on earth but you can keep an adult in a 10-gallon sized terrarium. This is great especially if you don’t have very much space. Many owners like to add live plants which is a great idea but not a requirement.

Substrate

News print, butcher paper, paper towels are just fine but a substrate that holds moisture is best. Tokay geckos need humidity to be healthy. Cypress mulch and orchid bark are good options. Coconut husk works well too. 

Heat

Ambient temperatures of about 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit are best with a basking spot of about 90 to 100 degrees. Nighttime temps can be in the mid-70’s. You can achieve this by using a red heat bulb or ceramic heat element.

It’s best to use an Infrared Thermometer, Non-Contact Digital Thermometer to check for accurate heating. It’s also a good idea to use a thermostat. It’s important not to barbecue your lizard.

Humidity

Tokay geckos require a good amount of humidity. It’s easiest to achieve this by spraying the inside of the cage with a fine mist of water at night right before the lights go out. This will imitate a light rain.

The trick is to spray just enough for water droplets to form but not so much that puddles form. You want the cage to dry out by the next day. If you choose a substrate that holds moisture be sure to check to make sure it is not wet like a sponge. Moist is good wet is not.

Places to hide

Tokay geckos (and most reptiles) need places to hide so they can sleep and feel secure. This is important so they don’t become stressed. If you like a naturalistic looking cage this is a great opportunity to decorate to your heart’s content.

Tokay geckos actually prefer a cluttered cage. Hollow cork bark logs are great, caves, plants, sticks, even an overturned plastic bowl with an opening cut out will work great as a place to hide. 

All of this will help your tokay gecko feel secure, happy and be healthy.  

UVB Lighting

Even though Tokay geckos are active at night they still need UVB lighting in order to absorb calcium and synthesize vitamin D3. You can use UVB coil bulbs for smaller cages right near the basking spot. These lights should be on 12 hours a day but not 24 hours.

The above is not meant to be a comprehensive care guide but it should give you a good idea of what to expect when taking care of your tokay gecko. It’s far more than I had. 

Very Hardy

As I look back now, I did a lot of things wrong when caring for my tokay gecko and that makes me sad but it is a testament to how very hardy Tokay geckos really are.

I didn’t do half the things I now know are important to a healthy gecko living a long life. My tokay gecko did very well for many years. They can tolerate owners’ mistakes better than other species but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do everything you can to take care of them properly.

It’s just good to know that your lizard isn’t going to die suddenly if you don’t get everything perfect.

Very Interesting  

When I first saw my tokay gecko in my favorite pet store I was captivated. Tokay geckos are large, can climb almost anything including glass and even make noise. They are very interesting.

The first time I heard him barking, “To-kay, To-kay, To-kay” I was tickled with awe. It was so cool! If you are looking for a very interesting lizard Tokay geckos definitely qualify.

Why Tokay Geckos Are Not a Good Pet for Everyone

Not Easy to Handle

Tokay geckos are not known for being docile lizards that even children can handle. In fact, it’s a good idea that children never handle tokay geckos. They can be tamed with lots and lots of patience and a very good understanding of how to do so but your average person is going to have a tough time.

If you are looking for a pet lizard that is also easy to handle, tokay geckos are not a very good choice. Some lizards that are, include crested geckos, leopard geckos, bearded dragons and uromastyx.

Are Very Fast

They Are Very Fast Tokay geckos are extremely fast. I always worried about my tokay gecko getting out of his cage. He was always near the top which was also the opening. I had to pull the screen open to feed him and clean the cage.

They are so fast! I knew that if he got out it would be next to impossible for me to catch him. A lot of lizards are fast. This is not something that should dissuade you from buying a pet lizard but a fast lizard that bites really hard can be a concern for people.

They Bite

The first time I saw my tokay gecko he was biting the guy trying to show it to me. It drew blood. His hand was bleeding and not just a little. I decided that day I did not want to get bit.

So, any time I needed to clean the cage I was very careful. Anytime I needed to handle him I used gloves. If this is a concern for you then a tokay gecko is probably not the best choice.

Tokay geckos make good pets for the person who enjoys observing them. They are easy to take care of, hardy, very interesting to look at and listen to. If you are interested in a tokay gecko and don’t mind having more of a display animal than one you handle, then a tokay gecko is an excellent choice.

I loved my tokay gecko. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll have another one.

So, do chuckwallas make good pets? Here’s what I found.

Chuckwallas make very good pets. They are a medium-sized lizard that is easy to care for, very hardy, and will seldom if ever try to bite. Their docile, friendly temperament makes them a pleasant reptile that is a joy to handle. 

Interesting Facts About Chuckwallas

• How did they get their name? – When I first heard the name “chuckwalla” I thought it was some kind of rodent. The name is actually derived from two Native American words. The Shoshoni word tcaxxwal and the Cahuilla word caxwal which was transcribed by Spaniards to chacahuala or chuckwalla.

• Where do they come from? – CommonChuckwallas are found in rocky arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. There are five other species that are found in Baja California, and the small Islands in the Gulf of California. One of the most popular of these species is the San Esteban Island Chuckwalla (piebald chuckwalla) which has patches of color all over its body.

• How big do they get? – Chuckwallas are long flat, stocky, wide-bodied lizards that get up to about 15 inches long. The San Esteban Island Chuckwalla is the largest species and can reach 30 inches in length.

• What do they eat? – Chuckwallas are primarily herbivores. In the wild they eat various buds, leaves, fruits and flowers. They especially enjoy yellow flowers. Chuckwallas will also occasionally eat various bugs and insects.

• How long to do they live? – Chuckwallas can live more than 20 years.

• Are they Dangerous? – Chuckwallas are nonvenomous lizards that are not dangerous to humans. They are peaceful, docile creatures that scurry away into a rock crevice when feeling threatened.

More About Desert Chuckwallas

So, why do chuckwallas make good pets? I will list many of these reasons below. I will also list some considerations to keep in mind when thinking about adding one to your family.

Chuckwallas

• Are very hardy
• Are easy to take care of
• Are a very manageable size
• Are docile and easy to handle
• Can be housed together
• Can be housed with other lizards

Considerations

• Can be difficult to find
• Can be expensive
• Require special lighting
• Require a medium to large enclosure

Why Chuckwallas Make Great Pets

Are Very Hardy

Chuckwallas live in very arid desert climates and can tolerate extreme conditions. The are hardy robust lizards and can also tolerate owners’ mistakes. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do all you can to research and provide proper care for them. It does mean you don’t have to worry about your pet lizard suddenly dying on you if you don’t get thigs perfect.

Are Easy to Take Care of  

Because chuckwallas are so hardy, they are also easy to take care of. Easy of care is always important to keep in mind when consideration a new pet.

You will need:

• An Enclosure
• Heat and Full Spectrum UVB lighting
• A good substrate
• Access to greens, veggies and fruits.

Enclosure

You can start hatchlings out in a 10-gallon sized terrarium and adults need about a 3-foot by 2-foot encloser.  Bigger is even better.

Heat and Lighting

Probably the most challenging thing about caring for a chuckwalla is making sure they have a hot enough basking spot, proper full spectrum light and a temperature gradient in their enclosure.

This is not out of the ordinary. These requirements are similar to other lizards such as bearded dragons, desert iguanas and uromastyx. So, the equipment needed is easy to find.

You can achieve the proper temperatures buy using an under the tank heat mat and a heat lamp. It’s important to put your heat lamp and mat on one side of the cage NOT right in the middle.  This serves to create a temperature gradient. A hot spot (basking spot) for them to warm up under and a cooler side to move to when desired. 

The hot spot should be about 110 degrees and the rest of the cage should be around 80-85 degrees. Having a large cage can help you achieve this gradient.

It’s best to provide full spectrum light running the length of the cage. Chuckwallas are sun loving lizards and they need long periods of bright light and UV rays to digest their food and grow and develop properly. This can be accomplished by using a long florescent style full spectrum UV fixture and bulb.

Substrate

Chuckwallas come from rocky, arid, desert regions. Though they come from deserts they spend little time on the sand.

Many owners have kept chuckwallas on sand without any issues. Others strongly believe that sand is not a very good choice for these lizards and isn’t recommended for any lizard.

They can accidently swallow sand and become impacted (block their digestive tract) which can lead to serious health concerns or even death. This does tend to be rare but it can happen. I had this very thing happen to one of my bearded dragons and she died.

It’s up to you. If you decide to use sand, children’s play sand is a good choice. You can find it relatively inexpensively at the hardware store. You can also find sand that is specifically made for keeping reptiles.

If you want a naturalistic looking environment using gravel and rocks similar to what you might use for landscaping, is a better choice for a substrate. This replicates their natural environment.

Rabbit pellets are also a good option. It’s easy to clean, absorbent, and if your chuckwalla eats it, they won’t have any health issues.

Many keepers also like to provide large flat rocks for their chuckwallas to climb and relax on. You can stack them with a small space in between so your chuckwalla can wedge himself in like he would do in the wild. 

Just be sure the rocks are large enough that he can’t move them. You don’t want him getting squished by an accidental rock fall.

Access to greens, veggies and fruits.

Chuckwallas are primarily vegetarian. This is great because you can get their food from the grocery store. This makes caring for them much more convenient than lizards that eat large quantities of insects.

Examples of food items include edible flowers, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, beet greens, carrot tops, as well as romaine occasionally.  You can also offer them specially made tortoise foods such as Mazrui tortoise diet.

Chuckwallas get the majority of their moisture from the foods they eat. It’s still a good idea to include a water dish with fresh clean water.

The above is not meant to be a detailed care guide but it should give you a good idea of what to expect and really how easy it is to care for your chuckwalla.

All of this can seem a little complicated but once you understand the basics, their care is pretty strait forward.

Are a Very Manageable Size  

Chuckwallas are the second larges lizard in north America. Second only to the Gila monster. This doesn’t mean they are huge. They are just large enough to be impressive but small enough to be very manageable and easy to handle. 

They also don’t need a huge enclosure like a water monitor or green iguana.  If you want a good-sized lizard, larger than a bearded dragon but smaller than a tegu or other giant lizard, a chuckwalla is a great choice.

Are Docile and Easy to Handle

Chuckwallas can be skittish at first but will usually calm right down with time and consistent interaction.They are docile, even tempered and adjust to handling quite well. Once they become comfortable, they will even seek out your attention. They are active and curious and can be fun to observe. This makes them a great pet lizard.

Can Be Housed Together

Many popular lizards prefer to be solitary and keeping them together is not advisable. One cool thing about chuckwallas is that they can be housed together. You really only want one male in the cage though. You can keep a male with a few females with out issues.

Can Be Housed with Other Lizards

Another really cool thing about chuckwallas is that you can house them with other lizards! This can include, desert iguanas, spiny tailed iguanas, or uromastyx. 

This can be really interesting if you like the idea of having a small reptile community! Of course, the more you have in one enclosure the larger that enclosure should be.

What You Need to Know About Chuckwallas

Can be Difficult to Find

Chuckwallas used to be readily available but this has changed over the years. I have seen captive bred chuckwallas in specialty reptile pet stores and occasionally at reptile expos.

You can also find them online. If you buy from a large volume reptile dealer online, they are almost always wild caught.

We always recommend buying captive bred reptiles directly from a breeder when possible. Wild caught animals tend to be more skittish and temperamental than captive bred animals. They can also have health issues.

They can also adjust to captivity well and become very good pets.  With chuckwallas this is often the case. We would still recommend doing the best you can to find one that is captive bred. It’s something to be aware of but it’s really up to you.

If a wild caught animal is the only choice, just move forward and enjoy your pet chuckwalla. If you can give a wild caught animal a good home, there is something to be said about that as well.

You can still have a very rewarding experience with a pet lizard that you love.  

Can be Expensive

Chuckwallas are not as common in the pet trade as they used to be and the prices have gone up. Prices range from about $150-$200 U.S. Dollars for common chuckwallas and around $800-$1500 for San Esteban chuckwallas.  

This doesn’t include the cost of buying the enclosure, heating equipment and lighting. The initial cost can be expensive depending on your budget. This is certainly something to keep in mind.

Require Special Lighting

If you are going to keep a diurnal (active during the day) lizard then you will nearly always need full spectrum UVB lighting in order for them to be healthy and happy.  

Chuckwallas are one of those lizards that needs this to an extreme. They need heat and UVB lighting which can be expensive. Putting a light fixture on the top of the cage can also be bulky and take up space.

This is an important consideration when buying a chuckwalla or any other sun loving lizard.

Require a medium to large enclosure

Chuckwallas need a relatively large enclosure. At least 3 feet long for adults. For some people this can be bigger than they are comfortable with or have the space for. So, keep this in mind if you are short on space.

My uncle always used to say chuckwallas make good pets. I never really talked to him about all the reasons why but now I know.

Chuckwallas are easy to care for, hardy, an impressive yet manageable size, and they adapt to handling very well. As I write this article I’m thinking, “Hmm, maybe I should get a chuckwalla or two”.

They make a very good pet!

If you are considering one, I would highly recommend them.  

Other lizards that have similar care requirements and are just as interesting include, bearded dragons, uromastyx and desert iguanas. If you are looking for a new pet lizard you may want to consider these as well.

Desert Iguanas make great pets. They are easy to care for, very hardy, and don’t get too big. They adapt to handling very well, and their docile, friendly natures make them an excellent choice even for children.

After all, that’s what my brothers and I were back in those days, children. It was amazing to me that we were able to catch and keep such interesting lizards that were so tame! And, not just tame, but very easy to care for. It’s hard for me to believe that these incredible reptiles aren’t much more popular.

I would go so far as to say that desert iguanas are America’s bearded dragon.

Before we talk about all the reasons why desert iguanas make good pets lets learn more about them. They are a beautiful light grayish tan and white lizard with spots and stripes running along their backs.

They have muscular legs and long, round, meaty tails that are banded with rings of spots. They even have small dorsal scales the look like tiny shark fins running down their backs.

Interesting Facts About Desert Iguanas

• Where do they live? – Desert Iguanas are found in the arid desert regions of the southwestern United States. This includes Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. They are also found in northwestern Mexico in Sonora, Sinaloa and Baja California.

• How big do they get? – Baby desert Iguanas are about 5 inches long and adults average about 16 inches in length. And some very rarely reach 18 inches.

• What do they eat? – Desert Iguanas are mostly herbivores. In the wild, they eat various buds, leaves, fruits, and flowers.  They especially enjoy creosote flowers. Desert Iguanas will also occasionally eat various insects and bugs.

• How long do they live? – Desert Iguanas are known to live about 15 years or more in captivity.

• Are they really Iguanas? – Yes. Desert Iguanas are classified in the family Iguanidae just like their much larger greener cousins

Next, we will discuss why desert iguanas make great pets as well as some things to consider before making one or two the next addition to your family.

More About Desert Iguanas

Desert Iguanas

• Are very hardy
• Are easy to take care of
• Are a very manageable size
• Are docile and easy to handle
• Are interesting to watch
• Can be housed together
• Can be housed with other lizards
• Are very affordable

Considerations

• Very difficult to find
• Require special lighting
• Require a medium to large enclosure

Why Desert Iguanas Make Good Pets

Very Hardy

Desert Iguanas are very hardy lizards. They come from harsh environments and can withstand the extremes of such climates. They can also tolerate their owners’ mistakes better than other reptiles.

My younger brother once took his pet desert iguana to his friend Craig’s house. He accidentally left it over there and forgot all about it. Three days later Craig’s mom called saying our lizard was still at their house.

It had been hiding under their curtains, in the cold, the entire time. My brother brought him back home and put him back in the cage. The lizard was just fine.

It’s still important to learn as much about caring for them as possible, but it’s nice to know they aren’t going to suddenly die if you don’t get everything just perfect. Or if you leave them at your friend’s house.

Easy to Take Care Of

Desert Iguanas are very easy to take care of and their care requirements are actually very similar to bearded dragons. There are a few things to keep in mind.

You will need:

• An Enclosure
• Heat lamp
• Full Spectrum UVB lighting
• A deep substrate
• Access to various greens, fruits, and vegetables

Adults need a moderately large enclosure.  About 3 feet by 2 feet wide and 2 feet high will do. More floor space is better. Desert Iguanas are active and it’s a good idea to have at least a little more space.

The word “desert” is in their name because, well they come from the desert. This means they need a lot of sunshine and heat to be healthy and happy. And that means a heat lamp and full spectrum UVB lighting. This helps them digest their food, grow and develop properly. 

Remember when I said they can handle owners’ mistakes? We used a heat rock in the enclosure and an incandescent lamp over the cage. This was back in the ’80s and that’s what everyone did. We just didn’t know. Our iguanas were just fine but they would have been much healthier if we had the proper lighting.

Don’t do what we did. Us the right lighting so your pet desert iguana will be as healthy as possible. And don’t use a heat rock. They have been known to malfunction and burn your reptiles.  Fortunately, ours didn’t do that. It did malfunction but instead of overheating it just stopped working.

The hot-spot on one side of the cage should be at least 95 to 105 degrees. 110 is not too hot. They should also have a cooler side of the cage to retreat to. Studies show that they do best with at least 12 hours of light each day. A great way to do this is to put your light setup on a timer.

Most of the time it is not a good idea to keep reptiles on sand. In a desert Iguana’s case, it is just fine. In fact, it’s best to provide several inches of sand (up to 10 or 12 inches) so they have opportunities to burrow.  Children’s play sand is a good affordable option.

You will need to keep the sand a little bit moist. Not wet. Just enough so it will hold together when they dig. Just mist the sand a little bit each morning or every other day or so. 

We got that wrong too. We never kept the sand moist enough for them to dig burrows, instead, they dug out a space underneath the heat rock which made for a nice burrow.  This is a great option. 

You can put a large flat rock or two in the cage. This will allow for a solid structure to dig under. I would still recommend misting the sand. If I decide to keep desert iguanas again someday, I will do both.

In captivity, you can feed your desert iguana a wide range of foods and it’s a good idea to do so. They are primarily herbivores and this is great because you can get their food right from the grocery store!

This includes various greens, fruits and vegetables like berries, apples, oranges, mangos, tomatoes, yellow squash, butternut squash, zucchini, pumpkin, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, beet greens, romaine, and endive. 

Be sure to dice these items into small pieces so they can eat them. They will also eat small nuts and seeds like birdseed, sunflower seeds, cashews. and peanuts.  Make sure they are not salted.

You can also occasionally offer mealworms, wax worms, super worms, or small crickets but this is not required. Insects represent a very small part of their diet in the wild so if you don’t want to provide them you don’t have to worry about it.  

Desert Iguanas usually won’t drink from a water dish. Ours never did, but it’s still a good idea to make sure fresh water is available.

The above is not meant to be a detailed care guide but it should give you a good idea of what to expect and really how easy it is to care for a desert iguana.

It may sound complicated but once you get the hang of it, Desert Iguanas are really easy to care for. This goes a long way in making them a great pet.

Very Manageable Size

Desert iguanas are just large enough to be impressive and small enough to be very easy to handle. They are an excellent medium-sized lizard. This means that they don’t need a giant enclosure and you don’t have to strain your eyes to see them either! This certainly further qualifies them as a great pet lizard.

Docile and Easy to Handle

Did I mention we were kids when we got our desert iguanas? I think my brother was only 5 or 6. My dad certainly did a lot of the work, feeding our pet lizards, as he tried to teach us a little responsibility. One thing that I noticed and it still amazes me to this day, is how docile and tame desert iguanas really are.

One of the reasons certain reptile species have gotten a reputation for being aggressive is that when they first became available as pets, they were almost always wild caught.  This is how most animals find their way into the pet trade at least initially. They are caught in the wild and sold in a pet store as someone’s new pet.

Wild caught animals are typically much more defensive and more difficult to handle.  For example, a wild caught boa will have a much higher likely hood of hissing, striking and biting than one that is “captive bred” born in captivity. 

Desert iguanas are docile even in the wild. Yes, there is a possibility they will bite but that possibility is very remote. I was used to catching alligator lizards and having them bite or blue belly fence swifts and having them bite.

When we caught the much larger desert iguanas, I was thinking they would try to bite. They never did. Desert iguanas are the most naturally docile lizards I’ve ever encountered.  They adapt to handling extremely well and are great for children. 

They are large enough not be easily injured by unintentional rough handling and small enough for a 5 or 6-year-old to manage easily.

This is one of the biggest reasons they make such excellent pet lizards.

Interesting to Watch

I’ve always thought desert iguanas were interesting to watch. They dig burrows, they are active during the day and will explore their cage. Sure, most of the time they will sit under the heat light basking for hours, but this is okay especially if you are a busy person with other things to do.  

One of my favorite things that desert iguanas do is run on two legs. Yes, they are pretty fast. Once they get going, they lift their arms and run on their hind legs. Just like a dinosaur!

It’s very fun and exciting to watch!  You won’t see this in their enclosure of course but take them out into your living room or hallway or even your back yard and see if you can get them to run. If they do you will be in for a fun surprise. We used to have races. I have to say mine was pretty fast and he usually won.

Can Be Housed Together

One really cool thing about desert iguanas is that they can be housed together. You really only want one male in the cage though. We kept three together for several years and they did very well.

Can Be Housed with Other Lizards

You can also keep desert iguanas with other heat-loving lizards like chuckwallas or uromastyx. That can be very interesting.

Very Affordable

You can buy desert iguanas for about $40-50 U.S. dollars. If you can find them. They are not very popular so they don’t command high prices. I personally think they are highly underrated and could really be much more expensive.  

This is great for you though. If you are interested in owning an awesome lizard that is tame and easy to care for but you really don’t have a large budget, a desert iguana is an excellent choice!

What You Need to Know About Desert Iguanas

Very Difficult to Find

I think I may have seen a desert iguana in a pet store once or twice in the last 30 or 40 years. Sadly, they are not very available and can be very difficult to find. If you live in Arizona like I do this is not a problem. I can go out to the desert and just look around. Still, I would much rather buy animals from a breeder but I have yet to find someone who is breeding desert iguanas. 

This said you can find them on large volume reptile websites. Short of going out to the desert and collecting your own (with the proper license of course) this is about the only way I’ve been able to find them.

If you order from such a website, you most likely aren’t seeing a picture of the specific animal you are buying. You won’t get to “pick one out” so to speak. So, ask to see pictures of the actual lizard you are buying if possible.

On a positive note, these websites often have a “live arrival guarantee” which means if your pet is not living when it shows up, they will send you a different one.

At least one other thing to point out would be that websites that deal with large volume reptile sales would have a hard time staying in business if all of their customers were disappointed.  This means they must be doing something right.

So, look for one that has good reviews and go for it.

Require Special Lighting

Many lizards and tortoises need full-spectrum UVB lighting. This is pretty common. Desert Iguanas are no exception. They need heat and UVB lighting which can be expensive. Putting a light fixture on the top of the cage can also be bulky and take up space.

If you are going to own a reptile that likes to spend a lot of time in the sun you will need to provide the right lighting so they can be healthy and happy.

This is an important consideration when buying a desert iguana or any other sun-loving lizard.

Require a Medium to Large Enclosure

Desert iguanas need a relatively large enclosure. At least 3 feet long for adults. For some people, this can be bigger than they are comfortable with or have space for. So, keep this in mind if you are short on space. This should definitely be something you consider seriously before buying a medium-sized lizard.

As I look back on my days as an adventurous boy, hunting for lizards and snakes, I remember one of my greatest memories; catching desert iguanas with my uncle. They are and will always be one of my very favorite reptiles.

Desert iguanas are easy to care for, affordable, and hardy. They don’t get too big, and their docile, friendly, nature makes them a joy to handle and interact with, even for small children. They make a very good pet!

If you are considering one, you won’t be disappointed.

Leopard geckos make very good pets. They are considered by many one of the very best pet lizards you could own. They are beautiful, cute, exotic looking lizards that are calm, friendly and easy to handle, even for children.

Before we talk about all the reasons why leopard geckos make good pets let’s learn a little more about them.

Interesting Facts About Leopard Geckos

• Where do they come from? – Leopard geckos are found in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan

• How big do they get? – Leopard geckos are a smaller lizard. Babies are about 3-4 inches long and adults are typically 7-10 inches long. Males are larger than females. Certain classes of leopard geckos called “giant” and “super-giant” can get as much as 12 inches long.

• How long do they live? – Leopard geckos can live about 10-15 years and some live as much as 20 years.

• What do they eat? – In the wild leopard geckos eat a wide variety of insects including, ants, crickets, small locusts, waxworms, flies and even nesting mice.

• Do they make noise? – Leopard geckos and geckos in general are the only kind of lizards that actually have vocal cords. They make various sounds like chirping and clicking.

• Why do they have fat tails? – Leopard geckos come from very arid desert regions. Sometimes food and water are hard to come by. Leopard geckos store fat in their tails so they have a source of energy to stay alive while searching for things to eat.

• Are they social? – Geckos like many reptiles are solitary creatures. They are also one of the easiest lizards to breed in captivity and can be kept in groups. As long as those groups are all female or have just one male. Males should never be housed together because they will fight.

• Do they have eyelids?  – One of the coolest things about leopard geckos is their big interesting eyes. Many geckos do not have eyelids and need to lick their eyes to keep them moist. Leopard geckos actually have eyelids and can blink and even close them while sleeping.

More About Leopard Geckos

Now that we have learned a little more about leopard geckos lets look at what makes them a great pet lizard! We will also discuss some things you should consider before taking one home to your family.

Leopard Geckos Are:

• Easy to Care for
• Easy to find
• Do not need special lighting
• Affordable
• Easy to handle
• Easy to breed
• Available in many color variations

Considerations:

• Need regular care
• Need special lighting
• They eat insects

Why Leopard Geckos Make Good Pets

Easy to Care for

Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards available.  One of the biggest reasons for this is how easy they are to care for.

They are generally very hardy animals that will tolerate some mistakes their owners may make in caring for them. Of course, it’s always best to learn as much as you can about caring for one before you bring one home.

Having said this, it’s still good to know that caring for a leopard gecko is pretty easy. They are not just going to die on you because of small mistakes. You can, in some ways, learn as you go.

You will need:

• A reasonable sized enclosure – A 10 to 20-gallon sized terrarium is all you need to house your gecko. This is one thing that makes them a great pet. They don’t require a large cage! In fact, it’s better not to have a large cage as they tend to wander away from their heat and water source. Make sure there is good ventilation and it has a secure lid. And definitely make sure your cat can’t get in!

• A heat source– Leopard geckos are nocturnal which means they are active at night.  This is great because you won’t need special lighting but you do need to make sure they stay warm. You will need to provide a hot spot in the cage of about 90 degrees. This can be achieved by using an under the tank heat mat or an over the tank heat lamp. Be sure to use a thermostat so the mat or light doesn’t get too hot and barbeque your pet lizard! The hot spot should be on one side of the cage not directly in the middle. This will provide a temperature gradient for your gecko.

• A place for them to hide – Your gecko needs a pace to retreat to and feel secure. This helps keep them healthy and not stressed. A stressed lizard eventually becomes a sick lizard and you don’t want that.

• Appropriate substrate – You will also need a substrate(something on the floor of the cage). This can be newspaper, paper towel, artificial turf or flat stones. Even thought leopard geckos live in deserts sand is not recommended. They can ingest the sand and become impacted (get stuck in their digestive tract) and die.

• Regular access to insects – Leopard geckos eat insects and you will need to feed them regularly. So, you will need regular access to “feeder insects”. You should strive to vary their diet. Crickets, meal worms, super worms, wax worms, and dubia roaches are good options.  You will need to feed them about every other day.

• Mist them daily – Leopard geckos do not have high humidity requirements but it’s a good idea to mist them once or twice a day with fresh water using a simple sprayer. This will give them a chance to lap some of that water up and help them shed.

The above is not meant to be an extensive guide for caring for your leopard gecko but we hope it gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Easy to Find  

Leopard geckos tend to be one of the most available pet lizards on the market. At least in the United States. You can find them at pet stores, reptile expos, breeders, or online. We always recommend getting one from a local breeder if possible.

It’s also always recommended that you get a “captive bred” leopard gecko. This isn’t that hard to do since they are bred so frequently and there are a lot of breeders out there.

Affordable

The average cost of a leopard gecko is about $40-$50 U.S. dollars. If you are more interested in one of the many color morphs available that price can quickly climb. Some are as much as a few thousand dollars.

With such a wide range in price you should have no problem finding a gecko that you can really appreciate and that will fit within your budget.

Easy to Handle

This is perhaps the biggest reasons leopard geckos are considered one of the best pet lizards if not the best pet lizard by so many people.

They are generally docile, curious, friendly little creatures that are easy to handle even for children. They don’t have big sharp claws and they almost never bite.  

They are not all this way but most of them are. This is one reason so many people love these amazing lizards!

Easy to Breed

Leopard geckos are very easy to breed. This can be very interesting for reptile lovers to take the next step in their hobby. If you are interested in breeding lizard’s leopard geckos would be a great option.

Available in Many Color Variations

Because leopard geckos are so easy to breed, they are available in many different color and pattern variations.

Perhaps more than any other lizard available, leopard geckos come in many different colors and patterns that are different from the way they would normally look in the wild.

Many breeders have worked for a period of years to select animals with various traits in color and pattern and pair them with one another to emphasis that color or pattern. The resulting offspring can often look very different than its parents. This is called a morph.

Leopard geckos are available in many different morphs. They can vary tremendously in pattern and color from all white to all black. From very bright oranges to yellows and pinks and from less pattern to more pattern, and so forth.

This is one more reason these geckos are so interesting and appealing. No two are exactly alike and it’s very easy for you to get one that has its own unique look!

Some Things to Consider

As with any pet reptile or any pet for that matter there are things to consider before you rush out and swipe your card. Let’s take a look at those next.

Need Regular Care

Leopard geckos need regular care and maintenance to be healthy. You will need to feed them regularly, mist them regularly and clean their cage regularly. 

One really cool thing about them is that they tend to have a “bathroom” in their cage. They always “go” in the same spot. This makes it easier to clean.

You will still need to do some things daily and weekly. If you are the kind of person that has a hard time with daily habits and routines then a leopard gecko may not be a could choice.

Are Nocturnal

Leopard geckos are most active at night so they won’t be active during the day. This means you won’t be seeing them as much as you might like when you are awake.

This can be frustrating or boring for children especially. This isn’t something that should be a huge concern because you can still interact with them during the day. It’s just something to be aware of.

They Eat Insects

As mentioned above leopard geckos eat insects. So, you are going to need a regular supply of various kinds of insect feeders.

This means you are going to need to make frequent trips to the pet store or raise your own. If this is something that you feel uncomfortable with, or if you are too busy to do this, then you will have a tough time taking good care of a leopard gecko.

Conclusion

Leopard geckos make excellent pets for many reasons. They are often found listed among some of the very best pet lizards a person can own includingbearded dragons, blue tongued skinks, crested geckos and uromastyx.

They are colorful, cute amazing little creatures that are easy to care for and handle, even for children. In fact, many owners believe their geckos actually enjoy interacting with them.

If you are considering a leopard gecko for your new pet, we hope this information has been helpful.

So, do Argentine black and white tegus make good pets? Here’s a summary of what I found.

Argentine black and white tegus are a large, beautiful impressive lizards from South America. They have a reputation of becoming “dog tame” if handled often. If you are looking for a big pet lizard, many people believe an Argentine black and white tegu is the very best choice.

Wow, a big pet lizard that is tame like a dog? Sign me up!

I’ve always thought it would be fun to have my own pet dragon. I’ve owned other large lizards in the past including iguanas and even a monitor lizard. Still, I wonder what it would be like to own a tegu and if they would make a good pet. If you are reading this article you may be wondering the same thing.

First let’s learn a little more about Argentine black and white tegus then we’ll dig into all the reasons they make a good pet lizard and some things to consider before actually buying one.

Facts About Argentine Black and White Tegus

• Where do they come from? – Argentine black and white tegus are large heavy bodied lizards from where else? Argentina. They can also be found in Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

• How big do they get? – They can get up to 4 1/2 feet long and can way 10-15lbs or more. Some have been known to reach 5 feet and weight as much as 35lbs!

• How long do they live? – Argentine black and white tegus can live 15-20 years in captivity.

• What do they eat? – Tegus are omnivores and in the wild they will eat a wide range of foods including many kinds of insects, spiders, mollusks, eggs, birds, rodents, various kinds of fruit and other vegetation. In captivity they can be fed a wide variety of similar foods. Some owners even feed them canned dog food.

Now that we know a few interesting things about Tegus let’s look into why they make great pet lizards and some things to consider before adding one to your family.

Why They Make Good Pets

Argentine Black and White Tegus:

• Are big impressive lizards
• Easy to feed
• Very hardy
• Can be very tame
• Unlikely to bite
• Can be friendly and affectionate

Considerations

• Can be expensive
• Can be a big responsibility
• Need a very large cage
• Can be aggressive if not handled regularly
• Be sure it’s an Argentine black and white tegu
• Watch your cat or other animals

Why Argentine Black and White Tegus Make Good Pets

Are Big Impressive Lizards

If you’ve ever wanted a dinosaur or dragon as a pet but just haven’t been able to find one, an Argentine black and white tegu could be a great alternative. Even better than iguanas or monitors.

They have a long, angular, armored head with large scale covered jowls. They can be very fast but usually lumber around walking side to side driven by their big powerful legs and long sharp claws.

They explore their environment with confidence as they probe the air and surroundings with their long snakelike forked tongues.

Argentine tegus have spots like a leopard and stripes like a tiger. Their long, banded tails add to the total overall length of this great big lizard.

About the only thing an Argentine black and white tegu doesn’t have is the ability to breath fire or fly. They are large magnificent beautiful lizards!  

Easy to Feed

The great thing about tegus is that they are easy to feed and will eat a wide variety of foods. This is good news compared to some reptiles that are very picky eaters. You can even get all of their food from your local grocery store!  

Some owners feed their tegus only protein. This is not recommended. Even though they can be fed on a protein-only diet, expert reptile keepers and veterinarians that specialize in reptiles, suggest that it’s better to feed them a variety of foods.

One third of their diet should be protein items such as:

• Ground turkey
• Ground beef,
• Eggs
• Fish (not breaded)
• Chicken
• Canned cat food or dog food

Two thirds of their diet should be comprised of veggies including:

• Various kinds of squash
• Collard greens
• Turnup greens
• Dandelion greens
• Beet greens
• Swiss chard
• Green beans
• Peas    

Very Hardy

Tegus are considered a very hardy lizard and this makes them great pets. They can tolerate some mistakes in their care and not develop significant health problems.

Of course, it’s always good to learn as much as you possibly can and give them the best care you know how. Still, it’s helpful to know they aren’t going to die if you forget something or don’t quite get their diet right.

Probably one of the biggest health concerns is obesity.  They can become overweight just like humans can. If you notice this just put them on a diet.  Try Beach Body or Atkins. Or maybe take them to your yoga class.

All joking aside, all you have to do is just back off the food a little until they lose some weight.

Can Be Very Tame

Who doesn’t want a huge pet lizard that can sit with you on the couch and roam free in your house!  Argentine black and white tegus have a reputation of being “dog tame”.  They aren’t quite like dogs. They won’t greet you at the door, wag their tails and jump with excitement, but you get the idea.

Can be Friendly and Affectionate

Though tegus aren’t quite like a dog, many owners say they can be affectionate and actually seek their attention. Some owners even put their pet tegu on a leash and take them for walks.  

 Some Things to Consider

As good as all of these things sound, no pet is perfect. And though there are many reasons a tegu makes a great pet lizard there are also several things to consider before adding one to your family. Let’s look at some of those things next.

Can be expensive

Argentine black and white tegus range in price from about $250 to $450 U.S. dollars or more especially if you buy them in a pet shop.  This is relatively expensive for a lizard but the cost doesn’t stop there.

You will need to buy or most likely build or have built a very large enclosure. You will also need to provide full spectrum UVB lighting as well as a heat source.

These special bulbs and fixtures can be expensive not to mention the cost of electricity to keep them on 12 hours a day.

The total cost of keeping and taking care of a tegu is much more than just the price of purchasing one. This should be a big consideration before you buy one.

Big Lizard Big Responsibility

Speaking of big, any pet is a responsibility but a big lizard takes a lot more than say a leopard gecko. The kind of care and attention required for a large lizard isn’t that much different from a small one mind you.

There are some small lizards that have far more specific requirements to keep them healthy, like a Jacksons’ Chameleon for example.

It just means that everything is at a much larger scale. In some ways this can make things more difficult. You need more space and a lot more food.

This is something that should not be under estimated. Don’t be that person who buys a baby lizard and is not prepared for how big they can get and how much responsibility it can really be.

Need a very large cage

Keeping with the theme of “big” you will need a very large cage. Hatchlings will need a 40-gallon tank just to start with. While adults will need at least a 6ft by 3ft by 3ft cage and bigger is recommended.

For some people this just isn’t feasible. If that person is you then a tegu is not a good choice. A blue tongued skink however, could be an excellent alternative.

If you can accommodate such an enclosure you are well on your way to owning your very own pet dragon!   

Go Through a Slightly Aggressive Stage

Assuming you want to buy one as a baby and raise it up, which is always fun, it’s important to understand that tegus go through puberty just like humans do.  What? My lizard is going through puberty? Yep!

This happens when they are about 18-24 months old and can last as much as a year.

During this stage they can be grumpy and a little aggressive but it will pass as they age. Just be patient and keep working with them.

The great thing is that they will become more and more tame as they get older. Of course, you need to handle them regularly. The more you interact with your tegu the more they will become accustomed to it, and to you.

Just like other pets, (or humans for that matter) the more time you spend with them, the better your relationship will be.

Be Sure it’s an Argentine Black and White Tegu

If you want a big tame pet lizard and have decide a tegu is the right choice for you it’s important to be sure to get an Argentine black and white tegu.

Other tegus are not as easy to tame. Columbian tegus, for example, are cheaper but are harder to tame. If you want another kind of tegu just be aware of this.

Watch Your Cat or Other Animals

Your tegu may be a big, amazing tame lizard, that can wander freely in your house but he is still a lizard, and a predator. They are still driven by instincts so it’s important that you keep a very close eye on any other pets you have when your tegu is out of its cage.

It’s best just to keep them separated. You definitely don’t want your dog putting his nose in your tegus face because he just may end up losing it!

Conclusion

I have to say I have really enjoyed learning more about Argentine black and white tegus. I’ve enjoyed writing this article and I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed reading it.

Argentine black and white tegus are quite possibly the very best large lizard you can have as a pet. Some would even go as far as saying they are the best pet of all.

I can’t say that I’ve always been interested in tegus but lately I am finding them more and more appealing. The more I learn about them, the more I like!

I can honestly say I’m seriously considering one as my next pet reptile. If you feel the same way, I hope this information helps! 

Green Iguanas are definitely one of the most popular and iconic lizards that have ever been kept as pets. They are large, colorful, spectacular looking lizards that are very hardy. Because they are so large, they require a lot of space. They can be tame but some are very aggressive. Green Iguanas can make good pets for the right person but they are definitely not for everyone.

In this article we will take a closer look at why they could make a good pet lizard and why you may want to avoid them. First, you might be asking, “Did you ever get one?” Yep! I sure did.

I had to wait until I was in my early twenty’s and moved out. My parents knew better so they were reluctant to allow such a large lizard in the house. One of the first things I did when I moved out was expand my reptile collection. In fact, I actually ended up getting two. (Among other things.)

I bought them from my favorite pet shop when they were just very small. I was so happy to finally own a green iguana. Now I owned not one, but two pet dragons! They were both quite small but I knew they would grow big and grow they did.

Before we get too far into this story lets learn more about the green iguana.

About Green Iguanas

Green Iguanas occur in central and south America from northern Mexico to southern Brazil and Paraguay.  They are large semi-arboreal lizards that range in color from light greens, to grays and oranges and some are even turquoise in color.

They have a row of long spikes along their backs (that are actually scales), large scaly jowls, and a large dewlap that hangs below their chins.

Some even have small horns on their nose. Their tails are long and banded and can be used as a weapon for whipping and slashing. Their claws are long and sharp which enable them to climb high up into the trees.

They are fast, powerful, truly impressive lizards that really do look like miniature dragons.

Green Iguanas are found in tropical forests near rivers and streams and their typical lifespan is about 15-20 years.

Males can grow to over 6 feet long and females about 5 feet. They can weigh up to 20lbs and are mostly herbivores.

If you want a large lizard that looks like a dragon, a green iguana just might be the lizard for you. As I mentioned I’ve owned two green iguanas’ in the past. One was very tame and personable and the other was a good example of what someone probably would not want in a pet lizard.

My New Pet Dragons

The first Iguana that I bought was a male and I named him Iguanasaurus Rex. We called him “Rex” for short. He was bright green and awesome.

My wife and I lived in a one-bedroom apartment at the time and we would sometimes let Rex roam the house. He grew very quickly.

I soon found myself at my dad’s woodshop building a large custom cage. He was a woodshop teacher and had access to the school shop with all the tools.

I was not just building one large cage but two because very soon after I bought the first iguana, I bought another one. Which I named Raptor.

My original plan was to keep them both together in the same enclosure but later learned that this is not always possible because they can fight. Rex and Raptor proved this to be true. They didn’t get along very well at all.

I knew they would get big so I built 2 large cages that I could stack on top of each other. These cages were 8 feet long, 2 and a half feet wide and 3 feet tall. Theyboth had multiple light fixtures and were wired with a light switch on the outside, that I could use to turn them on and off very easily.

These two giant cages were stacked up in the only place they would fit in our small apartment. Right in the middle of the living room. Anyone that opened the front door was met with these huge cages in our front room. Talk about a conversation piece. 

Rex and Raptor both grew very quickly and I notice almost immediately that they had very different personalities. Rex had a calm pleasant disposition and Raptor… well she just wanted to be left alone.

Before we talk about that let’s explore some of the reasons green iguanas can make a good pet lizard.

Why Green Iguanas Make a Good Pet Lizard

• Easy to care for
• Easy to find
• Inexpensive
• Can have a mild temperament
• Relatively easy to handle
• Grow Very large

Now that we’ve listed some of the things that can make a green iguana a good pet let’s take a closer look at each one of them.

Easy to Care For

Green Iguanas really need a large space for optimal health. Even though I had 8-foot-long cages they really should have been taller than 3 feet. 5 feet would have been better.

Iguanas like to be up high. This makes them feel more secure. When they feel secure, they will be healthier.

Some experts suggest an enclosure much larger than this at least 12 feet long, 6 feet wide and 6 feet high. This is huge. If you live in a warmer climate area you can build an outdoor cage with a wooden frame and wire mesh sides and keep them out doors part of the year or year-round.

If you have the space and the means to buy or build a very large enclosure green iguanas are not really that difficult to take care of if you are willing to put in the time. 

They are primarily herbivores so feeding them is not that difficult. You don’t have to make several trips to the pet store to by crickets or rodents. You just need to go to the grocery store.

They are rather large and eat a lot but you will be feeding them greens and veggies along with a little fruit here and there, which is pretty easy. It’s best to dust their food with a calcium and multivitamin supplement which you can order online or get from the pet store.

The size of the enclosure is one thing but not as important as the temperatures and special lighting requirements. 

You will need to provide both UVA and UVB lighting for your giant lizard to be healthy. You will also need a basking spot of up to 120 degrees. This can be a challenge to achieve in a large enclosure with a large lizard.

You will need to make sure there is a large water bowl in the cage and fresh water continuously available. Misting them with a simple sprayer twice per day also helps with proper hydration.

All of these things are really not that difficult to do if you have the financial resources and are committed to doing them. Some people give their iguana its own room in their house. Caging requirement solved.

Easy to Find

Green iguanas are not quite as available as they were 20 years ago when I got mine, but they are still pretty easy to find.  Many pet stores still carry them. You can find them online (which I don’t recommend) and at reptile expos.

You might also consider a rescue. Unfortunately, green iguanas are frequently abandoned or given up to animal rescue facilities. The hard part about getting one from a rescue is that you never know what you are getting.

Inexpensive

Green iguanas are fairly inexpensive. You can buy baby iguanas for as little as $20-$40 U.S. dollars. Larger adult iguanas can be as much as $150 to $200. This is still very affordable considering the kind of amazing animal you are getting.

The expense really comes in the lighting required to heat them and keep them healthy. Food costs can add up too but feeding them really isn’t that expensive.

Can Have a Mild Temperament

One of the reasons green iguanas have been such popular pet lizards over the years is their temperament. Who doesn’t want a large, green, dragon-like lizard perched on their shoulders or walking beside them on a leash?

If handled regularly, and well taken care of, green iguanas can be intelligent, curious, friendly pets. They even have the ability to recognize their owners.

They rarely bite and I have even heard of one being registered as an emotional support animal.

My Iguana “Rex” was a great example of the mild temperament we hope for when excitement drives us to say, “I have to have one of those”. 

He had a calm, pleasant easy-going temperament. I knew that he knew who I was and there was a bond of mutual respect. What an incredible lizard!

Relatively Easy to Handle

If you know your pet iguana well and have raised it from a young lizard you should have no problem with handling.

It’s important to support their bodies and give their feet something to push against so they feel secure. Don’t restrain them tightly. This can cause them to feel threatened and squirm.

When they are young, they will be more active. Let them crawl and put your hands in front of them one after another in succession. They will eventually get tired and take a little break.

Large iguanas are content to just hang out in your arms or on your shoulder.

Grow Very Large

Green iguanas grow very large. This is one thing that makes them so appealing! If you have ever dreamed of owning a large lizard or even a dragon, green iguanas are a good choice. Just be sure that you have the space for them.

Green Iguanas Are Not for Everyone

I mentioned Rex and his easy-going personality. Raptor on the other hand was a completely different story.

Many of the reasons Iguanas are not a good choice for everyone are the exact same reasons that make them a rewarding lizard for others. Or just the opposite. Let’s talk about those next.

Why Green Iguanas Are Not for Everyone

• Can be demanding to care for
• Can be expensive
• Can be very aggressive
• Can be difficult to handle
• Grow Very large

Can be Demanding to Care For

The primary reason iguanas are demanding to care is their size. They need a lot of space. Very large enclosures like the sizes I mentioned above just aren’t feasible for most people.

So many people buy a cute little baby green lizard when they are not truly prepared for, or committed to taking care of them when they are 6 feet long and 15 to 20 pounds.

These lizards are often given up to a rescue, discarded or released into the wild where in most places they will most certainly not survive.

It is also very difficult to get a pet store to take your green iguana. They know they will have a very difficult time selling it.

In addition, the lighting requirements are expensive and people will be tempted to skip this step all together. This leads to an unhealthy lizard which could develop metabolic bone disease.

Don’t be that person. If you are thinking about buying a green iguana as a pet lizard think very seriously about the space requirements. And everything else required to caring for one.

Can be Expensive

Just as it is easy to buy a young green iguana, because the price of the lizard is so low, it can be very expensive to buy build or have built the cage you will keep them in.

Not to mention the lighting required to keep them warm and healthy. UVA and UVB full spectrum lighting and fixtures can be costly to purchase and require a lot of electricity to keep them on throughout the day.

The cost of keeping any reptile is more than just the price of purchasing them. This should be a heavy consideration when contemplating buying a green iguana as a pet.

Can be Very Aggressive

As I mentioned above, my iguana “Rex” was the perfect example of a tame friendly giant lizard. “Raptor” on the other hand, well lived up to her name. She was very much like a velociraptor from jurassic park. And not the nice one.

I tried and tried to socialize her, be nice to her and handle her. I must not have had the proper experience because everything I did wasn’t working. She wouldn’t have any of it.

She would whip me with her tail violently and try to bite. This became more and more unnerving as she got bigger. I was content that she was the one that we “looked at” and Rex was the one we took out and interacted with, but if she was my only iguana, I would have been very disappointed.

Iguanas are pretty intelligent for a lizard and they do have personalities. All reptiles actually have some personality or at least behavior differences among different individuals. Even if they are the same species.

Raptor was the exact opposite of what I dreamed of when I dreamed of owning a pet dragon. She was mean or just scared and misunderstood. I was never able to break through that barrier.

Iguana tails hurt when they whip you. Some have been known to draw blood. I was fortunate enough to avoid this but there were a few times she got me and left a good welt.

Iguanas have very sharp teeth and powerful jaws. They can do serious damage if they get a hold of you. If you google iguana bites you will see more than you need to, to know they can be dangerous.

What can you do to avoid this? Don’t buy an iguana. Thatwould be the easiest thing. What if you still want one? 

Well I noticed that raptor exhibited these tendencies when she was young. Raptor was much more aggressive. I believed she would become tamer over time. I was wrong.

If you notice any of this behavior when selecting a baby iguana, I would recommend avoiding it. Choose one that is already relatively calm by nature. Usually baby reptiles either snakes or lizards, can be a little more defensive.

This is normal. So, a little apprehension is fine but not biting or persistent tail whipping. If they calm down quickly it’s probably okay.

If they look at you and puff up and glare at you intently, then whip or bite consistently, do not buy that lizard.

For this reason, I don’t recommend buying your pet iguana on the internet. Though you can get your new iguana online, I would never do it.

I would never buy an iguana if I could not meet it in person first and handle it.

If you already have an iguana there are numerous resources on the web on how to train or tame them. I would highly recommend doing some research into this if you haven’t already.

Can be Difficult to Handle

Iguanas are large lizards and handling large lizards is similar to handling small lizards but also quite a bit different.

They move around just like small lizards do. They don’t move as much, but you will have to use your entire upper body not just your hands. Depending on your level of fitness this can be a work out.

Green iguanas have long sharp claws. Even if they are very tame, they can scratch you unintentionally.

With their size, weight and strength they can really do some damage if you are not careful. I got around this by using some large leather welding gloves I purchased from the hardware store.

I didn’t always use these when handling Rex but they still helped. I got to a point that I didn’t handle Raptor at all so it really didn’t matter.

You can also trim your iguana’s claws which will help. You can do it yourself or have someone trim them for you. You can do an internet search on how to do this or find someone in your local area that can do this for you.

If any of these things sound daunting or difficult to you then a green iguana probably isn’t the best choice for you.

Grow Very Large

By now the sheer size of these lizards has been ingrained in your mind. For some people this is one thing that makes green iguanas so incredibly awesome!

This is also one of the biggest reasons they are not for everyone. If you have any doubt about your ability to provide enough space for such a large lizard, please don’t get one.

They can be a challenge to house, feed, keep warm and healthy and can be dangerous if they are particularly cantankerous.

When we lived in California in our small one-bedroom apartment they were the center peace of our living room. Fortunately, I had a very cool and understanding wife.

We ended up moving to Arizona. First to another small apartment then to a house. This gave us more space and I did eventually build an outdoor enclosure which we used during much of the year. 

In the early part of our marriage we moved around a lot. Good thing I held on to those large cages but, it was one of those moves later the presented the biggest challenge.  

Raptor eventually died. And I was actually sad about it. Even though she was mean, I loved and respected that amazing animal.

What about Rex? Sadly, I had to give him away. Following a market crash and lost employment we found ourselves in a very difficult financial situation and had to move (again).

The new place would have absolutely no space for him.  It was very difficult but I knew I could not keep him. So, I gave him away to a good family. Giant cage and all.

Conclusion

There is a reason the green iguana is one of the most iconic pet lizards in the world. They are large, impressive, colorful lizards that can have a mild temperament.

They are intelligent, hardy, long lived and relatively easy to care for, if you are committed and have the space. If you want a really impressive display animal there are few lizards that inspire awe like a green iguana.

Sadly, many are purchased then have to be rescued and rehomed because the owner wasn’t prepared for how large they can really get. Still others are disappointed when their iguana suddenly becomes aggressive and unapproachable.  

Green iguanas certainly look like miniature dragons and deserve the same respect. They are large, colorful, intelligent creatures that can recognize their owner and be a joy to interact with. 

Though they are definitely not for everyone they are amazing animals and can be a very rewarding pet lizard.

Uromastyx lizards make great pets for beginners including children. They are friendly, docile, interesting to watch, easy to care for and easy to handle.

They are truly amazing lizards and have become very popular pets. They are often listed on “top lizards to have as pets” lists along with bearded dragons, crested geckos, blue tongued skinks, and others. Before we talk about all the reasons why let’s learn a little more about them.

Uromastyx lizards are part of a large “family” of lizards called agamids. Often, they are referred to as “spiny tailed” lizards, not to be confused with “spiny tailed iguanas”. This is because of their large tails which are covered in sharp looking scales that protrude out like spikes.

They are native to parts of Africa and the Middle East as well as parts of Asia. There are about 18 species. Some are a drab natural brown color while others can range in colors from greens, yellows and splashes of blue to bright oranges and reds to deep blacks.

They are a heavy bodied lizard that grows up to 10-24 inches depending on the species. They have wide flat bellies, heads that resemble a brontosaurus (or Godzilla) and as mentioned above, they have a broad and beautiful spiky tail.

With proper care they can live up to 10 or more years in captivity.

There are many reasons why uromastyx are considered a great choice for a pet lizard. We’ve listed a few of these below as well as some considerations you should be aware of before buying one.

Why Uromastyx Make Great Pet Lizards

Uromastyx Are:

• Easy to Care For
• A manageable size
• Interesting to watch
• Friendly
• Easy to handle

Considerations

• Need it very hot
• Require special lighting
• Can be expensive

Easy to Care For

Uromastyx are very hardy lizards. They are almost exclusively herbivores and feed on greens various veggies and seeds. All of these can be easily obtained at your local grocery store.

This eliminates the need for frequent visits to the pet store which makes it much easier and more convenient to feed them.

You will need to provide a substrate. Where they live in the wild the ground is usually very rocky but not sandy. Many keepers have kept uromastyx on sand without problems.

Others strongly believe that sand is not a very good choice as a substrate for these lizards and isn’t really highly recommended for any lizard.

They can accidently ingest sand and become impacted which can lead to serious health concerns or even death. This does tend to be rare but it can happen. I had this very thing happen to one of my bearded dragons and she died.

It’s up to you. If you decide to use sand children’s play sand is a good choice. You can find it relatively inexpensively at the hardware store.

Using gravel and rocks similar to what you might use for landscaping is a better choice for a substrate. This replicates their natural environment. Bird seeds are also a good choice.

Since they eat bird seeds, they will always have food available to them when they want it, and you eliminate the risk of them becoming impacted.

Larger rocks are also a good choice to add to their enclosure. This gives your uromastyx some opportunities to climb and adds to the naturalistic look of their habitat.

Uromastyx come from very arid regions with very little water. They are highly adapted to these kinds of conditions so generally speaking, you won’t need to provide a water bowl in their enclosure.

As long as you are providing greens and veggies on a regular basis your uromastyx will be able to stay properly hydrated. This is one more thing that makes taking care of your new uromastyx lizard easy and manageable.

Uromastyx are larger sized, active lizards, because of this they will need a large enclosure. The good thing is, large enough enclosures are available commercially or you can just build your own.   

A Manageable Size

They are big enough to be impressive yet small enough to handle even for children. They do need a larger sized enclosure but unlike large monitor lizards or green iguanas the enclosure doesn’t need to be huge.

Interesting to Watch

Uromastyx are active during the day.This is one thing that makes them great pet lizards. Some reptiles sit still motionless all day long. This can be uninteresting or even boring to some people.

If you want a lizard that moves around and is interesting to watch the uromastyx is a great choice for you. They explore their cage and are not constantly hiding.

Friendly

If any lizards are considered friendly the uromastyx would certainly be one of them. They seem to have a very inquisitive personality about them.

They are not high strung and constantly trying to bite, scratch, whip you with their tail or run away. This makes them exceptional pets.

Easy to Handle

Along with their friendly personalities uromastyx are easy to handle even for children. They are big enough to be tolerate some rough handling that may happen accidently with beginners or children. They also have smaller claws compared to other lizards so they won’t scratch as much.

As with any pet, the more you handle them to more they become accustomed to it. Uromastyx seem to be born that way. They are laid back calm and don’t bite. This makes them a great choice for a pet lizard especially for beginners and children.

Considerations

Need it Very Hot

Uromastyx come from arid regions where ground temperatures often reach 115 to 120 degrees ferinheight. This means that in order to keep your wonderful new pet healthy and happy you will need to replicate this in the enclosure.

To achieve this, you will need a very strong heat bulb and a good basking area. These kinds of bulbs can be expensive to buy and take a lot of electricity to run.

It is highly recommended that you use a temperature reading device such as an Infrared Non-Contact Digital Temperature Thermometer so you can accurately read temps in the cage. This will help you make necessary adjustments.

Such a device is really an essential tool for keeping any lizard or other reptiles. Fortunately, they are not very expensive.

Require Special Lighting

As with providing high temperatures. You will need to provide special lighting. All basking lizards need full spectrum UVB lighting to properly synthesize vitamin D3 as well as aid in calcium absorption which prevents metabolic bone disease.

If you are planning to have a lizard for a pet that depends on the sun for its health, this is something you will need to provide.

Bulbs and fixtures can be expensive but compared to taking your lizard to the vet for poor health issues or the pain of loosing a beautiful animal and friend, it really isn’t that much.

Can be Expensive

Uromastyx range in price from just under $100 U.S. dollars to over $300 dollars depending on the species.

Keep in mind you are going to pay as much as that just setting up a proper enclosure. This is before you ever even buy your new lizard. It’s important to factor in the total cost of your new uromastyx as part of your decision-making process.

Conclusion

Uromastyx make excellent pet lizards for many reasons. Some people consider them one of the best pet lizards in the world.

They are easy to care for, look incredibly interesting and are a joy to handle and interact with. They make great pets for children and can be a wonderful addition to the family.

If you are considering a uromastyx we hope this information has been helpful.