5 of the Best Lizards for Beginners
Lizards are a diverse group of reptiles. They are found all over the planet in thousands of different species. But which lizards are best for beginner owners?
Lizards are quadrupeds. They are speedy, and can even run side to side. They range in size from little guys that fit in the palm of your hand, to the three foot Komodo Dragon. (Source: Wikipedia)
If one of these lizards sparks your interest a good place to learn about care would be Clint’s Reptiles-YT.
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1. Leopard Geckos
These little geckos are adorable, and a great option for any new reptile owners. They can come in a variety of colours and usually grow to around 7-8 inches when full grown.
They are low maintenance pets. Leopard geckos only need moderate heating and a few insect feeders a week. These insect feeders need to be dusted with calcium and other vitamin supplements. Leopard geckos only need a 20 gallon tank and most of them also enjoy being handled. They aren’t the type of pet that is going to jump or bite, however, they are capable of losing their tail.
2. Crested Gecko/Gargoyle Gecko
(Image Credit=Reptiles Magazine)
Crested geckos and gargoyle geckos have pretty much the same care requirements and they are both equally cute. The gargoyle gecko is a little bit harder to find though. They are both very easy to feed because they eat a powder-based diet and you only feed them every other day. With the powder-based diet all you need to do is purchase the powder, and then add a little water and give it to them. Both of them are nocturnal, which is something you should be aware of.
Crested geckos and Gargoyle geckos don’t need a lot of space either. A 10-20 gallon tank is perfectly suitable for them. You will need to mist them in the morning and in the evening so that they are getting some water. Handling is also pretty easy. These little guys are very interactive and calm, however they can jump. If a crested gecko looses its tail it will not grow back but with a gargoyle gecko it will.
- 2 ounces Tropical powdered food for crested geckos of all life stages
- Proven great for female geckos for breeding, egg development, and producing healthy offspring
- Complete, balanced nutrition for day geckos, gargoyle geckos, and other omnivorous New Caledonian gecko species
3. African Fat Tail Geckos
(Image credit= The Reptiles of Eden)
African Fat Tail Geckos are very similar to the leopard gecko, but not as common because they are harder to find. One distinct difference is that these geckos tails are used as fat storage. If a African fat-tailed gecko is healthy they should have a fat, large tail.
These geckos don’t have a lot of care requirements. In fact their care is very similar to its cousin the leopard gecko. One difference is that fat-tailed geckos need more humidity than the leopard geckos. They only require a 20 gallon enclosure without any UVB lights. They eat a diet of crickets and other insects that are dusted with calcium powder.
4. Fire Skink
(Image Credit= The Beta Pet)
Fire skinks are a more rare choice for a reptile and are a bit harder to find but they still make a good choice for beginners. They require a larger tank than some other reptiles when full grown but are really easy to care for. They require a 40 gallon breeder when at full size and love to dig. Fire Skinks are awake during the day, which is a plus for many pet owners. Their diet contains crickets, meal worms, white worms, and a few other bugs several times a week with calcium powder at least once a week. Fire Skinks also require a hot spot in their tank and a UVB light bulb.
Handling them is a little harder than the previous reptiles mentioned because they can be quick and slippery. Fire Skinks can bite as well so they aren’t the best for small hands
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5. Green Anole
Green Anoles are commonly found in many pet stores are pretty cheap. They have a really nice appearance and have a pinkish dewlap under their chin that can be used to communicate. On males they tend to be bigger. They can also change colour like a chameleon.
Green Anoles aren’t great for handling but they can become very accustomed to your presence and actually eat right out of your hands. They are really fast and tiny so be prepared for them to try to run away when handling until they get accustomed to you. Like a gecko these little guys like to climb and can actually climb right up the glass. Green anoles are very interactive and interesting to watch, which makes them a good pet.
That being said they also have some specialized requirements. Make sure to research more about their specific habitat needs. Here’s a website to get you started.
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