Lizards are a popular choice for pets, as they are generally easy to care for and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. However, not all lizards make good pets. Some species are too aggressive or difficult to care for, while others may not be suitable for beginners. If you are considering getting a pet lizard, it is important to do your research and choose a species that is right for you.

What Are Good Pet Lizards?

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet Lizard

When choosing a pet lizard, there are a few factors you should consider:

Size: Lizards come in a variety of sizes, from small species that can fit in the palm of your hand to large species that can grow to be several feet long. Choose a lizard that is an appropriate size for your home and lifestyle.

Temperament: Some lizards are more aggressive than others. If you are a beginner, it is best to choose a species that is known for being docile and easy to handle.

Diet: Lizards have different dietary needs. Some species are carnivores, while others are herbivores or omnivores. Choose a lizard that has a diet that you are able to provide.

Habitat: Lizards need a habitat that provides them with the right temperature, humidity, and lighting. Be sure to choose a habitat that is appropriate for the species of lizard you are getting.

Good Pet Lizards for Beginners

If you are a beginner, there are a few species of lizards that make good pets:

Leopard Gecko: Leopard geckos are small, docile lizards that are easy to care for. They are also very popular, so you can find them at most pet stores.

Bearded Dragon: Bearded dragons are another popular choice for beginners. They are larger than leopard geckos, but they are still relatively easy to care for. Bearded dragons are also very friendly and interactive.

Green Anole: Green anoles are small, tree-dwelling lizards that are native to the United States. They are very active and fun to watch, and they are also relatively easy to care for.

Intermediate Pet Lizards

If you have some experience with keeping lizards, you may want to consider getting an intermediate species:

Blue-Tongued Skink: Blue-tongued skinks are medium-sized lizards that are native to Australia. They are very docile and easy to handle, and they are also very interesting to watch. Blue-tongued skinks need a diet that includes a variety of insects, fruits, and vegetables.

Corn Snake: Corn snakes are non-venomous snakes that are native to North America. They are very popular pets, as they are docile and easy to care for. Corn snakes need a diet that includes rodents, such as mice and rats.

Iguana: Iguanas are large, arboreal lizards that are native to Central and South America. They are very active and fun to watch, and they can also be very affectionate. Iguanas need a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects.

Advanced Pet Lizards

If you are an experienced lizard keeper, you may want to consider getting an advanced species:

Chameleon: Chameleons are arboreal lizards that are native to Africa, Madagascar, and parts of Asia. They are very shy and skittish, so they are not suitable for beginners. Chameleons need a diet that includes a variety of insects, such as crickets, flies, and grasshoppers.

Gila Monster: Gila monsters are venomous lizards that are native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They are very docile and easy to handle, but they can be dangerous if they are provoked. Gila monsters need a diet that includes a variety of small mammals, such as mice and rats.

Komodo Dragon: Komodo dragons are the largest living lizards in the world. They are native to the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang. Komodo dragons are very dangerous animals, and they should only be kept by experienced keepers. Komodo dragons need a diet that includes a variety of large mammals, such as deer and pigs.