Lizards are cold-blooded reptiles belonging to the Squamata order. They have four legs, visible ear opening and maneuverable eyelids. Their dimension can vary from few centimeters to as long as three meters. They are also very-good inexpensive pets. But if the owner desires to get the right type of equipments, the whole affair can become quite expensive. The cost may be cut down a bit by not relying on the pet store utterly and performing some self-research.
Before thinking of buying a lizard, the most important factor to be thought-about is the full-grown size of the lizard as some of the species can grow up to six feet long also. They need additional care and many space. Naive pet homeowners should actually opt for the ones, which are easier to handle, and definitely not for the ones which grow very big. The favorite is the leopard geckos. They are small in measurement, require less maintenance and do not demand special situations such as big terrariums with special UV lightning. Following carefully are bearded dragons. They sure are easy to handle but they require an enormous terrarium with special UV lightning. The investment is kind of big. Anoles are another good option. Like bearded dragons they too are easily manageable but need a giant terrarium with special UV lightning. Following next are blue-tongued skinks, green anoles, fat tailed gecko, Madagascar ground, Tokay gecko and day geckos.
The bigger the lizard the more difficult it becomes to have them as pets. They need a much bigger environment; there can be handling issues and lots of other factors. For example, iguanas sure are excellent pets, but they need a number of house along with numerous care. Other animals that pose challenge as pets are chameleons, savannah screens, iguanas, white tegu, geckos, and Argentinean black.
Lighting and temperature are crucial factor. Many of the lizards are very specific about the temperature. The temperature of their terrariums should be exactly matching to that of the natural habitat from where they come. Although lizards are cold-blooded, they require warmth for healthy growth. In the wild, the reptiles move to areas where they find desirable temperature. They stay out in the sun and even live in shade depending on the condition. So a temperature gradient is a must so that the appropriate temperature can be offered to the pet. Lizards are omnivorous. They eat fruits, leaves, insects, and smaller mammals.
Potential homeowners must carefully observe the lizard before buying it. Often most of them get stressed with all the travelling and changing environments. There are signs that give indication about whether the pet is healthy or not. Firstly, the body must be fleshy and not flaky. The skin ought to be shinny and mustn’t have wrinkles or any scratches. They should be very wholesome and not bony. If the tail and hipbones are visibly, they are undoubtedly sick. Swelling on the stomach or on another a part of the body should also be checked out.
The eyes needs to be clean and should not have any discharge. If the reptile has any respiratory illness, its eyes will be swollen and there will be mucus formation around the nose. The general sanitary conditions must also be checked. The more unclean the encompassing is the extra the possibilities of reptile having a disease. Additionally, ask for dealing with the pet. This must be completed to test the power of the lizard. The limbs must be agency and strong.
