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Types of Lizards that Make Good Pets

There are many kinds of lizards that would make good pets.  When you spend a little time with lizards you will come to appreciate their fascinating ways and manner.

The main concern when selecting a lizard for a pet is their care and demeanor.  Lizards have different digestive systems than mammals. Feeding lizards foods they were never meant to eat could damage their internal organs and kill your pet. It's important to know the proper care and feeding of your particular species of lizard.  Many lizards are best fed with fruits, vegetables, insects and worms. The diet your lizard feeds on depends on the type of lizard you select. It is one of the vital ways to keep your lizard in good health.

In this article, we are going to outline the types of lizards that make good pets.

Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular types of pet lizards. They can grow up to 20 inches length and are omnivores - they feed on insects and vegetables.  A balanced diet of insects and vegetables works well. They have a spiky beard and display different colors.

Blue Tongued Skinks

Blue tongued skinks can make good pets.  They have a bright blue tongue and pink mouth lining. They can grow up to 20 inches and eat a variety of foods - vegetables, fruits, chicken meat, earthworms and occasionally rodents. They originate from Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania. Since they are native to semi desert regions you must provide a temperature gradient from 80 degrees to 100+ degrees.

Iguanas

Iguanas are among the most widely recognized lizards kept as pets. The most popular type is the green iguana which is easy to care for, but may be hit or miss on temperament. One thing to note with iguanas is their size. Some iguanas measure up to 7 feet in length. At this size it becomes very difficult for the casual reptile keeper to have them as pets.

Green Anoles

The green anole is a lizard that originates in North America. They can also make good pets. They are sometimes referred to as the American chameleon by some people because they can change their color to match their environment. It is not closely related to chameleons in reality.

Leopard Geckos

The leopard gecko is a small lizard which is a very popular choice.  Leopard geckos can grow up to 10 inches long and live for up to 15 years. They are native to Central Asia and India. They are named for their colors which are similar to a leopard, with a yellow body and black spots. They commonly feed on insects, spiders and worms. Leopard geckos are known for not wanting to share their territory other animals.

Uramastyxs

The uromastyx is also known as the spiny-tailed lizard. They make a great pet lizard.  They are native to North Africa and India. Many of them stay in dry and warmth environments. They are easy to care for and keep.