Lizards are increasingly popular exotic pets, but do they actually enjoy living in captivity? As a potential lizard owner, you probably want to know if owning a lizard is fair to them. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about lizards as pets.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Most lizards do not actively enjoy being pets, but they can thrive in captivity if their habitat and care needs are fully met. Species like leopard geckos and bearded dragons tend to tolerate human interaction better than others.
Basic Lizard Biology and Behavior
Cold-blooded Physiology
As ectotherms, lizards lack the ability to generate their own internal heat. Instead, they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body temperature. When the ambient temperature rises, a lizard absorbs the heat through basking and becomes more active.
But when it gets too cold, a lizard may become lethargic and need to find warmer shelter. Maintaining optimal housing temperatures is crucial for pet lizard health and wellbeing.
Solitary in the Wild
Most lizard species lead solitary lives in the wild and only come together briefly for mating. Pet lizards may become stressed if overcrowded with other lizards in captivity. It’s generally best to house pet lizards separately, though certain social species can be compatible if plenty of space and basking resources are provided.
Stress Behaviors
Lizards exhibit species-specific behaviors when stressed. Warning signs to watch for include lethargy, loss of appetite, avoiding handling, puffing up, hissing, whipping the tail, gaping mouth displays, bobbing/pushups, and glass surfing along enclosure walls.
Identifying stress early allows adjustment to reduce anxiety.
Enrichment Needs
In captivity, special care must be taken to meet a lizard’s physical and psychological needs through proper enrichment. This includes providing an appropriately sized terrarium, thermal/UV gradients, adequate substrate for burrowing or climbing, hides and plants for security, a balanced diet, and respectful interaction.
Mental stimulation can be increased by providing novel explore-able environments outside the main enclosure under supervision.
Reputable references on lizard care include:
Ideal Lizards for Captivity
Leopard Geckos
With their gentle demeanor, manageable size, and relatively simple care requirements, leopard geckos make excellent pets for first-time or young lizard owners. These terrestrial lizards originate from the deserts of Asia and only reach 8-10 inches in length.
Their modest dimensions mean they can thrive in a 20 gallon tank. Leopard geckos are solitary and conflict-free when housed alone. Their longevity and hardy constitution is also a plus—these lizards live for 10-20 years if properly cared for.
When it comes to feeding, leopard geckos will munch on gutloaded insects like mealworms and crickets. A shallow water bowl should be provided, along with a dry hide, a moist hide box for shedding, and ample substrate for burrowing and digging.
With a heat mat or ceramic heat emitter keeping their tank at 85-90 °F, these cold-blooded critters will be active explorers.
Bearded Dragons
Hailing from Australia’s dry forests and deserts, bearded dragons are likely the most popular pet lizard today. Their laidback personality combined with their rugged good looks explains their fame. Bearded dragons grow to 18-22 inches, meaning they need a roomy vivarium—a 40 gallon “beardie mansion” is recommended.
Despite their larger size, bearded dragons are another suitable choice for rookie reptile owners. They rarely bite or scratch, enjoying being handled once accustomed to their owners. Since they hail from an arid climate, providing proper heating and full-spectrum lighting is essential for their health in captivity.
Like leopard geckos, bearded dragons are omnivores, eating both plant matter like vegetables and safe flowers as well as insects and worms.
Blue-Tongued Skinks
Hailing from Australia and Indonesia, the blue-tongued skink is named after its trademark blue flash when it opens its mouth. Growing over 2 feet long, blue tongues need ample space like large aquariums or custom built enclosures.
Blue-tongued skinks are docile, intelligent, and curious lizards that enjoy exploring their habitat.
Since they come from humid forest areas, maintaining moderate humidity along with daytime basking temps of 90°F is key. These omnivores feast on fruits and vegetables as well as proteins like cooked egg, chicken, insects, snails or pinky mice.
With proper indoor conditions, blue-tongued skinks live upwards of 20 years in captivity.
Uromastyx
Uromastyx lizards originate from the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. They come in a range of species featuring different colors and patterns. Most species grow upwards of 15-30 inches as adults.
Due to their size and specific heating and lighting needs to mimic their harsh native climate, uromastyx lizards are better suited to more experienced reptile keepers.
What makes uromastyx unique is that they are actually herbivores, feeding exclusively on vegetables, flowers, leaves, seeds, and some fruits. Their enclosures should provide very hot basking temperatures (120-130°F) along with full-spectrum UV light.
With the right arid environment recreated indoors, these personable giants can live 15 years or more.
Creating a Proper Habitat
Correct temperatures
Lizards are cold-blooded, so they rely on external temperatures to regulate their body temperature. Each species has an optimal temperature range that should be maintained in their habitat. For example, bearded dragons do best with a basking spot between 95-110°F and an ambient temperature of 80-90°F on the cooler end of their enclosure.
Blue tongue skinks prefer 75-85°F throughout their habitat. Check the care guide for your specific lizard species to determine the ideal temperature range.
Use under tank heat mats, ceramic heat emitters, and basking bulbs to create a thermal gradient from warm to cool. Place thermometers at both ends to monitor the temperatures. Adjust heating elements as needed to maintain appropriate temperatures.
UVB lighting needs
Lizards need exposure to UVB light for proper calcium metabolism and synthesis of vitamin D3. Nocturnal geckos are an exception. Diurnal lizards that bask in the sun in the wild rely on these UV rays, so they must be simulated in captivity.
Use linear UVB fluorescent bulbs designed specifically for reptiles, and replace them every 6 months when their UV output depletes. The length of the bulb should be about 3/4 of the tank’s length. Place the fixture close enough to the basking area to provide optimal exposure, depending on the species’ needs.
For example, 10-12 inches for bearded dragons.
Ideal tank size and layout
Lizards are active creatures that need adequate space to move around. Below are some general size guidelines for selecting an appropriate tank:
- Baby lizard: 20 gallon
- Adult leopard gecko: 30-40 gallon
- Adult bearded dragon: 75-120 gallon
- Blue-tongued skink: 40 gallon breeder or larger
The tank should be longer than tall, with plenty of floor space. Add climbing branches, ramps, and logs to utilize vertical space as well. Substrate options include reptile carpet, paper towels, aspen shavings, or a naturalistic mix free of fine particles.
Essential decor extras
In addition to heating, lighting, and substrate, include the following habitat furnishings:
- Hiding spots: Caves, tunnels, and shelters are essential to make lizards feel secure. Provide a humid hide box as well.
- Water dish: Shallow bowl that cannot be tipped over, large enough for soaking if needed.
- Plants: Live or artificial plants help recreate their natural environment.
- Basking area: A raised rock or log under the heat/UVB source gives lizards a spot to warm up.
With proper temperatures, lighting, space, substrate, and hides, your habitat will meet all the needs of a healthy, thriving pet lizard!
Nutrition and Feeding
Dietary needs per species
The dietary needs of pet lizards vary greatly by species. Herbivorous lizards like green iguanas require a diet high in leafy greens and vegetables. Meanwhile, insectivorous species like leopard geckos thrive on live insects.
Omnivorous lizards like bearded dragons need a balanced combination of plants and animal protein.
When selecting food, it’s critical to offer items that mimic what a species would eat in the wild. This ensures they get proper nutrition. For example, research shows that green iguanas fed inappropriate diets are at higher risk for metabolic bone disease.
Supplements
In captivity, most lizards require additional supplements dusted on food to prevent deficiencies. Common supplements include calcium and multivitamins. Some species may also need extra vitamin D3 if they don’t get enough UVB light exposure.
According to reptile care sites like ReptileDirect, calcium should be provided at each feeding for growing juvenile lizards. Adults require it 2-3 times weekly. Following supplement guidelines tailored for your pet’s age and species is key.
Hydration
Hydration is often overlooked but critically important. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues in lizards. Species like chameleons are especially prone to dehydration.
Provide clean drinking water daily. For lizards that don’t recognize standing water, mist the enclosure. Investing in a humid hide box can also help raise humidity levels to aid hydration.
Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, skin tenting, and thick urates. If noted, increase access to drinking and soaking opportunities.
Developing healthy eating habits
Establishing proper feeding routines right away makes meeting a lizard’s nutritional needs easier. Feed babies and juveniles daily, while adults can eat every 2-3 days. Remove uneaten food within a few hours to prevent spoilage.
Observe appetite and defecation patterns. Healthy lizards are active, alert and pass urates regularly. If abnormalities are observed, have your exotic vet examine your pet to diagnose potential gastrointestinal issues.
With attention to their unique dietary requirements, supplementation protocols, access to water and healthy feeding habits, pet lizards can thrive in captivity.
Handling and Bonding Tips
Allowing adjustment time
Bringing home a new pet lizard can be an exciting experience! However, it’s important to remember that lizards need time to adjust to their new environment. When you first bring your lizard home, allow them a few days to get used to their new enclosure before trying to handle or interact with them.
An adjustment period of 3-7 days is usually recommended. During this time, avoid sudden movements or loud noises near the enclosure that could startle them. Let your new pet get comfortable with their surroundings first before introducing handling or bonding activities.
Coaxing interaction
Once your lizard has had some adjustment time in their new home, you can start the bonding process! Move slowly and speak softly when interacting with lizards at first. Offer treats like live crickets or mealworms by hand to encourage positive associations.
You can also try hand-feeding vegetable pieces once your lizard is comfortable being handled. Some gentle petting along their back and head while feeding can help establish trust. Just be sure to read your lizard’s body language – if they seem stressed, give them more space.
With time and patience, many species like bearded dragons and leopard geckos learn to enjoy human interaction!
Establishing a routine
Reptiles thrive on predictable routines and handling schedules. Try to interact with your lizard at around the same times each day once you begin regular handling sessions. Maintain consistency with feeding times too.
You’ll find your bearded dragon or leopard gecko becomes more eager to bond during these routine windows as trust develops! Aim for short 5-10 minute handling segments once or twice a day for juveniles, gradually increasing the time as they become accustomed to you.
Establishing these productive routines early makes for a friendlier, better-socialized adult lizard down the road.
Respecting space needs
While regular interaction is important, it’s also essential to recognize when your lizard needs some alone time. Watch for signs of stress like darkened coloration, puffing up, or hiding. If your pet seems overwhelmed or upset, promptly return them to their habitat to destress.
Providing a retreat space with hiding spots and plenty of enclosure cover can also help shy lizards feel secure. Never force interaction if your pet clearly doesn’t want it! Building a bond is about gaining their trust.
Respect those times when your bearded dragon or leopard gecko needs space, and they’ll learn to enjoy quality time with you!
Signs of Stress and Health Concerns
Behavioral indicators
Lizards exhibit some telltale signs when they are stressed or unhealthy. An anxious or sick lizard may display one or more of the following behaviors:
- Lethargy – being less active and moving very little
- Hiding – spending more time tucked away out of sight
- Loss of appetite – refusing food or eating less than usual
- Aggression – being more defensive or nippy when handled
- Color changes – appearing duller or darker than normal
- Arm waving – rapidly moving front legs as a defensive warning
If your lizard suddenly starts exhibiting any of these abnormal behaviors, it likely indicates an underlying issue that needs attention. Catching signs of stress early allows problems to be corrected before they escalate.
Changes in appetite/activity
Two of the most telling signs of ill health in lizards are decreased appetite and activity levels. Lizards are cold-blooded and rely on eating regularly to maintain energy and body heat. When a lizard stops eating or eats significantly less for multiple days, it is often the first outward clue of sickness.
Likewise, healthy lizards are fairly active and alert in their enclosures, especially around feeding time. Lizards that turn lethargic or hide away for long periods likely feel unwell. Appetite and activity levels can fluctuate a bit day to day, but consistent changes warrant a trip to the exotic vet.
Shedding issues
Most lizards periodically shed their skin in one piece, allowing new scales to emerge. The shedding process can point to problems in humidity or nutrition. Lizards prone to bad sheds may experience:
- Incomplete shedding with patches of old skin remaining
- Trouble getting shed skin off head, limbs or tail
- Discoloration or dullness of new skin underneath
- Frequent shedding more often than normal
Stuck shed can constrict blood flow and should be gently removed. Abnormal sheds can result from dehydration, poor diet, or improper temperatures. Vet care helps identify the root cause.
Preventative vet care
Just like dogs and cats, pet lizards require regular check-ups to spot developing health issues. An annual exam lets your exotic vet assess your lizard’s weight, growth, muscle tone, hydration, and overall wellness. Fecal tests check for parasites, bloodwork evaluates organ function, and x-rays diagnose internal problems.
Preventative care also provides a chance to review your lizard’s habitat, diet, and behavior with an expert. You can get advice on improving husbandry and ironing out any problems. Vet visits help keep lizards physically and mentally healthy!
Conclusion
While most lizards exhibit behaviors in captivity that suggest they prefer solitude to human interaction, they can still thrive as pets with the right care and habitat. Species like leopard geckos and bearded dragons are better equipped to handle interaction.
By providing enrichment opportunities and respecting their independent wild nature, lizards can live full, healthy lives as fascinating pets in responsible homes.
