Pet & Animals

4 Lizard Care Basics for Beginners

Did you know that 4.5% of American households keep reptiles as pets?

If you are thinking of getting a pet lizard, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind. Lizards are fascinating creatures, and taking care of them requires a lot of patience and commitment.

In this article, we will discuss lizard care basics for beginners, so you can ensure that your pet lizard lives a healthy and happy life.

Read on for everything you need to know about pet lizards for beginners.

How to Care for a Lizard at Home

Keeping lizards as pets requires attention to four key areas: enclosure, temperature, lighting, and diet. Let’s take a closer look at each:

1. Enclosure

The journey to understanding the needs of a lizard begins with the enclosure.

Lizards require a certain amount of space to move around and feel comfortable. The size of the enclosure will depend on the size of your lizard. It is recommended that you use at least a 20-gallon tank for a small lizard and a 40-gallon tank for larger ones.

The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent your pet from escaping. Ensure the enclosure’s cover has enough ventilation holes to allow air to circulate. Your lizard will feel more comfortable if you provide hiding places, such as rocks or logs, for it to hide in.

2. Temperature

Lizards are cold-blooded creatures. This means they rely on external heat sources to regulate and maintain body temperature. Because of this, it is important to provide a temperature gradient in your lizard’s enclosure, which means that one side of the tank should be warmer than the other.

You can achieve a temperature gradient by using a heat lamp or a heat pad. The warm side of the enclosure should have a temperature of around 90°F, and the cooler side about 75°F.

3. Lighting

Lizards need exposure to UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Without enough UVB lighting, lizards can develop metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal.

You should run a UVB light in your lizard’s enclosure for at least 10-12 hours a day. Replace the bulb every 6-12 months, as it will lose its effectiveness over time.

4. Diet

Lizards require a varied diet, including both animal protein and vegetables. The specific diet will depend on the species of your lizard. Some lizards are strictly herbivores, while others are carnivores. Research the dietary needs of your specific lizard species before bringing them home.

In general, healthy lizards enjoy a diet of insects, such as crickets and mealworms, as well as vegetables, such as kale and collard greens. You can save money by using leftovers and starting your own roach colony for food. Check out this page to learn more.

Lizard Care Made Easy

Overall, lizards make fascinating and rewarding animals to care for. By buying a pet lizard and learning about lizard care, you’re opening yourself up to a world of discovery and wonder every day.

We hope this guide helps you provide your lizard with a safe and comfortable home for years to come.

If you liked this article, check out the rest of the blog for more tips, tricks, and advice.

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