How to Care for a Pet Lizard

Many people believe that the smaller the pet, the less care it needs. Instead of getting a dog or cat, some opt for a gerbil, hamster or even a lizard. If you're going to own a pet lizard, know what you're getting yourself into. Pet lizards require a lot of equipment and time to care for them properly.

Things You'll Need

• 2 glass or plastic aquarium tanks with screened covers
• 2 spectrum UV lights
• Sand, pea gravel or turf
• Rocks
• Climbing sticks
• Live or artificial plants
• Shallow water dish
• Spray bottle
• Distilled water
• Rough bark or stone

Instructions

1. Purchase a tank or aquarium of an adequate size for your pet lizard. The size of the tank you need depends on the type of lizard you have. Some species, like an iguana, can grow up to 5 feet in length. Make sure to also purchase a tight, screened cover for the tank.

2. Install a spectrum UV light over the tank. Lizards, being cold-blooded, need a warm environment in which to survive. Under-tank heating pads can also be added for extra warmth.

3. Fill the bottom of the tank with approximately 1 1/2 inches of sand, pea gravel or turf. Place rocks and climbing sticks, a cave-like dwelling and live or artificial plants inside the tank. Separate the tank so one side allows the lizard to rest and drink and the other side has flat rocks for the lizard to bask on.

4. Feed your pet lizard 4 to 6 live crickets or mealworms and mixed vegetables 3 times a week. Replace fresh water in a shallow dish daily.

5. Mist the inside of the tank daily with distilled water. This keeps the environment humid.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase two of everything, from tanks to UV lights and even the tank lining, so you can have a place to put the lizard when you are cleaning its main tank. Having the same environment to move it to causes the least amount of stress on the lizard.

• Take a new pet lizard to a veterinarian who specializes in exotic animals for a complete examination, which should include deworming and checking its feces for parasites.

• Place a rough bark or rough stone inside the tank so the lizard has something to rub against when it is shedding.

• Keep the temperature in the lizard's tank between 70 degrees F and 88 degrees F.

• Don't handle your pet lizard too much, as lizards like to be left alone. Never pick up a lizard by its tail.

• Don't feed your pet lizard crickets caught outdoors, as these may have been exposed to pesticides. Always purchase crickets from a pet store specializing in exotic animals.

• Avoid excess humidity, as this can lead to bacterial and fungal growth. Make sure the tank is properly ventilated.