Lizards stand out as captivating pets, arguably reigning as the most favored reptile group for enthusiasts. While some might initially feel hesitant around snakes, spiders, or frogs when venturing into the reptile hobby, the undeniable charm and appeal of lizards quickly win hearts. The sheer variety and fascinating behaviors of lizards make them truly exceptional companions.
The lizard world is incredibly diverse. You can find species that love to burrow, some that swiftly move around their enclosures, and others that are skilled climbers. Their activity patterns are just as varied – some are active during the day, others at night, and many operate on their own schedule. Habitat preferences also differ greatly, with some thriving in humid environments and others preferring drier conditions.
This vast diversity makes lizards a hugely appealing group of pets. To help you navigate this exciting world, we’ve compiled a list of five of our all-time favorite lizards that are perfect for beginners. These species are not only relatively easy to care for but also offer a fantastic introduction to the joys of reptile keeping.
1. Bearded Dragon
The bearded dragon is a classic and consistently popular choice in the lizard-keeping community. For seasoned reptile keepers, they might seem commonplace, but their enduring popularity as the number one pet lizard in the UK is well-deserved. Bearded dragons reach a manageable size, growing to about 2 feet in length, with roughly half of that being their tail. This moderate size makes them ideal for many homes.
Bearded dragons are known for their wonderful personalities, especially when they are handled gently and with care. They are rarely aggressive and generally become comfortable with handling, making them excellent pets for interaction. Younger bearded dragons can be a bit speedy, but they typically mellow out as they mature, usually around 18–24 months old. If you’re unsure where to start with lizard ownership, the bearded dragon is a reliably excellent choice for beginners exploring lizard pets.
Caring for bearded dragons is straightforward. They are sun-loving reptiles, so their enclosure setup should prioritize light and heat. During the day, a UVB tube and basking lamp are essential to mimic sunlight and provide warmth. At night, a Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE) is ideal for maintaining a comfortable temperature without emitting light that could disrupt their day-night cycle. Diet-wise, bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat a mix of plant and animal matter. A balanced diet includes leafy greens like collard greens and dandelion greens, fruits in moderation, and insects such as crickets and dubia roaches to provide necessary protein.
2. Crested Gecko
Crested geckos offer a contrast to bearded dragons, especially in terms of their enclosure needs. While bearded dragons thrive in large, dry, and hot environments, crested geckos prefer warm, humid, and vertically oriented enclosures. This difference in habitat preference makes them an interesting alternative for those looking for a different type of lizard pet.
Crested geckos are our most popular climbing lizard species because they are remarkably easy to care for and handle. Once you become accustomed to their delicate nature, handling crested geckos is generally stress-free for both you and the gecko. They also adapt beautifully to naturally planted terrariums, making for stunning and biologically rich displays.
A crested gecko housed in a 45 x 45 x 60 centimeter glass enclosure filled with live jungle plants creates a visually captivating and low-maintenance pet display. Although crested geckos are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, they still benefit from UVB lighting and a top-mounted basking lamp during the day to mimic natural conditions and support their biological processes.
Temperature management is crucial for crested geckos. They require a temperature gradient within their enclosure, with one end around 24ºC (75ºF) and the other end at room temperature during the day. At night, a heat mat can be used to provide gentle warmth if the room temperature drops too low. Feeding crested geckos is also straightforward. They thrive on a diet of live insects like small crickets, fruit purees, or commercially prepared gecko diet powder, which simplifies feeding and ensures they receive all necessary nutrients. Their ease of care, combined with their fascinating arboreal behavior, makes crested geckos an excellent beginner lizard.
3. Leopard Gecko
If you are interested in a ground-dwelling gecko but find the dietary requirements of a bearded dragon somewhat demanding, then a leopard gecko might be the perfect fit. These geckos are known for their smooth skin and docile nature. They spend much of their day resting under hides such as bark decorations or resin ornaments, making them relatively low-activity during daylight hours.
Leopard geckos are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dusk and dawn. However, they are known to become more active during the day if they are regularly interacted with, making them more visible pets than some purely nocturnal species. Leopard geckos primarily eat insects, with crickets being a staple, and can occasionally be offered treats like mealworms or waxworms in moderation. Their diet is simpler than that of omnivorous lizards, contributing to their ease of care.
Space requirements for leopard geckos are also modest. A 3-foot enclosure provides ample space for an adult leopard gecko to thrive, making them suitable for keepers who might have limited space. Their straightforward care, manageable size, and engaging personalities make leopard geckos a fantastic choice for beginner lizard enthusiasts looking for a ground-dwelling species.
4. Panther Chameleons
While the chameleon family includes several species that could be great pets, panther chameleons are particularly favored for their vibrant colors and relatively approachable temperament. They are smaller than the more commonly kept Yemen chameleon, which can be beneficial for beginners who might be slightly intimidated by larger species.
Panther chameleons are known for generally having a more amiable personality and adapting better to handling and regular interaction compared to some other chameleon species. This makes them a more engaging pet for owners who want to interact with their lizards.
Their enclosure temperature requirements are also slightly less extreme than those of Yemen chameleons, making them a bit easier to keep at the correct temperatures, particularly for beginners. However, it’s important to note that panther chameleons are more sensitive to humidity levels, UVB lighting quality, and overall husbandry. Therefore, prospective owners should be well-prepared and ensure they have a fully set up and dialed-in enclosure from day one. Proper preparation is key to successfully keeping panther chameleons.
Provided that their specific care requirements are met consistently, panther chameleons are a rewarding choice for a first-time lizard pet, offering beauty and interaction in a moderately sized package.
5. Uromastyx
For those who are hesitant about keeping live insects as feeder food, a uromastyx is an excellent alternative. Often referred to as Dabb lizards, frog-faced lizards, or spiny-tailed lizards, uromastyx are unique among lizards because they are primarily herbivores, making them a polite and vegetarian-friendly pet option.
Unlike most other lizard species that require insect protein, uromastyx can thrive on a diet consisting mainly of seeds and salad. This dietary preference greatly simplifies feeding and can be appealing to those who prefer not to handle live insects. Uromastyx are also known for their intelligence and generally become very comfortable with handling, even though they can be a bit quick and skittish when young. Consistent, gentle handling from a young age helps them become more accustomed to human interaction.
Care requirements and adult size can vary depending on the specific uromastyx species. For example, the Egyptian uromastyx can grow up to 3 feet in length, while the Ornate uromastyx remains smaller, around 10–12 inches. For beginners, the Moroccan uromastyx is often recommended as they are known for being particularly well-behaved and relatively easy to care for. Alternatively, Omani or Ornate uromastyx also make spectacular pets, offering slightly different appearances and size ranges but similar care needs. Their unique dietary needs and engaging personalities make uromastyx a standout choice for those exploring lizard ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lizards are indeed popular pets, yet it’s natural to have questions when considering bringing one into your home. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about keeping lizards as pets.
What are the Best Lizards for Kids?
Similar to choosing lizards for beginners, the best lizards for kids are those species that are tolerant of and even seem to enjoy being handled. Species like crested geckos, leopard geckos, and bearded dragons are excellent choices due to their generally docile nature and moderate size. These lizards are robust enough to withstand gentle handling by children and are less likely to bite or become stressed easily.
Beyond lizards, other reptiles that are well-suited for kids include blue tongue skinks, corn snakes, and ball pythons. These species are also known for their docile temperaments and relatively easy care requirements. However, it is highly recommended that all interactions between children and reptiles are supervised by an adult to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the pet. Supervision helps children learn how to handle reptiles respectfully and prevents accidental injury to the animal.
What is the Friendliest Pet Lizard?
When considering friendliness in pet lizards, bearded dragons often top the list. They can develop personalities that are almost dog-like in their interaction with their owners. Bearded dragons are known to seek out attention, and some individuals will even come to their owners for “scratches” or to solicit treats when they are outside of their enclosures. This level of interaction sets them apart from many other reptile species.
Another reptile known for its friendly disposition is the blue tongue skink. While technically a skink and not a lizard in the strictest cladistic sense, they are often grouped with lizards in pet keeping. Blue tongue skinks can become very friendly if regular, gentle handling is made a routine. Blue tongue skinks do have sensitivities, however. They particularly dislike being grabbed suddenly or from above, which can startle them. Approaching them calmly and from the side or front is essential for positive interactions.
What is the Best Low Maintenance Pet Lizard?
Several lizard species are considered low maintenance and easy to care for, which is a significant advantage for busy individuals or those new to reptile keeping. Interestingly, many of these low-maintenance lizards are also excellent choices for beginners. This overlap includes bearded dragons, crested geckos, and leopard geckos. While it might seem repetitive to list these species again, their consistent appearance on lists of both beginner-friendly and low-maintenance pets underscores their suitability for a wide range of keepers. These lizards are relatively hardy, have straightforward dietary needs (compared to more specialized reptiles), and can thrive in setups that are not overly complex to maintain.
Check Out Our Lizards in Store
If you’re curious about our personal favorites, among lizards, the uromastyx holds a special place for us. For those seeking a more challenging but equally rewarding experience, species like the giant day gecko, spiny-tailed monitor, or water dragon are also captivating options.
Aside from the uromastyx, the latter group tends to be more demanding in terms of setup complexity and ongoing care. However, the rewards of keeping these more involved species are considerable, as they offer unique behaviors and are truly fascinating to observe and care for. Lizards, in general, can be incredibly enjoyable pets. The key to successful lizard keeping is always ensuring you have the correct and well-maintained setup tailored to the specific needs of your chosen species. Proper research and preparation are crucial before bringing any lizard pet home.
If you’re interested in seeing the variety of reptiles we currently have available in store, please check out our animal list. For any further questions about the information in this article, or if you need additional assistance in choosing or caring for a lizard, please don’t hesitate to call us at 01604753823 or send us an email at [email protected]. We are always happy to help guide you in your reptile-keeping journey.
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About Luke Tansley
Luke works within the customer service department at reptilecentre.com. At home he keeps hognose snakes, bearded dragons and kingsnakes.
