Pet Lizards
Things to Consider when Purchasing Pet Lizards
More and more American families are acquiring pet lizards. Statistics show that four million people in the U.S. now own one of these exotic pets. There are many things to consider when purchasing pet lizards, from whether a lizard is the right pet for you to making sure you are going to be able to afford all the specialized equipment that lizards need to live.
When people or especially children see cute little pet lizards in shops and think how great it would be it to have one at home, they and their parents may not have thought about exactly what goes into owning pet lizards and whether one is the right choice for them or not. First of all, that tiny, cute lizard may only be a baby and when full grown could be three feet to six feet in length. Make sure you ask a lot of questions about what size he will become and how much room he will need as an adult.
While pet lizards can make fantastic pets for some people, they are not for everyone. If you or your family plan on keeping the lizard in a two-foot rectangular glass enclosure, make sure the species you are considering will have enough space. Make sure you will be able to provide the right food, and ask about what kind of lighting is necessary as some pet lizards require special and expensive UVA/UVB lighting equipment.
If you are expecting pet lizards to be cuddly, affectionate little pets, then you would probably be better off getting a puppy or a kitten. While some species are friendlier than others, many pet lizards prefer not to be touched at all. Most reptile pets are also nocturnal, meaning that they will be sleeping when you are awake and vice-versa.
Salmonella illnesses are common among reptiles and can make humans very sick as well. According to the Associated Press, eleven percent of all salmonella cases in children are from reptiles--lizards and turtles. For this reason, pet lizards are not recommended for anyone with children under the age of five.
There are several small pet lizards that make good choices for beginners. Among these are the Leopard Gecko, which is small and relatively easy to take care of. A 15-20 gallon tank is large enough for them and they do not require any special lighting. Bearded Dragon is the name of another popular lizard for first-timers. They grow to be approximately a foot long and are quite docile.
Whatever you decide to do when checking out pet lizards, don’t forget to consider how long the lizard might live. Many lizards live to be ten to twenty years old, and so require quite a commitment in time. If you thoroughly examine all that’s involved beforehand, you can make a good choice about buying your lizard. That way you can enjoy your new pet for a lifetime.