What lizard to get??

[Scott&Nikki]

Ok, so as of now I only have the 1 leopard gecko. I was thinking that as soon as I get the money I was going to purchase another, but I wanted to ask everyone their opinion on something. What lizard do you think is the best PET? In other words, what it most tolerant of being handled, being watched, active, just interesting in general? I have always had pets that do not leave my side, so this leopard gecko is very different for me. Don't get me wrong, I love her and would deffinately get more, but I would also like something that is more of a "pet". Thanks in advance!

 

[robin]

i personally use the term "pet" very loosely with reptiles.
but as for another lizard i say a leopard gecko.. they are docile, for the most part) easy to keep and can be handled. beardies are another choice but they take more to care for.

either way with any reptile you can get more aggressive ones who are squirmy and do not like to be handled. but those would be my two picks

 

[GeckoStud]

The giant leos are a little more handleable in the fact that they are larger...

As for handleable reptiles... Beardies are good and so are Blue Tongued Skinks, I have a blue tongue myself... and although he has mites right now... is very friendly and tolerant of handling. He is only about a month old too.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

The giant leos are a little more handleable in the fact that they are larger...

As for handleable reptiles... Beardies are good and so are Blue Tongued Skinks, I have a blue tongue myself... and although he has mites right now... is very friendly and tolerant of handling. He is only about a month old too.

I really like your blue tongued skink. How different of a setup do you need for them compared to leos? I realize that could be a long response. I am just looking for something quick.

 

[GeckoMandi]

I also suggest crested geckos, I have my first one coming next week and after all the research I have done they seem like pretty "easy" geckos to own, ill let ya know how mine goes

 

[NaughtyDawg]

If I were to pick, I would take a Beardie over a gecko. They are out through the day while I am up and kids can see them. Each one has it's own personality.

Of all the lizards I have owned they are without a doubt the most docile. There are some very very colorful Dragons out there. I am waiting on eggs from the girl in my avatar.

They are eating machines. 5 or 6 dozen crickets a day no problem.

 

[ReptileMan27]

Bearded dragons require much more care,money,food,time,etc.. then geckos, they are great for handling but make sure you can properly care for them first. I see to many people call beardys a great first herp and thats not really true, they require to much care etc.. to be considered a great first lizard. I would reccomend a AFT, crested gecko, or a blue tounge skink wouldnt be a bad choice, they are cool.

 

[RaiQuee]

Altho beardeds require a lot more in terms of money and attention, I really do believe they are one of the best "pets". Out during the day, active, very personable, handable (for the most part, I have a male thats a JERK!) and very different in comparison to the leopard.

Just make sure you do all needed research before you take the plunge.

 

[GeckoStud]

I really like your blue tongued skink. How different of a setup do you need for them compared to leos? I realize that could be a long response. I am just looking for something quick.

In all honesty their care is similar to beardies ... well diet and size wise anyway. They are really friendly and you gotta love that blue tongue, the flick it around like monitors do it really cool.

I think a minimum of a 40 gal tank for one though I would go bigger 55-ish. They need a UV light just like beardies but dont need as hot of a basking spot about 90-92 something like that, compared to a beardies (not positive) 110 degree basking spot. They do need a higher humidity than beardies too depending on the locality etc etc. I kept mine on coconut fiber but he has mites so he is on paper towel now until I can get rid of them... they are such a pain... luckily none of my other reptiles got hit... that I can tell so far.

Actually I was going to get beardie instead and then I found these guys online and did some research on them and found them to need basically the same things and I thought they were cooler. I thought it would be cool to have a big handleable lizard other than a beardie... nothing against them or anything but it just seemed like everyone and their brother around here had one.

 

[LeosForLess]

I would buy a mack snow male from som1 in illinois :main_rolleyes:

 

[brandy101010]

Most lizards are not going to want to be by your side at all times lol I'm sure you know that. The only one that comes close to being like that would be an iguana. (or maybe some type of monitor ,Never had a monitor though so can't really give any advice on them) I do not recommend them for beginners even though they are what I started out with. They require a lot of care, money, and space. and can be aggressive around breeding season. But in the future if you think that is the kind of pet you want, do all your research and find a local rescue. They tend to be "disposable pets" and shelters are packed with them. You may be able to find one with a great personality that is already tamed. don't jump in head first on an iguana though ,they are not for everyone. It takes a very dedicated person to keep these animals.

 

[GeckoStud]

Yeah and if you don't believe igaunas can be tamed look up Henry Lizardlover... you'll be suprised. But I agree iguanas are not for beginners!

 

[Stitch]

African Fat Tail, care is similar to leos.

 

[BluGnat]

Agreed with the Bearded dragons. You probably can't find anything much easier and cheaper to take care of than a Leo, though (generally speaking). Beardies are so fun to keep. I miss mine greatly; she traveled with me quite a bit in the summer.

 

[Scott&Nikki]

I would buy a mack snow male from som1 in illinois :main_rolleyes:

HAHA... You know, that is a possibility....


I would love an iguana. My cousin used to have one, so I know first hand what they require and it is NOT something I can do now or in the near future. Beardies are deffinately at the top of my list, but even that won't happen very soon. I am gonna stick to leos for now. Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I really appreciate it.

 

[gaparicio]

I think it really depends on your taste as well as your own expertise on reptiles. I've had it all, from beardeds, iguanas, leopards, cresteds, red headed agamas, armadillo lizards, anoles, chameleons, BTS, monitors and uromastyx.

I had a savannah monitor that would sit on my lap while I watched TV. It would also follow me around the house. It wasn't because he/she liked me but because it wanted it's dinner (I would only feed it mice when outside it's cage).

In reality no lizard should really be held too much but there are people who would swear that their lizard enjoys a humans company. All in all, if I had to choose, it would definately be a leopard...or maybe a crested.:main_thumbsup:

 

[leolover2]

Get a uromastyx. I heard they are gentle and very active during the day.

 

[leopardgecko95]

Well, personally i am in love with leos.Actully with Geckos in general. So i would have to go with another leo..... maybe a giant

 

[GeckoGarage]

crested geckos are really good, there cheap, dont get huge, handable and really unique. I would say leos are good to since you dont have to buy another tank and stuff for it. Leos also come in a tons of colours and morphs

Check out our site!! http://www.geckogarage.webs.com

 

[fl_orchidslave]

4 year old thread............