Guest Author - Sharon Schmidt

Everyone in a pet store heads to the reptile section to gaze at the lizards. They are fascinating creatures to watch and a favorite of most kids. However those cute little lizards that look so innocent can be a lot of work.

When purchasing a lizard it is important to first learn everything you can about the animal, its temperament, and the long term care. Lizards can live anywhere from ten to fifteen years and some even longer. Those cute lizards in the pet store do not always stay small. Some can grow to be two to even six feet long depending on the species you choose.

There is a lot to consider when owning a lizard. It is a long term commitment. You will need the proper supplies and education, for instance, the proper housing, the proper lighting and the proper care. You will need to learn what to feed, when to feed, and how much to feed.

Not all lizards are the same. Some have great temperaments and are good with kids and the first time owner. One that comes to mind is the bearded dragon. This is the mildest of the lizards with a very easy going temperament. He will tolerate being handled and isn't aggressive. Then there are those lizards that do not do well with being handled. One that comes to mind in this category is the Tokay gecko. They are beautiful to look at but are the bulldog of the lizards. They can bite and hold on for days. There are those who claim to tame their Tokay's and it can be done with lots of time and patience and a few bites along the way but not all Tokay's can be tamed. There are those who will never tolerate being handled and will bite any hand that comes in contact including the one that feeds them.

So deciding which lizard is the right one for your family begins with educating yourself on the different species and temperaments.

Once you have decided on which lizard is the best choice, there is housing to consider. The proper environment is very important to the growth and health of the lizard. Once you have chosen the proper housing, you will need to learn about the proper temperatures. Most lizards require warmer temperatures during the day, with UVA lighting and a heat light and cooler temperatures at night. They require proper temperatures for calcium absorption. Some lizards will sleep at night and be up during the day and some will be up at night and sleep during the day.

Next you will need to know what to feed your lizard. Most lizards eat fruits and greens and their diet is made up mostly of live crickets, insects, and the occasional worms. Also when feeding crickets, you need to add calcium and gut load the crickets. There is cricket food you can purchase. This helps the lizard get the vitamins and calcium it needs.

Some lizards drink from a water dish while others will not. You will need to use a drip system or keep the enclosure moist by spraying it two or three times a day. Keeping the enclosure moist helps assist with shedding as well. You must change water daily, feed daily, spot clean the cage each day and thoroughly clean at least once a week.

It's important to have some contact with your lizard to get them used to human contact and to avoid them becoming aggressive. Handling them even a few minutes a day keeps them tame.

It's important to educate yourself on temperament. There are signs when a lizard will tolerate being handled and those signs when they do not want to be messed with. Note their body language and respect their wishes and you will become great friends. There are certain ways to handle lizards as well. Some lizards have the ability to drop their tails to get away. They eventually grow back but not the same. When a lizard feels threatened they will bite. It is their only defense. So learning to recognize the signs in the breed you choose is important. No matter how tame a lizard is, whenever children are around it is important to always supervise.

As you can see, lizards can be a long term commitment and a lot of care. They can also be very fascinating, beautiful creatures to observe, and a very rewarding pet.

So the next time you are at the pet store in the reptile section and the kids are begging you for that cute little lizard, start out on a positive note, educate yourself about the lizard to make the right choice and know the proper care and supplies needed and make sure your family is ready for this new addition.