Tag Archives: lizard care

Chameleon Care

There are several different species of chameleon that are popular as pets. Veiled chameleons are large — reaching up to two feet in length — but also relatively hardy. Jackson’s chameleons are smaller and have three horns on the head. These lizards do well in lower temperatures. Panther chameleons are also large and exhibit striking colors. Males are much larger than females. Chameleons are solitary and easily stressed. In the wild, they live exclusively in trees — so the habitat you create must provide plenty of branches for climbing and foliage for hiding. The more space you can provide, the … Continue reading →

Chameleons

Chameleons are amazing and interesting pets but are not necessarily the best choice for beginning lizard hobbyists as they are easily stressed. These lizards are known for their ability to change color. Young chameleons are usually a dull grey or brown color and can change color only a little. Around five months of age, the adult color develops, bringing the ability to change through an amazing range of colors. You may see an adult chameleon display green, blue-green, turquoise, black, and more! Why do they change colors? Camouflage is the best known (but not the only) reason. Chameleons also change … Continue reading →

Giant Tegu

Also known as the Argentinean tegu, the big headed tegu, or the black and white tegu, the giant tegu is a gentle giant lizard. Don’t confuse an Argentinean tegu with a Columbian tegu — the Columbian is somewhat smaller and less docile than the Argentinean variety. These lizards truly are gigantic — an adult black and white tegu can reach four feet or longer (including the tail). The whole body sports a pattern of white and black dots and stripes, making the giant tegu a distinctive pet. Despite the intimidating size of the giant tegus, these lizards can be very … Continue reading →

Bearded Dragons

The bearded dragon is also known as the inland bearded dragon or the central bearded dragon. This large lizard hails from Australia. Compared to the Chinese water dragon, you might think the bearded dragon is small — a fully grown adult has a length between 16 and 22 inches. (By comparison, male Chinese water dragons reach around three feet in length!) Bearded dragons are still considered large reptiles, and will need plenty of room to move. The tank base should be two feet by three feet (or more). House your bearded dragons in a glass aquarium with a screened top … Continue reading →

Chinese Water Dragons

Like their name implies, Chinese water dragons love water. Don’t be surprised to see your Chinese water dragon spending a ton of time in the water! These lizards hail from Southeast Asia — Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and China. To mimic these warm climates in your lizard habitat, keep the daytime temperature between 83 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also provide a basking spot at around 90 degrees Fahrenheit so your Chinese water dragons can thermoregulate. Overnight temperature should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the lights and heat on a twelve hour cycle for most of the … Continue reading →

Blue Tongued Skink

There are several species of blue tongued skinks that are available in the pet trade. The most popular is the eastern blue tongued skink. Blue tongued skinks are on the large side for a beginner’s lizard. When fully mature, a blue tongued skink can reach twenty inches in length — around eight inches of that is tail. These lizards have a flattened, elongated body and can look somewhat snakelike. These lizards are ground dwellers, so you don’t need to worry about branches for climbing. That doesn’t mean you can skimp on tank size! Give your blue tongued skink a large … Continue reading →

Savannah Monitor

When it comes to monitor lizards, the Savannah monitor is one of the easiest to keep. Keep in mind, though, that the Savannah monitor may not be the best choice for beginners. Monitors are extremely strong lizards and can be difficult to handle — a beginner might be better off with a different breed. The Savannah monitor is considered a mid-sized monitor. When full grown, a Savannah monitor lizard can reach between three and four feet in length. This means you’ll need a good sized enclosure for your Savannah monitor. The cage should be at least five feet long and … Continue reading →