General Discussion

I need help. I want a pet lizard. This is not going to be an impulse adopt, this is a commitment, this is me, bringing a scaled child into my domain and caring for it.

The problem is, I don’t know what kind of lizard to get, and thus, I don’t know the proper feeding, the bedding and enclosure, or anything else.

I’m in the USA, California, where the pet laws are a bit more strict.

Can anyone help me with this??

Maybe start with researching your area's local laws around what specific breeds are allowed in California and go from there? Find one that suits your lifestyle, or has cool markings or interesting things about them. Maybe get in contact with a breeder or touch base with a FB group focused on the care and collecting of lizards?

@lehiishi

I live in a partial desert, and cool markings aren’t really that important to me.

@Shiraki

I'm no expert on keeping land-based reptiles, but, as far a I know, bearded dragons make a good beginner's pet. The only thing about them is that they need space, because they can get huge.


If a less lizard-like reptilian pet is fine too, sliders are great and nice to keep. Though those less losts of space too, because also size. And changing large amounts of water might not be for everyone.

Geckos can be a good beginners pet too. Recommend not using calcium sand (any other sand is absolute no go for reptiles) as even that can cause but problems.
Paper towels are very viable and easy to clean! Tile is also good.

Leopard geckos or crested geckos are good lizards to start with. They're very common pets so there's plenty of information on housing requirements and how to care for them on the internet.

I have a crested gecko and they're a delight to own! They don't need live bugs (high-quality powdered diet is totally fine!), can be kept at the typical room temperature (70's F) so only need a small heat mat, and are absolutely adorable!

I don't own any myself, I've researched because I love them though, but I'm partial to leopard geckos and beardies myself! As others have said, don't use sand, even if it's marketed as being safe. My friends poor beardie got impacted and passed away because of sand that was marketed as being safe

I know someone with a blue-tongued skink, but I think that may be a more advanced pet? He's really cool

@blubloo
pssst for humidity it's best for it to spike to about 100% twice a day when you mist it and let it fall to about 60%-50% :D