New Lizard Species to Try: My Choices, & looking for your ideas

[findi]

Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist, and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquariums, and museums, including over20 years with the Bronx Zoo. This article covers the care of some lizards new to the trade and a few old favorites of mine that seem not to get much attention…but should! Pet Lizards: Large Small & Colorful Insectivores | That Reptile Blog

 

[NiRD]

I have a few pet lizards myself! I enjoy them.

 

[RavensGryf]

I have loved lizards ever since I was a little kid. They're fascinating, and the beautifully colored ones really make me yearn to keep lizards again. I'm not even sure what the species are out there in the pet trade.

edit: wow, maybe not after reading the article! I see that a fairly sophisticated set up is in order to really keep lizards healthy long term. There needs to be a lot of attention to detail concerning getting the climate and conditions just right... temperature, humidity, different climate zones, light spectrum considerations, etc. I had no idea it was that tedious to do it "right" for these creatures. Also about the varied diet that they need to thrive long term, Crickets and mealworms only (what the pet shops would tell you is sufficient) is probably akin to feeding a bird only seeds and nothing else.

 

[findi]

I have loved lizards ever since I was a little kid. They're fascinating, and the beautifully colored ones really make me yearn to keep lizards again. I'm not even sure what the species are out there in the pet trade.

edit: wow, maybe not after reading the article! I see that a fairly sophisticated set up is in order to really keep lizards healthy long term. There needs to be a lot of attention to detail concerning getting the climate and conditions just right... temperature, humidity, different climate zones, light spectrum considerations, etc. I had no idea it was that tedious to do it "right" for these creatures. Also about the varied diet that they need to thrive long term, Crickets and mealworms only (what the pet shops would tell you is sufficient) is probably akin to feeding a bird only seeds and nothing else.

Thanks for your interest and thoughtful comment...nice to see you are thinking ahead (many owners do not!); all do require quite a bit of care...supplies and knowledge is available, but it does take time. Let me know if you decide to keep any and need more info. You can get an idea of the huge array of species available by clicking on the lizard link here: kingsnake.com classified ads - reptile and amphibians, snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises and more enjoy, Frank

 

[dudemom]

I love my Herps! I have an old Bearded Dragon named 'Astronaut Mike Dexter' ( 30 Rock reference) and three ball pythons. I also have two 75 year old+ California Desert Tortoises whose care I am entrusted with my the State of California.
The Bearded Dragon and the Amazon share some of the same greens on a daily basis.
Love them all!

 

[findi]

Thanks...several ball pythons have lived into their 40's, 1 at Philly Zoo reached 50+...between they, the tortoises and your Amazon you should be kept busy for quite some time! enjoy, Frank