Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
I know this isn't a beginners forum or anything, but it seems to be the most active; so I was wondering if someone could answer my question? I have been interested in lizards for a while and am now thinking about getting one. I'm a beginner with reptiles so I was wondering if someone could me an idea of what reptile to start my research off with. I would like a lizard that would stay on the smaller side and perferably are not a lot of money. So if anyone has any idea of what type of lizard is good for beginners like me I would greatly appreciate your advice.
Thanx,
Michelle

I would say that a leopard gecko would be good for you because it's an excellent beginner lizard. Leopard gecko's usually get about 7 inches long, give or take 2 inches. They are fairly simple to keep. The set-up is not too expensive, and the leopard gecko is usually under $40 for a normal one, the price does go up depending on what "morph" you are interested in. I just got mine a few months ago and I love them, I started out with one and now I'm up to three, and I'm planning on picking up a few more at the NY Reptile Expo hehehe

-Jessica

Define "lizard that would stay on the smaller side and perferably are not a lot of money"

Actually, leopard geckos would certaintly fit this category. Relatively small for the lizard world (most geckos are), easy to come by, and normals go for very little cash. If you go with geckos stay with the larger species (some of the smaller ones are more difficult to care for, especially for beginners). Even the larges geckos stay under about a foot long (most species... a few might break that point but it is uncommon).
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Brian Skibinski
Brian@MilwaukeeReptiles.com
WYSIWYG

Keep in mind that even though a reptile is relatively inexpensive, costs for the cage, cage accessories, heat & lighting (if applicable), food, gutload, vitamin & mineral supplements, and possible vet bills will cost more than the reptile itself.
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chickabowwow

The Leopard Gecko Manual, by Philippe De Vosjoli, Brian Viets, Ron Tremper, and Roger Klingenberg DMV

It will give you most of the information you need, and it is the most highly recommended book, as far as I know.

~~Dusty Windom
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So Many Alleles, So Little Time...!
@
~~The Gecko Barn~~

I second that. It is a GREAT book, and everyone who has leos should read it front to back.
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Brian Skibinski
Brian@MilwaukeeReptiles.com
WYSIWYG

First, congratulations! You're doing everything right so far, as you are researching before you buy. This tells me you will probably be a great lizard keeper, whatever you choose.

You're posting on the leopard gecko forum, so naturally, you are going to get responses favoring leos. They are great starter lizards. But, to be fair, also look into bearded dragons and crested geckos. I have all three, and, while they are different in activity and personality, they all make great 'first lizards." Bearded dragons are the largest of the three, but generally top out under 2 feet in length, if that is not too big.

Just do all your research first so you have everything you need to keep your new lizard happy and healthy.

Good luck,

Leslie