Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im a college student, and im thinking of getting a llizard. Im looking for something that can either do well in a 10 gallon tank when im not around, or could do well in a tank that is about 12x12x24 high. I want a lizard that i could hold, or walk around with on my sholder. i would like it to get about 1-1.5 feet long. I was thinking a jacksons chamelion, or sudan plated lizard. I thought anoles would be neat but you wouldnt realy be able to hold them. any feedback would be great.

-Dave

I think you may be on the right track with the Jackson. Since you have a tall square tank it somewhat limits you. It can't be too big, and it'll need to be a climber. Most lizards need more ground space than 12 X 12 so it has to be a small climber.
Good luck
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**Kenn**

I'm sorry this is a late response, I'm just cruising the forums out of boredom... and ordinarily, I'd let it go, I swear... but WHAT the HECK??? Dave is not on the right track with a Jackson! Just because that's the right cage size for the lizard doesn't mean thats whacha run out and get! He specifically said that he was a college student and wanted a lizard he could leave on his own. No no no, never leave a Jackson. Dude... they need daily care! Multiple daily mistings! Juvies need to be fed daily! I haven't heard of a Jackson getting 1.5 feet, the prospective lizard owner's goal length for his lizard. and on that note, a 1.5 ft Jackson needs more than that 12x12x24. On that note, is that cage even screened? Jacksons are climbers, and while I haven't heard conclusively why (either they need extra ventilation or their reflection in glass cages causes undue and possibly deadly stress or both, hell why not...) one way or another they need a screen cage. On the stress note, a Jackson is a verrrry delicate lizard, most all chameleons are. ESP Jacksons. They get stressed if you look at them wrong. If you don't know what I mean by stress... they you shouldn't own a chameleon, really. I heard a quote once "stress is the most common and least understood lizard ailment". SO true. A Jackson in a college student's environment, if we're talking dorms.. more stress with the moving people. And as far as walking around with him/her on your shoulder... out! No way. More stress. Handle them only as needed to reduce stress. They get sick so freakin easy too, let me tell you from my vet bills. Don't own a Jackson, or any chameleon, as your first. Trade in the cage and get a bearded dragon man. Desert lizards are easier to leave for a weekend.

That's my input. Thanks. Again, really sorry this is a late post, but... yikes.

>>I think you may be on the right track with the Jackson. Since you have a tall square tank it somewhat limits you. It can't be too big, and it'll need to be a climber. Most lizards need more ground space than 12 X 12 so it has to be a small climber.
>> Good luck
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>>**Kenn**

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"Were the diver to think upon the jaws of the shark, he would never lay hands on the precious pearl."

sorry, I don't think there is such a lizard. As whoever pointed out a jacksons would probably not be tolerant enough for you. You need to just make some more space and get a bearded, as that is what you want behavior-wise. Or a snake. Yeah, get a snake, much better dorm pets.

well, From what i like, the cleanest, easiest, most loving, like to be with you, kind of lizard i can think of is a bearded dragon...i love them sooooooooo much. and if you're kinda new to lizards, bearded dragon it is. perfect in all ways. =) =) =) =) =)