Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm looking into getting a lizard. I saw a uromastyx at a local pet store that stole my heart. I've since learned that I may need to break in on something a bit simpler to care for. Leopard geckos and bearded dragons have been suggested. I'd always thought that leopards would require a lot of humidity and had never really considered them. My brother had a beardie, and it darn near ate him out of house and home. How do skinks figure in? Are they complicated? They seem like hardy animals. but I know the best way to get a feel for them is to talk to someone who has one.

Thus the post! I know any herp is work, but my big experience was a ball python. She was wonderful, and she was very low maintenance. I know this leaves me ill prepared for something complicated.

My big concern is that I not get something that I can't afford to take care of, or that I'll kill in the first six months (again, my brother's experience). Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

First thing I suggest, is read up on the lizards that interest you. Leopard geckos don't need high humidity, they are dessert geckos. Bearded dragons and uromastyx are both very easy to care for, uro's just require higher temperatures than bearded dragons and are almost all completely vegetarian (I think the Egyptian likes some insects but I am not completely sure. Most of the others eat all greens). Nor can a single bearded dragon eat anybody out of house and home..unless they are really destitute. A single dragon can be fed for $40 or less a month easily and still feed it a daily salad with insects every day. If your brother was buying his insects at a petstore, that will cost more..

Blue tongue skinks are a little easier to care for as they don't require UVB light, though I don't see any harm in providing it anyway. But they are omnivorous in diet like bearded dragons so need a mix of healthy greens, insects, some fruit several times a week. (adults are fine with 2-3 feedings a week, babies and juvies should be fed every day). They are intelligent and have a calm disposition so make for an easy to handle pet.

Keep in mind that other than the leopard geckos mentioned in your post, all lizards mentioned by you earlier, require adult cages of at least 4'x2' of floor space. Glass tanks could be used but really are not the best. Front opening cages are best as it is easier to clean the cage and access your pet in a non threatening manner. You can buy pre made cages or build your own easily as well.

Other easy to care for lizards you could look into are Barbar skinks, (or Schneider's), Crested geckos and gargoyle geckos.

Research extensively, read the various forums for each lizard you are interested here, google for care sheets and guides. Check your library to see if they have books on these reptiles. The more information you find the better you will be able to determine which one is easy to care for and fits in your space and budget not only with initial cost of the animal but its adult cage, lighting, heating and feeding needs.
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PHLdyPayne

Actually, the Egyptian Uromastyx don't like insects they are vegetarian unlike other Uro. But to get back on topic, yeah a blue tongue skink would be a very good choice. If you get one, get a Northern BTS. They are surely captive bred since Australia do not allow reptiles and animals to be exported from there. If get an Indonesian BTS, it is most likely wild caught.

Thanks so much for you help! I plan to get back in with my local herp club if I can find the time. It seems I always have an obligation when the meeting rolla around. Thanks Again for your help!
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