Guest Author - Peyton Creadick
Welcome to part two of the best and worst lizards for beginners. This week, we’ll look at the largest of the best lizards. This week we’re taking a look at Bearded Dragons and Blue Tongue Skinks. They’re on the list, because they have excellent personalities and require little taming. They do, however, require a lot of food (especially Bearded Dragons), especially when young.
4. Bearded Dragons
I’ve saved the two biggest lizards for last. I would recommend a smaller lizard for beginners (and one who eats less), but these dragons are easy to care for. They do require more expense to set up, and they require a lot of food when young. But, as they grow, they become increasingly easier to care for. They will always require UVB lighting.
Just make sure to buy your dragon from a reputable breeder and not from a pet store. The care required of hatchlings and juveniles often means pet store dragons have not received everything they need. Many suffer from Metabolic Bone Disease or underfeeding.
5. Blue Tongue Skinks
Blue Tongues are the only lizard on the list that I have never owned myself. They’re beautiful lizards with incredible tongues and equally docile personalities. They are said to be curious but calm.
Like Bearded Dragons, they require UVB lighting in addition to a heat source. They are omnivorous and will, like Bearded Dragons, eat quite a bit as hatchlings and juveniles. While they do take more care than the first three in our list, if you’re ready for a larger lizard, Blue Tongues are an excellent choice!
Considerations
Ultimately, none of these lizards, regardless of size, is short lived. Despite their easy care and relaxed dispositions, you must seriously ask yourself if you’re ready for the time commitment. No animal is disposable. If you enter into reptile ownership prepared for the commitment, life with your new lizard will be more rewarding for both you and the lizard.
I hope you’re enjoying our look at the best and worst lizards so far. Next week, we’ll look at the first three of the worst lizards. Can you guess any of the species I might be considering for that list? I’ll give you a hint, they’re big, vegetarian, and green! Difficulty in training, large size, aggression, and habitat requirements (lighting, especially) play a big role in which five species I chose for the worst list.
Stop by next week and take look at some of the members of the that ist!
Happy herping!
