The 5 Best Lizards for First-Time Reptile Owners - Pet Hub USA

The 5 Best Lizards for First-Time Reptile Owners

Are you interested in adding a pet lizard to your family? You’re not alone! Keeping lizards as companion animals is becoming more and more popular.

Not only are lizards interesting creatures, but their care requirements tend to be relatively low compared to other pets.

If this is your first time considering a reptile as a pet, this article will help you decide which lizard would make the best choice for you. We’ll provide information on some of the best lizards that are ideal for beginner-level owners, so read on if you’re ready to introduce an awesome new member into your home!

Bearded Dragon

A bearded dragon
Lily, Pexels

The Bearded Dragon is one of the best lizards for beginners due to its docile nature and relatively easy care requirements. This species is native to Australia and can grow up to 24 inches long.


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They are omnivorous, meaning they eat plant and animal matter, so their diet is pretty easy to manage. Bearded Dragons also enjoy interacting with humans and can be trained to respond to their names.

Leopard Gecko

A leopard gecko
Lucile Elville, Pexels

The Leopard Gecko is also one of the best lizards for beginners due to its small size and low maintenance care requirements. This species is native to the Middle East and can grow up to 8 inches long.

They are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for an interactive pet lizard. However, they are very hardy and require minimal care compared to other lizards.

Crested Gecko

A crested gecko
Peter Law, Pexels

The Crested Gecko is an excellent option for those looking for a more exotic pet lizard species, as it is native to New Caledonia in the South Pacific Ocean. This species can grow up to 10 inches long and has a unique look with a spiked crest along its back.

They are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees or other high places, so their enclosure should include plenty of branches or vines to climb on.

Uromastyx Lizard

A spiny tail lizard
David K, Pexels

The Uromastyx Lizard is another excellent pet lizard for beginners due to its hardy nature and low maintenance care requirements. This species is native to North Africa and parts of the Middle East and can grow up to 24 inches in length depending on the type of Uromastyx kept as a pet.

They are herbivores, meaning they only eat plant matter, so their diet consists mainly of vegetables such as leafy greens or fruits like apples or melons.

Green Anole

A green anole
Hilary Halliwell, Pexels

The Green Anole is a good choice for those looking for a smaller pet lizard, as this species only grows up 4-8 inches in length when fully grown. This species is native to parts of North America but is expanding into many other parts of the world primarily due to its popularity as a pet lizard among reptile enthusiasts worldwide.

They are insectivores, meaning they mainly eat insects such as crickets or mealworms. However, some will also accept fruit or vegetables as part of their diet.

Enjoy Your New Lizard!

All in all, pet lizards come with a variety of benefits. Not only can they provide companionship to their owners, but they can also be a great learning tool for children. When cared for properly, lizards can make fantastic pets that will bring joy and fun to any family.

No matter which species you choose, it’s important that you always practice safety first when handling your pet lizard. Research the species carefully ahead of time, as there are many factors to consider. Once you become a confident lizard owner, you may be surprised by how much these creatures have to offer.

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