Caring For Your Lizard
Lizards are one of the biggest groups of reptiles found on Earth. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 2cm in geckos to 10′ in monitors.
Why Choose a Lizard?
Lizards are very diverse, originating from many different biomes with different temperaments. Most are either crepuscular (awake at dawn and dusk) or diurnal (awake during the day), making them more “present” to observe their unique behaviours. They are hypoallergenic, relatively low maintenance, have lower social needs than other pets, have generally quiet dispositions, and have the potential to be a beautiful feature in the home. Many can be quite personable, making them lovable companions.
Biomes
Knowing the biome that a lizard falls under can reveal a lot about their care requirements. For example, tropical lizards typically prefer high humidity, whereas desert lizards prefer low humidity, but both prefer high temperatures. There are five major types of biomes, although they can be further categorized into as many as 20 classifications. They include desert, grassland, forest (tropical, boreal, and temperate), tundra, and aquatic.
Note, that each species still has their own specific needs, even if they are from the same biome (i.e. leopard geckos and uromastyx are both desert lizards but their temperatures differ greatly). Refer to your lizard’s Care Sheet for specific needs pertinent to their biome.
Tail Dropping
A unique trait of many lizards is called “caudal autotomy,” which is their ability to drop their tail. After it drops, it will wiggle around for several minutes. This self-defence distracts predators so that they can escape. Some lizards, like the leopard gecko, can regenerate their tail after it drops. For others, like the crested gecko, it will never grow back. Lizards like the bearded dragon do not have this ability. Regardless of which lizard you have, be careful to not grab them by the tail when handling.
To provide a happy, healthy atmosphere for your new pet, Petland recommends the following necessary accessories. We have listed them as your new pet’s 4 Basic Needs: Environmental, Behavioural, Nutritional and Maintenance. If these needs are met and a loving environment is provided by you, your lizard can live a long and healthy life.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Enclosure – Lizards can be categorized as arboreal or terrestrial, and knowing which category they fall under will dictate the enclosure they will need. Arboreal lizards prefer enclosures that are tall rather than long. Terrestrial lizards prefer longer enclosures. Lizards like to climb and bask, so some vertical height should be offered. An aquarium with a secure screen lid works well to maintain appropriate humidity and temperature requirements.
Temperature – A lizard is an ectotherm, which means they depend on the temperature in their environment to regulate their body temperature. The habitat must be laid out as a temperature gradient to avoid extremes. Refer to your lizard’s Care Sheet for exact temperature requirements in the cool and warm ends of the enclosure.
-
A heat bulb is the best choice to provide localized heat for the basking area and as a light source. The wattage of the bulb will depend on your enclosure. Situate the light fixture so that it is far enough away from the basking area that your lizard does not get burned, but close enough to maintain a basking temperature.
-
An under-the-tank heater or heat mat is useful to ensure the substrate is warm and dry at all times, though it should be used as a secondary heat source and not the primary source of heat.
Thermometer – The use of a thermometer is the only way to know if the enclosure and basking sites are maintained at the correct temperature. Place one thermometer by the warm end and one at the cooler, shaded end of the enclosure to monitor the temperature gradient which allows the lizard to regulate their body temperature.
Thermostat/Dimmer – A thermostat is used to regulate the temperature of heat mats or light fixtures that do not have the ability to reduce the heat output. This safety feature is important to prevent burns or overheating, particularly if it is possible for the lizard to come in close contact with the heat mat, or if the light fixture is not equipped with a dimmer.
Lighting – Sunlight allows crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and diurnal (active during the day) lizards to synthesize vitamin D3, which is important in the absorption of calcium. It is also valuable for photoperiod regulating and the absorption of UVA to prevent behavioural problems. A Day/Night Timer can automate turning lights on and off, providing a consistent photoperiod and saving you time and effort.
Never have your lizard sit in front of the window for their sunbath as a substitute for a UV light. Glass filters out beneficial UV radiation and can act as a magnifying glass, harming your lizard. Depending on your lizard, in warmer months you can open up the window and have them bask through the screen area. Always provide a source of shade so they can retreat from the brightness when they need to. For more information ask a pet counsellor for a copy of the Ultraviolet Lighting for Birds and Reptiles Tip Sheet.
Relative Humidity – Lizards can come from many different biomes with various levels of humidity. Most lizards benefit from having a misting bottle and a humidity gauge to sustain and monitor relative humidity levels. For lizards with more intensive humidity needs, an automatic mister or fogger may be beneficial to maintain sufficient levels. The enclosure should always have good ventilation. Refer to your lizard’s Care Sheet for exact humidity requirements.
BEHAVIOURAL
Decorations/Plants – A lizard’s enclosure should resemble a landscape that mimics the biome they originate from. This may include rocks, grapevine wood, large aquarium ornaments, and/or driftwood for basking and climbing areas, and live or artificial plants for refuge, shade, or drinking areas. Although live plants may provide benefits, such as aerating the enclosure, choose the foliage wisely as they may be ingested. See the Keeping a Vivarium Tip Sheet for more information about live plants.
Hiding Places – No matter the size or species, every lizard needs some sort of hiding place to feel secure in their enclosure. Although decorations and plants may serve as a refuge for your lizard, a designated hiding hut may be required, depending on the size of your lizard. Ensure both the warm and the cool side of the tank have their own hiding places to allow the lizard to regulate their temperature effectively.
NUTRITIONAL
Food Sources – Lizards can be omnivores, carnivores, or herbivores. When feeding vegetation, dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale, dandelion, bok choy, collards and romaine lettuce are best. Some lizards have prepared foods available. Ask a pet counsellor for a copy of the Keeping Feeder Insects Tip Sheet for more information about feeding omnivores and carnivores. Refer to your lizard’s Care Sheet for exact nutrition requirements.
Calcium Supplement – Calcium supplementation is essential. Many foods don’t provide enough calcium, which can harm your lizard’s bones and overall health. Regularly add a calcium supplement by dusting feeder insects or salads, or by gut-loading the insects before feeding. Ask your pet counsellor for guidance on the right amount and frequency.
Watering – Water needs vary by species and biome. Some lizards, like chameleons, prefer dripping water from leaves or a dripper, while others, such as bearded dragons, drink from a shallow dish. Always ensure there’s an easy way out of the water by placing a rock or ceramic ornament inside. Check your lizard’s Care Sheet for specific requirements.
De-chlorinator – A de-chlorinator will remove the chlorine and chloramine from tap water, making it safe for the reptile to drink.
MAINTENANCE
Substrate – Substrate helps maintain the cleanliness of the tank, provides enrichment opportunities (depending on the lizard), and can help maintain higher humidity levels. Choose a substrate that mimics your lizard’s biome, such as coconut husk, forest bark, soil blends, moss, sand blends, or reptile mats. Refer to your lizard’s Care Sheet for exact substrate requirements.
Litter Scoop – A litter scoop will make it easier to remove droppings in the enclosure. Spot clean often to keep their home clean and free from fungus, mould or parasites.
Cage Cleaner – Use a reptile-safe cleaner to break down stains and odours. Clean the cage weekly with the cleaner or hot water and mild soap, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid bleach and other household cleaners, as they can irritate your pet’s respiratory system or cause even worse problems.
Secure Temporary Container – Although your lizard will spend the majority of their time in their enclosure, there will be times when that won't be possible and they must be secured in an alternative. A plastic terrarium or similar enclosure ensures your lizard stays put while you clean their main enclosure. Such a container is also helpful in the event that the lizard needs to visit a veterinarian or needs to be transported.
Safe Handling
Contact with reptiles, their environments, or frozen feeder rodents can be a source of human Salmonella infections. After handling a reptile, its environment, or its food, it is recommended that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Clean and disinfect any surface where frozen rodents are prepared, thawed, and stored.
Cleanliness and Safety
All pets can potentially carry diseases that may be contagious to people. Hygiene procedures, such as washing your hands before and after handling your pet or its habitat, are necessary. Children should be assisted with hand washing and always have adult supervision when interacting with pets.
CHECKLIST
-
Enclosure
-
Heat bulb
-
Under-the-tank heater or heat mat
-
Thermometer and thermostat
-
UV bulb (Optional for nocturnal)
-
Day/night timer
-
Mister and/or fogger and humidity gauge
-
Plants (live or artificial)
-
Decorations (i.e. rocks, driftwood)
-
Hiding place
-
Food sources
-
Calcium supplement
-
Water dish and/or dripper
-
Dechlorinator
-
Substrate
-
Litter scoop
-
Cage cleaner
-
Temporary container