Caring for your pet lizard
Owning a lizard is rewarding, but each species has its own needs. Find out what to think about for diet, space, heat, humidity and UVB lighting, handling, and choosing a healthy, captive-bred lizard.
The short answer
Lizards need care matched to their species. Research your chosen species' diet, adult size, temperature and humidity needs before you buy. Most lizards need UVB lighting and a temperature gradient, with a warm basking end and a cooler end. How often they eat depends on species and age. Never house different species together, and choose a healthy, captive-bred animal.
Key considerations
- 01Every lizard species has different needs, so research yours before you buy.
- 02Most lizards need UVB lighting, and bulbs need replacing as the manufacturer recommends.
- 03Provide a temperature gradient, with a warm basking end and a cooler end.
- 04Never house different species together.
Lizards can make fascinating pets, but caring for one takes patience, attention to detail and some research. Different species have very different needs, so it's important to choose your species first and then learn exactly what it needs. If you have never kept a pet before, do plenty of reading before you commit.
Diet
How often a lizard needs feeding depends on its species and age; young lizards often eat daily, many adults less often.
What they eat varies too. Some species eat mainly insects, some mainly plants, and some a mix. Once you have chosen a species, find out its preferred diet, and ask a vet who treats reptiles if you are unsure.
Space
Before you buy, find out how big your lizard will be as an adult, not just as a youngster. Some species, such as iguanas, grow very large and need a lot of space to move around.
Heat, humidity and lighting
UVB lighting
Most lizards need UVB lighting to stay healthy. Use a bulb suitable for your species and replace it as often as the manufacturer recommends.
Heating
Lizards rely on their surroundings to stay warm. Most need a temperature gradient, with a warm basking end and a cooler end, so they can move between them. Use thermometers to check both ends.
Humidity
Some species need higher humidity than others. A hygrometer will help you measure the humidity in the enclosure so you can keep it at the right level.
Housing lizards together
Never house different species together. Many lizards are best kept alone, and males of the same species often fight. Research your species before deciding whether it can share an enclosure.
Handling and bonding
Some species, such as bearded dragons and leopard geckos, often tolerate gentle handling well; others are better observed than handled.
Too much handling can stress a lizard, and so can being left without any routine. Find out what suits your species, and watch your lizard every day so you notice any change in its behaviour or health. Regular check-ups with a vet who treats reptiles are a good idea.
Lizards can live for many years, so owning one is a long-term commitment.
Choosing a healthy lizard
Before you bring a lizard home:
- check that it is eating well
- look for injuries, cuts or anything else that looks wrong
- make sure it is captive-bred, not taken from the wild
You can browse reptiles available near you on Find a pet.
Before you decide
- Do you know how big your chosen species will grow as an adult?
- Can you provide the right heat, lighting and humidity all year round?
- Is there a vet near you who treats reptiles?
Questions readers ask
Do lizards need feeding every day?
It depends on the species and age. Young lizards often eat daily, while many adults eat less often. Check the needs of your chosen species.
Do pet lizards need UV light?
Most lizards need UVB lighting to stay healthy. Use a bulb suitable for your species and replace it as often as the manufacturer recommends, because output fades over time.
Can I keep two lizards together?
Never house different species together. Many lizards are best kept alone, and males of the same species often fight.
About this article
- Written by Mypetzilla Editorial Team
- Published
- Updated
This article is general pet advice, not veterinary or legal advice. If your pet is unwell, speak to a vet.