Basic Lizard Care

When choosing a lizard, there are a couple things you can do to make sure that the lizard is healthy. You don't want to buy a lizard who is sick before you even get home.

• Look at the lizard's overall condition. Stay away from lizards that look too skinny or too bony. Also, watch for unusual swelling in their legs.
• Check out the skin. If the skin looks dull or wrinkled, there's a good chance the lizard is dehydrated. Make sure the skin does not have any bites or scratches on it, as this could lead to further problems later on. Also, be sure to check the lizard's stomach for burns.
• Check out the eyes. A lizard's eyes should be clear and clean. Avoid lizards with discharge or a crusted substance around the eye. This could be a sign of a serious illness.
• Check out the lizard's behavior. A lizard should be alert and responsive. Healthy lizards do not want to be caught, and may fight being held. Of course if the lizard is tame it may be easier to hold it, but the healthy lizard will be alert and aware of its surroundings.

Once you have chosen your lizard, it is important to create the right setting and new habitat for it. There are many factors to consider when creating the best setting for your lizard.

• Food. What you feed your lizard is probably one of the most important decisions to make for your lizard. Depending on the type of lizard you have, their diet may vary. Lizards may eat only plants, insects, other animal matter, or both plant and animal matter.
• Cage. Choosing the right cage for your lizard is important. The lizard should have plenty of room inside the cage. If you have more than one lizard, make sure you do not overcrowd the cage.
• Temperature. To keep your lizard healthy, the temperature of the cage is extremely important. Depending on what type of lizard you have, its temperature requirements differ from others. It is important to find out what temperature is best to keep your lizard healthy.
• Water and Humidity. Some lizards prefer a bowl of water in their cage, while others prefer to be misted frequently. The requirements for water and humidity for your lizard will depend on its species.
• Lighting. Choosing the right light for your lizard is very important as well. In the cage, there must be a warmer end and a cooler end. Most people use a basking light to light up the cage. Avoid putting the light inside the cage, the lizard will get burned if it comes in contact with it.