When you think of lizards, you probably don’t think of them as being friendly. After all, they’re often deemed as cold-blooded, scaly creatures that tend to slither around and scare people. But did you know that some lizards are actually quite friendly?
There are definitely friendlier lizards depending on where you live; some might be more friendly or affectionate than others.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at what we believe are the friendliest lizards in the world. We’ll give you an overview of each species’ behavior and habits so that when you’re out to get them as your pet, you can make the right decision.
7 Friendliest Lizard Pets
If you’re new to the world of exotic pets, a lizard may be a great place to start. Lizards are relatively low-maintenance compared to other exotic pets like parrots.
If you’re thinking about getting a lizard for the first time, here are some excellent choices to start with.
1. Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are one of the friendliest lizard pets. They are curious and like to explore their environment.
Bearded dragons love to climb, which makes them a good choice for owners who don’t want their lizards to be confined to a cage.
They can also be trained to eat fruits and veggies, so they don’t have to be fed live insects, which may not be appropriate if you have children at home.
According to a study, these lizards can socialize well, so they can be trained easily.
And as per National Geographic, bearded dragons are native to Australia, where they live in arid areas. They’re also called frill-necked lizards because of their long, frilly-neck scales.
Their bodies are covered with spiny scales, which make them look like miniature T-rexes. Bearded dragons can grow up to 24 inches long and weigh about 2 pounds.
Males tend to be larger than females and have longer spikes on their necks and tails.
2. Black and White Tegu
The Black and White Tegu is a large, omnivorous lizard native to South America. They can grow up to 24 inches long and have a life expectancy of 25 years.
Due to their size and temperament, it’s recommended that these animals only be kept by experienced reptile owners.
The Black and White Tegu is an excellent pet for people looking for a more exciting pet than the average green iguana or tortoise.
These lizards are very intelligent, active, and curious creatures that can be trained to do tricks like sit or jump through hoops.
They also make good companions because they’re very social and enjoy interacting with humans.
Black and whites can be kept in groups of two or three, but only if you have enough space.
These lizards require a lot of space, so ensure you have plenty of room before purchasing one from your local pet store or breeder.
3. Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos are perhaps the most popular pet lizards. They are incredibly docile and easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for people who live in apartments or homes without yards.
These little guys are also straightforward to handle and tame down quickly.
Leopard geckos come in various colors, patterns, and mutations. These lizards do not require special lighting or temperatures, but need a hiding place to feel secure.
Leopard geckos are nocturnal, so they sleep during the day and are active at night. They eat insects such as crickets and mealworms, which can be purchased at most pet stores or online.
4. Chinese Water Dragon
The Chinese water dragon is one of the most popular pet lizards in the world. They are social and laid-back and make great companions for people who want a more interactive pet than a snake or turtle.
They measure 2 to 3 feet long, but they can live up to 10 years in captivity. Like most reptiles, they require special lighting and temperature conditions to thrive.
The Chinese water dragon also requires special nutrients in their diet that owners must supplement with fresh fruits and vegetables as well as live insects such as crickets and mealworms.
These lizards aren’t ideal for first-time reptile owners because they can be challenging to tame, but they will be very affectionate toward their owners once tamed.
5. Blue-Tongued Skink
The blue-tongued skink is a small lizard that’s native to Australia. They can grow to be about 8 inches long and are easy to care for.
They’re very active during the daytime, which makes them good pets for people who work during the day.
They are known for their bright blue tongue, which they use as both a defense mechanism and a way to hunt for food.
This lizard makes an excellent first pet for kids because it’s so easy to care for and interact with.
6. Corn Snake
Corn snakes are one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. They come in many different colors and patterns, making them attractive pets.
In addition to being beautiful animals, corn snakes are also very easy to take care of.
Corn snakes don’t need much space or special equipment, making them ideal pets for people who live in apartments or other small living spaces.
Corn snakes eat rodents regularly, so be sure that if you have one as a pet, you’re prepared to feed it regularly!
7. Uromastyx
Uromastyx are commonly called spiny tail lizards. They can be found in the wild in Africa, southwest Asia, and northern parts of the Middle East.
These reptiles are very popular as pets and come in various colors and patterns, including green, red, orange, black, and white.
The Uro is a very social lizard that enjoys being handled by its owner. They can also be taught to recognize their name and respond to it.
The Uro’s tail is prehensile, which means it can grasp things with it, such as branches or even your finger.
Uromastyx lizards are very hardy animals that require little care other than proper lighting and temperature control.
They should have access to both UVB light and heat basking areas if they are housed indoors during the warmer months of the year.
If your Uro is going to be housed outdoors, it should have access to a warm area like an outdoor shed or garage where it can bask in sunlight throughout the day.
How to Choose the Right Lizard Pet?
If you’re considering getting a lizard as a pet, there are many things to consider.
Some lizards are more suited to people with little experience, while others require a more experienced owner who has the time and patience to care for them.
Before you choose which species of lizard is suitable for you, here are some tips to help you find the perfect new pet:
Determine What Kind of Lizard You Want
Your first step is to determine what type of lizard you want.
Lizards are separated into two main groups: geckos and skinks. Geckos have sticky feet, while skinks have dry, smooth skin.
Geckos also have a pair of movable eyelids that protect their eyes from dust and debris, while skinks do not. Both types of lizards make great pets.
Geckos are less active than skinks, so they don’t require as much attention as other lizards. However, they can be shyer than skinks and may take longer to warm up to new owners.
Skinks tend to be more energetic than geckos and often require more training to keep them from biting or scratching their owners too hard during handling sessions.
Check Local Laws
Now that you’ve decided what kind of lizard you want, check your local laws. Some states and cities restrict who can own lizards or what kind of lizards they can own (for example, only certain species).
Check with your local government to make sure that you’re allowed to have one.
Consider Size
Lizards come in all different sizes, from tiny geckos to large iguanas. If you’re thinking about getting a large reptile like an iguana or monitor lizard, ensure you have enough space and supplies for your new pet.
Activity Level
Some lizards are very active during the day, while others are nocturnal (active at night).
If you have children at home or other pets that may be afraid of your new pet, it may be better to get an active daytime lizard like a bearded dragon instead of one that’s nocturnal like an anole.
Handling
Many lizards do not enjoy being held, especially by people they don’t know well.
Other species, like bearded dragons and iguanas, are very social animals who enjoy human interaction.
If you plan on handling your lizard often, make sure it’s not just going to sit on a shelf all day long.
Choose a Healthy Pet
It is essential to purchase a healthy lizard from a reputable breeder or store that will guarantee it has been properly cared for and is free from parasites or disease.
If possible, ask if the animal has been quarantined after being shipped to minimize the risk of spreading any infections or diseases it may have picked up during transit.
Can Lizards Be Good Pets?
Lizards can be great pets, but they do have some special needs. Most lizards are not very social and prefer to be left alone.
They are also very active, so they need large enclosures with lots of climbing space and branches.
Some lizards can be kept in small enclosures as long as they are given plenty of exercise time outside the cage. If you want to keep several pet lizards, you will need an even larger enclosure.
If you have the space and time to spend with your pet lizard, they can make great additions to your family.
Closing Thoughts
So that’s it, folks! These are all the friendliest lizards. These lizards are friendly and affectionate and can also be taught to perform simple tricks like walking on a leash or coming when called.
They are also incredibly intelligent and can be trained to recognize their owners.
These lizards are an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reptile that is easy to care for, friendly and affectionate with people, and can be taught to perform simple tricks.
