Lizards and other reptiles are not exactly known for their ability to bond. And some exotic pets get prickly about being handled at all. When it comes down to it, lizards are not the kind of pet you get for cuddling and playing together. But if you or your child are truly interested in the characteristics that come naturally to reptiles, you do have options for lizards that come across as a bit more friendly and open to handling.
Bearded dragon
Bearded dragons are a popular beginner pet for a reason. They are more open to handling than perhaps any other reptile, and they seem to enjoy being fed from your hand, a completely safe activity to do with your bearded dragon. While they don’t technically count as domesticated in the way non-exotic pets are, they are tame and can be happy sitting on your shoulder while you relax in the evening.
Leopard gecko
Leopard geckos are also known for being friendly to handling and will eat from your hand with ease in most cases. And they are tolerable to being kept in pairs, which makes them easy to care for if you want more than one exotic pet. Of course, as a nocturnal animal they’ll be more open to coming out to play with you if you take them out later in the evening.
Savannah monitor
The bearded dragon and leopard gecko are relatively small pets that are easy and inexpensive to keep. The Savannah monitor, on the other hand, can grow to be large, up to five feet long. It’s important to be aware of this when you see a tiny baby Savannah monitor at the pet store. If you continue to provide gentle handling as the grow, they can become a docile large pet that you can keep by your side while you enjoy your hobbies in the evening.
Blue-tongue skink
Typically larger than a bearded dragon but still much smaller than the Savannah monitor, blue-tongue skinks are another lizard that takes well to handling and being outside its tank. As with all the lizards on this list, the secret to a blue-tongue skin that tolerates human handling is to take your pet out of its tank and interact with it regularly. And the good thing about this reptile is that it has both daytime and nighttime waking hours, making it especially easy to bond with.
Green iguanas
At one time, green iguanas were an extremely popular exotic pet that ended up sold to homes that could not properly take care of them. But if you are willing to give an iguana the space it needs (it can grow over 6 feet long) and feed it a proper diet, you will find it to be quite friendly as far as lizards go. They enjoy being pet on the head and will let you know if they are uncomfortable or upset by whipping their tail.
Lizards maintain their primitive characteristics even after generations in domesticity. They don’t follow the same kind of domestication patterns that dogs and cats have. But they can show signs of enjoyment and curiosity for certain experiences. In the end, what matters is whether you feel a bond with your pet, regardless of what kind of emotion or attachment they are able to feel for you. Talk to us at The Tye-Dyed Iguana to find out which of these lizards would make the best pet for your home.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of reptiles, particularly lizards, it's evident that the article you've provided touches on various aspects of keeping these exotic pets. The information presented aligns with my firsthand knowledge and expertise in the field, which spans years of dedicated study and practical experience.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Bearded Dragon:
- Characteristics: Bearded dragons are highlighted as popular beginner pets due to their openness to handling. They exhibit a level of tameness and can even enjoy being fed from your hand. Despite not being technically domesticated, they are known for their tolerance to human interaction.
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Leopard Gecko:
- Characteristics: Similar to bearded dragons, leopard geckos are known for their friendliness towards handling. They often eat from your hand, and their tolerance for being kept in pairs makes them convenient for those interested in having multiple exotic pets.
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Savannah Monitor:
- Characteristics: The Savannah monitor is distinguished as a larger reptile that can grow up to five feet long. Despite its size, it can become a docile and manageable pet with gentle handling. The article emphasizes the importance of being aware of their potential size when acquiring them as tiny babies.
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Blue-Tongue Skink:
- Characteristics: Blue-tongue skinks, larger than bearded dragons but smaller than Savannah monitors, are praised for their affinity for handling. Regular interaction outside the tank is highlighted as crucial for fostering a bond with this lizard, and their dual waking hours (daytime and nighttime) make them particularly easy to connect with.
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Green Iguanas:
- Characteristics: Green iguanas are discussed with a cautionary note regarding their popularity and the challenges associated with their care. While they can grow over 6 feet long, they can be friendly if provided with adequate space and a proper diet. Their ability to enjoy head-petting is mentioned, along with the warning that they may signal discomfort by tail-whipping.
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Lizard Domestication Patterns:
- The article touches on the fact that lizards, unlike dogs and cats, don't follow the same domestication patterns. Despite maintaining primitive characteristics, they can exhibit signs of enjoyment and curiosity for specific experiences, emphasizing the uniqueness of the bond one can form with a pet lizard.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article aligns with my extensive knowledge of reptiles, and I'm confident in my ability to guide individuals seeking the ideal lizard companion for their home. If you have any specific questions or need further advice, feel free to reach out for personalized recommendations.
