Any recommendations?

[Deano]

I've never kept a lizard, just snakes, so can you guys give me any recommedations for what to get as a first lizard?

I've moved my snakes to wooden viv's, so have a 3ft glass tank (36 x 12 x 15 LWH) spare. It has a well secured lid with a sliding glass top, and heat bulb all rigged up and ready to go. Back wall is covered with a desert background.

So are these suitable for lizards? I will, or course, do full research into any species recommended before purchasing one. Just want a goo dplace to start.

So what can I fit in here, full adult size, that is suitable for a lizard beginner experienced with snakes? In general, can you house lizards in pairs / groups, as I always intend to eventualy breed any animal I keep?

[BELIAL]

most people will either say leopard geckos or bearded dragons...personally i would go with leos but then i have never owned a beardie so i'm biased!

[welshgaz]

Glass tanks are sooo hard to heat correctly I find!

Lizard wise though get what you want to get! Don't get put off by the you must get a, b or c because you've not kept one before. As long as your willing to learn and put the effort in!

In a tank that size though I reckon you could get a decent colony of geckos! Leos, creasties, Gargoyle etc....

[BELIAL]

if geckos..make sure they are not arboreal before purchasing..things like cresties need a vertical orientated viv..

you could alternatively go for some skinks:

berbers
fire skinks
broad heads
occellated skinks

[bloodxonxyourxhands]

get a baby beardie - they are fantastic little creatures! adorable, and full of character.

or a few little leo's. i never used to like them, but totally fell in love with them after i got my first 4.

[emski]

I would say leopard geckos that is what i started with, but you have keept snakes so i would say your options are open! i have never keept a snake but i would assume they work along the same lines of lizards, referring to there temp etc.. I keep my leo in a clear seal tank, with a background, sounds a bit like the one you have. I keep my leos sepratly but they are very young so i am keeping my eye on them. Some people say you can keep them together and some say you cant. I personally think you can keep them together, as long as they are happy sharing their living quarters with each other and that no one is being bullied it should be fine. If you are planning on keeping 2 maybe you could see if you could get a pair that allready share the same tank. that way i guess they will be used to each..

Dont know if i have been much help,

[welshgaz]

Originally Posted by BELIAL

if geckos..make sure they are not arboreal before purchasing..things like cresties need a vertical orientated viv..

You reckon? *here we go again lol

I think because of the length of the viv you would get away with 3-4 creasties no problems... Yes they are arboreal but there is plenty of space up top to roam around if set up right???

[crosby]

Depends on what your looking for out of have a lizard. I have Leos and a Beardie, you'll have more one on one interaction during the day with a Beardie were as the leos are nocturnal and will take a lot more time and patiance from you to enable you to handle them.

Also think about how often your around during the day or even do you have to travel due to a job or similar, this may affect which rep is best for you.

[BELIAL]

Originally Posted by welshgaz

You reckon? *here we go again lol

I think because of the length of the viv you would get away with 3-4 creasties no problems... Yes they are arboreal but there is plenty of space up top to roam around if set up right???

oh dear!! yeah i reckon! personal opinion but 15" is not tall enough for cresties...the tank is more suited to something that likes to spend more time on the ground when active..would wanna give 24" to cresties. 9" can make a lot of difference!! lol

[welshgaz]

Originally Posted by BELIAL

9" can make a lot of difference!! lol

I don't believe you!

Given its length I do think you can put enough trees, branches and vines in there to keep a creastie more than happy.... There heating requirements are no problem either. In fact my rooms are to warm! lol