So I'm wanting a larger lizard that I can pick up regularly that is friendly, some sugestions I've gotten are a skink (blue tongue I believe?), Bearded Dragon, uro, and ackie (monitor). This will probably be my last reptile for awhile so I figured I'd get something larger that I can hold without it killing me. I'm 16 with a job and school (until summer) so that can take a lot out of the day sometimes.

Anyway, all 4 of these seem like pretty cool pets, I really like the look and color of the uros specifically, but I'm open to all opinions/suggestions

(I know research is a must, I just do not like to get into something too much because my mind will get set on it and it can be hard for me to want anything else. And I do not want to risk having something that I can't take care of!)

Well from what I know uros and ackies take up A LOT of room and need certain temperatures which might be hard considering you're 16 and don't have a lot of time on your hands. (I've got the same problem, I'll be turning 16 the end of this month). So even though bearded dragons and blue tongue skinks do need a large enclosure, it's a lot less than a uro or an ackie will need, plus Bearded Dragons and blue tongues are a lot more friendly and handleable. I'm in the same boat as you. I'm trying to convince my dad that a blue tongue is a good idea. lol Good luck with what ever your choice is.

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0.2.1 Leopard Geckos
0.1.0 Corn Snake
0.3.0 Green Frogs
0.0.1 Eastern Garter Snake

I'm 16 also. Actually I just picked up my pair of mali uros two days ago; I think they're great. I was also looking into some ackies, but my reptile store won't have them till August. I feel the uros' care is pretty simple once you have everything down, 3x2x2 for 1 adult, 4x2x2 would be good for a pair. 120-130 basking temp, 100 gradient, 85 cool side. Lots of hides, they like to burrow and such, so a couple of logs and some stones are perfect. Make your own burrows so you know they're safe and won't collapse. Recommended as herbivores, (maybe a cricket as a treat)leafy greens, collard greens, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, corn. The best part is no water! 0-10 percent humidity. But im definitely getting some ackies in august panther chameleons are fun also, but a lot of work.

I had a veiled years ago, but we gave him away because I was too young to be able to take care of him. Anyway, room shouldn't be a huge problem my basement is pretty big and I could maybe convince my dad to help me build something. Thanks guys! Any more suggestions would be great!

I wish I had a basement! My room is like a zoo lol. Uhm, the uros are pretty awesome, get a pair or trio and you'll love them. I haven't had any experience with ackies YET, but all I've heard is great things about them. If you're looking for larger lizards, ever think about an iguana? If space isn't an issue, then an iguana would be great. My friend has a 5 year old iguana, he's so nice, he's like a dog. Just a suggestion.

Well, if space isn't an issue, you could always look into a savanna monitor. They do get somewhat large, but they are awesome.

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"Nobody can do Everything, but Everybody can do Something."

Ya, I wish I had room. All I have is my room for now. If room isn't a problem, then the skies the limit, lol.

__________________
"Reality is wrong, Dreams are for real"
-Tupac Shakur

0.2.1 Leopard Geckos
0.1.0 Corn Snake
0.3.0 Green Frogs
0.0.1 Eastern Garter Snake

Uros only need as much room as the Bearded Dragons Blue Tongue Skink needs. Some other choices are plated lizards, Rankins dragons, and Chinese water dragons...although those will need a bit more room than you're ready for. Although most of their space goes up. The footprint (bottom measurement) can be the same as a 55 gal. aquarium and just build up.

Don't forget any of the gecko species. There are a lot of fun geckos very easy to handle and won't break the bank for setting up for. I highly recommend crested geckos, fat-tailed geckos and leopard geckos. Gotta give them a lot of credit. They're personable, fairly inexpensive to set up for, and with regular handling can be very easy to handle. My crested I fed by hand and being a leaping type of gecko I have endless amounts of fun letting him fling from one hand to another...

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I currently have a leopard gecko in a nice 36" tank which I'm going to make into a viv soon. I've heard a lot of good things about ackies and savanahs, but would they be the pet for me? I don't mind them being large and as long as they arn't going to kill me or my dog I'm fine with that, but how large of an enclosure would you actually be talking about for them? Are they difficult to care for?

i really don't know anything about moniters but I know savannahs need something atleast 8ft long, and ackies a little smaller

__________________
"Reality is wrong, Dreams are for real"
-Tupac Shakur

0.2.1 Leopard Geckos
0.1.0 Corn Snake
0.3.0 Green Frogs
0.0.1 Eastern Garter Snake