What would you recommend as a good beginner lizard for someone who has never kept one before?

At first, I thought about anoles, but I've read that they don't like to be handled and that they are extremely fast moving so that kind of knocked them out of the running.

I also thought about an iguana, but their adult size would be difficult to handle. I priced some very large cages and they were pretty expensive unless you can build your own. So that knocked this lizard off my list.

Currently I'm leaning toward a leopard gecko and trying to learn more about them.

But I'd like to hear some opinions from experienced herp owners.

I would recommend Leopard Gecko as well. Iguana's are definitely not a beginner lizard

__________________
Ken
"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." -- Ronald Reagan

I've kept Anoles, Leopard Geckos, Crested Geckos, Bearded Dragons and Iguanas.... Here's my opinion:

My vote goes to Bearded Dragons first and Cresteds second.

Bearded Dragons are just all around terrific lizards. Not fast moving, prefer to just hang around on you. Moderate care requirements for lighting and heat, and a smaller sized cage (than Iguanas).

Crested are great too, though nocturnal, they like to jump alot, but care is easy and feeding is simple. Enclosures are small and you can really decorate them nicely.

Leopards are nocturnal and rather boring in my book. Though pleasant and easy to care for, you need to handle them during the night time when they are awake. YAWN.

Anoles are difficult to care for, VERY flighty and not very nice to handle. More of a look-at lizard.

Iguanas are difficult, can be aggressive, need strict care, grow very large and have strict husbandry requirements. Though owning a "dinosaur" is one of the greatest pleasures in my life; I was lucky and able to socialize Rex well. A lot of people end up with hissy. bitey, whippy monsters that end up dumped or sent to rescue centers.

So, go for a Bearded Dragon, they are wonderful pets!

__________________
Regards,
Dominick
_____________________________________________
"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann

Beside Leopard Geckos, there are also bearded dragons but they require more than Leopard Geckos specially more space and more money to set up.
For begginers that want to handle their pet, these are the best choices. Both are desert species, docile, resilient and with lots of character.

Next on the list, I would consider African Fat Tail geckos which are another nice species similar to Leopard Geckos but they require a higher level of humidity, so I wouldn't recommend them as first pet.

I've placed a similar question when I got here and since then other have done the same, search the forum for "beginner species".

__________________
Wish list: Blue Tongue Skinks and Uruplatus =)

I would have to go with the bearded dragon also. Docile, easy to handle, etc. Leopard gecko would be next, easty to care for, doesnt need a whole lot of space, just need to get is used to being handled. All of the above info is great advice.

__________________
MARSHA
A man without a woman is a bachelor, A woman without a man is a genius!.

We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart!

I'd go with a Bearded Dragon or a leo also....stay far far away from an iguana unless you have nothing better to do than devote your life to what could possibly be a little green monster (and in time a 6ft monster) also you must have pretty deep pockets to keep them happy (let me tell you, I've got 3, soon to be 2 because we can't afford to upgrade housing for our smallest).....also, don;t make the mistake that my parents made for me......they bought me a tokay gecko.....i pitty anyone who buys one thinking that they are just scared and they will tame down!

__________________

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

~Lacey~

My Photos

I've never considered a Bearded Dragon so I'm going to have to read up on those to learn more. If I do decide to get one, is it better to get a juvenile or an adult? Any negatives to one sex over another? Do pet store dragons tend to be somewhat aggressive or is it just their nature to be docile?

Juvenile or adults doesn't seem to matter, they are so very docile at any age.

I got mine as an adult from a reptile rescue organization. I STRONGLY suggest you check out local rescue orgs and see if you can give an abandoned one a good home, first.

Be careful of pet store Bearded Dragons, many are simply too young to be sold off and perish quickly. If purchasing, I would be more inclined to get one from a reputable breeder.

Good luck in your quest for a new pet!

__________________
Regards,
Dominick
_____________________________________________
"Do you watch too much television? Did you do so as a toddler? Evidence tonight that it could be the cause of learning disorders, like attention deficit and hyperact-Ooooh, a kitty!" - Keith Olbermann

Peace, here is a great caresheet to get started on your research. Males and females are both the same as far as being docile. As Dom said, check out your local rescues for one that needs lots of love.

Bearded Dragon Care: http://www.hcdragons.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2

__________________
MARSHA
A man without a woman is a bachelor, A woman without a man is a genius!.

We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart!

I definately will tell you iguanas are NOT a beginners lizard! They are a handful!
I would go with bearded dragons. Calm personable, and easy to care fore. And they are active during the day. They tend to just sit aroud with you as opposed to the "mad dash for freedom" that many other lizards will do. I have considered Leopard Geckos myself but their nocturnal nature has put me off as I am not much of a night owl.

__________________
Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!