Big Lizards As Pets: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
For reptile enthusiasts looking beyond the common small lizard species, big lizards offer a rewarding, albeit more demanding, pet ownership experience. These magnificent creatures combine impressive size with complex behaviors, making them fascinating companions for the right owner. However, keeping large lizards requires careful consideration of space requirements, specialized care needs, and long-term commitment. This article explores the world of big lizard pets, highlighting popular species, their care requirements, and important factors to consider before bringing one home.
Popular Big Lizard Species for Pets
Argentine Black and White Tegus
Argentine Black and White Tegus have earned a reputation as the “dogs of the reptile world” due to their remarkable intelligence and capacity for bonding with their owners. These South American natives can reach 3-4 feet in length and live 15-20 years with proper care. Tegus are known for:
– High intelligence and ability to recognize their owners
– Relatively docile temperament when properly socialized
– Omnivorous diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and protein sources
– Need for spacious enclosures with temperature gradients and basking spots
Many tegu owners report their pets seeking interaction and even enjoying gentle handling, making them one of the most rewarding large lizards for those willing to invest time in socialization.
Savannah Monitors
Savannah Monitors (Varanus exanthematicus) are often recommended as a first monitor lizard for experienced reptile keepers. Native to Africa, these powerful lizards typically grow to 3-4 feet and can live 12-15 years. Key characteristics include:
– Stocky build with powerful limbs and claws
– Carnivorous diet consisting primarily of insects, small rodents, and eggs
– Territorial nature that requires consistent handling for taming
– Need for very large enclosures with deep substrate for burrowing
While not as naturally inclined to bond with humans as tegus, Savannah monitors can become quite tame with regular, gentle handling from a young age.
Bearded Dragons
Though smaller than many lizards on this list (reaching 18-24 inches), bearded dragons deserve mention as they’re often considered the perfect “gateway” to larger lizard keeping. Their manageable size combined with friendly disposition makes them ideal for beginners. They feature:
– Docile, outgoing personalities
– Omnivorous diet
– Reasonable space requirements (minimum 4x2x2 foot enclosure for adults)
– 8-12 year lifespan with proper care
Bearded dragons’ popularity stems from their expressive behaviors and relatively straightforward care requirements compared to larger species.
Water Monitors
For experienced keepers seeking a truly impressive lizard, Water Monitors (Varanus salvator) offer an extraordinary but demanding option. These Southeast Asian giants can exceed 6 feet in length and live 15-20+ years. They require:
– Massive custom enclosures with swimming areas
– Carnivorous diet of whole prey items
– Significant financial investment for proper housing and care
– Experienced handling techniques due to their size and strength
Water monitors are highly intelligent but represent a serious commitment in terms of space, resources, and keeper experience.
Nile Monitors
The Nile Monitor stands as the largest African lizard, potentially reaching 5 feet in length and weighing up to 45 pounds. These powerful predators are not recommended for beginners due to:
– Naturally aggressive temperament that’s difficult to tame
– Extremely large enclosure requirements
– Powerful bite and sharp claws
– Carnivorous diet and high metabolism
While impressive, Nile monitors are generally considered better suited for zoos and extremely experienced private keepers with appropriate facilities.
Essential Considerations Before Getting a Big Lizard
Space Requirements
Perhaps the most significant challenge of keeping large lizards is providing adequate space. Most big lizard species require custom-built enclosures that may take up an entire room. For example:
– Adult tegus need minimum enclosures of 8’x4’x4′
– Monitor lizards may require 10’x6’x6′ or larger
– Proper enclosures must include temperature gradients, UVB lighting, basking spots, and often water features
Before committing to a large lizard, honestly assess whether you have the physical space and resources to provide appropriate housing for the animal’s entire lifespan.
Financial Commitment
The cost of keeping big lizards extends far beyond the initial purchase price. Ongoing expenses include:
– Custom enclosures ($500-$2,000+)
– Specialized lighting and heating equipment
– High food costs (large monitors can consume significant amounts of protein)
– Veterinary care from exotic animal specialists
– Electricity costs for maintaining proper temperatures
Prospective owners should budget for both setup costs and ongoing maintenance before bringing home a large lizard.
Time Investment
Large lizards require significant time commitment for:
– Daily feeding and enclosure maintenance
– Regular socialization and handling
– Environmental monitoring
– Enrichment activities
Unlike some pets that can be left alone for extended periods, big lizards need consistent care and attention to thrive.
Longevity
Many large lizard species live 15-20+ years with proper care. This represents a long-term commitment comparable to having a dog or cat, but with more specialized care requirements throughout the animal’s life.
Choosing the Right Big Lizard for You
When selecting a large lizard species, consider:
1. Your experience level with reptiles (beginners should start with more forgiving species like bearded dragons)
2. Available space in your home
3. Local laws and regulations regarding exotic pet ownership
4. Your lifestyle and ability to provide daily care
5. Access to exotic veterinary care in your area
For those new to large lizards but determined to keep one, the Argentine Black and White Tegu often represents the best balance of impressive size, intelligence, and manageable temperament.
Conclusion
Big lizards can make fascinating, rewarding pets for the right owners. Their intelligence, unique behaviors, and impressive presence make them unlike any other pet experience. However, they require significant commitments of space, time, and resources that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Before bringing home a large lizard, thoroughly research specific species requirements, connect with experienced keepers, and honestly assess your ability to provide appropriate care for the animal’s entire life. With proper preparation and commitment, the relationship between keeper and large lizard can be extraordinarily rewarding for both.