Does Anyone Keep "lizards"?

[pixie373]

My son (nearly 10) has wanted lizards for about 5 years now. I've always said no, because I've never had them and know nothing about looking after them properly and obviously, it'll be my responsibility overall. Are they friendly/easy to look after etc? I've told him no again today, but thought I'd ask here for advice and maybe have a think...
Can anyone advise please?

[divegirl]

Leopard Geckos are said to be an easy starter lizard to keep.

http://www.leopardgecko.co.uk/

Lisa x

[pixie373]

Thanks Lisa,I'll have a look at that first x

[ganesh]

I love lizards and I'm crazy about them. I would never have one though. I have 2 cats, both hunters and I wouldn't rate it's chances. Also I don't like caged animals and I don't think it's fair-they need to be scampering around free in hot countries. Try the 'cruelty' angle on your son and he may change his mind. I also think he's a bit young for the responsibility.

[pixie373]

Yes, i see your point. He is too young to be entirely responsible, definitely. I would need to make sure i know what I'm taking on and let him help. Thanks for reply.

[divegirl]

The majority of lizards and snakes kept as pets in the UK are captive bred. As such IMO as long as you keep them in a good environment I don't see an issue.

A friend of mines son [age 8] wanted a lizard and so she got him a Leopard Gek, they are easy to look after and he [the lizard] is still going strong 8 years later.

Pixie, do you have a reptile shop anywhere near you, take your son down there and talk to the guys in there, they'll be able to talk you through it all.

Lisa x

ps you do know they eat live food don't you lol

[pixie373]

Gulp. I will see if i can find a reptile shop. That's a very good idea. I know of a few petshops, but haven't even looked to see if they have reptiles there yet! This might be a really stupid question, but how about heating/lights?

[snags]

''The oldest leopard gecko in captivity is recorded at around 39 years old''

Are you prepared for that pixie ;-p

Don't worry, your son will lose it somewhere in the house after a day or two...

[tamborine]

Say no as he will be contributing to keeping exotics caught & caged. Lock son in bedroom for a week so he can experience being caged.

[divegirl]

Whereabouts are you Pixie?

Lisa x

[josaphine32]

Yeah but gecho are lizards wake at night, I used to keep bearded dragons, some things to be aware of, you must have a good set up with a good thermostate and a heat lamp that has a cage around it and most important that you have the right lighting and it is on at least 12 hours a day, crickets are there main food they need feeding so you will need to keep them well fed and happy as well as contained, they need to be dosed in calcium supplement before feeding, veg should be available but not to much soft veg as they get mouth rot or compacted pallette, if you get a male and female you may get eggs, would you be set up if you had a power cut? Take it from me lizards are cheapish to buy but the expence of the set up, food and supplements and chippings climbing frame are expensive, along with the sand heating bill it cost me around 60 quid a month for george and zippy,

[pixie373]

Sorry, been at work...
lol, snags. That's worryingly accurate...
If (big if) we get one, i will make sure i know exactly what they need first. It does worry me a bit having a caged pet (other than my son). I can't work out if it's cruel, or because they are "domesticated" , it is a fair way of keeping them. I assume the more time it could spend out of it's cage , the better anyway. Is a bit of a moral dilemma!
I am in South Bucks, Lisa near-ish High Wycombe.
Thanks for all replies. X

[snags]

''near-ish High Wycombe''

Plenty of Ike-esque lizard people there. Just invite some round for tea until your son moves on to some other creature.

[pixie373]

I did think he would move on to some other creature, snags. But it's been 5 years now. He says he might compromise and get a turtle.. But i think that would be even more complicated!

[JustJenni]

usually pets at home keep lizards and other exotic pets, the staff have a really good knowledge of the animals maybe its worth taking a trip over there and getting them to walk you through some of the animals they have and how to look after them?

[pixie373]

We do have a Pets at Home near us. I think i will go in and get some advice and ideas. X

[josaphine32]

Pixie I know you are near me, try the northampton reptile center, the man who owned it is called matt, it is not that far, and he is an expert https://www.google.co.uk/search?safe=images&source=android-browser-suggest&client=tablet-android-samsung&redir_esc=&q=northampton%20reptile%20centre&;hl=en-GB&qsubts=1374088928556

[josaphine32]

Sorry daughter did the link, I cant do it on a tablet, he really is good, but also has an amazing reptile center where you can see and get knowledge at the same time, one of his shop is reptiles the next shop he had was parrots and birds, he really knows his exotics, I keep ferrets wich are an exotic, something else you need to find out is where your nearest exotic vet is, we drive 45 miles to chipping norton vets, normal vets do not have a clue and then ring around for help from exotic vets,

[pixie373]

...vets...that's a very good point, josaphine. I would have thought the vet we're already registered with, but i suppose reptiles are quite specialised. I will look at that link. Thank you (and your daughter) x