Leopard Gecko, Bearded Dragons and Water Dragons

As a reptile lover, and a reptile hobbyist I have done more then my share of research, searching for the perfect reptile companion. I find it interesting how little knowledge of reptiles most pet store employees have, yet there always eager to sell you one. I have found that www.kingsnake.com is a great source for information, along with Petco care sheets. Through my research, personal experience, and knowledge I have listed the 3 most common pet store bought, and easily found lizards, and geckos. Each reptile has a brief description that will help you decide which on is right for you.

Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos are one of my favorite geckos. These little guys grow to 8" - 9" long, and can live up to 20 + years. Leopard geckos are nocturnal, and are easily stressed. Most leopard geckos prefer not to be held, though some will sit still on your hand and let you pet them. Being that leopard geckos are nocturnal they are not active during the day, and prefer to be left alone. Their diet mainly consist of mealworms, and crickets. Leopard geckos poop in the same spot, which makes clean up easy. They drink from a shallow dish of water, which you will need to refresh daily. Males are very territorial and must not be housed with other males. House 1 leopard gecko in a 10 gallon tank, 2 in a 20 gallon tank, and 3 in a 30 gallon tank. Do not go larger then a 30 gallon tank, as they don't like to much space either. Your gecko will also need a moist hide for shedding, and a under tank heater for warmth. Leopard geckos are happy living alone, and do not need a tank mate.

AVERAGE LEOPARD GECKO SET UP COST $150.00

Bearded Dragons

If your looking for a daytime playful lizard then bearded dragons are the way to go. Bearded dragons have a very gentle disposition by nature. They don't seem to mind interacting with humans, and are somewhat sociable. You must spend time with your bearded dragon if you want to tame him, but it can be done. I tamed mine within two weeks, and he was an adult when I got him. Bearded dragons need lots of room, the bigger the better! A baby can be housed in a 10 gallon tank, but you will need to increase the size quickly. By the age of 1 month he should have a 20 gallon tank, and by 4 months a 40 gallon tank to live in. Bearded dragons love to dig, climb, jump, and run. Your bearded dragon will grow to be 15" - 24" in length in less then a year. Bearded dragons eat crickets, roaches, veggies, worms, and more. You will need to provide your bearded dragon with a basking spot on one end of the cage that stays between 90 - 105 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Not all bearded dragons will drink from a dish, so be prepared to mist him daily.

AVERAGE BEARDED DRAGON SET UP COST $150 - $200

Water Dragons

Water dragons are super cool to watch, but they can be a disappointment if you don't know what your getting into. Water dragons are not social creatures by nature. In fact they are easily frightened, and are quicker to bite then some reptiles. Being that the water dragon is semi aquatic they need a large tank, with a larger bowl for bathing in. Their water must be changed daily if not twice a day due to their tendency to relieve themselves in their water. One end of their tank will require a basking area of 100 degrees while the other end will need to stay around 70 degrees. Water dragons require a high humidity level of 60% to 80% at all times. If your water dragon is taken care of it can live up to 15 years. Your water dragon will eat crickets, mealworms, and even feeder fish.

AVERAGE WATER DRAGON SET UP COST $200 - $300

Hopefully you have found this information helpful. The prices listed are to be used as a guideline to help make you aware of additional cost. Do not always trust pet store employees. Be sure to research the reptile your planning to buy before you bring it home. Doing a small amount of research will allow you to find the perfect reptile for your family.