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Best lizard for handling?

T

tablespoons

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hey, i just had a question on what your guys opinion on the best lizards for handling. i have a few snakes but want to get a lizard or two but not exactly sure what. i want something that can be handled and can interact with but also possibly more on the unique side. some i was thinking about are the Chinese water dragons and a bearded dragon, but i want more opinions so what do you think? and where is a reliable source i can acquire one.
 
Bearded dragons by far but if you want something a little more unique a northern blue tongue skink is great.

I think there are a couple of reptile shows in MI. Not sure how close they are to GR (my Michigan geography is a bit rusty.)
 
If you have the space, I would suggest a tegu. You have to tame them down when you get them no matter how old they are, but when you have them for a while, they will act like puppies. However, you must do an INTENSE amount of research online before getting one because they have very specific care requirements and they do get to be up to 5 feet long and require very large housing. If you have any questions, I suggest you come join the Tegu Talk forum. Also the Tegu Community forum. They will be very helpful with everything you need and there is good info on these forums.
 
That's true. Unless you really get all your research done and actually interact with someone else's tegu. Some reptile shops should have them depending upon where you live
 
I vote no for a tegu, especially not for a first time lizard keeper. I've kept them for years and no matter what species of reptile you keep there's no guarantee that individual wont be difficult to work with. And a tegu can really tear you up with their claws and teeth, trust me haha! I don't mind having difficult ones, but not everyone is me. Many times extraordinarily tame lizards are in reality just stressed, obese or unhealthy. Not always the case but there are plenty of nice smaller lizards that would make great pets. Stay away from monitors, tegus, and iguanas for a first time (this is all my personal opinion).
 
We use Blue Tongue Skinks and Beardies in our programs. Pretty much bulletproof. Tegus and Monitors will tail whip sometimes, although tegus are great personality animals.
 
As far as lizards go, I have always liked Uromastyx.
My favs are any with bright colors (usually the males) like the Nigerian or Saharan, but I have had great experiences with Mali way back in my pet shop days. They have neat little faces and great personality.

PS, there is nothing wrong with Egyptian uros, really cool, just plain in the color dept.
 
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