When thinking about keeping a pet lizard, consider how much money, time, and patience you can commit. Not only will you have to provide a home for your lizard, but you’ll also need to purchase various accessories, such as food and bedding.
Here are some ways to save money while caring for your pet. The following are some of the most common expenses associated with owning a pet lizard.
Choosing a pet lizard
Choosing a pet lizard can be an expensive endeavor, but it is a worthwhile investment in your home, and there are a number of factors to consider. Reptiles are long-lived and require careful care.
Although some are inexpensive and easy to care for, you should still take the time to research the species you’re considering. Lizards vary widely in size, so you may need to upgrade their cage at some point in time.
The first consideration in determining the cost of a lizard is its kind. Some people want the rarest species, while others may prefer a species they’ve always admired. The kind of lizard you choose will determine how much it costs, as well as its size and life span.
Keep in mind your experience level, as well as your budget before making a decision. A general guideline is to select a species that is readily available and isn’t too large for your space.
Keeping a lizard in captivity
Depending on the type of lizard you decide to buy, the cost of keeping a pet lizard can range anywhere from $50 to $400. A crested gecko can cost $200 or more, while an Argentine black and white tegu costs $180 or less.
You’ll also need a suitable habitat for your new pet, which can be anything from a heated rock to a lighting system that includes UVA and UVB lights. Be sure to estimate the resulting electric bill when buying a new pet lizard.
Reptiles need specialized care, and feeding a Flying Gecko costs as much as $16 per mealworm. A six-foot-long Water Monitor will require a room-sized cage with UVB bulbs and powerful heat lamps.
In addition to these food costs, lizards also need calcium and other supplements. You should also visit a veterinarian regularly to check their health, as even hardy species can suffer from illness.
Feeding a lizard
Owning a pet lizard is an incredible experience, but it comes with some associated costs. Feeding a lizard costs around $75 a month, which includes $40 for feeding, $30 for electricity, and $5 for substrate replacement.
The cost of vet visits can easily reach several hundred dollars, so you’ll have to account for this extra expense as well. However, if you’re willing to put in the time, you can save yourself a lot of money by feeding your pet a healthy diet.
Food for your lizard depends on the species and type. Geckos eat crickets, while bearded dragons require a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Mealworms can cost as much as $16 per pack and can last up to three months.
Iguanas, on the other hand, have specific dietary requirements, and their diet consists of mostly fresh vegetables, which costs $3 per day or $90 per month. Be aware that not all live foods are healthy for lizards, and some may even carry salmonella.
Always clean your hands before handling lizards, especially when caring for them.
Veterinary costs of keeping a lizard
Owning a pet lizard is one of the most exciting experiences you can have as a pet owner, but it requires constant vigilance. It is impossible to go days without checking on the lizard’s environment.
Lizards are notoriously difficult to diagnose and often difficult to cure. These pets are difficult to spot early signs of illness, so regular monitoring and careful husbandry are essential.
A lizard can range in cost from just over $40 to over $150. They require a habitat that mimics their natural environment, which can be as simple as a heated rock. Larger species, however, require more elaborate setups, which can run several hundred dollars.
While purchasing a lizard from a pet store can be cheap, it is essential to consider the additional expenses of its care.
