First lizard

[LORI34205]

My little brother is mad at em because i dont want him messing with my monitor or my iguana or my bird,or my dog.So my parents decided to let him get a lizard too,he is 10 years old and pretty responsible for being that young,im wondering what peoples opinions are on a first for him.Caging is no prob, probly nuthin that will grow over 3 ft,somewhat simple cage setup not too hard to maintain and the initial cost should be under 100.00(american money)
tks:)

[LISA127]

Leopard gecko or for a larger lizard, a blue tongued skink. Very good lizard for kids. You can find a baby blue tongue for under 100 (captive bred), but then u need to supply the housing. If money is an issue, go with the leo. Like I said, u can find a baby bt for under 100, but it's gonna be close. Somewhere between 75-100. Research both, see what he likes. Both are easy to care for.

[Serpent-King]

This is a no brainer, an anole.

[LORI34205]

anoles? tell me about them

[LISA127]

an anole? why an anole?

[alan]

Definately a Leo. There are many morphs to choose from so he can pick the one that he likes. The best part is that they don't mind being handled which should be pretty important for a 10 yr old. Caging can be really simple and inexpensive too.

[stkkts]

what about a bearded dragon? they seem to be popular in pet stores.

[drewlowe]

Leos are a good first pet you can find normal babies for around 25 a piece or color morphs for more. Setups can be pretty simple also.

Beardies are a good choice also but they are a little more expensive for a normal one usually runs around 40+ but housing can be more expensive cause as an adult they need around a 55 gal. cage and they require uv bulbs.

Anole's could be a good pet but i don't belive they live over a few years. I don't know much about anoles though

if he likes snakes a corn snake would be a good beginner.

[leolover]

id definately go with the leo, but if you want, go with the bearded
dragon, they're supposed to be easy pets.

[Mr. Gray]

I know that anoles are very skitterish and will bolt at the chance. Cleaning the cage would be difficult.

[Tim and Julie B]

Corn snake, ball python, leopard gecko(should probably buy an adult), bearded dragon(needs UV light, this is a must). Let him do some research through Yahoo or another search engine and have him pic what he feels is easiest and the most interesting to him. The advantage is that he has you to help him!

[Conas]

for a 10 year old i think you need to keep a few things in mind

1) Hardiness - the pet will be handled a lot so you don't need something that stresses out everytime you open the cage
2) Tameness (?) - If a 10 year old picks up an animal and it bites him, the kid will not doubt drop him and maybe hurt it
3) Looks - He'll want to take care of what ever creature he thinks 'looks coolest'. I myself at my own young age still sometimes think i should get something that would be hard to keep, just because it looks cool. (don't worry though, i haven't made this mistake yet 8) )

Leo's are neat looking and i think that normal leo's are a lot better looking than all these strange morphs you guys get :P I got 2 leos when i was about 11 and they were fine. Go to the google picture search and find out what he wants. He only take care of it if he likes it. (I sure hope this doesn't sound like i'm slamming your brother, cause i'm not)

I say.. get him a hedgehog!! 8)

[LORI34205]

well thank you everyone for all the great suggestions but my brother will not get a lizard now because he......................lost my iguana ya thats right as of today he lost a 3 and a half foot iguana, her cage is outside in the summer and he doesnt remember if he put her in the cage or if she is inside the house (i was sleeping while all this happend by the way).I officially hate my brother:(
thank you for your time everyone

[LORI34205]

well now i dont hate my brother:)found the iguana under his bed!
im still mad but i dont hate em all that matters is that i have my baby back:)So suggestions are now welcome again:)

[alan]

I agree with Tim/Julie. Let your brother do the researches before deciding what he wants. That way, he will have an rough idea what he's getting into which will benefit both the lizard and himself.

[lynsey_togofire]

no one suggested Mali Uromastix. they are VERY good first lizards. the only thing that is a neccessity for them is that their tank be 115-120 degrees. they eat veggies, and they are really tame. plus handling is no issue. where are you located? my roomate is looking for a home for her 2 Mali's and is selling them for $100- that includes the 2 Mali's(she doesn't want to separate them), accessories, and lights. you can email me for more info if you'd like. jazminegrl@yahoo.com you should really consider it! they are wonderful starters and they are still young enough!

lynsey :)