What type of lizard should I get? [Archive]

snakemann87

10-21-03, 12:28 PM

OK....well I had recently posted about getting a croc of some sort. This was just nuts. A spur of the moment thing. We had been doing some research on them in bio and I became REAL fascinated by them. Well when I looked into the reality of owning one I realized the craziness of my choice........

SO! I am lookin to get a lizard...something easy.

Now the first on my list is SOME type of monitor. Although not too big. I LOVE tegus.

The second would be a type of lizard. Maybe a beardie or Water Dragon(they are so adorable!)

Last is a leopard gecko....I know these are great but I want something more "interactable(sp)"???? Like that has a great personality.

The cage, food, lighting and all is no problem. I have plenty of cash to buy that stuff and maintain feeding;)

I really dont want anything OVER 4ft though. Unless its like on the line maybe.

marisa

10-21-03, 12:29 PM

If I was you I would buy a bearded dragon.

Easy to care for, VERY interactive, more so than you would expect....great personalities, easy to deal with size...etc....they are close to the perfect lizard IMHO.

Marisa

burmer

10-21-03, 12:31 PM

I'd agree go with the beardie.

snakemann87

10-21-03, 12:38 PM

Thats what I was thinkin. That or a few leopard geckos.

ohh_kristina

10-21-03, 12:44 PM

If I were you, I wouldn't get anything. Arent you the kid with the snakes that his parents took away? Why don't you wait until you get the animals that you already have back?

Then, I would get a bearded dragon. Beardies are nice for beginners and experienced keepers alike.

Pixie

10-21-03, 01:45 PM

The fact that you're always rushing to get a new animal is the first sign you should take a breather and step back some.

Why aren't the herps you have now satisfactory? Why the immediate need to get more and more? Especially when your future will change drastically in a few years.

Ah, but I forgot, you do what you want and don't care about anything else! Me, me, me, me, me! Gotta love that syndrome!

Pixie

snakemann87

10-21-03, 02:03 PM

Kristina, shutup and learn the Fin facts. I had to get rid of them temporarily cause my eyes, i had major surgery.

Pixie: LMFAO! you have no right to say any of that stuff. I take care of my herps whether you like it or not. Critisize people who come home with multiple animals from herp shows.

snakemann87

10-21-03, 02:09 PM

Lets look at your sig also:)

"Keeper of 10 snakes, 5 leopard geckos, 9 tarantulas, 1 scorpion, 2 dogs & a bunch of rats!"

My sig:
1.0 Ball Python, 0.1 Colombian Boa, 1.0 Burmese Python, 0.0.1 Black Rat Snake

Need I compare?

ohh_kristina

10-21-03, 02:19 PM

Okay, fine. I could have sworn that I read a thread that said you were waiting to get your snakes back from your parents. But, okay.

I still don't think you should get another herptile until you have your snakes back and can fully care for them. If the reason you can't care for them is because you need medical assistance, then fine..that's great..but that doesn't mean you should just go out and get more! I have read things on this forum and other forums that tell me that you don't know what you're doing, anyway.

What happens the next time you need surgery or something? Do you just "get rid" of your snakes temporarily all over again? You are young, so I guess it isn't a problem when you have your parents there to clean up your messes.

marisa

10-21-03, 02:24 PM

Well true points there Kristina.

Snakemann what WILL you do if you need more medical attention that will keep you away from your pets? Snakes can easily be left alone for a week or two, but a beardie, or any other type of lizard, moniter etc needs DAILY attention, period. They cannot sustain themselves alone like snakes can for a few days at a time.

I don't think people are trying ot be rude to you, but you must admit, you post something like "What to get" every week it seems. Then after that you post about having difficulties because of your medical condition. No one is saying because of your surgeries you cannot have pets, but for the animals sake maybe you should think about the future of your medical needs, and work from there. Instead of purchasing more animals, buy things that will help you for your current animals when you are away...or save your money for an experienced herp sitter to watch your exsisting pets. You cannot purchase things knowing your future may change and you will have to get rid of your reptiles, thats not responsible or fair. You know?

Marisa

Pixie

10-21-03, 02:26 PM

Lets look at your sig also

"Keeper of 10 snakes, 5 leopard geckos, 9 tarantulas, 1 scorpion, 2 dogs & a bunch of rats!"

My sig:
1.0 Ball Python, 0.1 Colombian Boa, 1.0 Burmese Python, 0.0.1 Black Rat Snake

Need I compare?

Yes, LETS compare shall we!!! I am 29 years old, live on my own without help from mommy and daddy. I work to provide for myself and my animals entirely! Not from an allowance, lol!!! My life has been stable for years and will be as I am not planning on moving out anytime soon, going to school, etc. All animals that entered my collection were researched before they were brought in and none of them "on a whim". On top of it, each herp I have has been to see the vet and has a file in case of medical emergencies.

Now you, 16, still live at home off mommy and daddy. Have no way of guaranteeing were you will be in 2-3 years nevermind your animals! You get a new pet like you're shopping for a new movie, what's the coolest! And how do you pay for your animal's needs? Allowance? Part time job? What happens if one of your animal's need vet attention? Have any of your animals even seen a vet? I think not

So compare all you want kiddo! You don't even come close!!! LOL

Pixie

snakemann87

10-21-03, 02:34 PM

Ok buddy, lets clear this up.

I am 16, I work for my pets pulling in over 100 weekly. If I go to college, my aunt and uncle are building me a house near campus, if I dont, they are building me a house near them.

I do not shop for snakes like a "new movie". If I wanted a "cool" why the hell would I have a ball python and boa constrictor BOTH normals. Now if i wanted "cool" snakes I defniately would have picked up the high pink boa i almost got, and the pastel ball python. I also see a black rat snake in that list? Now how many own these??

ANything else?

marisa

10-21-03, 02:46 PM

What does any of that have to do with the fact you indeed claim yourself you have a medical issue which requires surgeries at some points? You yourself have admitted to at times not being able to care for your snakes because of your eyes. It's not your fault, no one is saying that, but what I am saying is that you KNOW you will have to make arrangements for your pets if something similar arises again.

Again, no offense but 100 dollars a week wouldn't even cover ONE emergency vet visit. I am just saying in your position I would save the little money I have to ensure the pets I already own will be well taken care of in medical crisis in case any happen to you, or them....before I start buying new ones.

Marisa

snakemann87

10-21-03, 02:53 PM

Um i KNOW I never said I cant take care of my animals sometimes cause my eyes? I always have someone on reserve incase my eyes need surgery on...but they are basically fixed now

I'm also getting antoher job

Cna someone just give me some more opinions? My choices are down to a Beardie, Leos, Water Dragon, or adopt an Ig

snakemann87

10-21-03, 03:01 PM

Also Kristina arent you like 19 or something??

Pixie

10-21-03, 03:07 PM

I am 16, I work for my pets pulling in over 100 weekly.

That is nowhere near enough for a single medical emergency as Marisa pointed out. How can you be shopping for another animal when you can't even foresee an emergency with the ones you already have?

In the past 6 months I have had to have 1 leopard gecko treated as well as one of my boas. Total cost for all vet trips, tests and prescriptions were well over 500$.

Go get yourself a new pet. What happens if one of the ones you had already gets sick? You'll just let it die?

You want me to believe that you would magically come up with the money after you spent your whole paycheck on a new animal?

Please...

Pixie

snakemann87

10-21-03, 03:11 PM

Now thats your problem your pets got sick. I havent had a sick pet yet? I believe this stuff if prevented from good husbandry correct???? ok;)

Ive had my pets all for over a year, the one for 3 years. And I have been to the vets 3 times......when I got them for checkups and the sort.

Now I need some opinions guys k?

marisa

10-21-03, 03:38 PM

hahaha o.k. you have just pushed me away from your side with this comment:

" I havent had a sick pet yet? I believe this stuff if prevented from good husbandry correct"

If you think you will never have a sick animal with perfect husbandry you have a lot to learn!

Have fun though because it seems you will do as you please no matter how many more experience, older people give you advice, you ignore it. So why not just stop asking? You ask questions, then you argue when the TRUE answer is given to you.

Marisa

Emily-Fisher

10-21-03, 03:43 PM

"Good Husbandry" my a**!!

Sure, if you keep your snakes in an enclosure with sh*t as a substrate, then obviously bacteria will grow and your snake can get parasites. But what if your leopard gecko gets crypto from eating an infected cricket that you bought at the petstore? Husbandry has NOTHING to do with that.

Now I've been over to Pixie's place several times and to be perfectly honest, I don't know ANYBODY and when I say anybody, I mean it... I don't know ANYBODY who takes better care of their animals than her. Her enclosures are always clean. Her pets always have a different variety of food to eat. Each animal has more than enough space to roam around in and be happy in. Their setups always have more than the basic requirements. I can't explain how well she takes care of her animals and I honestly find it hard to believe that she can do what she does with all of her pets.

You have not met an incredibly awesome herp-keeper until you've seen the way that Pixie takes care of her animals. Bad husbandry is out of the question in her case.

Now sure, if you don't have enough money to pay for vet bills and stuff because you go crazy on the animals and always have to be getting something new (hint hint) then sure, your animals can get sick because of bad husbandry (hint hint) which might just happen in your case.

I know, I'm being rude but I have been following posts that you have written on the site and think that you should wait a couple months AT LEAST before you get more pets. I am taking a break from getting more pets for a year now but might extend that ammount of time because I must say, I have never enjoyed my animals so much and they have never been healthier.

XxRachxX

10-21-03, 04:24 PM

Im sorry, i cant really take sides on this one.. and im not going to.
but i do have to say for your own "protection" snakemann. This "topic" has come up a billion times.... you want a new animal, loads of people are opposed to your idea. Its happened over and over again!!!!
alot of insults get thrown around and big cheesey arguments start!
and to be honest i dont think this is what anyone on this site wants. Its certainly not what i want to see every day!
Its not like what "we" say should go. If you want a beardie/gecko whatever at the end of the day its YOUR responsibility and YOU decision and it is up to you to care for it and NOT anyone on this site! and when/if you get in ***** with vets bills and other money things then you're stuck!!
and again, to be honest if you dont want the hassle, the insults, the arguements then dont ask! you dont need anyones approval.
im surprised you havent learned that this is the response you get?
ive just spent £50 on vets bills for a rat, to be honest i can hardly afford that! i have 2 rats, 1 snake and god knows how many fish! I just dont get how some people do it?
if something goes wrong with a pet of mine, i know i have to pay up!! i dont get an allowance, and if something goes wrong ill have to scrape up my cash and work my *** of for it! when i wanted my snake i had to actually sell my stuff! i have a jar of loose change for family to "donate" to just in case i need stuff!
you increase your chances of getting a sick pet, the more pets you have!
im not much older than you (17) and ive layed off animals until i leave home/have a proper job, imagine when you get to college, you will be so busy, doing college stuff!! thats how i am! if im not at college working, im sleeping, or doing coursework! having pets is like having a baby! i dont get a break from pets! i have to let the chickens out in the morning, feed them water them, put them away at night, the dogs running around my legs like a hyperactive child, my rats sick, my cats sleeping all over my bed and has peed on my college book!
i dont know how people cope?!

ohh_kristina

10-21-03, 04:30 PM

what does my age matter? I am young, in college, and work for every penny I earn. I have to pay BILLS, including medical bills and perscription drugs every month. I live with my family, yes, but I am one of the main contributors to our finances. I work for what I have. When my animal needs a vet, I don't go to my family and ask for money. When I am too sick to care for my animals..guess what, I DO IT ANYWAY! They are my responsibility. If I had a broken back..I would wheel myself around in a wheelchair and STILL take care of my animals. If I couldn't care for them, I would adopt them out. Simple as that. I wouldn't let my parents take in MY responsibilities.

ohh_kristina

10-21-03, 04:31 PM

Also snakemann..didn't one of your female ball pythons die? What was that death from???

Thorn07

10-21-03, 04:35 PM

I've seen this happen a billion time new mebers ask something and everyone jumps on them they try and fight back get so madd they say something they probly shouldt have and get banned. I think he asked for opnions on new herps if you don't have one then dont post on his thread why do you have to start a fight and don't lie to us or yourself and say you didn't think ti would because we all do. By the way even though I'm a neonat I have been reading this forum for over a year.

ohh_kristina

10-21-03, 04:36 PM

He is not a new member. He has been here for a while.

Linds

10-21-03, 04:46 PM

Originally posted by snakemann87
Now thats your problem your pets got sick. I havent had a sick pet yet? I believe this stuff if prevented from good husbandry correct???? ok;)

Good husbandry is one defense against illness, but by no means does it protect you against it. I take impeccable care of my animals, but that hasn't prevented the occassional animal from falling ill. I've had to put well over $800 in to one animal for tests alone. If good husbandry prevented illness I would be set. No worries of vet bills in the future, that's for sure! :rolleyes: That's the same as saying if we take proper care of ourselves we will never, ever get sick in one form or another. It just doesn't work that way.

Everyone has made a lot of good valid points. Please take all of them in to consideration :) Having said that....

Originally posted by snakemann87
Last is a leopard gecko....I know these are great but I want something more "interactable(sp)"???? Like that has a great personality.

Well, if your looking for something with personality and that is very interactive with humans, the leopard gecko is the best choice out of the bunch. I am personally not a lizard person, but I love leos due to there incredible amount of personality. The others you listed cannot even compare to leos in that sense. As well as you won't find any lizard easier to care for :)

crazyboy

10-21-03, 06:38 PM

Well, if your looking for something with personality and that is very interactive with humans, the leopard gecko is the best choice out of the bunch. I am personally not a lizard person, but I love leos due to there incredible amount of personality. The others you listed cannot even compare to leos in that sense. As well as you won't find any lizard easier to care for

agreed:p

ChokeOnSmoke

10-21-03, 06:57 PM

I dont want to argue with anyone I was just wondering why you randomly need surgery on your eyes? Just out of curiousity

snakemann87

10-21-03, 07:30 PM

Emily: I am not always looking for another animal, if so I'd have my beardie right now, cause I can easily afford one, heck multiple. But wait arent you...what 12 (hint hint) so you pay for you vet bills correct? (hint hint)

Kristina: Again I pay for my vet bills? She was at my friends cause my eyes for a month and she went downhill. She was fine with me.....frankly its none of your business though.

Linds: I thought leos can only take so much handling before they become stressed out?? But with beardies arent they good to handle?

ChokeOnSmoke: I have EEC Sydrome...look it up if youd like

S

Bartman

10-21-03, 08:03 PM

in my opinion, if you have the time and space, get a tegu. There WICKED animals but again you must do A LOT of research and must have A LOT of time on your hands..in your case you might not but i dont really know anything about you so if you can really pull out the time for daily handeling to calm it down as it gets older then its deffienetly a pet to buy...you said your eyes are almost perfect now so im guesing you wont really have to go in for surgery..if you plan ahead and THINK about your future plans i would suggest getting a tegu but if you have the slitest thought that you cant put in the time and effort then stick with a leopard

Honestly man, the only way i can put this is, YOU GOTTA LISTEN TO THESE PEOPLES ADVICE :) i am the same age as you and at first ill admit i impulse bought animals but due to my incredible stupidity it cost the life of an innocent salamander..i kneww nothing about them and it died after a month..now instead of learning the hard way like i did LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN..most of the people here have like 15 years of experience over us and im sure they know a lot mroe then us, at least me thats forsure :p..anyways just take the advice these people give you because im telling you they know what there saying!

Im holding off buying a cham, even though i have the money, i dont have the room or time to take care of another animal..i told my self if my sis moves out the house and i get her room then i will probably start looking into getting one but that prob wont be for another year atleast..so somtimes its good to wait, everything happens for a reason.

good luck with whatever you choose to do!!

peace

Ryan

10-21-03, 08:26 PM

[QUOTE]"She was at my friends cause my eyes for a month and she went downhill. She was fine with me.....frankly its none of your business though."

This is exactly what everyone has been trying to tell you, this may happen again with any of your animals the next time you have problems with your eyes. Also, unless your friend was doing something really wrong thats a short period of time for a snake to go from healthy to dead.

If you want my opinion a Leo is a great choice, they have tons of personality and are the easiest to care for.

JeffT

10-21-03, 10:10 PM

Actually it is very possible for an animal to go downhill that fast. I have just recently had to put down a uromastyx of mine because in about 2 weeks she went from fat and healthy to a living skeleton. She had a bacterial infection along with several problems that she had before I bought her, it just turns out she had been fighting it all and putting on an act that she was fine when I was around her.

And Emily

Your one to give a lecture about buying new animals. You say "wait at least a couple months before buying a new animal". I know you dont do that ,try following your own advice before giving it to others. Dont think of this as a personal attack, Im just laying out the tiles...

bob_thesnowman

10-21-03, 10:39 PM

hey snakemann,well if you do have the money,and if you do have the time,I'd suggest an animal you might not have even thought of,ever think about getting a monkey-tailed skink??they grow to be about two-two and a half feet and make great pets and are very docile,they do however require large cages/tanks and a fair amount of time,but if your looking for a great animal look into it

NewLineReptile

10-21-03, 10:44 PM

Give the kid a break!

Brandon

gelobte balwop

10-22-03, 03:49 AM

what a lot of money for the vet.

I pay 10 euro = 10 dollar for a fecal research, when not infected. If medicines are invloved, maybe 20 dollar. I post the fecals and get the medicine by post within 3 or 4 days.

My vet (at home, who isn't very experienced with reptiles, more cats and dogs) often even doesn't charge for anything, cause he likes the pet so much and is very, very interested. I even got a x-ray for free.

He helped several times with my lizards, and the costs always stayed beneath the 20 dollar.

so i think the vet costs aren't that much. Although i only have lizards and no snakes.

Concerning a leopard gecko, i disagree with the bonding with humans. I think a beardie or collared lizard (not WC!) are better pets in that way. But that's my experience. A waterdragon (especially WC) are not that good pets. The are very busy and banging against the glass, often injuring themselves. Thereby they often have worms. But wich reptile is easy

bob_thesnowman

10-22-03, 04:04 AM

yea that happens to me too!!they know me so well down at the vet,as i've given presentations on reptiles to their classes(it's actually at a vet colledge)lol,i don't mean my animals get sick alot or anything,i just know a guy around here who brings in alot of reptiles,and he'll often give me free of charge a sick reptile or two he couldn't be bothered with(he'd just end up feeding them to a snake)so i take them off his hands,take 'em to the vet and hope for the best!!i had a recent rescue from him 4 days ago(a baby albino leo)after i got her injected with some fluids(basically an electrolyte type thing)i gave her mushy dog food,and now i've gotten her to eat solid food,i pick her up get her to open her mouth,and place about 1/4 of the cricket in her mouth,then i set her back down,and like three or four minutes later she'll decide to eat it!!she still has a long way yet,but she a strong girl and i hope for the best!

bob_thesnowman

10-22-03, 04:06 AM

sorry,lol,i realize this forum may not have been the best place for my little story...but thought i'd share anyway

Emily-Fisher

10-22-03, 06:56 AM

Actually, Don, yes I do pay for my own vet bills. When my blizzard had round worms, I paid for allt he treatments. When my cornsnake needed surgery, I paid for that too. That's already $300 that I spent on vet bills. My parents don't have anything to do with my pets except for sometimes, they bring me to the petstore to buy some crickets. Otherwise, I breed my own food and have everything else under control. When I went to camp, I had someone who also keeps reptiles as pets and who is experienced with them come to take care of mine. When I got back, it was as if I never left! All of my animals were in tip top shape and I even came home to some babies. I have a plan planned out on my computer. Basically, it has phone numbers of people who I can phone who are experienced with reptiles that I can phone in case there is an emergency, example, I ave to go to the hospital for some reason or another. I also have a bank account and every week, when I get my pay in the mail, I put half of it away in the bank in case there is ever an emergency with my pets and they need to see a vet. I am organised and ready for anything to happen at this point. Sure, I'm 12 but this 12 year old didn't lose any of her pets due to emergencies. ;)

Pixie

10-22-03, 07:15 AM

And Emily

Your one to give a lecture about buying new animals. You say "wait at least a couple months before buying a new animal". I know you dont do that ,try following your own advice before giving it to others. Dont think of this as a personal attack, Im just laying out the tiles...

True Emily has a lot of animals but they were all researched beforehand and she's never gotten in over her head getting a pet that is unsuitable for herself to care for. I don't think you'll ever find a giant snake in her collection while at home nor a lizard that is too much to handle now or later. She actually thinks things through for both the animal and herself first!

I've also had the chance to visit Emily's place on a few occassions and was very very impressed at how well everyone is set up and cared for. Her husbandry is impeccable and puts many others I've seen to shame no matter what age they are!

As she explains above, she has thought of pretty much every situation possible and has planned for it. I've seen her prepare for a 2 week camp this last summer and was totally impressed by how everything was setup for the babysitter to care for her animals while she was gone.

Honestly, I haven't planned for everything as well as she has! I guess I better get my butt moving on that!!! lol

Age of the keeper isn't important to me as I've seen quite a few young and very responsable keepers. That is really what makes the difference in my opinion: responsability.

Pixie

marisa

10-22-03, 09:38 AM

Agreed. don't use your age as an excuse to why we are saying what we are saying. Its CIRCUMSTANCE not age!!!!

Marisa

snakemann87

10-23-03, 07:17 AM

No offense Emily but it doesnt matter to me really....lol

My choices are down to a Bearded Dragon, Leopard Gecko, Yellow or Red Ackie, or a Crested Gecko

Linds

10-23-03, 12:04 PM

Originally posted by snakemann87
Linds: I thought leos can only take so much handling before they become stressed out?? But with beardies arent they good to handle?

I honesty can't stand beardies. There isn't anything I like about them. I don't like how they look or behave. I find them far less handleable than people make them out to be, they are as interactive as one could expect a lizard to be. What I like about leos is that they actually seem to thrive and crave interaction with people, unlike any other type of lizard. Just about all of ours go nuts when you open their enclosures, literally running at you and jumping on you and just wanting to hang out. This is quite common behaviour for leos, no so for beardies, or any other lizards for that matter. They are really incomparable to any other type of lizard IMHO. Class of their own :)

snakemann87

10-23-03, 12:12 PM

Oh ok cool thanks:)

I like beardies though....at the petstore yesterday when i touched the glass both of them would run up and scratch at it were my hand was....it was cute:)

Bartman

10-23-03, 02:16 PM

i had a beardy and in my experience, dont get one. They are a huge hasstle to own because they eat A LOT and there poop is GROSS!!! They can smell up a whole room in 1 minute. I had to sell my guy because i couldnt take him anymore..i would tell you to get like 3 or 4 leopards, there much cooler and you could breed if you get like a pair or somthing.

eyespy

10-23-03, 02:24 PM

If a beardie's poop has a noticeable odor from across the room something is wrong!! Either parasites, liver or kidney disease, or too low cage temps to properly digest the food. Up close it will never smell good but you shouldn't be able to notice the odor from more than 4 or 5 feet away.

I love beardies, they are my second favorite after green igs, but they are indeed a bit of a high-maintenance pet and not for everybody. They require the same varied salad diet that an iguana does plus feeder insects on top of it.