Man's best friend doesn't have to be furry. With some research and the right equipment, people can find lizards and snakes to be excellent pets.

While different breeds of dogs typically require the same things, such as food, water, a leash and grooming supplies, the needs of one species of lizard or snake can vary greatly from those of another. It's important for prospective lizard and snake owners to learn about the food and shelter conditions needed for their particular species of pet, to increase its life span as well as its health and comfort.

Lizards

There are thousands of species of lizards, varying in size from 3 inches to 5 or 6 feet, and their needs vary widely. One of the most common lizards kept as a pet is the Carolina Anole, which is often (though incorrectly) called a chameleon. These are relatively easy to care for and handle, but even anoles have particular needs. Other lizards that are good for beginners, with the right equipment, are:

Leopard Gecko - Care Sheet

Bearded Dragon - Care Sheet

Blue Tongued Skink - Care Sheet

Green Anole - Care Sheet

Other Geckos - the fat tailed gecko, tokay Gecko, and madagascar ground gecko are less common but manageable for beginners. Day geckos are more challenging.

Lizards are quick creatures, and can be hard to catch if they get loose. Some experts recommend making a soft "noose" of sorts, hung by a fishing pole, that can be slipped over the lizard's head to secure it long enough to be caught and put back in its cage.

Snakes

Experts say the best snakes to be kept as pets are garter snakes, ribbon snakes, corn snakes, yellow rat snakes, and kingsnakes.

Even the gentlest snake may bite until it is used to being handled. Soft leather gloves may be worn the first few times, to make the owner more comfortable and to offer some protection against a sudden bite. Lizards may also bite if frightened, and the larger species can pack a significant bite. They should be handled only after they are used to their owners.

Once they are used to be handled, snakes can be content to be carried for hours at a time.

When considering which type of lizard or snake to have as a pet, here are some things to consider:

Cage Size

Consider how much space you can devote to your pet's home. A 10-gallon aquarium is the minimum space for only the smallest snake or one or two small lizards. A terrarium for a snake must be at least as long as the snake will be when full grown, and at least half as wide as it is long. Remember that the 6 inch iguana you purchased might grow to be 5 or 6 feet long!

Heat and Lighting

It is also important to have parts of the cage that are warmed to the reptile's "preferred optimal temperature", with a light or heating pad. Just as important is the cooler, shaded spot that the lizard or snake can retreat to for cooling off. A thermometer should be kept in the cage to ensure the pet's home is at a comfortable heat level.

Humidity

A hygrometer, or device that measures humidity levels, is another tool for creating the perfect environment for your pet. When the air becomes too dry, a simple mist sprayer may be used on the plants and ground of the terrarium.

Food

Your pet has specific dietary needs. Anoles, for example, should be fed a steady but varied diet of live insects, crickets, mealworms, spiders. Other species eat only ants, and need a bunch of them daily. While snakes prefer their food live, some types can be trained to accept killed mice, or even beef or fish.

Consider carefully whether you can meet the dietary needs of the pet of your choice- in type of food, amount, and how it is served.

For more information on specific lizards and snakes, visit your local library or search the internet at sites such as www.herpsearch.com