When you first get a new pet, especially something like a lizard, you’ll be inclined to spend as much time as possible with it. That works great for dogs and cats but reptiles are a little different. The less time handling a new lizard the better it will settle in.

Before getting the lizard

First make sure that everything is setup and working properly. You should make sure you setup the cage and test it for two or three days prior to bringing the lizard into your house. Make certain it is keeping the appropriate temperature gradients, and humidity levels. Also double check and make sure there is no way for a curious lizard to escape.

You will also need to determine where the lizard’s cage should go. You’ll want to make sure it is in a permanent location. That place should be free of drafts, and with as little activity as possible. In other words putting the cage right next to the front door is not a good idea.

Getting the lizard home

We will assume you picked up the lizard at a local breeder or store. They should put it in the appropriate carrying container and you should NOT take it out until you get home. When you get home place the container in the lizard’s permanent cage and let it come out at its leisure. Some lizards will come out right away and others could take a day or two. For the next five days don’t try to handle it. Just make sure it has fresh water and leave it be. After the five day adjustment period offer it food and start handling it a little bit at a time.

Take pictures

You should take some pictures of the lizard for later reference. Front, back, both sides, and underneath. This way you have a photographic record to go by in case you need them. It can also help in identifying a lost/stolen pet if the need should arise.

Visit the vet

Try to have the lizard seen by a vet within the first week. You want it to have time to settle in and get used to things, but not so long that you miss something important. It’s always a good idea to call around to various vets and ask who on staff specializes in reptiles. Not all veterinarians do and reptiles are very specialized.

Keep records and learn

Learn when the lizard is active, when it likes to eat, how often it has a bowel movement. It’s important to keep an eye on these things so you’ll be aware of any strange behaviors. You’ll also learn what food it will or won’t eat. One of our leopard geckos for instance won’t touch crickets so we have to feed it superworms. If we hadn’t kept an eye on the animals activity and kept a record it might have gone a long time without food.

The final thing to do with your new pet is to have fun. Lizards are very interesting and even a casual keeper can learn a lot about them in a very short time.

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