Recommended lizards for novices?

[EightLeggedFrea]

I'm interested in getting into lizards, after nearly a year of raising invertebrates (tarantulas, scorpions, and centipedes, and most recently feeder roaches, too). I'm most interested in either a leopard gecko or a crocodile gecko because they are both nocturnal and I myself like the darkness. Are both of these lizzies easy enough for novice to care for?

 

[crpy]

I'm interested in getting into lizards, after nearly a year of raising invertebrates (tarantulas, scorpions, and centipedes, and most recently feeder roaches, too). I'm most interested in either a leopard gecko or a crocodile gecko because they are both nocturnal and I myself like the darkness. Are both of these lizzies easy enough for novice to care for?

I would go for the Leopard, easy peasy, they will be quite active in the day as well though

 

[OldHag]

You should adopt my handicapped leopard gecko. Shes legally blind and must be hand fed. Her name is Madeline and her goal in life is to consume a human.

 

[sweetmisery]

Bearded Dragons - you cant go wrong with that.

 

[Choobaine]

beardies are hardy, easy to tame (I rarely handle mine and he's still yet to have a shred of agression in him!), fun to watch, oddly satisfying when they eat, allround funny lookin' and quite fun to play with

 

[EightLeggedFrea]

Thanx for the replies, but I'm looking for something that doesn't need a HUGE amount of space and is expensive so I think I'll get me a Leo. Dragons are cool, I'll admit, I take care of one at the zoo I volunteer at.

 

[The Juice]

I would suggest a crested gecko, no special heating requirements,friendly,fun to watch,grow to about 8"(including tail) & don't require live prey. Might check them out.

 

[mrbonzai211]

If you want active (and I mean extremely active), big, and amazing personality then get a Uromastyx!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best beginner lizard out there and they are one of the few lizards that have peak activity during the day.

 

[OldHag]

I wouldnt have thought a uro to be a beginner lizard. Large cage, high heat, LOTS of food.. And their tail can cause a few good scratches to the arm if they get it whipping around when you pick them up hmmm
Leopard geckos are definatly MUCH easier to care for. Dont get me wrong, Uromastyx are one of my favorites!! Had an Egyptian uro for years!! Loved her to death. But they arent the easiest or least expensive to keep.

 

[fishwithoutabik]

what about a blue tongue skink? u don't see those much and they are pretty nifty

 

[Mushroom Spore]

Guys, the OP just said they don't want anything that needs a lot of space, or that will be expensive. Large lizards with UVB lighting needs and diets more complicated than crickets or crested gecko powdered diets are...pretty much the exact opposite of what they're asking for.

 

[JohnEDove]

I would have to agree with Ms. OldHag. EightLeggedFrea is making a much wiser choice by going with the Leo as a beginner’s lizard.
Beardies, Uros and BTSs are all great lizards but have slightly more complicated care requirements than a Leo.
It is the ease of care and the ability to surviive beginners mistakes, and we all made some, that makes a good first time lizard.