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QuestionMy lizard is bleeding. What should I do?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianFigure out where your lizard is bleeding from. If it is a wound or broken nail, then apply gentle pressure with a cotton pad for 5 - 10 minutes. If the lizard is bleeding from the vent, this could lead to dehydration and anemia. Drip feed water by mouth, keep him warm, and take the lizard to see a reptile vet. -
QuestionHow do I determine if my lizard is a male or a female?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianThis depends on the species of lizard. A few species, such as the Western fence lizard, have different coloration depending on gender (the male has the blue belly which gives the species its popular name). However, with most lizard species it's more tricky than this and you need to look at the area beneath the tail. Male lizards often have femoral pores, which are bumps that run in a line down the inside of the thigh. Males also tend to be wider at the base of the tail - although this is difficult to recognize unless you have another lizard of the opposite gender to compare it with. Lastly, female lizards have paired scales near their cloaca, which are bigger than her regular scales. -
QuestionCan you take a lizard from the wild?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianNo, you should never take a lizard from the wild. Not only does this damage native populations and upset the ecosystem, but it is illegal in many states. -
QuestionHow much does it cost to keep a lizard?Pippa Elliott, MRCVSDr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
VeterinarianKeeping and caring for a lizard properly is an expensive business. Aside from the purchase cost of the lizard and a good quality, thermally efficient vivarium, there are ongoing costs. These include regular changes of UV bulbs (every six months) and heat bulbs, plus the cost of electricity. In addition you'll need to purchase a faunarium to keep the live food in, and buy fresh insects weekly. You also need fresh food to feed to the insects, plus a calcium supplement. Also, if the lizard is ill, it will need to see a reptile vet, who is usually a specialist and more expensive than a regular vet. -
QuestionHow should I set up a lizard tank?Jeff JensenJeff Jensen is a Reptile Specialist and the Owner of The Reptile Zone out of Bend, Oregon. With decades of experience with reptiles and wildlife, Jeff specializes in providing advice and guidance on proper reptile care. As a former science teacher and employee of the San Antonio Zoo and an accomplished herpetologist, Jeff’s dedication to knowledge and ethical pet trade practices led to The Reptile Zone being awarded a “Mark of Excellence” Award by Intrepid Marketing in 2018.
Reptile SpecialistThat really depends on the type of lizard you have—each one is going to have different husbandry needs. However, the basics are that you'll need to control the temperature and lighting. Some lizards require a UVB light, but there are other lizards that are nocturnal and will only need a heat source of some kind.
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