Never feed an iguana lettuce!!There aren't enough vitamins in the leaves to keep it alive, and it gives them the "runs".Leaves from carrot tops and celery tops are two of our pets favorite foods,along with small chunks of carrot and celery of course.Canned veggies will do in a pinch, but fresh veggies are preferred.Spicy or hot veggies may cause gas and /or discomfort and should be avoided.

CHOOSING A PET
Find a pet that is healthy and has no visible cuts, sores, or a cottony foam in the mouth.Tails should be long and straight and come to a point.Eyes should be bright and clean, nostrils should be clear(no fluid).Active lizards are often healthy lizards.Always check reference material to find out how big this pet will get, and plan ahead for the adult size.Baby lizards are small and cute,but some lizards can grow to six feet!!

The instructions deal with lizards but there are pictures of many pets here.My main focus for this website was our lizard collection,but we wanted everyone to see we have a variety of pets.

We have three main lizards at our house,the iguana being the largest and oldest.There is also a green water dragon who is about 2.5 feet long and 5 years old.The baby of the family is our bearded dragon a mere 2 years old and nearly a foot long.We hope to have pictures posted soon of all three but the lizards don't seem to want to co-operate!!Heeheehee

All three of our lizards have been raised by us since they were less than 2 inches long and a mere 6 to 8 weeks of age.It has been a very rewarding experience watching them grow and grow and grow....etc.

It should be noted here that the dragons prefer live prey and not vegetables. If the food isn't moving, they are not interested. Their food of choice is crickets and mealworms (sometimes called waxworms). It is quite a sight to watch them hunting for supper. All other information regarding lizards applies to the dragons as well.

Housing requirements

1)LARGE tank or boxed in area.Lizards grow and grow and grow.small aquariums will work for a month in a pinch but please remember how large these lizards grow when adults
2)Light source.Special "grow lights"supply vitamins to growing lizards.Lizards that can touch their light source will get burned!!
3)Heat source.Lizards need heat to survive,they are cold blooded and cannot digest their food if they are cold.
Heat rocks are highly recommended.
4)Water supply.Some lizards like to swim and drink from a large pond-like water source.Change water frequently.
5)Branches.A good branch to bask on is desirable to keep your lizard happy and healthy.Make sure the branch can support the pet's weight.
6)Hiding spots.If possible, provide a hiding spot or shady area in case your pet gets too hot and needs to cool down
7)Ventilation.Screens on the cage can provide lots of ventilation and still keep lizards from escaping.
8)Bedding.There are a variety of bedding materials available for lizard comfort,sand,stone,mulch and astro turf just to name a few.You may have to experiment to find out what your pet prefers.
9)Handling.Avoid over-handling.Your pet will tell you when it wants out and when it has had enough.Upset lizards can get their points across very quickly(and painfully).Never grab a lizard by the tail,it will break off!!Wear gloves and long-sleeved shirts until both you and your pet are comfortable with each other.
10)Vitamins/supplements are highly recommended to keep your pet happy and healthy.