Ku-Ring-Gai Vet Hospital: How To Set Up A Terrarium For A Lizard

Last updated 3 months ago

While most of us think of pets as our furry and feathered friends, there’s always the option of something a little different. Lizards can be a welcome addition to any home, but it’s important to ensure that their environment is set up correctly.

Choosing the right sized terrarium

Picking an appropriately sized terrarium will depend on the type and number of lizards you intend to keep. Larger lizards will require more space, and of course the more of them you have, the more space you’ll need.

It’s also particularly important to think about what’s called the terrarium’s heat gradient. As lizards are cold-blooded, they cannot regulate their own body temperatures, and so rely on having an environment with a range of ambient temperatures. The larger the enclosure, the easier it will be to provide your new friends with a full range of temperatures from warm to cool. A number of different products, from heat-pads to lamps, are available for heating purposes.

Getting the décor right

Different types of lizards are suited to different environments. Some, such as many geckos, are at home in the rainforests of the tropics. Others, like bearded dragons, are desert animals, used to hot, dry conditions. Decorate the terrarium in line with the type of lizards you intend to keep, but in any case ensure that your new friend has somewhere to hide away. Even desert lizards, which are used to open spaces, like a little privacy from time to time!

Help with your lizards in Sydney

For assistance with lizards and other exotic pets in the Sydney area, call Ku-Ring-Gai Veterinary Hospital and Pet Clinic on 02 9119 5907. The clinic’s team of qualified vets can provide care and assistance for a range of exotic pets, as well as referrals to a number of exotic pet specialists.