Many important factors should be taken into consideration when deciding which reptile would be best to keep as a pet. Some need special heating or lighting while others may require a specialized diet in order to stay healthy. Bearded Dragons and Leopard Geckos are thought of as excellent beginner pets due to the fact that they are fairly easy to keep and do not require much specialized care, but it is absolutely essential that you do your research before purchasing these or any other species of reptile. You must be sure that you have enough space, time and money to properly care for your pet.
Reptiles such as Green Iguanas and Red-Eared Slider Turtles have become “throw away” pets. These animals are often sold for a low price without proper care information provided. Iguanas can become very large and are sometimes aggressive. Adults will require a custom built enclosure, an expensive varied diet and possible veterinary costs as well. Red-Eared Sliders can be the size of a Canadian loonie when they hatch, but females will grow up to 12 inches in adult size and will require a very large semi-aquatic enclosure with proper heating, UV lighting, a filtration system and a varied diet of commercial pellets, fish, insects and plant proteins. Unless you are willing to make a 20+ year commitment to a high maintenance animal, we strongly recommend that you do not buy a Green Iguana or Red-Eared Slider. In addition to this, please be aware that many of cities and townships restrict or prohibit ownership of certain reptile and tortoise species, so always check your local bylaws when considering a new pet.
Throughout the years, we have kept countless different types of reptiles. Some of these can be found in the photo gallery below. The species we have worked with most frequently are those that have always been popular in the pet trade; Bearded Dragons, Veiled Chameleons, Crested Geckos and Leopard Geckos in all their beautiful colour variations. We once supplied these more common species of lizards to some local pet shops in addition to private sales, but now most of our animals are retired breeders kept as cherished family pets and used for educational purposes. Occasionally, we still have Bearded Dragon and Leopard Gecko hatchlings for sale in the late spring and you are always welcome to contact us to see what we might have available.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about lizard care or how to choose a pet that best suits your lifestyle. If we do not have the answers you need, we’ll put you in touch with someone who does.
