Genofdistinct":3nrilwlw said:
Hey all! I’ve been thinking recently about getting a second lizard, not a bearded dragon because my mans my one and only. What are your recommendations? I don’t want something quite as high maintenance as a beardie(not as much for care but lights and such) but not something small like a long tailed lizard or anole, I’ve considered a leopard gecko or a Giant day gecko, but I’m still on the fence. Any ideas?
Genofdistinct":3nrilwlw said:
I just dropped 50 bucks for lights on Jerald and I don’t wanna raise that to a hundred
If you're sweating $50 for lights (which will have to be periodically replaced) not to mention other ongoing expenses, I have some concerns about the wisdom of adding another pet
at this time. :?
That said,
my recommendations... whoo-ee, that's a loaded question! :roll:
While researching BDs, I also came up with a whole spreadsheet of "also rans" for consideration in case the BD idea didn't/wouldn't work out, or for later additions. Most--being diurnal--require differing/various amounts of UVB, which means special lighting unless you live in an area where they can be kept outdoors year-round.
If I were to add a gecko, I'd go with a
New Caledonian species rather than a Leopard Gecko or Day Gecko. A Day Gecko
definitely requires UVB lighting, and care sheets seem to be split on whether Leopards do (and if it were me, I'd budget for it just in case).
New Caledonian Geckos (Crested, Gargoyle, Leechie, Chewy, Mossy, etc.) can be kept in less expensive DIY screened enclosures (but will require some additional heat via basking bulb or heating pad). They're (I believe, but verify by species) nocturnal--not requiring UVB (but see Leopard Gecko note above) and
can be a bit noisy--"barking" at night.
I'd (personally) avoid Uros--I like them very much, and may eventually get one, but your caveat on expenses is dissuasive.
AFAIK, turtles/tortoises are no more/less "prime salmonella material" (or adenovirus, or any of several
other viruses and/or
infectious diseases) than bearded dragons. The disease is spread through contact with infected feces;
proper hygiene and precaution should be exercised with any species of reptile.
To avoid the expense of special lighting (and perhaps in some cases heating), you'll likely be looking for a strictly nocturnal species, which may or may not jibe with your current lifestyle. Nocturnal isn't necessarily midnight to 8 am; it's generally dusk to dawn (vs.
crepuscular, which is dusk
and dawn) and changes with the seasons.
YMMV