They have sharp teeth that will hurt and draw blood if you’re bitten. Their jaws are quite powerful and can even break while feeding. They biteĪrmadillo Lizards are more prone to biting than other lizards as a defense mechanism. Getting Armadillo Lizards used to being held requires a lot of patience and should be done slowly as they can curl into a ball or even bite as a reflex reaction when stressed. Though often described as docile creatures, you will need to tame them and get them used to being handled while they are young. If you prefer to be able to take out your lizard and hold them regularly, then the Armadillo Lizard may not be for you. Armadillo Lizards aren’t the best “cuddle” buddies because of this trait. They don’t like to be held as much unlike more affectionate lizard companions such as bearded dragons or geckos. On a related note, Armadillo Lizards aren’t that great at being handled. And because they are small, it can be quite challenging to find them again. You should avoid putting them on the ground as there is always a risk of them running away and hiding. Though Armadillo Lizards can become used to being handled, they are prone to running away at the first opportunity they get. Armadillo Lizards that are bred in captivity tend to be harder to find (they only give birth to 1-2 young per year) but this is the more responsible option and will ensure the sustainability of their population in the wild.Įven if you manage to find one, Armadillo Lizards are not without their quirks that may disqualify them as great pets. Reptiles should always be obtained from responsible breeders. At present, their status is of “least concern” but they remain vulnerable to predators, illegal pet trade, and climate change. Unfortunately, Armadillo Lizards were once in danger of extinction in South Africa and until 1996 were classified as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Many beautiful and interesting looking reptiles and exotic animals are victims of the irresponsible pet trade. Why Don’t Armadillo Lizards Make Good Pets? Armadillo Lizards are observed to pop up their small heads when their owners walk past their tanks and tend to watch when something intriguing is happening around them. They also tend to be more curious of their surroundings and display more interest with their environment. It is even recommended that you keep at least two Armadillo Lizards together because of their social nature. As pets, you can keep up to three in a relatively small tank provided that you only have one male per tank as males can get aggressive toward each other. In the wild, they can be found in social groups of up to 60 lizards living together, probably to ward off prey. They are sociable creaturesĪn interesting trait of Armadillo Lizards is that unlike most reptiles, they are social creatures. If you plan on getting more than two lizards, a bigger tank is recommended. At just 4-6 inches in length, a couple of Armadillo Lizards will do well in 20-30 gallon tanks (2-4 sq. They don’t need a large enclosureĪrmadillo Lizards do not need large habitats. They can be fed less frequently than most lizards and can be fed crickets and other insects which are easily obtained in bulk at your exotic pet store. Easy to look afterĪrmadillo Lizards are not as messy, especially with a bioactive vivarium or tank setup with a self-contained ecosystem that includes invertebrates that eat waste. Further Reading Why Do Armadillo Lizards Make Good Pets? 1.Why Don’t Armadillo Lizards Make Good Pets?.Why Do Armadillo Lizards Make Good Pets?.
This article points out some pros and cons on Armadillo Lizards as pets, basic care, and quick facts about these majestic looking creatures. They are also known as Golden Armadillo Lizard, Armadillo Jones Lizard, Armadillo Girdled Lizard, or the Armadillo Spiny-Tailed Lizard.Īrmadillo lizards require basic reptile care but have a few specific needs and characteristics that you should be aware of if you plan on getting one as a pet. They are relatively small lizards (4-6 inches) with dragon-like scales and spikes on their body. The Armadillo Lizard ( Ouroborus cataphractus) originated from the Northern and Western Cape of South Africa.
These fascinating lizards have the ability to roll into a ball just like armadillos, which are mammals that curl up in a defensive position to protect their underbelly. The Armadillo Lizard looks like a miniature dragon straight out of a fairy tale with their triangular head, piercing eyes, and sharp scales along its armor. They can live up to 25 years making them excellent long-term companions! However, they are not the best reptile for kids because they do not like to be handled and are prone to bite. They are easy to look after, require basic reptile care, and are not messy. Yes, Armadillo Lizards can make good pets.
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