Armadillo lizards are native to desert areas along the western coast of South Africa. These lizards have scales that are fused together to form a hard shell, and they can even roll up into a ball when threatened. Armadillo lizards are relatively small, reaching a maximum length of about 5 inches.

People often keep reptiles as pets, but is an armadillo lizard the right choice for you? These unusual creatures can make great companions, but there are some things you should know before making your decision. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of owning an armadillo lizard and help you decide if this is the right pet for you.

Do Armadillo Lizards Make Good Pets:

The armadillo lizard is a fascinating creature that is native to the deserts of South Africa. These lizards get their name from their hard, shell-like scales, which are fused together to form a protective barrier.

When threatened, armadillo lizards can curl up into a tight ball, making them difficult for predators to attack. Although they are relatively small, reaching a maximum length of just 5 inches, these lizards are well adapted to life in the desert.

They have long claws that help them to burrow underground, and they are able to store water in their bodies to survive long periods without access to water.

The armadillo lizard is certainly one of Earth’s most amazing creatures, with its unique adaptations allowing it to thrive in some very harsh environments.

Your Armadillo Lizard prefers a lonely existence but is extremely amiable with people and rarely runs and hides unless threatened; nevertheless, unlike many other reptile species, it dislikes being picked up.

The armadillo lizard is one of the most fascinating animals you can imagine – it’s almost as though a bird of prey will attack them when they’re put down.

They’ll curl into balls and run away from danger quickly, but for much more than just that reason. It has a strong bite, but it is rarely used in captivity.

Armadillo Lizards are interesting pets. They’re simple to care for, just need basic reptile care, and aren’t messy. They’re the perfect pets for people looking to get a long-term companion.

Their life expectancy is up until 25 years, making them an excellent choice. They are not the best reptile for children, though, because they dislike being handled and are prone to biting.

Typical behavior and temperament

Armadillo lizards are relatively calm and inactive creatures. Spending most of their time sunning or hiding among rocks, these creatures are often overlooked by humans. When they are threatened, these lizards will curl up into a tight ball, making them difficult for predators to attack.

Although they are not particularly active, armadillo lizards can be very curious creatures. They may explore their surroundings and even try to escape from their enclosures if given the opportunity.

These lizards are not the best choice for children, as they can be easily frightened and may bite if handled roughly. Armadillo lizards are also not particularly social animals.

In the wild, they live solitary lives, only coming together to mate. In captivity, these lizards should be housed separately to avoid stress and aggression.

Armadillo Lizards: How Much Do They Cost?

The cost of an armadillo lizard will vary depending on the specific species, the age of the lizard, and the location of the purchase. On average, these lizards cost between $50 and $200. This price range may be higher for rarer species or for lizards that have been captive-bred. There are many places to find armadillo lizards, such as reptile shows or private breeders.

Caring for Your Armadillo Lizard

Armadillo lizards are relatively easy to care for and make great pets for those with some experience caring for reptiles.

Enclosure size:

The armadillo lizard is a unique species that live in the desert regions of Mexico and Arizona. These lizards burrow underground to escape their heated habitats, so it’s important for them housing conditions similar to those found there naturally- with lots of sand or soil on top but not too much water.

The enclosure needs to be at least 19 inches long, wide, and tall. For adults, this size is necessary to provide enough space for the lizard to move around safely without getting interference from other animals or objects within its environment. 

These lizards are not particularly active, so a smaller enclosure may be suitable for juveniles. A log or rock cave will provide the appropriate level of shelter.

The substrate should be sand or another loose material that is easy to dig in. Live plants can also be added to the enclosure, but they must be drought-tolerant species that will not require frequent watering.

Armadillo lizards are solitary creatures and should not be kept with other lizards or animals. By providing an appropriate habitat, reptile keepers can give these unique creatures a home that meets their needs.

Substrate:

Armadillo lizards are native to Africa, and they do best in warm, dry climates. In captivity, these lizards should be provided with a substrate of sand or fine gravel. This substrate should be deep enough to allow your captive-bred lizard the freedom of movement it needs.

A layer of rocks or other hiding places should also be provided to help the lizard feel secure in its enclosure. When properly cared for, armadillo lizards can make captivating and entertaining pets.

Temperature and humidity:

Armadillo lizards come from desert climates and prefer dry conditions. It should be kept between 75 and 85 degrees at night, with an enclosure temperature on the lower end (65°F)

To avoid mold, it is important that the enclosure’s humidity levels do not exceed 30%. Providing these conditions will allow your armadillo lizard to thermoregulate effectively and stay healthy.

When the humidity in an enclosure rises too high, it can cause respiratory problems for lizards. It is also important to provide a hiding spot in the enclosure where your armadillo lizard can go to cool down or escape from light if needed.

By mimicking their natural environment as closely as possible, you can provide your armadillo lizard with the best possible care.

Lighting:

These lizards get their name from their large, plates, which are made of bone and covered in keratin. It is no secret that lizards are at risk for predators. They have adapted beautifully though, with the help of these plates on their bodies which provide protection and allow them some control over temperature. 

Armadillo lizards do not require special lighting, but they do need access to ultraviolet (UVB) radiation. This can be provided using a fluorescent bulb designed for reptiles.

The bulb should be placed on one side of the enclosure so that the lizard can choose to bask under it or move to a shaded area if it becomes too warm. In addition to UVB radiation, armadillo lizards also need a heat source.

Diet:

As any reptile keeper knows, a healthy diet is essential for keeping your pet happy and healthy. Armadillo lizards are no exception; these insectivores need a diet that consists mainly of small insects such as crickets, mealworms, and termites.

It’s important to dust these insects with calcium powder to make sure that your lizard is getting the nutrients it needs. Feeding time is also a good opportunity to offer some variety in your lizard’s diet; spiders, millipedes, giant worms, and even pinky mice are all fair game.

Just be sure to stomach load the insects before feeding them to your lizard; this means giving them plenty of food so that they’re nice and full before they become someone else’s dinner.

Water:

A dish should be provided for armadillo lizards to drink and this must be cleaned often. Bacteria can grow in the water if it’s not changed frequently enough, so keep an eye on your pet.

Handling:

Armadillo lizards are not particularly social animals and may become stressed if they are handled too often. These lizards should only be handled when necessary, such as for cleaning their enclosure or feeding them.

When handling your armadillo lizard, be sure to support its body so that it doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall. It’s also important to avoid holding the lizard too close to your face; these lizards can deliver a powerful bite if they feel threatened.

Appearance & Varieties

Armadillo lizards are small reptiles that reach a maximum length of about 5 inches. These lizards have hard, plates that cover their bodies and help to protect them from predators.

Armadillo lizards come in all sorts of colors, including browns and tans. Some armadillo lizards also have patterns on their plates, such as spots or stripes.

Keeping Your Armadillo Lizard Healthy

As any lizard lover knows, armadillo lizards are relatively hardy creatures. The first thing you need to do for your armadillo lizard is provided it with a proper environment.

This means that they should live in an area where there are plenty of areas like logs, banks, or even walls that can offer protection from predators as well as give birth if needed during times when food isn’t available

A good idea would be to create these types of places around the outside so lizards feel safe but not too protected. The desert-dwelling lizard needs a dry, heated enclosure to keep it comfortable.

The temperature should be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day with an evening drop of 10-15 degree so as not to shock its system at night time or upon waking up in anticipation of another stressful event happening soon!

It’s also important that they have hiding places on display so your pet can retreat when feeling stressed out. Additionally, armadillo lizards need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. To keep your armadillo lizard happy and healthy for years, feed it insects like crickets or mealworms.

Do Armadillos Get Along With Other Animals?

Armadillos are generally solitary creatures, so they may not do well if housed with other animals. Unless it’s mating season, they’re unlikely to want guests in their tank.

A female will typically be allowed into the tank. If you have more than one armadillo, it’s best to keep them in separate tanks to avoid fighting.

Common Health Issues

Lizards are very delicate creatures, and one of the most common health issues in armadillo lizards is dehydration. These lizards come from desert regions and need to be kept in a dry environment. If the enclosure is too wet, it can lead to skin problems and respiratory infections.

Another common health issue in armadillo lizards is Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Symptoms of MBD include lethargy, softening of the bones, and deformities. If left untreated, MBD can be fatal.

Armadillo lizards are relatively low-maintenance pets, but there are still some things you need to do to keep your lizard healthy and happy. Providing the proper environment is essential, as is offering a varied diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D3.

Conclusion:

If you’re considering adding an armadillo lizard to your household, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These lizards are native to dry environments, so they will need a terrarium that provides plenty of ventilation and a substrate that helps to maintain a low humidity level.

In addition, armadillo lizards require a diet that is high in calcium and vitamin D3, which can be found in commercially prepared lizard food or through the use of supplements. 

These lizards are easily stressed and should be handled as little as possible. Finally, any health problems should be addressed quickly, as armadillo lizards are prone to respiratory infections. With the proper care, however, armadillo lizards can make great companions.