Humidity - For lizards, one of the key factors for successful breeding is environmental humidity. It is vital to know the natural conditions of the lizard’s place of origin. for example, whether it is an arid desert or humid rainforest and to attempt to replicate this in its artificial home. Simply by providing an environment that approximates its natural habitat, there is a good chance that the lizard will mate and reproduce successfully. Leopard geckos, for instance, will breed several times a year if given a sand/gravel substrate, a shallow water dish (to keep humidity levels low) and good hiding areas.

Space - The other key factor is space as lizards are territorial in the wild and males will defend their territory against other males. In the restricted space of a pet terrarium, it is vital that there are not too many male lizards to the given area (this does not apply to females). In fact, chameleons are even more sensitive and not only do the males have to be in separate caging but they must not even be allowed to see each other to ensure successful breeding.

Day-Night Cycles - also play an important role in lizard breeding. Again, it is essential to know the natural cycles in the lizard’s place of origin. For example, Australian blue-tongued skinks are used to the hot weather and longer days of the Southern Hemisphere summer (November through to April) and will take time to adapt to the reversed cycle of the northern hemisphere. Note however that certain species, such as the leopard geckos, have been bred in captivity for so long that they are relatively ignorant of natural cycles and will successfully breed simply with the provision of suitable environment and quality food.

Temperature - For lizards that naturally hibernate, you may need to lower the temperature and lighting levels for a period of time (eg. 60-90 days) before restoring the conditions and introducing the sexes to each other.

Deposition Site - Egg-laying lizards will need to be provided with an egg deposition site. This can be as simple as a margarine tub with a layer of sphagnum moss and a hole cut into the lid for access. The eggs should be incubated at 80-84 degrees F and will usually hatch in about 55 days. Some lizards bear live young and these need to be provided with a secluded area without threat from predators. However they are born, all young lizards must be supplied with a constant source of tiny insects, such as hatchling crickets and wingless fruit flies.