Reptiles are fascinating creatures that continue to grow in popularity as pets. There are many factors to consider when deciding which reptile to get as a pet. Some key considerations include the reptile’s size, lifespan, diet, tank requirements, handling needs, and temperament. With proper research and preparation, reptiles can make rewarding and intriguing pets.
Types of Pet Reptiles
There are several common types of reptiles that people keep as pets, including:
- Snakes – Ball pythons, corn snakes, king snakes, milk snakes
- Turtles – Red-eared sliders, box turtles, tortoises
- Lizards – Leopard geckos, bearded dragons, blue-tongued skinks, chameleons
- Geckos – Crested geckos, gargoyle geckos, leopard geckos
- Iguanas
- Tegus
- Anoles
Below is a comparison of some of the most popular pet reptile species.
| Species | Size | Lifespan | Diet | Handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ball Python | 3-5 feet | 20-30 years | Rodents | Docile, easy to handle |
| Corn Snake | 3-6 feet | 15-20 years | Rodents, eggs | Generally docile |
| Leopard Gecko | 8-10 inches | 10-20 years | Insects, worms | Easy to handle |
| Bearded Dragon | 18-24 inches | 10-15 years | Insects, vegetables | Docile, enjoys handling |
| Crested Gecko | 6-10 inches | 15-20 years | Powdered diet, insects | Delicate, requires gentle handling |
| Red-eared Slider | 10-12 inches | 30+ years | Aquatic plants, fish, commercial food | Shy, not ideal for frequent handling |
Snakes as Pets
Snakes are some of the most popular reptile pets. There are dozens of snake species kept as pets, with some of the most common being ball pythons, corn snakes, milk snakes, and king snakes. Here’s an overview of keeping snakes as pets:
- Habitat – A secure terrarium or enclosure is needed, with proper heating and humidity. Hides, water bowls, and climbing branches provide enrichment.
- Feeding – Snakes eat whole prey items like mice, rats, chicks, or quail. Frequency depends on the snake’s size and age.
- Handling – Docile species can become acclimated to gentle handling. Support the body fully when picking up.
- Temperament – Ball pythons and corn snakes tend to be calmer. King snakes and milk snakes are active but typically docile.
- Care Difficulty – Beginner to intermediate. Temperatures and humidity must be carefully regulated.
The biggest cons to snake ownership are their long lifespans and the need to feed them whole prey items. Make sure you are prepared to care for a snake for up to 30 years, depending on the species. Still, for a unique and often calmer reptile pet, snakes can make excellent captives.
Lizards as Pets
Lizards are hugely diverse, ranging from small geckos to large iguanas and tegus. Some popular lizards kept as pets include:
- Leopard Geckos – Docile, easy to handle, stay small (8-10 inches)
- Crested Geckos – Gentle but fragile, size up to 10 inches
- Bearded Dragons – Calm, enjoy handling, get up to 18-24 inches
- Blue-Tongued Skinks -Tolerant of handling, grow over 2 feet long
- Chameleons – Shy and delicate, require advanced care
- Iguanas – Grow very large 6 feet+, need much space and extensive care
Key considerations for pet lizards include:
- Housing – Spacious terrarium with proper heating, lighting, substrate, and hides
- Diet – Insects, leafy greens/veggies, occasional fruits
- Handling – Depends on species; some tolerate it well, others are shy or fragile
- Lifespan – 10-20 years generally
- Care Difficulty – Varies greatly by species, iguanas require advanced experience
Overall, small lizards like leopard geckos and crested geckos make good starter pets. Larger species require much more space, food, and experience. Think carefully before getting a large lizard!
Turtles and Tortoises as Pets
Among the reptiles kept as pets, turtles and tortoises stand out as unique options. Here’s an overview if you’re considering one of these shelled reptiles as a pet:
- Species – Popular choices are box turtles, red-eared sliders (aquatic), and tortoise species
- Enclosure – Large habitat with land and water area for semi-aquatic turtles
- Lifespan – Often exceptionally long at 50-100+ years
- Diet – Dark leafy greens, vegetables, some commercial foods
- Handling – Limited due to shy nature and fragile shells
- Care Difficulty – Intermediate to advanced depending on species
The extremely long lifespans of turtles and tortoises need to be seriously considered before getting one as a pet. They require a major long-term commitment. Providing the proper enclosure and diet can also be challenging. But for experienced reptile keepers, turtles can be very rewarding pets.
Reptile Pet Care Tips
Proper care is crucial for a reptile to live a long, healthy life as a pet. Here are some top tips for caring for pet reptiles:
- Set up the enclosure ahead of time so it stabilizes before bringing home your reptile.
- Reptiles are cold-blooded, so offer appropriate heat sources and monitor temperatures.
- Home humidity levels must be kept consistent, especially for tropical species.
- Give your reptile places to hide like caves, plants, and branches.
- Research and feed an appropriate diet for your species.
- Clean the enclosure regularly by scooping out waste and replacing substrates.
- Wash food bowls, water bowls, and decor thoroughly on a regular basis.
- Soak turtles/tortoises regularly and scrub shells to keep them clean.
- Handle snakes and lizards gently and deliberately to avoid dropping.
- Quarantine new reptiles for at least 30-45 days before introducing to other pets.
Following these care tips along with thorough research on your specific reptile species will give you the best chances for a thriving, long-lived pet. Seek vet care whenever health issues arise.
Choosing the Right Reptile Pet
With so many reptile species in the pet trade, it can be overwhelming to select the right one for your situation. Here are some key tips for choosing a pet reptile:
- Identify attainable size requirements – Make sure you can accommodate an adult reptile’s full grown size.
- Consider expected lifespan – Are you ready for a pet that may live 20+ years?
- Research care needs – Does the reptile match your experience level and ability to meet its needs?
- Understand diet – Can you regularly feed the required diet?
- Check costs – Factor in enclosure, heating/lighting, food costs over the reptile’s life.
- Read temperament info – Choose a manageable disposition for your experience level.
- Find a vet – Confirm an exotics vet is available to treat your pet reptile.
Taking the time to thoroughly research multiple reptile species will help you make the most informed choice. This will lead to a better experience for both you and your new scaly friend!
Conclusion
Reptiles can make fascinating, interactive pets for the right owners who are able to properly care for them. Snakes, lizards, turtles, and other reptiles each have specific needs in terms of environment, diet, and health upkeep. Providing a suitable terrarium or enclosure along with a proper temperature gradient and humidity range is critically important. Regularly feeding an appropriate diet and maintaining clean habitats are also essential. With proper research and preparation, many reptiles species can thrive in captivity for decades as engaging pets.