Reptiles can make fascinating pets for the right owner. While reptiles have different care requirements than cats or dogs, they can be rewarding companions. When considering getting a pet reptile, it’s important to research different species and select one that fits your lifestyle and experience level. This article explores some of the most interesting reptiles to keep as pets.
Are reptiles good pets?
Reptiles can make good pets for people who are prepared to properly care for them. Here are some key considerations when deciding if a reptile is the right pet for you:
- Housing – Most reptiles require a habitat specifically suited to their needs, like a terrarium or enclosure.
- Heat and lighting – Reptiles need heat sources and full spectrum lighting to stay healthy.
- Diet – Each species has specific dietary requirements in terms of what and how often they eat.
- Handling – Some reptiles tolerate frequent handling better than others.
- Vet care – Reptile veterinarians are specialized and may be difficult to find.
- Lifespan – Many reptiles live 10+ years with proper care.
- Costs – Habitat supplies, lighting, and some species themselves can be expensive.
Reptiles are solitary animals and do not show affection like dogs or cats. However, they can become acclimated to their owners and some enjoy being handled. Taking the time to research and properly care for them is rewarding!
Best starter reptiles
For first-time or beginner reptile owners, the following species tend to be good options:
Leopard gecko
- Small lizard native to Asia
- Docile temperament, does not mind handling
- Simple habitat requirements
- Omnivorous; eats insects and occasional vegetables
- Long lifespan of 10-20 years
Bearded dragon
- Medium-sized lizard from Australia
- Calm disposition, enjoys human interaction
- Needs sizable enclosure with heat lamp and UV lighting
- Omnivorous; eats insects, vegetables, and small vertebrates
- Can live 10+ years with proper husbandry
Ball python
- Small, nonvenomous constrictor snake
- Typically docile and easy to handle
- Require heated terrarium with hiding places
- Carnivorous; eats mice, rats, or other small prey
- Long-lived for 20+ years
These reptiles tend to have easier care requirements, better tolerate handling, and be longer lived than other species. They make good “starter” reptiles.
Best small reptiles
People with limited space can still keep reptiles! Here are some of the best small, compact reptile species:
Crested gecko
- Small lizard native to New Caledonia
- Arboreal; needs tall enclosure with plants and branches
- Nocturnal and docile when handled
- Omnivorous; eats prepared fruit mixes and insects
- Can live 15-20 years
African fat-tailed gecko
- Small terrestrial gecko from West Africa
- Shy but tolerant of handling once accustomed
- Simple habitat needs
- Insectivorous; readily eats crickets and mealworms
- Lifespan around 10-15 years
Corn snake
- Small, slender colubrid snake species
- Typically calm and easy to handle
- Small terrarium or rack system housing OK
- Carnivorous; eats mice and other small rodents
- Can live 15-20 years
These small reptiles are well-suited to living in apartments or other compact housing situations.
Best large reptile pets
For those with the space and ability to properly care for them, some larger reptiles can make engaging pets:
Blue-tongued skink
- Stout-bodied lizard native to Australia and Indonesia
- Slow moving with a docile disposition
- Needs sizable enclosure filled with bedding and hides
- Omnivorous; enjoys vegetables, fruits, eggs, and insects
- Long lifespan of 15-20 years
Ball python
- Thick bodied, nonvenomous constrictor snake
- Typically calm and tolerant of handling
- Require appropriately sized terrarium with heat and hides
- Carnivorous; eats rats or other small rodents
- Can live 20+ years
Bearded dragon
- Stocky lizard native to Australia
- Docile temperament, enjoys human interaction
- Needs large vivarium with basking area and UVB lighting
- Omnivorous; eats vegetables, insects, and small vertebrates
- Average lifespan 10+ years
These larger reptiles require more space but are generally personable captives when properly cared for.
Most exotic looking reptiles
For those wanting a pet with unique colors and appearances, consider these eye-catching reptiles:
Panther chameleon
- Arboreal lizard native to Madagascar
- Males exhibit vivid colors and patterning
- Require large, complex enclosure to thrive
- Insectivorous; eats crickets, roaches, worms
- 5-7 year lifespan
Green tree python
- Slim arboreal snake native to Australia and Indonesia
- Bright green with white and yellow patterning
- Require specialized caging with moderate humidity
- Carnivorous; eats rodents and other small animals
- Can live 20+ years
Cuban false chameleon
- Unique anole species without a true chameleon’s morphing ability
- Males have bright patterns of greens, blues, reds, and oranges
- Need an arboreal setup with plants and humidity
- Insectivorous; eats small insects and invertebrates
- Lifespan around 4-6 years
These reptiles stand out for their otherworldly colors and stunning looks!
Best Display Reptiles
Some reptiles have behaviors and appearances that make them exceptional display pets:
Chameleons
- Arboreal lizards known for color changing and eyes that move independently
- Many species available like veiled, panther, and Jackson’s chameleons
- Need specialized enclosures with plants and humidity
- Insectivorous; enjoys crickets, worms, roaches
- Lifespans vary by species, often 3-7 years
Day geckos
- Active, colorful lizards from Madagascar and Pacific Islands
- Species like giant day geckos have bright reds, oranges, greens
- Require a tropical terrarium with plants and humidity
- Insectivorous; will eat prepared crested gecko diet too
- Can live around 5-10 years
Corn snakes
- Docile colubrid snakes with a huge variety of color morphs
- Reds, oranges, whites, lavenders, stripes, and more
- Simple care needs; small terrarium with heat pad
- Carnivorous; readily eat mice and other rodents
- Lifespan 15-20 years
These reptiles thrive on display and are interactive, colorful additions to watch and enjoy!
Best reptiles for kids
Children can learn a lot caring for reptiles with proper supervision. Here are some of the best reptile pets for kids:
Leopard gecko
- Small size and docile nature good for handling
- Simple habitat and care needs
- Long lifespan through childhood
Bearded dragon
- Friendly personality enjoys attention
- Hardy when housed properly
- Interactive and fun to feed
Corn snake
- Typically calm for handling
- Stays a manageable size
- Easy care and husbandry
Children must be supervised when handling any reptile and taught proper care. But these species tend to be hardy, stay a reasonable size, and be easier for kids to interact with when given guidance.
Best low maintenance reptiles
These reptiles have simple care needs and are hardy when set up properly:
Crested gecko
- Doesn’t require UV lighting
- Simple temperature needs
- Eats prepared food mixes
- Only needs misting for humidity
Rosy boa
- Doesn’t require UV lighting
- Low temperature needs
- Uncomplicated eating habits
- Low humidity requirements
African fat-tailed gecko
- Basic lighting and heating
- Docile temperament for handling
- Eats readily available insects
- Hardy when cared for properly
These reptiles thrive when set up properly yet don’t require specialized care like some delicate species. They make solid choices for first time or busy reptile owners.
Most uncommon reptiles as pets
For experienced reptile keepers seeking unique species, some rarer options include:
Tuatara
- Ancient reptile lineage now limited to New Zealand
- Nocturnal and crepuscular
- Require large, highly specialized enclosure
- Carnivorous; eats mice, chicks, locusts
- Long-lived up to 60+ years
Mexican mole lizard
- Bizarre burrowing lizard with tiny eyes
- Spends life underground; opaque skin and outer eyes
- Eats worms, insects when unearthed
- Unique sensitivities to light, sound, and vibration
- Lifespan approximately 15-20 years
Gila monster
- One of only two venomous lizards in the world
- Slow moving but require experienced handling
- Omnivorous; eats eggs, insects, small mammals, carrion
- Illegal to own as pets in some areas
- Can live over 20 years
These little-known reptiles intrigue advanced herpetology enthusiasts. But their exotic needs make them unsuitable for novice reptile keepers.
Reptile pet care guide
Before acquiring any reptile, be sure you can appropriately care for it! Here is an overview of key care considerations:
Housing
- Species appropriate enclosure; think size, accessories, habitat style
- Proper heating and lighting based on needs
- Substrates and furnishings suitable for the species
- Hides, plants, branches, rocks, etc. for enrichment
Diet
- Research specific food needs
- Provide appropriate live insects or frozen/thawed rodents
- Supplemental calcium and vitamins
- Fresh food and water
Health and handling
- Quarantine new arrivals
- Annual exams with a qualified herp vet
- Some species require little handling, others tolerate more
- Wash hands before and after touching reptiles
Legal and ethical issues
- Ensure reptiles are legally owned in your area
- Buy only captive bred animals
- Research species’ conservation status
- Many need permits and licensing
Providing excellent care leads to healthy, long-living reptile pets. Be sure you can meet all of a species requirements before obtaining one!
Key takeaways on reptile pets
- Select species match your experience level and housing constraints
- Thoroughly research care needs for any reptile considered
- Many interesting and colorful reptiles can make rewarding pets
- Proper enclosures, heating, lighting, and diet are critical
- Look for captive bred and ethically sourced animals
- Consider lifespan when choosing reptiles
- Supervise children closely when handling reptiles
Which of these cool reptiles captured your interest? Let proper planning, research, and responsible sourcing guide you to an excellent scaly companion!
