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Best Reptile Pets For Beginners: A Complete Guide

First published:  May 31, 2020
Last updated: February 8, 2024
Best Reptile Pets For Beginners: A Complete Guide
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Summary

  • Reptiles like bearded dragons, leopard geckos, corn snakes and ball pythons make good starter pets as they are relatively easy to care for.
  • Lizards are more popular than snakes or turtles as reptile pets due to their personalities, smaller sizes and ability to interact with owners.
  • It's important to set up the proper housing and meet all care needs before bringing home a new reptile. Key elements are appropriate lighting, heating, bedding, and hides.
  • Diet varies by species - insects for lizards, rodents for snakes, plants and protein for turtles. Supplements are often needed.
  • Lifespans range from 5 years for anoles to over 50 years for larger tortoises. Consider the commitment.
  • Health checks, quarantine and proper handling are important. Reptiles can carry salmonella.
  • Proper humidity, temperature, lighting, hydration and diet are essential. Improper conditions can lead to health issues.
  • Do research to avoid supporting illegal trade and get proper permits. Purchase captive bred reptiles from reputable sources.
  • Consider species personality and do not house different reptiles together. Provide proper enrichment. Seek vet advice on introduction to other pets.

In search of a pet that is exotic and fascinating to look at? Keeping a reptile as a pet would be a great choice. Especially for pet owners looking for unique, hypoallergenic, and easy-to-care creatures, getting the best reptile pet works excellent.

However, remember that these cute reptiles have individual care requirements, and it’s advisable to select the ones that go well with your lifestyle.

As a beginner, whether you are planning to keep the best snakes or lizards as pets, they will surely keep you company for long.

These scaly friends are available in various sizes and shapes. Moreover, some of them require very low maintenance, whereas some need great care.

If you are new to keeping herps and wish to get one, you will find numerous choices that will suit your family. These creatures are adorable and fun to watch and require very little space.

Read on to find out more about the best reptile pets that are suitable for beginners.

Whether you have a dog, cat, reptile, fish, or bird, make sure to keep an eye on Pet Supplies Unlimited for more detailed reviews and information about pets in general and reptiles particularly.

Reptile Pets, Why Not?

Child Sitting Next To A Pet Turtle Pet Reptiles

Reptiles are unbelievable pets that offer an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Also, they are the best choice for individuals who reside in limited spaces. Wish to adopt a unique pet that’s different from the usual cats and dogs? Why not get the best reptile pets home for a change? 

Wondering if reptiles will make great pets? Check out the below reasons.

  • You don’t have to feed these cute reptiles daily. 
  • You don’t have to take the time out of your busy schedule for cuddling or petting them.
  • Once you have set up a proper enclosure for these creatures, maintaining them with appropriate care and attention is not a laborious task.  
  • As you cater to the likes and dislikes of these pet lizards, turtles, and snakes, you tend to view things from their perceptive, thereby learning empathy as you care for them. 

Irrespective of any reptile type that you’re planning to get home, you need to conduct careful research and find out their specific needs.

Being well prepared will avoid any negative experience that can have adverse effects on your family as well as the new pet.

The Best Way To Be A Responsible Reptile Owner

To become a responsible pet keeper, you need to purchase these cute reptiles from reputable outlets and educate yourself on the key requirements of your scaly buddies. This is because, in the pet trade market, most of the reptiles are usually transported from their natural environment on an illegal basis.

You also have to see to it that the species you’re planning to adopt does not have any conservation issues. 

Conduct Careful Research:

Before bringing your reptile pet home, you need to do plenty of research on these creatures. You need to be completely aware of how to keep them healthy and comfortable in their enclosure. For specific advice, you can also consult your vet.

Why Do People Prefer Lizards As Pets Over Snakes And Other Species?

Close up photo of lizard reptile with white background

Though reptiles are gaining popularity over the last few decades in the pet market, pet lizards are the most preferred choice among keepers. A few examples include the bearded dragon, Leopard gecko, and so on. Here is the reason, why?

  • To begin with, they have a lesser alien look compared with the rest of the reptiles. Unlike snakes, they have legs and eyelids and have an exotic appearance. 
  • They display their personality to a certain degree like dogs and cats, which gives it an appealing touch. You can watch their boosting energy levels and excitement level when you offer food to them, which is not a common trait among the other reptiles.
  • You will come across a few species that enjoy the company of humans. Though tortoises and snakes get used to human touch, lizards are the only ones that actively seek attention and approach their keepers.

As they grow in popularity, you will come across a wide range of species, making it challenging for pets to get the best lizard.

Preparing Your Home For Your New Pet Reptile

Man shows children green lizard, the Best Reptile Pets

Reptiles are fascinating creatures with diverse and complex requirements. Meeting each of their needs is quite significant, and this requires a great deal of preparation before you bring these cute reptiles home.

You will have to plan well ahead concerning their housing and dietary needs to make sure things run smoothly from day one onwards. Depending on the reptile species you are bringing home, your shopping list might vary. 

Moreover, you need to set up their enclosure, which should have healthy environmental conditions for each species. Once the conditions inside the housing are stable and you have all the equipment required for its smooth functioning, you can transition these best reptile pets from the store to your residence. The basic preparations include:

  1. Setting up the terrarium. 
  2. Select the perfect covering for the bottom of your pet's house.  
  3. Make sure they have sufficient warmth inside. 
  4. Provide sufficient lighting.
  5. Provide a secure terrarium cover to prevent these escape artists from sneaking out.

Which Reptiles Make The Easiest Pets For Beginners?

Are you looking for the best reptile pet but not sure which one is the best one for you? Not all reptile species make an excellent choice for pets. Those who are venturing out into the world of reptilian pets must make a note of this point, because of the reptile environmental requirements, dietary habits, and huge adult sizes.

However, some of the readily available species are excellent choices for starters. You will find that they have very low maintenance compared with the rest of the reptiles. Well, you still need to provide them with proper care and invest in getting the right equipment for their healthy well-being. 

Research well if you’re planning to get kid-friendly or easy to care species. Choosing ones that are docile like leopard gecko, which shall engage your family members well, would be a great one to pick. Here are some of the easiest reptile pets for those with very less or no experience.


Young bearded dragon with swollen neck

1. Bearded Dragon

Do bearded dragons make a good pet? Well, they socialize well and are very good at interacting with humans. Due to their unique and great personality, they are a great addition to your family. Though small in size when compared to an iguana, they are bigger than geckos. 

When it comes to bearded dragons' care, they require very low maintenance and are easily adaptable and friendly.

Being omnivores, they enjoy feasting on vegetables and insects like meal-worms, roaches, crickets, and super worms. However, some birdies just have an aversion to a specific diet, and some will only eat certain types of food and can be picky in their diet.

Also, these creatures are diurnal; hence they stay awake in the daytime, thereby keeping company with you if you are someone who