When you think of reptiles, your mind might automatically go to images of snakes and lizards. However, there are many other types of reptiles that make great pets as well, including turtles and tortoises, chameleons, iguanas, and even frogs and toads! When you’re deciding what kind of reptile to bring home with you, though, it’s important to keep in mind the following ten tips that will help your pet live comfortably in his or her new environment and ensure that your friendship lasts a long time.
1) Leopard gecko
Leopard geckos are a popular choice as they have such a gentle and docile disposition. They can live up to 20 years if they are properly cared for, so they make great pets for people who want to grow old with their pet. They are also a low-maintenance pet, which makes them ideal for people who don’t have much free time on their hands.
2) Bearded dragon
Bearded dragons are a great choice for anyone who doesn’t have much experience with reptiles. They’re relatively docile, easy to care for and can live indoors or outdoors in some climates. Bearded dragons come in a wide range of colors and patterns as well, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste!
3) Corn snake
I’ve had many pet snakes in my lifetime, but I have to say that my corn snake was a favorite of mine. Corn snakes are a great pet because they’re docile, easy to maintain and not very expensive. If you’re thinking about getting a snake as a pet, get one that’s not venomous!
4) Ball python
The ball python is a constrictor snake, native to Africa. Ball pythons are known for their docile dispositions and friendly personalities. They are non-venomous snakes and do not pose any threat to humans or other pets in your household. They also make excellent pets for both beginners and advanced reptile enthusiasts alike!
5) Blue-tongued skink
Lizards are some of the best pets you can have. But, they’re not all created equally. There are many different types of lizards to choose from and each one has their own unique traits and needs. One lizard that is popular among pet owners is the blue-tongued skink. Blue-tongued skinks are small, easy to care for, and very adaptable to living in captivity.
6) Red-eared slider
Red-eared slider turtles are also called sliders because they often slide down the sides of ponds and streams to get away from predators. They’re so easy to care for that they make a great pet for first-time reptile owners. Sliders can grow up to 12 inches in length and live between 20 and 30 years, but most people keep them as pets for only five or six years.
7) Tortoise
The tortoise may be a slow, lumbering animal in real life, but they make for some of the best reptiles to keep as pets. A tortoise’s diet is simple and easy to maintain, they’re great companions for children and adults alike, and they’re a very low-maintenance pet overall.
8) Iguanas
Iguanas are a popular option for many people looking to have a reptile as a pet. They are usually about 3-4 ft long, which makes them a good size for most homes. They also have an interesting and calm demeanor which makes them easier to take care of than some other reptiles. Iguanas eat mostly fruit and vegetables, so they don’t require much in the way of food either. All of these factors make iguanas one of the best reptile pets you can get!
9) Garter snake
Garter snakes are a relatively small type of snake and can be kept in tanks as small as 20 gallons. They’re easy to care for, don’t need much space, and will provide hours of enjoyment for any reptile enthusiast. The ideal temperature for a garter snake is 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
10) Geckos
Geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards, in part because they’re so easy to take care of. They don’t need as much space or special food as other reptiles, and they thrive on a diet of crickets and mealworms. You can keep them in a 20-gallon tank or aquarium with plenty of branches for climbing, plants for hiding places, and an incandescent light bulb that mimics natural sunlight.