Best Reptile Pets for Beginners & Novice Owners

Some of the Best Reptile Pets for Beginners

Reptiles can bring a sense of wonder and fascination into our lives, and they can make excellent pets for beginners who are prepared to do the research and provide their reptilian companions with everything they need to live long and healthy lives. 

Unlike us warm-blooded humans, reptiles are cold-blooded animals, that are unable to regulate their own body temperature. The inability to regulate their body temperature means that this diverse range of creatures generally lives in warm climates, where they enjoy basking in the sunshine on warm rocks. This means that when they are kept as pets reptiles demand very specific care in order to stay healthy, but some are a little (or a lot) easier to care for than others.

Here are a few reptiles worth considering for beginners and novices:

1. Leopard Gecko

A leopard gecko is a hardy and peaceful pet that is ideal for beginners. With their docile nature and relatively low maintenance, they are an excellent choice for novice reptile owners. These geckos are small, typically measuring around 8 to 10 inches, making them easy to handle and care for. They have simple dietary requirements, primarily consisting of live insects a variety of foods such as crickets, worms, and vegetables, and a basic setup with a heat source, hiding spots, and a shallow water dish is usually sufficient for their well-being. Because they are nocturnal you will need to stay up late or wake up early to get a peak at them when they are most active.

2. Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons have become increasingly popular reptile pets due to their captivating appearance and interactive personalities. These docile lizards are known for their impressive beard display and gentle nature, making them great companions for beginners. Bearded dragons require a slightly larger enclosure, with appropriate heating, UV lighting, and a varied diet consisting of both live insects and vegetables. Beardies are one of the best reptiles for handling, as they enjoy being picked up. With proper care, these remarkable creatures can live for 10 to 15 years.

3. Crested Gecko

Keeping a crested gecko as a pet can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. These small, arboreal lizards are known for their unique appearance and docile nature. The long crests on their bodies and eyes give them a cartoon-like appearance. These delightful reptiles are arboreal and require a vertical habitat, making them an ideal pet for people who may not have enough space for a standard horizontal enclosure. Crested geckos should be fed a varied diet consisting of both commercially available crested gecko food and live insects.

4. Turtles

Turtles can reach 11 inches in length and survive for more than 30 years. Although turtles spend most of their life in water they will require a well-maintained and properly sized enclosure that includes a basking area and UVB lighting as well as a clean water source with regular filtration. To stay healthy your turtle will require a balanced diet that consists of commercial turtle pellets, fresh vegetables, and occasional protein sources such as insects or small fish.

5. Corn Snakes

Corn snakes are another fantastic reptile species for beginners. These non-venomous snakes are known for their vibrant colors and gentle temperament. Corn snakes are a relatively manageable size, reaching around 4 to 6 feet in length, and spend most of their time hiding and digging, therefore they require a cage that allows them to do so. Because of their curiosity, they are excellent escape artists, so make sure their tank and lid are secure. They have straightforward feeding habits, primarily consisting of appropriately sized mice or rats.

6. Water Dragons

Many people want to acquire iguanas but are put off by their size or violent behavior, so the water dragon can be a wonderful compromise.  These arboreal reptiles which grow to about about 3 feet in length are known for their striking appearance and active nature. They require a spacious enclosure with ample climbing and basking areas, a consistent heat gradient, and high humidity levels to mimic their natural habitat. Water dragons need regular and gentle handling in order to prevent them from becoming skittish around people and a well-balanced diet consisting of insects, leafy greens, and occasional fruits

7. Tortoise

For reptile enthusiasts seeking a shelled companion, the Russian tortoise is a popular choice. These fascinating creatures remain at a manageable size, reaching about 6 to 10 inches, and are known for their hardy nature and relatively low maintenance requirements. Russian tortoises thrive in outdoor or indoor enclosures with appropriate heating, a varied diet of grasses, weeds, and leafy greens, and access to fresh water. While easy to care for it's important to understand that they have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. Be sure you are ready for this long-term commitment before choosing a tortoise as a pet.

Essential Veterinary Care for Reptiles

Regular veterinary care is as crucial for the health and well-being of pet reptiles as it is for dogs and cats. Routine check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in caring for reptiles are essential to ensure early detection and prevention of potential health issues. They can also perform routine examinations, fecal testing, and blood work to monitor the reptile's overall health and identify any underlying conditions.

A qualified reptile veterinarian can also provide guidance on proper husbandry, including appropriate enclosure setup, temperature, humidity, lighting, and diet for your specific pet reptile. 

In the event of illness or injury, prompt veterinary attention is vital, as reptiles often hide signs of illness until conditions are quite advanced. Your veterinarian can provide expert diagnosis, treatment, and guidance to help ensure the best possible care for your pet reptile.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.