Reptiles as pets

Reptiles may seem like a low maintenance pet, especially as they do not need walking. Rather than being an “easy” option, most reptiles will actually need just as much care and commitment as other pets.

Even the most low maintenance reptiles can still need a good deal of care and equipment to be happy and healthy. Not all reptiles will be suitable for beginners so you should choose carefully to ensure that you can provide the right type of environment for your new pet.

Keeping Reptiles as Pets… Do They Suit Beginners?

Despite being readily available, iguanas are not the best option for beginners. They can grow to become quite large and can have aggressive tendencies as they mature. They also have quite specific dietary needs, as well as requirements for heat, humidity and light. This is also the case for many other lizard breeds.

If you have your heart set on a lizard, Leopard Geckos are widely considered to be more suitable for beginners. These lizards are smaller, more docile, and due to being nocturnal, they do not have the same requirements for UVA/UVB lighting.

Snakes do not have lighting requirements compared to most lizards, but their dietary needs can be off-putting for many prospective owners – they feast on whole prey such as mice and rats, which is not for the squeamish! Corn snakes can be another option though. These are generally deemed to be easier to look after and docile in nature. However, they do have an uncanny ability to escape so you’ll need an enclosure with a secure, tight-fitting lid.

What Else Do I Need to Consider?

Some things to consider when choosing a reptile include:

• Size: Your reptile may be cute and small when you first bring him or her home but many reptiles can grow to a surprisingly length and will therefore need a larger enclosure than you might be anticipating.
• Food: Knowing what your chosen reptile should eat is crucial. For example, as has been previously highlighted, snakes will need prey.
• Companionship: Most reptiles are solitary creatures and not all will appreciate being handled. Chameleons can get stressed by close contact and handling, for example.
• Life Span: Many reptiles can live up to 20 years and turtles can live up to 50 years.
• Housing / Environmental needs: Many reptiles will require their housing to have a supplemental heat source. This “hotspot” allows them to raise their body temperature; reptiles cannot produce their own body heat and need outside sources such as the sun to do this. In their natural habitat, some reptiles need hiding spaces and even in captivity, there can still be a psychological need for this. Not providing any can cause distress and anxiety.
• Veterinary care: Bear in mind that many vets do not specialise in reptiles so you may find it difficult to find a vet who knows lots about reptiles if you need to seek medical care for your pet. Where possible, look for a vet who has this knowledge before you go ahead and buy a reptile.

Have you owned reptiles? Do you have any further thoughts and tips to add? Share them in the comments section below!

[Photo credits: andedam]