Do you struggle with allergies to fur and dander that make adopting a furry pet impossible? Are you intrigued by the idea of an unusual animal companion? A reptile might be your perfect pet. Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates like lizards, turtles, tortoises, and snakes that have skin covered with scales, bony plates, or both. While they may lack the cuddly appearance of cats and dogs, these creatures have plenty of personality. What are the best reptile pets?
The Best Reptile Pets
Much like various furry and feathered pets have different needs depending on their species or breed, each type of reptile has unique care requirements. Some species can grow extremely large or have a tendency to be aggressive, so they are best left to reptile experts. However, there are several reptiles that generally make good pets for even novice owners, so long as they are willing to provide the care the reptile needs. Could one of these reptiles be a good fit for your family?
Bearded Dragons
Spiky-looking lizards in shades of yellow, brown, or orange, bearded dragons get their name from the way they can expand the skin over their throat when they’re nervous or stressed. They’re active during the day, and when properly socialized, delight in interacting with their owners. Despite their fierce name, beardies are gentle creatures that enjoy being picked up. They prefer to munch on crickets, worms, and veggies, so mealtime can be quite a spectacle. While they are smaller than iguanas, they can grow up to 24 inches long and live for more than a decade.
Leopard Geckos
A long-lived lizard whose lifespan can be up to 20 years, the leopard gecko is ideal for first-time reptile owners because it is friendly, calm, and easy to handle. As babies, these lizards are yellow with brown stripes, but the stripes fade into the spots that inspire their name as they age. Nocturnal by nature, they grow to nearly a foot in length and thrive in glass tanks with rocks to climb on, a shallow dish of water to soak in, and a moist cave or hide box. They feast on insects and enjoy a simple diet of crickets dusted in calcium powder and mealworms.
Russian Tortoises
A tortoise may sometimes be referred to as a turtle, but it isn’t really. Although they look very similar, a tortoise lives on land while a turtle dwells in the water at least part of the time. Russian tortoises are among the smaller tortoises; they average about 6 inches in length. These hardy animals may look prehistoric, but they are friendly, calm, and willing to interact with their owners. They may not need as much space as other pets, but they do require a sizeable commitment because they can live for more than 30 years. To stay healthy, they need a steady diet of grasses and dark leafy greens and regular exposure to ultraviolet light in the form of either natural sunlight or a UV lamp.
Anoles
One of the most common lizards to keep as a pet, anoles are sometimes called “American chameleons” even though they are not truly chameleons. These slender and agile reptiles can, however, change their hue: from brown to bright green. Anoles are perfect pets for beginners, because they’re small (about eight inches), inexpensive, and relatively low maintenance. Arboreal reptiles, they enjoy vertical enclosures with lots of plants, and they eat a variety of insects. Male anoles have a distinctive physical feature known as a dewlap (a colorful fold of skin found under the chin/neck) that they display for territorial purposes and during courtship.
Corn Snakes
The only snakes on our list of best reptile pets, corn snakes are known for their docile nature. Slinky, slithering, and an appealing orange- or red-brown in color, these snakes are both small enough to be approachable and big enough not to be fragile. While they grow to between four feet and six feet in length, they lack the girth of larger, more intimidating snakes. They generally enjoy being handled and will respond to touch readily. An ideal habitat is a glass tank with an escape-proof lid, branches for climbing, a hiding spot, moss for humidity, a cool zone for chilling, and a hot zone for basking. Corn snakes should be fed freshly killed or recently thawed mice or rodents. Like other reptiles, corn snakes have lengthy lifespans; they can live for 20 years.
_____
Whether you’re looking for a new pet or the supplies you need to keep your scaly friend happy and healthy, you can count on Petsway. At our locations in Springfield, St. Louis, and Poplar Bluff, Missouri, you’ll find an interesting selection of live reptiles, a varied assortment of supplies, and friendly pet experts who are always ready to help with tips and advice. Visit us online or stop by one of our locations today to explore the best reptile pets.