Have you ever lounged with a lizard, tended to a tortoise, or snuggled with a snake?
Furry critters may be more common as companion animals, but many reptiles make surprisingly good pets, and a growing number of people are seeking them as an alternative or addition to traditional cats and dogs.
Reptiles are naturally hypoallergenic, they have individual personalities, and they recognize their keepers. Some species are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, called morphs.
Reptiles have unique care requirements because of their cold-blooded nature, but they are not as difficult to meet as you may think. In this article you’ll learn which reptiles make great pets for beginners, including basic care information to help you select a pet that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
Turtles
Turtles are often the first reptiles we learn about as children. From the elegant sea turtle migrating vast oceans, to ancient, enigmatic giant tortoises, they are long lived and legendary.
As pets, turtles generally come in two varieties: those that live primarily in water, and those that live primarily on land. Most land turtles are called tortoises. Both can be curious and entertaining companions, though the water needs of aquatic turtles make them less beginner-friendly.
Do you like the idea of a pet you can pass on to a grandchild someday? Most turtles live 50 to 100 years! Choose a species that stays small so you can more easily give it a large habitat to enjoy. Pet turtles are very hardy, though they require a heated basking area and UVB lighting, as well as a substrate deep enough to allow them to dig.
The Hermann’s tortoise is a great first pet reptile, as are others in the Testudo genus such as Greek, Russian, and Egyptian tortoises. Most stay under a foot in length and eat a convenient vegetarian diet. Box turtles are another good option, though they require more protein and higher humidity.
Lizards
An incredibly diverse group of animals, lizards come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. From tiny dwarf geckos under 2 inches long, to huge komodo dragons weighing 350 pounds, lizards fill many niches in nature.
When choosing your first pet lizard, consider whether you want a pet that eats live insects, or one that prefers more readily available plants and prepared diets. Insects can be shipped on a schedule, but our cold winters can cause delays and you may want to raise your own. Dubia roaches and mealworms are easy to ‘farm’ at home.
Crested geckos are arguably the most popular pet lizard in the reptile community, and for good reason. Unlike most reptiles, these lizards are kept at room temperature with no extra heating required, and they readily eat a prepared powdered fruit diet that’s mixed with water (though occasional live insects are often appreciated).
Because of their small size and tropical nature, they are great candidates for bioactive enclosures. These set-ups utilize live plants and a living ‘clean-up crew’ of invertebrates and fungi to essentially create a rainforest ecosystem in a box.
One drawback of crested geckos is their tendency to drop their tail as a defense mechanism if they get scared, which never grows back. These now tailless crested geckos are affectionately called ‘frog butts’ in the reptile hobby. Gargoyle geckos are a similar looking species with the same care requirements, though they will grow a replacement tail. Both crested and gargoyle geckos are arboreal, and they like to climb and jump.
If you’d prefer a more arid, desert style set-up and you don’t mind feeding live insects, leopard geckos are a great option. These small lizards are known for their cute, smiling faces and spotted patterning. Bearded dragons are another popular pet lizard, though their larger size and specific lighting requirements make them a little more challenging for beginners.
Other good first lizards with various care requirements include African fat-tailed geckos, Rankin’s dragons, uromastyx species, Ackie monitors, blue-tongue skinks, and emerald tree skinks.
Snakes
Of all reptiles, snakes are the most unfairly maligned. While it’s understandable to fear dangerous snakes, most are actually harmless to humans, and many make wonderful pets.
Snakes are obligate carnivores, and most eat rodents in captivity. Live prey is not required and is often frowned upon—most pet snakes readily eat frozen/thawed meals. Because snakes have slow metabolisms, many are only fed once per week, and some boas and pythons can easily go months without food.
Pet snakes require a heat source and a substrate appropriate to their species’ humidity needs. UVB lighting is recommended for some species.
Corn snakes are a popular first reptile, and they come in many colors. Other North American colubrids like rat snakes, milk snakes, king snakes, hognose snakes, and garter snakes have similar care. Rosy boas, sand boas, and house snakes are also small and easy to keep.
Ball pythons are common pets because they are slow moving and easy to handle, and like corn snakes they have a variety of color morphs. However, they can be picky eaters and become stressed easily, sometimes going on hunger strikes for months. Spotted pythons are smaller and more arboreal than ball pythons, but they are more confident and eat readily. Dwarf boa constrictors are another great choice, though they get larger, often reaching 5-6 feet.
The best pet reptile for you is the one you will be excited to take care of for its entire life. Unfortunately, reptiles are often some of the most neglected and re-homed pets, so it’s important to thoroughly research the animal you want, and understand the commitment.
Consider adopting your first reptile, or purchase one from an ethical breeder who can tell you about the animal’s lineage and temperament. Don’t support businesses that take animals from the wild—all of the reptiles mentioned can be purchased captive born and bred. The Snake Pit in Duluth is a great place for in-person reptile sales and services. Looking online? Try this popular website for buying reptiles directly from breeders: morphmarket.com.
Reptiles can be very rewarding to keep, opening a door to educational opportunities and a connection to nature unlike any other. With proper care, a reptile can become a beloved member of the family, just like any traditional pet!