If you are looking to add a pet to your family but want to or need to avoid fur or feathers, then a reptile may be perfect for you. Here, our Southern Wisconsin vets share some of the best and easiest reptile pets to take care of for beginners.
What are the best reptiles for handling as a beginner?
Reptiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While the care required varies from reptile to reptile, they all have certain similarities. Either way, it's important to have an idea of what you are getting into prior to deciding to bring home a new pet reptile.
Here are some of our picks for the easiest reptiles for beginners to take care of:
1. Leopard Gecko
A leopard gecko is a hardy and peaceful pet that is ideal for beginners. These spotted geckos are quiet and easy to care for, making them ideal household pets. Because they are nocturnal, if your family is active early in the morning or late at night, you will get to witness their peak activity!
2. Bearded Dragon
A Bearded can reach a length of 24 inches and live for more than a decade. They are one of the best pet reptiles for handling, as beardies enjoy being picked up. They eat a variety of foods such as crickets, worms, and vegetables.
3. Crested Gecko
Crested geckos are calm but interesting animals. The long crests on their bodies and eyes give them the appearance of cartoons. This kind of gecko is arboreal and requires a vertical habitat, making it an ideal pet for someone who may not have enough space for a standard horizontal enclosure.
4. Turtles
Turtles can reach 11 inches in length and survive for more than 30 years. Turtles spend most of their life in water, have webbed feet, and are omnivores. A turtle's diet may include crickets, worms, goldfish, vegetables, and pellets.
5. Corn Snakes
Corn snakes 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. These multicolored snakes make excellent reptile pets because they are small and docile.
6. Water Dragons
You can spend more time appreciating them than caring for them if they have a proper and regulated habitat. Many people want to acquire iguanas but are put off by their size or violent behavior, so the water dragon is a wonderful compromise. They are significantly smaller and far friendlier, yet retain the same physical characteristics.
7. Tortoise
Tortoises are land-dwelling reptiles that can grow to be 12 inches long and live for more than 50 years if properly cared for. Tortoises have an ancient pedigree that can be traced back to the days of the dinosaurs, making them appear incredibly prehistoric. Unlike turtles, these guys are herbivores who prefer to live on land rather than in water.
Exotic Pet Vet in Southern Wisconsin
We know that caring for your pet reptile requires special knowledge and experience, so we aim to show you that your pets are in great hands and that we are here to meet all of their needs.
Our exotic veterinary team is dedicated to providing birds, reptiles, and small mammals with proper care so they can have long and healthy lives. We are also here for you whenever your pets are not feeling well.
Our staff of skilled professionals at Badger Veterinary Hospital are well-trained in the care of birds, reptiles, and small mammals and can give you the information you need to keep your exotic pet looking and feeling great.
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.