What Is The Best Reptile For First-Time Owners?

Reptiles have big personalities! You may not have thought of that, but some reptiles will show their joy at seeing you walk into the room. We have heard from bearded dragon parents that the dragon will run to the top of the log when they walk into the room. There is also a bearded dragon we have seen online that will look as though he is waving when he sees his "family." There are some reptiles that are easier to care for than others and there are some reptiles that make better pets for first-time reptile owners and we have a few suggestions for you if you're adding a reptile to your family. 

What kind of reptile is best for a first-time reptile owner? 

These are what we consider the "best" reptiles for first time or beginning owners because they are easy to care for. 

Bearded dragon. These reptiles are known for their personality and for being amenable to being handled. As with any reptile, if you get it when it's young and you spend time with it getting it accustomed to you and your hands, he will welcome your attention. A bearded dragon can live up to ten years and enjoy being carried around and some don't even mind riding in a car. If you're so inclined, some bearded dragons will let you put a harness on them so you can take them out-of-doors. Bearded dragons eat mealworms, crickets and lettuce. 

Leopard geckos. These are named for the spots on their skin. They don't have sticky pads on their feet the way other geckos do and this might make them happier to be held than other geckos. Again start handling your gecko, gently, when she is young and she will welcome your touch. A gecko may not be as friendly as a bearded dragon, but they are still a wonderful reptile for a beginner. They can live up to eight years and eat crickets and mealworms. 

Corn snake. Now this reptile may not be as happy to be handled as a reptile is -- but there are many snake owners who will tell you that their snake is not bothered by the attention. Corn snakes are low maintenance and can even be left alone for the weekend, if you need to. You will want to invest in a cover for their tank that has a lock on it so they don't try to nudge the cover off. Corn snakes eat "pinkies" live mice when the snake is young and small and full sized mice when the snake is older -- this is something to keep in mind if you're queasy about this type of feeding. Corn snakes enjoy natural light and if their tank is in indirect sunlight they will be happy. A corn snake can grow to five-feet in length and can live for close to two decades. 

Russian Tortoise. Keep in mind that a tortoise will be with you for decades -- we're talking up to fifty years! Because of this you will need to consider having him with you for a lifetime! These four-toed reptiles are relatively small, hardy and quicker than most. These pets will develop unique personalities, need an enclosure of at least five feet and thrive on leafy vegetables and love to be outdoors in the yard in the summer chomping on dandelions. They also enjoy climbing so make sure his enclosure has a safe space for your tortoise to climb and exercise. 

There is a risk of salmonella when handling reptiles so please avoid kissing them and wash your hands thoroughly once you're done handling them. Reptiles may not be much for guarding your home like a dog would, but then it won't bark when you're away at work! A reptile is a great starter pet for many and you will find reptiles do have unique personalities and will welcome your attention.