If you’re considering getting a pet reptile for the first time and don’t know what to get, then you’ve come to the right place.
Caring for a reptile is much different than caring for traditional pets like dogs and cats. Reptiles require specific temperatures, humidity levels, and diets that are different from what you might be used to with a furry friend. It’s important to do your research before bringing a reptile into your home to ensure that you can provide them with the proper care they need.
Luckily, there are many reptiles out there that make great pets for beginners with little to no experience. These animals are low maintenance and relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for anyone who wants a unique and interesting pet without a steep learning curve.
In this post, we will provide a list of the best beginner reptile pets and explain why they’re a great option. We will also provide a bit of information on how to care for each one.
Best Reptile Pets for Beginners
Below are what we consider to be the 5 best beginner reptile pets:
- Leopard geckos
- Bearded dragons
- Corn snakes
- Aquatic turtles
- Tree frogs
Leopard Geckos
Leopard geckos are often considered one of the best pet reptiles for beginners, and for good reason. They are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for anyone who is new to reptile ownership.
Leopard geckos don’t require a lot of space. A 20-gallon tank is typically sufficient for one or two geckos, which makes them an excellent choice for those who live in smaller homes or apartments.
Another advantage of leopard geckos is that they are not as sensitive to temperature and humidity as some other reptiles. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They also require a basking spot with a temperature of around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. In terms of humidity, leopard geckos need a dry environment, with a humidity level of around 30-40%.
In terms of diet, leopard geckos are insectivores and primarily eat:
- Crickets
- Mealworms
- Waxworms
They should be fed a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. It’s important to dust their food with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to ensure that they receive the proper nutrition.
When it comes to substrate, leopard geckos do well on a variety of options, such as paper towels, reptile carpet, or tile. Avoid using loose substrates like sand or coconut fiber, as they can be ingested and cause impaction.
Overall, leopard geckos are a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-care-for pet reptile. They are hardy, adaptable, and can make excellent companions for those who take the time to provide them with the proper care they need.
Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are another popular choice for beginner reptile owners. They are known for their friendly demeanor and ease of care, making them a great choice for families and first-time reptile owners.
One of the benefits of bearded dragons is that they are relatively hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels, making them adaptable to different living conditions.
Bearded dragons require a larger enclosure than leopard geckos, typically around 40-50 gallons for a single adult. They also need a basking spot with a temperature of around 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit, and a cooler side of the enclosure that ranges between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature can drop down to around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
They also require a UVB light source to help them metabolize calcium and vitamin D3, which are essential for their bone health.
In terms of diet, bearded dragons are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including:
- Insects
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Crickets
- Mealworms
- Roaches
When it comes to substrate, bearded dragons do well on a variety of options, such as reptile carpet, paper towels, or tile. Loose substrates like sand or gravel should be avoided, as they can be ingested and cause impaction.
Overall, bearded dragons make excellent pets for beginners due to their easy-going nature and relative ease of care. They can be a rewarding and entertaining addition to any household willing to provide them with the proper care they need.
Corn Snakes
Corn snakes are a popular choice for beginner reptile owners, thanks to their gentle nature and easy-to-care-for requirements. These snakes are relatively small, growing up to around 5 feet in length, and are known for their attractive coloration and pattern.
Corn snakes require a relatively simple setup compared to other reptiles. They typically do well in enclosures that are at least 20 gallons in size, with a secure lid to prevent escape. The enclosure should have a heat source that provides a temperature gradient of around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit on the cool side, and a basking spot that ranges from 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit on the warm side. They also require a humidity level of around 40-60%, which can be maintained with a water dish and occasional misting.
In terms of diet, corn snakes are carnivores and primarily eat mice or rats. They should be fed prey that is appropriately sized for their body, typically every 5-7 days for adults. It’s important to feed them pre-killed or frozen-thawed prey to prevent injury or infection.
Corn snakes do well on a variety of substrate options, such as aspen shavings, paper towels, or reptile carpet. Loose substrates like sand or gravel should be avoided, as they can be ingested and cause impaction.
Aquatic Turtles
Aquatic turtles are known for their unique appearance and fascinating behavior, and they can be very rewarding pets to keep.
Aquatic turtles require a large tank with plenty of water to swim in. They also need a basking area, typically provided by a heat lamp or heating pad, where they can dry off and warm up after swimming. The temperature of the water should be around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, with the basking area reaching a temperature of around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit. They also require a UVB light source to help them metabolize calcium and vitamin D3, which are essential for their bone health.
Aquatic turtles are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including aquatic plants, insects, and commercial turtle pellets. It’s important to provide a varied diet to ensure that they receive all of the necessary nutrients they need to thrive.
When it comes to substrate, aquatic turtles do well on a variety of options, such as aquarium gravel or river rock. It’s important to provide a substrate that is easy to clean and does not pose a risk of ingestion.
Overall, aquatic turtles make great pets for beginner reptile owners due to their relatively simple care requirements and fascinating behavior. They can be a great choice for anyone looking for a unique and entertaining pet that doesn’t require too much attention or maintenance.
It’s important to note that turtles can live for many years and require a long-term commitment from their owners.
Tree Frogs
Tree frogs are an excellent choice for beginner reptile owners who are looking for an interesting and unique pet. These small amphibians are fascinating to watch, and they require relatively simple care.
Tree frogs typically require a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size, with a secure lid to prevent escape. They are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees or other elevated areas, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of climbing opportunities in their enclosure. The temperature in their enclosure should be around 72-82 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level of around 50-80%.
Tree frogs are carnivores and typically eat insects such as crickets or flies. It’s important to feed them a varied diet to ensure that they receive all of the necessary nutrients they need to thrive.
Coconut fiber and moss are the two best options when it comes to choosing a substrate. It’s important to provide a substrate that is moisture-retentive, as tree frogs require a relatively high humidity level.
Overall, tree frogs make great pets for beginner reptile owners due to their relatively simple care requirements and unique appearance. They can be a great choice for anyone looking for a pet that is easy to care for but still fascinating to watch.
Tips for Beginner Reptile Owners
Below are some basic tips for anyone who is new to owning a pet reptile or amphibian:
- Do your research – Before getting a reptile or amphibian, it’s important to research the specific species to ensure that you can provide them with the appropriate care and environment.
- Provide a suitable enclosure – Make sure that you provide a suitable enclosure that meets the needs of your pet in terms of temperature, humidity, lighting, substrate, and space.
- Feed your pet the right diet – Different species have different dietary needs, so make sure that you are feeding your pet the right type of food, whether it’s live insects, fruits and vegetables, or frozen rodents.
- Handle your pet with care – Reptiles and amphibians can be delicate and easily stressed, so it’s important to handle them with care and avoid unnecessary stress.
- Keep up with regular cleaning and maintenance – Reptiles and amphibians require regular cleaning and maintenance of their enclosure to ensure that they remain healthy and happy.
- Monitor your pet’s health – Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and appearance, and seek veterinary care if you notice any signs of illness or injury.
- Stay informed and educated – Continue to learn and educate yourself about your pet’s species to ensure that you can provide the best care possible.
Remember, owning a reptile or amphibian is a long-term commitment, and it’s important to provide the appropriate care to ensure their health and well-being.
Find Your New Pet at XYZReptiles
If you’re in the market for a new reptile pet, XYZReptiles is the best place to buy. Not only do they have an extensive selection of high-quality reptiles, but they also have a reputation for safe and reliable shipping practices. When you order from XYZReptiles, you can trust that your new pet will arrive healthy and happy.
In addition to their safe shipping practices, XYZReptiles also offers great prices on their reptiles. They understand that owning a pet can be expensive, and they strive to make it as affordable as possible for their customers. With their competitive prices and high-quality reptiles, XYZReptiles is the perfect place to find your next pet
