best reptiles to have as pets

10 Best Reptiles to Have as Pets

5 mins read

Lizards, snakes and geckos are only a small part of the types of reptiles we know of that can be kept as pets. If you are interested in trying to keep reptiles as pets, there are several reptiles that you can take into consideration. No need to worry because these reptiles can still be handled even by those who are beginners!

1. Chinese Water Dragon

chinese water dragon
Image: TheSprucePets

There are several types of water dragons or newts. Among the many, there are 2 that are easy to care for, namely the Chinese water dragon and the Australian water dragon. About popularity. The Chinese water dragon is more popular and widely kept by people. Even though maintaining this one lizard is difficult but easy.

To raise a Chinese water dragon, you need a rather large place. As much as possible design the cage to suit the habitat he lives in. Make sure it gets the right moisture to survive. The size of the cage is recommended around 121 cm – 182 cm. Also prepare water because this lizard really likes to swim.

2. Argentine Black and White Tegu

Argentine Black and White Tegu
Image: Latesly

If you want to find a reptile that is easy to care for, you can try keeping Argentine black and white tegu. This black and white tegu lizard is found in South America. Maybe the only thing you need to pay attention to is the size of this tegu lizard.

Argentine black and white tegu lizards can grow up to 120 cm long. If you feel that this size is not a problem, you can keep it at home. Even though it is quite large, the tegu lizard is relatively tame. Very possible to hold and also very smart. Their diet includes mice, insects, and fruit.

3. Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon
Image: Wikipedia

Do not forget to mention the Bearded dragon as one of the recommended reptiles for pets. These lizards are so popular because of their characteristics. He is easy going, friendly, docile, and willing to be held. So those of you who are doubtful or afraid of lizards, can start with the easiest one first.

Bearded dragon comes from Australia. These lizards have a fold of skin under their chin that forms like a beard or beard. Different from other lizards that are active at night, Bearded dragons are active during the day. For food selection, Bearded dragons, which are omnivores, can eat insects and fruit. Don’t forget to give them a supplement that contains calcium.

4. Corn Snake

Corn Snake

Included in reptiles, snakes can also be used as pets choice that is different from people in general. It’s just that for those who have a phobia with snakes, it will be difficult to get close to snakes even though the snake is not venomous. But for those who want to learn to care for and overcome their phobia of snakes, they can start with the Corn snake.

The common corn snake only grows up to 180 cm, making it safe enough to be held in the hands of both adults and children. The colors are very varied, allowing us to freely choose which one. There is no need for special lighting and the food is only rats. Make sure to handle snakes often so that they get used to human hands.

5. Crested Gecko

Crested Gecko
Image: ZooReptilia

Are you all familiar with the name gecko? Gecko is one type of lizard with a smaller size. Similar to a lizard but bigger. Geckos themselves are unique animals, so many people are interested in keeping them. There are many types of geckos, the first of which might suit you the Crested gecko.

Crested geckos are native to New Caledonia, an island group close to Australia. Like most geckos, Crested geckos love to climb, so make sure you build a cage that is tall, warm, and also humid. No need for special lighting because geckos are nocturnal animals.

6. Uromastyx

Uromastyx
Image: Usherp

Uromastyx, a beautiful lizard with a name that is difficult to name. You can call these lizards Spiny-tailed lizards. This lizard is still in the same family as the Bearded dragon. Uromastyx is found mostly in the Middle East, has a yellow-gray color combination and spends more time on land.

No need to bother thinking about a cage for this lizard. Uromastyx is generally only 14-16 inches in size. However, their bodies were quite large and heavy too. Uromastyx has a hobby of digging, so just make sure you have an area where they can dig. For food, Uromastyx is a herbivorous lizard. Sometimes they eat insects.

7. Green Basilisk

Green Basilisk
Image: Wikipedia

Green basilisk, hearing its name maybe some people will imagine the giant snake that appears in the Harry Potter films and the Chamber of Secrets. It’s different in the film, it’s different in the real world. Green basilisk is not the name of a snake species, but the name of a species of lizard.

Named the green basilisk because this lizard has a very beautiful green color. One of the attractions of this lizard is that it is able to run on water. Green basilisks are found in tropical rainforests in Central America. It is not difficult to maintain this one lizard because it is an omnivorous animal. He can eat animals such as mice and fruit. The size is only about 91 cm.

8. Blue Tongued Skink

Blue Tongued Skink
Image: CB Reptile

Looks funny, this lizard has the name Blue tongued skink. One of the uniqueness or appeal of this reptile is its tongue. The blue tongued skink has a long, blue tongue. The Blue Tongued Skink is native to the Australian continent. This reptile is recommended for beginners in the reptile world because of its easy maintenance and docile character.

Blue tongued skink body is quite large, it can grow up to 20 inches. But not to worry, this lizard is tame and also quiet. Like most lizards, the Blue Tongued skink is an omnivore or eating everything. Make sure you give it enough food, a combination of meat, vegetables and fruit.

9. Veiled Chameleon

Veiled Chameleon

Chameleons are also included in reptiles. Not a few of these reptiles are used as pets. There are more than 200 types of chameleons that live in the world. The most popular and easy to find is the veiled chameleon. If you can’t find Veiled Chameleon, you can switch to Panther Chameleon who has a close relationship with him. Veiled Chameleon can be found almost anywhere.

They have a lifespan of 4 to 8 years with a body length of 18-22 inches. Their diet is mostly insects. For this type of chameleon, don’t try to grab it right away. Let them come to you alone. Since they are territorial animals, anything that carelessly enters their territory, will likely receive a warning in the form of a hiss. If you are still desperate, you might bite.

10. Leopard Gecko

leopart geckos

The popularity of the gecko doesn’t need to be questioned anymore. Not only is it favorite pets for beginners, even those who have long struggled in the world of reptiles are also interested in keeping geckos. There are even those who make geckos an investment because the price can go up at any time.

The leopard gecko has a dark brown color with few spots, similar to that of the leopard. It takes high calcium to make this gecko grow healthily. You can give the solution for insects and also calcium supplements. Fairly tame, rarely bites, and easy to care for, perfect for beginners.

Jonathan Snyder is the author for 5 best selling books on Amazon (Development as Service) and part time contributor at Life Hack Solution.