So, you think you want a reptile for a pet?  What do you need to know about having reptiles for pets?  There are many things to research before deciding on the right reptile pet for you.  Inexperienced owners are often surprised by the expense and difficulty involved in caring for certain reptiles as pets.

 Best Reptile Pets for Beginners

The best reptile pets for beginners are as follows:

Lizards:  Leopard Geckos, live 20 or more years and need 15 to 20-gallon tank.  Bearded Dragons, live about 10 years and require a 40-gallon tank

Snakes: Corn Snakes, live 15 to 20 years and need a 20-gallon tank.  Ball Pythons, live 30+ years and start with a 2- gallon tank increase with growth                   ·        

Turtles: Eastern Box Turtles, live up to 100 years and require an outdoor pen

Do Your Research

There are vital facts to learn about your specific reptile in order to keep it healthy including:

•         Diet
•         Proper habitat
•         Proper temperature and humidity for its habitat
•         Does this reptile need ultraviolet light?
•         What size will it become?

Research the reptile’s behavior.  Some large reptiles can pose biting, scratching, and crushing risks to people and other animals.                 

Safety Concerns

Salmonella is a risk with most reptiles.  Good handwashing and sanitation are extremely important when handling reptiles.  If you or a family member has a health condition or takes medication that weakens the immune system, check with your doctor before considering a reptile as a pet.

Animal Medical Center of Appleton can help you with any other relevant questions you may have about any type of pet. We serve pets in Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, Grand Chute, and the surrounding areas. Call 920-749-1717 or visit us at the Animal Medical Center of Appleton.