Slower than typical geckos and lacking the sticky pads that can make escapes easy, leopard geckos come in different colorations and marking patterns. As a matter of fact, some can get quite large and quite challenging to keep as pets. I worked at Petsmart so I know some about caring of reptiles and was considering a Bearded Dragon because I know they are good for beginners. Adult Enclosure Size: 40-55 gallon Rosy boas enjoy a diet of mice, and only need to eat 2-4 times per month in the spring, summer, and fall. Aside from that, they also need a place to dig like sand which they usually use for toilet and to discard food. There are low maintenance reptiles out there that are beginner-friendly, and suitable for people with small spaces who don’t have room for a lot of equipment, or good for people who want to get into the world of reptile ownership, and don’t want to get in over their heads. Essentially, the Leopard Gecko is affordable, easy to handle, low maintenance, and quite amusing. Adult Length: 2-5 feet On the negative side, they do eat small rodents like mice. Sea monkey owners should just buy the eggs, water purifier, food, and a tank. Even low-maintenance reptiles have special needs. My mom has kept a fish in a 55 gallon tank for nearly 10 years now but she's tired of maintaining it. Learn how to keep them happy. Adult Enclosure Size: 20 gallons Adult Enclosure Size: 20 gallons They have perky personalities and make movements that are interesting to watch. Instead, she thought it might be a nice change of pace to a get some type of low maintenance reptile. If you make a purchase after clicking a link I earn a small commission at no cost to you. These are relatively low-maintenance lizards, and become more docile with age rather than getting aggressive as they reach sexual maturity. The small, spotted creatures may be shy at first, but after some love and care they'll sweeten up to your touch, just like other pets. These little creatures are really low-maintenance pets. Low Maintenance. These small, beautifully spotted lizards are excellent low maintenance reptiles to keep as pets. When purchasing reptiles, do your research and make sure you can handle its upkeep. Surprisingly, one of the best options for your skink is wet cat or dog food! Compared to other lizards, they require minimal care. So, if you like to take frequent weekend trips or stay the night at a friend’s or partner’s house, you won’t need to come rushing home to feed your gecko. *This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Always purchase them from a reputable exotics shop, or breeder. So with all of this being said, if you want a low-maintenance reptile that doesn’t require a ton of daily care, is easy to handle, and will remain around for some time, the Corn Snake is definitely for you! They can handle an extreme range of temperatures, which is why they are often recommended to amateur reptile enthusiasts. Keep reading to find out more about beginner-friendly, low maintenance reptiles. Can you hold them: Yes! This is far from the truth. They thrive on a diet of leafy greens, spring mix, kale, spinach, and for tortoises in outdoor enclosures broad-leaf weeds, will keep them healthy and satisfied. But, they do need some investment up-front, and ongoing to maintain them though. And when it comes to setting up the habitat, the corn snake is just about one of the easiest reptiles to cater to! These hardy and beautiful plants are as easy as they come. Reptiles that are low maintenance include Bearded Dragons, Ball pythons, Green Anoles, Leopard Geckos. If they are handled too roughly they may drop their tails, and their tails do not grow back. Adult Weight: 16oz There is not much work involved with them. When it comes to their habitat, for an adult, you’re going to want something at least 75 gallons, but ideally 100… if not larger! When it comes to diet, you’ll want to opt for a diet rich in fibrous leafy greens such as kale, collards, spinach, etc., and avoid bread and sugary foods like fruit at all costs. It is fairly easy to meet their housing and dietary requirements, although some specialized equipment is required to set up a proper vivarium for anoles as they are quite active little animals. Feed two to three appropriately sized prey items every other day. The suggestion that lizards are low maintenance is rather misleading - even the most straightforward, eg. They are also one of the most common lizards found in Florida. Breeders often suggest that beginner reptile owners pick low maintenance animals like corn snakes, leopard geckos, bearded dragons, frogs, or tortoises. Reptiles aren’t entirely self-sufficient: you’ll need to provide your pet with food; fresh water; a clean, comfortable cage; and regular veterinary care. Adult Weight: 1.1 Adult Enclosure Size: 30-50 gallons Low maintenance reptiles and amphibians include corn snakes, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, tortoises, and frogs, making them a great beginner options for families with children. Cornsnakes and kingsnakes are going to be your most low maintenance reptiles. They need a diet of mice and small rats, and they do have a reputation for suddenly refusing food. K.Homer — February 9, 2021 0 comment. All reptiles need lesser amounts of care and attention than conventional pets. Astonishing Pigeon Facts You Didn’t Know! Adult Length: 7-10 inches Provide small flat rocks inside their pen that will allow them to climb and exercise. Leopard Geckos Probably one of the more popular if not the most popular of all reptile pets, the Leopard Gecko earned its spot on this list for many, many reasons. Russian Tortoise is a low maintenance reptile. Best Pet Lizards: Leopard Gecko. Adult Enclosure Size: 10-20 gallons This slow-moving snake is slightly smaller than it’s relatives the kingsnake and the ball python. Reptiles, however, don’t need to learn how to be a good pet. Low Maintenance Pets: 5 Reptiles That Are Great For Beginners and Kids Alike. They are quite low maintenance and require little attention. The Journal . The best lizard to think about getting is a bearded dragon or a gecko. level 1 They are omnivores that benefit from a varied diet that can contain, avocado, eggs, canned dog or cat food, mealworms, carrots, and mangoes. 7 Most Tough Looking Dogs That Will Win Your Heart. With proper care Russian tortoises can live up to 50 years. Tweet on Twitter Share on Facebook Google+ Pinterest. If you have a sunny windowsill, you can be a succulent owner. WildlifeInformer.com is a site that’s all about wild animals and nature. Their diet is varied, and easy to acquire. Read More. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wildlifeinformer_com-medrectangle-4-0')};Adult Weight: 10-18 ounces You can expect your skink to be around 24 inches long, give or take. Adult Enclosure Size: 50 gallon They are very striking, coming in variations of coral and orange, which makes them popular with snake enthusiasts. These reptiles are feisty and more interactive than other species of tortoise. These little guys can live up to 20 years in captivity if well cared for. They are full of personality making this low maintenance reptile a fun introduction to the world of herpetology. 1 decade ago. Don’t get discouraged. They are insectivores and enjoy a diet of crickets, spiders, and mealworms. Leopard Geckos are also docile and are easy to handle, so long as you keep a hand under them so they don’t fall. iStock. Anoles do best on a variety of insects including mealworms and wax worms. They do not have water requirement and is best to be house outside in large, penned off area with plants. Reptiles are generally considered to be a low maintenance pet, and they do not require a significant amount of daily maintenance and handling in order to stay happy and healthy. These little lizards make a great reptile for first-time reptile keepers. Crickets and mealworms along with parsley, sweet potatoes, peppers, and fruit make a nice well-rounded diet. Reptiles, in general, aren’t a bad option for low-maintenance pets, and bearded dragons are one of the best starter reptiles out there.. You won’t have to cancel that week’s vacation because of your pet. Adult Length: 5-8 inches This article contains affiliate links. For instance, wholesale reptiles distributors commonly have very low prices for common reptile pets. They are relatively small, inexpensive, and easy to care for. It’ll grow back, but will take some time and never be quite the same. Do your research before getting any pet on how to take care of your soon-to-be buddy and what equipment you’ll want to buy and set up BEFORE you acquire the pet. Pets aren't limited to furry creatures or fish. Adult Corn Snakes only require feeding about once a week. Leopard gecko Friendly and low-maintenance, this is a fantastic first-time lizard. 4 small animals that make excellent first pets for kids Bearded Dragons. These reptiles make great low-maintenance pets and can be kept indoors or outdoors. ... so you won’t end up with a small dinosaur on your hands—unlike some reptiles … Looking to keep an easy, low maintenance reptile? On the larger side for a beginner lizard, these little guys are clumsy climbers so their habitat should not contain anything extremely tall. At Wildlife Informer we share interesting info about all kinds of animals and wildlife. Pet reptiles are a growing sector of the pet trade, and these low-maintenance pets are already popular in many parts of the world. Is It Flowers You’re After? Can You hold them: Yes! So, in your hunt for a new pet, you’re considering a new scaly friend. They can be trained to be held, but some individual lizards remain very skittish and may never enjoy being handled. We’ve compiled a handy list of the top 5 types of pet lizards to keep as for beginner and experiences reptile owners alike. Probably one of the more popular of all reptile pets is the Leopard Gecko. Just be careful not to grab them by the tail. Adult Length: 8-10 inches Crested geckos are a small non-aggressive lizard. Because they don’t need to eat every day and can survive on cheap feeders like crickets, you can expect to spend just a couple of dollars each week, if even that. Adult Length: 2-6 feet Leopard geckos are commonly yellow, white, and spotted with black dots. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wildlifeinformer_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};California kingsnakes are a popular snake with beginners, they don’t require special lighting, and are non-aggressive. Adult Length: 18-24 inches But few people stop to consider the origin of reptiles offered for sale at pet stores, the suffering the reptiles have endured, or whether reptiles make appropriate pets in the first place. Unique from other species of gecko lacks sticky toe pads… meaning they tend to be less jumpy or climby than other species of gecko. Searching for Succulents? Bearded dragons, playfully called “beardies” are laid back medium-sized lizards. As long as they maintain a healthy weight, there is no need to worry. Bearded dragons, playfully called “beardies” are laid back medium-sized lizards. They are enchanting, cheap, and low maintenance. The preferred substrates include soil, peat moss, or orchid bark. In the wild, they eat bird eggs, rodents, and other snakes, but a king snake in captivity will be quite happy with a diet of mice and rats. Geckos are one of the most unique pets you can own, and leopard geckos are known as the most low-maintenance of the bunch. Ball pythons are a great starter snake for the beginner snake owner. Unlike other reptiles, leopard geckos do not need the expensive UVB bulbs or large enclosures that you may have to buy for other reptiles. Real Simple polled vets and pet-store owners to find the best low-maintenance birds, fish, and other pets. You can also give them hard-boiled eggs, shredded boiled chicken, cooked ground turkey and beef, and most fruits and veggies with the exception of citrus, avocados, eggplant, and high sodium foods. It’s earned its spot on this list for many reasons. Leopard geckos make a great pet for reptile enthusiasts. The words ‘snake’ and ‘cute’ might not strike you as belonging in the same sentence. Adult Enclosure Size: 20-70 gallons Not all tortoises or turtles are low-maintenance reptiles. When you think of low maintenance pets, you might think of goldfish or gerbils or some kind of other animal who needs food, water, cleanliness, and little else. Can You hold them: Yes, with care. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wildlifeinformer_com-banner-1-0')};Corn snakes are one of the snakes most commonly recommended to beginners. Anonymous. These make life easier when choosing a pet. If you are looking for a reptile that is easy to care for and can be left to tend to itself for days on end, look no further. They require both a basking light and UVA/UVB tube light in their enclosure. It usually takes quite a bit to get this non-venomous snake to bite you. Essentially, the Leopard Gecko wins points for being affordable, easy to handle, low maintenance to care for, and amusing. Setting up a habitat will cost you anywhere from $50 to $100. the gecko, has an awkward diet - live insects, worms etc - needs a good sized tank, careful environmental management, (eg. Anoles are active little lizards that scamper about quickly, making them hard to catch. A shallow water bowl should also be included for clean drinking water. Did You Know? They are relatively small, inexpensive, and easy to care for. Your tortoise will also enjoy munching on weeds like dandelions as well as flowers such as roses and hibiscus, just make sure they’re pesticide and herbicide-free. Reptiles are available in many shapes and sizes, and while some pets have higher care needs, others are fairly low-maintenance. This week we go over some great options and the reasons you'd want a low maintenance reptile. They prefer not to be handled too much; avoid it if at all possible, and always handle them gently. How To Attract Wildlife To Your Yard (9 Helpful Tips), 9 Examples of Reptiles That Can Change Colors, Best Flashlights For Wildlife Spotting (5 Great Options), 9 Animals That Dig Holes in Yards (With Pictures), 20 Birds of Prey In Tennessee (With Pictures), Animals That Live in Groups (23 Examples), The 6 Types of Birds (With Examples & Pictures). Mother's day gift idea for the bird lover: Birds stained glass sun-catcher! Many pet owners enjoy handling and playing with their pet reptiles, although this is not necessary in order to keep a pet reptile happy and healthy. Thanks! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Opt for premium brands without corn, grain, and fillers. Their habitat will require a full-spectrum fluorescent UV B  bulb and a heat bulb. Low Maintenance Reptiles. However, some readily available reptiles are good for beginners. Be careful in allowing your anole to catch wild insects; there’s no way to know what kinds of pesticides wild-caught insects may be harboring. Feed your adult every 2-3 days and your juvenile every other day. They thrive on a diet of mice and can live for 15-20 years. They can drop it. If you feed them thawed frozen mice (which is almost always the case) you will never have to deal with a live rodent. Russian tortoises are small hardy tortoises that require a fairly small habitat. Any advice found on this site should NOT be taken over that of a professional. Crested geckos can be handled, but need to be eased into it, and handled gently. Whether you're just getting started in reptile ownership or are a veteran reptile owner, these 12 reptiles make great pets. These little lizards make a great reptile for first-time reptile keepers. Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit, for Small Reptiles and Amphibians, Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage, Large, 18” x 18” x 36”, Top 5 Low Maintenance Reptiles to Keep as Pets. Source(s): https://shrinke.im/a9n1F. You won’t have to worry about sending your snake to daycare or finding a professional trainer for your lizard. They are a fairly active snake, so their enclosure will need room for them to slither. These make life easier when choosing a pet. In fact, these fascinating creatures regenerate lost, broken, or damaged body parts. Adult Weight: 2-6 grams Some reptiles are poor choices for beginners due to their diet, environmental needs, or unwieldy adult size. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wildlifeinformer_com-leader-1-0')};Adult Weight: 35-55 grams A popular beginner's reptile, the leopard gecko, is an easily handled, small lizard from Afghanistan, Pakistan, northwest India, and Iran. You can expect your Leopard Gecko to grow to be 8 to 12 inches long and live up to 20 years. They are easy to handle, although they can be shy. These low maintenance reptiles are curious and interactive but prefer not to be picked up. Adult Enclosure Size: 10 gallons Adult Weight: 4-5 pounds Because they are even tempered, low maintenance and, last but not least, perfectly sized! Real Simple polled vets and pet-store owners to find the best low-maintenance birds, fish, and other pets. Low Maintenance Reptiles as PetsSo, in your hunt for a new pet, you’re considering a new scaly friend. Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures that often live in the wild. They have great personalities, and they are very hardy and tolerant to quick change. It’s about as simple as it gets. Adult Length: 3-6 feet Can You hold them: Yes! We spend more money replacing crickets that died prematurely than those the lizards actually eat. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures than their spotted cousins, which makes them a good starter lizard. Dietary needs and habitat maintenance can be overwhelming and expensive for someone who is new to keeping reptiles. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wildlifeinformer_com-medrectangle-3-0')};Reptiles can be fun and fascinating pets, but they have unique requirements that can make them difficult to keep. If you’d rather a lizard that’s a bit more handleable, keep watching. Low Maintenance . What You Should Look For in a Pet Lizard While the list below does include some of the most popular choices for low-maintenance pet lizards, you may already have a specific breed or sub species in mind. But if you want low maintenance pets that like to cuddle, that's a whole different ball of fur. The anole is native to the Southeastern United States, where I’m from, and the Caribbean, where I wish I were. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. They are calm and easy to handle. Their diet is varied, and easy to acquire. Many people are lured into buying a pet reptile by misinformation proclaiming that reptiles are low cost, low maintenance pets. Adult Enclosure Size: 75 Gallons Adult Enclosure Size: 10-15 gallons It’s small size and docile personality make it a good snake for beginners. These little omnivores enjoy insects and fruit, and there is even a specially formulated food available in pet stores. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. These lizards are mainly diurnal (active during the daytime) and while they like to bask in the sun, they prefer to do so among plants. Each of these beautiful and unique reptiles has a low risk of biting and is suitable for households with children. They prefer their insects still be moving, they will not be tempted by dead insects. They stay fairly small, and are relatively inactive, so they do not require a large habitat. 0 0. These animals are relatively low maintenance, compared to other reptiles, but they still need a significant investment in the proper equipment up front. Regardless of whether you’re looking for suggestions on the best pet reptiles for beginners or the best reptiles for children, these Top 5 Low Maintenance Reptile Pets should prove to be great additions to your family. Adult Length: 18-22 inches They stay fairly small and are very docile, which means they do not need a large enclosure and are very easy to handle. The most popular beginner's reptile… This makes them a great choice for those with children. Equally easy to handle and take care of, the Blue Tongue Skink makes a great reptile for beginners! With their large body and stubby legs, these lizards are easy to handle, hardy, and slow-moving. Sea monkeys are incredibly fascinating. Also a native species to the Southeastern United States, the Corn Snake makes a wonderful choice for those new to reptiles or children because of their mild temperament and ease of care. There … if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wildlifeinformer_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')};Adult Weight: 1-3 pounds if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wildlifeinformer_com-box-4-0')};Adult Weight: 45-65 Grams Many pet stores will tell you that you need a 40-gallon breeder tank. Adult Weight: 2 pounds One of the best things about a Skink over the rest of the reptiles on this list is their diet. Rosy boas can live for 30 years, and some have been reported to live even longer. Leopard Geckos make great pet reptiles because they are very low maintenance and are easy to care for. They are omnivores and need insects and fresh fruit and vegetables to meet their nutrition. Can You hold them: Yes, depending on temperament. Its friendly demeanor and curious nature make it a joy to watch and interact with. Can You hold them: Yes! They are omnivores and need insects and fresh fruit and vegetables to meet their nutrition. Those tanks are barely longer than your skink will grow. You certainly can't cuddle with a goldfish, for long, and gerbils generally like their space. This PetPonder post lists the best ‘first pets’ for reptile lovers. Can You hold them: Yes! Be sure to find a captive bred ball python, as wild-caught pythons are often full of parasites, and may be extra skittish. These low maintenance reptiles are easy to handle, friendly, and enjoy interaction, which makes them a great pet for kids. Don’t fall for it. These lizards are nocturnal and prefer to have caves to hide in during the day. No bugs or mice for these guys. Can you hold them: Yes! Reptiles are gradually becoming popular options for pets. Flowering plants are stunning, but require a bit more work than their non-flowering brethren. If that is an issue, then snakes aren’t for you. And always buy a habitat large enough for the mature pet, not the juvenile you’ll get. Relatively thin-bodied, these snakes tend to grow to be around 5 feet long or 1.6 meters long and live on average 15 years or so. These low maintenance reptiles are easy to handle, friendly, and enjoy interaction, which makes them a great pet for kids. Conservatory garden worker Elliot Blacker, founder of Evopure, recommends stick insects—also known as stick bugs—as the perfect low-maintenance pet.Their small, twig-like size makes them easy to home in small spaces like "small glass containers" or "cages around 12 inches tall," and their dietary habits are not intense either. Anole – Low Maintenance Reptiles The anole is native to the Southeastern United States, where I’m from, and the Caribbean, where I wish I were. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-wildlifeinformer_com-leader-3-0')};Adult Weight: 3.3 pounds Anoles are skittish and shy, but with consistent and gentle handling, they will become somewhat tame. Leopard Geckos are affordable in regard to costs associated with their diet, habitat, etc. They are very docile, and are tolerant of being handled. It is, however, possible to find them in residential areas with features that resemble those in wild habitats. Can You hold them: Not recommended. Adult Length: 8 inches The pads on the bottoms of their feet allow them to climb and cling to most surfaces, including glass, and they will escape enclosures that are not secure. Smaller carnivorous lizards and amphibians feed on a varied diet that includes insects dusted with supplements, such as calcium and other vitamins. Can You hold them: Yes! Especially responsible owners will regularly switch out decor every once in a while as well. These pets don’t need very much to survive. Due to their curious nature, you’ll want to include plenty of decor items to provide enrichment for your skink. Here you’ll find facts, common questions, and general info about all kinds of wildlife and exotic pets. Green anoles are a delicate green lizard, their small size, and easy maintenance makes them a very good pet for beginners. A wholesale reptiles supplier, unlike a cheap reptile store, is designed to care for a large number of live animals, including reptiles, snakes, lizards, turtles, and even exotic animals. Additionally, because Leopard Geckos eat a diet primarily of live feeders, many people find it highly entertaining to watch them hunt. Leopard geckos are insectivores and need to be offered live insects to help trigger their “hunting instinct”. Blue tongued skinks are a gentle, lizard that is easy to handle. Adult Length: 24-36 inches Hailing from the desert of the Middle East and Western India, the Leopard Gecko is a unique lizard renowned for its striking features. Never try to take a reptile from the wild. Few reptiles can be wonderful pets, but a few can be difficult to manage, and not all of them are safe for kids. However, If you’re looking for a pet that will be in the family for like 50 years but stays relatively small with low maintenance requirements, then the Russian Tortoise may just be the reptile pet for you!