When choosing a pet reptile, it is important to have a clear understanding of the care required for a particular species and the level of companionship you expect from a pet. Even though reptiles might seem like inactive “couch potatoes,” keeping them as pets takes just as much commitment as caring for more assertively demanding companions like birds or dogs. However, some species of reptiles require less effort and money to feed, house, and adequately care for than others.
Average Life Span of Reptiles in Captivity
Ball python | 15 to 20 years |
Boa constrictor | 15 to 25 years |
Bearded dragon | 5 to 10 years |
Corn snake | 10 to 15 years |
Eastern box turtle | 25 to 50 years |
Green anole | 4 to 8 years |
Green iguana | 5 to 15 years |
King snake | 10 to 15 years |
Leopard gecko | 20+ years |
Leopard tortoise | 50+ years |
Old World chameleons | 3 to 8 years |
Proper habitat is of the highest importance. If you are buying a tiny newborn hatchling, make sure that you have enough space in your home to accommodate the cage of the fully grown reptile. Consider the type of food the animal will eat—feeding a frozen mouse to a pet snake is not usually for the squeamish, and the crickets that the leopard gecko has not yet eaten will be noisy. In general, reptiles are not social creatures or colony animals. Many prefer to live in solitary cages. A few species, such as green iguanas, bearded dragons, box turtles, king snakes, and boa constrictors, are more open to being handled, and they might even approach their human companions. Others, such as chameleons, are more likely to be stressed when touched or picked up. Finally, unlike some other pets that live in enclosures (such as mice and hamsters), reptiles have rather long life spans. Consider the number of years that you will be willing to maintain and enlarge the reptile’s habitat ( see Table: Average Life Span of Reptiles in Captivity). Never release a pet reptile into the wild, even if the species is native to your area; instead, contact the local humane society or animal control agency.
It is important to know what is normal for a reptile before visiting the pet store or breeder. Look at a variety of pictures of your chosen reptile as a juvenile so you can select one with a healthy size and appearance for its age. Choose a pet store or breeder whose reptile enclosures are clean and large enough to keep the inhabitants healthy and comfortable ( see Providing a Home for a Reptile). Captive-bred animals make the best pets. They are less likely to bite than wild-caught animals, more likely to accept the food given to them, and less likely to harbor parasites.
Snakes
Healthy young snakes should have a rounded body, clear eyes, and a clean vent (opening to the outside of the cloaca – the common chamber into which the gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary tracts empty.) Their spine should not stick out. Snakes should not wheeze or have mucus or bubbles near their nostrils. They should have no apparent skin cuts or parasite infestations. Choose a snake that flicks its tongue and is aware of and interested in its environment. When handled, the snake should seem to have strong muscles and lightly squeeze your hand or arm. Avoid nervous snakes that do not calm down after a bit of handling.
If you are a first-time snake owner, check with a reputable pet store regarding recommended species for beginners. Also, it is wise to check any local laws regarding snake ownership; for example, keeping constricting snakes such as pythons is prohibited in many areas.
Lizards
Well-nourished, healthy lizards should not have projecting hip bones or visible tail bones. Their skin should not be scratched or bitten. The vent area should not be stained with urine or caked with feces. Eyes and nostrils should not be swollen, crusted, or show signs of discharge. However, it is normal for some species to have light salty deposits near their nostrils. Most species should have a pink mouth interior; yellow, white, or green spots in the mouth or on the tongue can indicate illness. Look for signs of mite infestation: tiny black, brown, reddish, or orange flecks that move on the head, neck, and belly. Even though mites are fairly easy to treat, they can be a sign of unsanitary conditions. When handled, healthy lizards should seem strong. Most lizards will probably struggle or resist being caught. Tame lizards will be wide-eyed and alert when handled. Avoid lizards that are limp or unresponsive. Cool conditions can cause short-term sluggishness, and such habitats can also lead to overall poor health.
If you are a first-time lizard owner, check with a reputable pet store regarding recommended species for beginners. Some lizards require more complex environments than others. Also, some lizards can be handled frequently, whereas others should be mostly left alone.
Turtles and Tortoises
A healthy turtle or tortoise will have clear eyes and dry (not moist) skin without any wounds or evidence of parasites. The shell should not have any white or oozing areas or any pitted or eroded spots indicative of previous damage. The animal should not wheeze or have mucus or bubbles near its nostrils. Any droppings in the enclosure should be firm and not liquid. Runny feces may be a sign of disease caused by parasites. Captive-bred turtles or tortoises often tend to be healthier than those that are caught in the wild.
The popularity of keeping baby turtles as pets leads to 50,000 to 80,000 Salmonella infections in infants and children annually. Because children are much more likely to handle turtles and tortoises with carapaces less than 4 inches long, since 1975, turtles and tortoises with carapaces less than 4 inches long cannot legally be sold in the US. Nevertheless, baby turtles are still bought and sold as pets, especially in tourist areas. However, even baby turtles that are certified as free from Salmonella are illegal to sell in the United States because of the risk of later infection.
Turtles and tortoises have complex housing and environmental needs. Although some species might be adorable as hatchlings, they grow quickly and are quite messy. They do not remain small if kept in a small container. Small fishbowl-type tanks are not adequate for housing turtles of any age or size. If you are thinking about acquiring a turtle or tortoise as a pet, check with a reptile-savvy veterinarian or experienced breeder to understand what type of housing is required for the species you are considering.
For More Information
Also see professional content regarding reptiles.
