If you talk to someone who sells reptiles and you tell them that you want a low-maintenance pet, they will generally recommend a lizard—such as a gecko or an iguana. Indeed, these reptiles are easy to care for. But if you don't want a lizard, there are other options. Ask your local reptile vendor about these other, non-lizard, lower-maintenance reptiles.
Ball Pythons
The idea of buying a ball python may sound odd at first since people are used to fearing pythons in the wild. However, when they're raised in captivity from a young age, ball pythons tend to be very tame. People often choose them as their first snake. They can fit in a medium-sized aquarium, and they don't grow too large to lift. Most ball pythons will gladly eat frozen and thawed rodents, which means you don't have to live feed them—a real advantage for first-time reptile owners. Ball pythons are named for the fact that they coil up into balls, which makes them easy and enjoyable to hold.
Corn Snakes
Another type of snake that's good for first-time reptile owners is the corn snake. These bright orange snakes are really attractive, and they have friendly and calm personalities. Corn snakes are also really long-lived, which can be comforting to owners. Some will eat thawed rodents, but others do prefer live meals, so that's something to consider before bringing one of these snakes home.
Red-Eared Sliders
If you think you might enjoy a turtle as your first reptile pet, then consider a species called the red-eared slider. These small turtles are named for their red ear cavities. They do well in tanks that have a combination of water and dry land. Red-eared sliders eat a varied diet. You can mostly feed them turtle pellets, but they need some fresh produce on a regular basis, too. These turtles are docile and friendly, and you can generally handle them easily.
Western Painted Turtle
The western painted turtle is a really attractive turtle species. Its belly is red with a black and white pattern that looks like it has been painted on. These turtles are native to the western U.S., but you can find them being sold as pets all over the country. They need a medium-sized tank, and they eat a combination of algae, plants, and pelleted feed. These turtles do best in groups, so you'll want to bring home at least two of them.
Lizards are not the only low-maintenance reptiles you can keep as pets. Look for the reptiles above as options, too. If you're looking for reptiles for sale, visit a local pet store or breeder near you.
Share26 April 2022
When you first bring home a pet, what you don't always realize is how many items you need to properly care for that pet. Even for a cat, you need a litter box, food bowls, a water dish, a climbing tree, and a couple of toys. Dogs also need leashes, collars, and kennels. A pet store is the perfect place to go shopping and obtain all of these things your pet needs for a happy, healthy life. We are pet lovers ourselves, which is why we created this website to share articles about pet stores and pet supplies. Sit down with your furry friend, and give them a read.