How to Pick the Right Reptile Pet?

Reptiles have special needs like every other pet because they have their own optimum environmental conditions, food preferences, temperaments, time tables and activity levels. It all comes down to how well that reptile fits into your personality and lifestyle. It is really important that you do your research beforehand and understand its requirements and only bring it home if you can take full responsibility for it. Here are some questions you need to ask yourself when deciding on a suitable reptile.

How big will it grow to be?

Reptiles look cute when they are babies but the can grow to be enormous depending on their species. Reptiles such as green iguanas, large constrictor snakes, African spurred tortoises, monitor lizards, tegus and red-eared sliders are amongst the reptiles which are frequently abandoned to animal shelters because they grew much bigger than their owners expected.

How long is its average life span?

Some reptiles have really long life spans often outliving their owners so you must plan beforehand and not abandon it when you are no longer able to take responsibility for it. This is one of the chief reasons reptiles are left at rescue centers or foolishly let loose the wild often in a completely different habitat than they naturally inhabit. Turtles and tortoises can live 40 to 60 years. Lizards may live above 30 years of age. Snakes may live from 15 to 30 years in captivity.

What does it like to feed on?

The diet of reptiles varies in turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes depending on their species. Many feed on vegetation which is easy to come by or insects like crickets. Many feed on rodents which may be bought frozen from places that sell reptile supplies. There are even online comparison shopping options like www.lovemypets.com. There are special pellet diets also available which contain all the essential nutrients your reptile needs. Additional supplements serve to provide extra benefits to make up for any deficiencies and build strong immune systems.

How much space will it require as it grows?

Obviously you will need to adjust the size of your pet’s terrarium or enclosure as it grows and sheds its skin every year. The space you have allocated for your reptile may prove to be insufficient. It is inhumane to put any living creature in cramped conditions. If you cannot provide the right amount of space for a large pet then pick one that suits your living space better.

Do its habits suit my lifestyle?

Reptiles are very quiet for the most part and do not require any petting or cuddling or other shows of affection. Many do not tolerate being held for long periods of time. If you want a really active pet who loves contact and social interaction than a reptile probably is not for you.

Can I afford the expenses?

There are a few initial expenses for keeping a reptilian pet for its accommodation, temperature and humidity regulators and other such requirements. They do not need to be fed as often as other pets like cats and dogs. They do have medical bills like other pets so be careful about keeping its surroundings clean and set perfectly according to its natural habitat.

Unsuitable reptilian pets

Reptiles like green iguanas, African spurred tortoises, alligators, crocodiles, Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, rock pythons, or venomous reptiles are deemed unsuitable because of the poor attitude towards their care many owners have had. Impulse shopping of reptiles must never be done. This leads to later revelations that make the owners feel the pet is unsuitable and they neglect them or abandon them in the wild in inappropriate environments. It is best not to opt for these pets if you are just going to neglect them and blame them for lashing out when treated in an unwise manner.