Reptiles as Pets - More Mainstream Than You'd Think

The popularity of reptiles as pets is really not too surprising, when one things about it. After all, the ready availability of even exotic animals has increased with a truly globalized economy and, let's face it, people like to be "different." So, rather than search the shelters or reputable breeders for a cute puppy, or pick up a cat to cuddle with, some choose to go the reptile route instead. The fact of the matter is that there are some reptiles that make perfectly good pets and pose no inherent dangers or difficulty of care. Others, however, can be bad choices, so we'll take some time herein to talk about reptiles in general and to determine which can make a good pet.

First off, it should be noted that there are four living orders of reptiles within the broader "Reptilia" class. These are Crocodilia, Sphenodontia, Squamata and Testudines. Of these, only animals in the Squamata (lizards and snakes) and Testudines (turtles and tortoises) orders are commonly kept as pets, though some may choose to keep crocodiles and alligators, of the "Crocodilia" order, as pets as well. Among the most common reptile pets are snakes, lizards and turtles, and there is a bit of debate as to which are good choices and which should not be kept as pets. In general, however, iguanas and certain types of snakes are those that are least recommended.

Iguanas

Iguanas are both the most popularly imported reptiles and those which are most likely to be abandoned. There are many good reasons for this. Iguanas often start out small, but then grow up to 12 inches each year for the first years of their life and reaching lengths of 5 to 6 feet. Their skin is like sandpaper, their tail and claws are as sharp as razors. Likewise, their nearly 120 teeth are something that they are not afraid to use, even on their keepers. On top of that, if you think you're going to keep an adult iguana in a terrarium, you'll have to think again. Instead, you'll need a full room in your house dedicated to this pet.

And if that isn't bad enough, the diet of iguanas is very specific. That wouldn't be so bad if the result of not adhering to a specific diet had limited risks, but these reptiles will simply die or become deformed if you don't feed them a very specific (and expensive) diet. Iguanas are, in short, a pet that should only be considered by someone who is extremely dedicated to their pet and has the time, room, inclination and money to properly care for them.

Snakes

There are many snakes that make suitable pets, but there are several types that simply should remain in the wild or in zoos, where professional animal keepers can care for them. All poisonous snakes fall into this category, and pythons are the other snakes that should probably not be kept as pets. The snakes grow to massive proportions, and there have been a number of fatalities reported due to pythons being kept as pets. The pythons grow to over 10 feet in length and can exceed 50 pounds. In addition, feeding pythons is a task that should never occur by hand and which should always involve at least two people. With that level of difficulty, these snakes simply make bad pets, and they dangerous to boot.

General Things to Know

Aside from a few reptiles that shouldn't be kept as pets, other snakes and lizards, as well as turtles can make fairly good pets. Reptiles are capable of recognizing voices, sights and smells and there are some that actually enjoy human interaction. In addition, most reptiles are fairly inexpensive to attain, but it should be noted that some of the equipment - especially enclosures, heating and lighting equipment - can be very expensive. You'll also have to feed your reptile something that is a bit more difficult to obtain than dog or cat food, such as live bugs or other animals. While such food is readily available in some pet stores, it is, again, not quite as simple as feeding your dog or cat. Otherwise, talk your local pet store owner or manager to find out more about which reptile may be right for you.