Reptiles are fast becoming among the most common house pets in the USA. In fact, approximately 4.5 million households in the country already own a reptile as a pet with more than 9.4 million pets being owned as reptiles collectively. While having a pet snake or lizard may sound like a very good idea, it is not a decision to take lightly. It is important to pick a reptile that will suit your own lifestyle, personality, and budget best. Here’s a closer look at just five out of many reptiles that may be the perfect addition to your family.
Bearded Dragons are a Popular Choice
Bearded dragons are named for the skin around their necks that resemble a beard and are a good addition to just about any family due to their social nature. Although bearded dragons are easy to care for it is important that they are housed in the correct environment and provided with the right food. It is always best to seek advice on these aspects of care from experienced breeders and reptile husbandry specialists. When looked after, bearded dragons can live up to ten years. As they are omnivorous, they can be fed insects and vegetables. They are very calm by nature with many owners even opting to take them for walks outside or a trip to the local grocery store.
Corn Snakes are Easy to Care For
Ball Pythons have a Long Lifespan
Ball pythons are another very popular type of snake among pet owners in the USA. The beautifully colored reptiles that get their name from their tendency to curl up in a ball, are easy to care for. They are small in size, measuring between three and five feet when fully grown, and are naturally very friendly. If cared for well, they can live up to forty years in captivity. When setting up your ball python’s enclosure, make sure that it will have a lot of space to move around in. Heating pads are a must-have as are a number of rocks and logs. Ball pythons only need to be fed once a week and will happily live on a diet of small rodents. They are very happy to be handled and can live anywhere between 25 and 40 years.
Blue-Tongued Skinks do Well in Captivity
Although blue-tongue skinks are native Australia, they are readily available in the USA and other parts of the world. As indicated by their names, these smart and friendly reptiles have bright blue tongues. Skinks are omnivores and can be fed a diverse diet consisting of leaves, fruit, and a variety of insects, mealworms, and baby mice. As they have no desire to climb, skinks make for great beginner reptiles that can live happily in a fairly basic enclosure. Blue-tongued skinks can grow in the region of 20 inches in length and enjoy a lifespan of up to 20 years in captivity. While skinks are very docile, they will bite when under severe threat making it important to never allow children to handle them without adult supervision.
Russian Tortoise are Great Outdoor Pets
Of all the tortoises kept as pets in the USA, the Russian tortoise is by far the most popular. Not only are they small and easy to look after but they also have a very long lifespan of up to fifty years if not more. Due to their ability to adapt to severe temperature fluctuations, they can be kept as pets across the entire country. Although they are small in size, Russian Tortoises are happiest when they can roam around outside. Try to provide an adequate amount of sand and rocks for them to burrow under. Like most tortoises, they are herbivores and will flourish on a diet that consists of a lot of weeds, vegetables, and green leaves.
Reptiles are fast becoming one of the most popular pet types in the country. As long as you choose the right type of animal for your lifestyle, it is bound to bring a great amount of joy into your life.
