.png)
If you are looking for a new pet to introduce into your home, why not consider something scaly! Reptiles are fascinating creatures that can be challenging, but with the proper research and husbandry, they are incredibly rewarding animals to keep. Some of the reasons reptiles make awesome pets are listed below.
Each species is unique
With so many species available to keep as captive pets, you are bound to find one that interests you and suits your lifestyle. Reptiles can vary in size, colour, circadian rhythm, diet, lifespan, and care requirements.
The size of your reptile is something important to consider before adoption. The larger the reptile, the bigger the enclosure it will need (although there is nothing wrong with giving a smaller reptile extra space!). The orientation of the enclosure could also decide what species you adopt. For example, arboreal species need more vertical space, which means it can be easier to provide them with a larger enclosure that uses less floor space since it is more tall than wide. Terrestrial species need horizontal space, requiring a larger space in your home for their enclosure to be placed.
The diet of reptiles can vary greatly. Some species must be fed meat, often through the form of feeding frozen/thawed rodents, while others can live happily off of powdered fruit mix diets. This is something important to consider when choosing the right reptile species for you. Are you comfortable with feeding frozen/thawed rodents to an animal, or keeping bugs in your home to use as feeders? Maybe you would prefer an omnivorous animal that enjoys salads and bugs like a bearded dragon.
Reptiles can be either diurnal (awake during the day), or nocturnal (awake during the night). For example, if you are away from home for most of the day, a nocturnal reptile could be a great choice. They will be sleeping while you are gone, and awake for feeding and handling when you are home. On the other hand, if you are someone who prefers to engage with their pets during the day, a diurnal reptile may be better for you.
You learn something new everyday
Reptiles are still relatively new to the pet keeping world, which means that there is still a lot to be discovered about how to provide them with their best lives in captivity. After learning about the basic care requirements for your reptile, you can begin to look into their body language, behaviours, and ways to provide enrichment. Looking into information about their natural habitats and behaviours they may exhibit in the wild is a great way to learn more about your reptile’s needs (e.g., care guides may not mention climbing for a terrestrial species, but do they climb in the wild? Could this extra challenge provide them with more opportunities for muscle growth and exercise in their enclosures?).
Owning a reptile will make you interested in the natural ecosystem they live in, their biology, their behaviours, and of course, general fun facts.
Designing enclosures is a fun, creative challenge
One of the most satisfying and challenging parts of owning a reptile is designing the enclosure for them. The possibilities are endless. Some keepers enjoy challenging themselves into making bioactive, naturalistic enclosures that mimic their pet’s natural habitat, while others follow a theme. As long as your reptile is able to thermoregulate, has access to food, water, UVB, a proper number of hides, and the enclosure meets their minimum space requirements, the rest is up to you!
They are quiet
If you live in an apartment or loud pets aren’t for you, reptiles are an excellent choice. Most reptiles aren’t capable of producing sound, or will not make sounds often unless they are trying to find a mate or are experiencing stress. These noises will be in the form of clicks, chirps, or hissing.*
For some reptiles, the most sound they will make is a byproduct of them moving around their enclosure. If you choose an amphibian to keep, they are likely to make more sounds than other herptiles.
*If your reptile is making clicking or whistling sounds as they breathe, it could be a symptom of a respiratory infection. They should be taken to a vet for proper treatment.
They are relaxing
Most reptiles are fairly slow-moving creatures, many are content to sit underneath their basking spot and soak up the warmth and UVB. Enjoying the space around us and having an excuse to sit in the moment is something a lot of us could benefit from. Watching your pet reptile interact with their environment can be a very calming experience.
Handling, if your reptile is tolerant of it, is another experience that many keepers enjoy. You should always be paying attention to your reptile while they are outside of their enclosure. Watching a reptile’s movements and interactions as they explore their surroundings outside of their enclosure is a simple but captivating activity. You can leave basic items out to allow them to experience different textures, such as offering a blanket or some cardboard.
They have long lifespans
Plenty of reptiles can live for well over a decade, which is something to keep in mind when selecting a species to adopt. Having a pet for such a long time can be a big commitment, but if you are someone who gets very attached to your pets, their lifespans become a significant bonus.
Conclusion
Even though a reptile may not be the first animal that comes to mind when thinking of adopting a new pet, they are very unique animals with a lot to offer their keepers. From their adorable behaviours to the fun of setting up an enclosure, owning a reptile is an unmatched experience.