How To Choose The First Reptile To Adopt?
How to choose the first reptile to adopt?
Despite what many people may think, most reptiles are creatures suitable for becoming pets. Although they are not as common companion animals as dogs or cats, there are those who choose them to keep them at home.
Keep in mind that all reptiles, from lizards to snakes, require certain special care. Therefore, it is important to know some of its characteristics, and take certain elements into consideration, before choosing the first reptile to adopt.
What to know before taking a reptile home
All reptiles need basic care and attention to be able to keep them at home properly. Caring for a reptile can be more difficult than caring for mammals that somehow look more like us.
There are some species of reptiles that are easier to care for than others, and this should be taken into account when choosing the first reptile. Some are easy to maintain and coexist, ideal for beginners. But there are others that require more experience and advanced knowledge on the part of their caregivers.
Another important factor to consider is the physical elements that will be needed to keep the reptile of your choice captive. Depending on the species, the investment for their housing and survival can be more or less expensive.
Space, food and more factors
In addition to having the basics and enough space, keeping a reptile healthy and happy often requires a number of additional items. A plastic box or a terrarium is not enough; In addition, lighting or heating systems may be required.
Food can also represent a significant expense. It is not the same to have a reptile that eats leaves or plants as a pet than one that feeds on live animals.
If there are children at home, you also have to consider that the first reptile they have close to will attract a lot of attention, so they will want to touch and hug it.
In any case, when choosing the first reptile to adopt, it is highly recommended to go to a specialized store. It is important that the seller really understands the issue, and takes time with the buyer to help him make the best decision.
As we have seen, the choice will depend on many factors such as the age of the caregiver, the space available, the budget and the time that you want to dedicate.
What are the most recommended species for beginners?
Geckos
The most recommended species for reptile beginners are geckos. They are small lizards, very docile and easy to care for. They come in different sizes, but most are only a few centimeters long.
The gecko or gecko does not need much space, it feeds on insects and does not require much care; a simple terrarium and a little water will suffice.
The Iguana
One of the favorite and best-selling reptiles in stores is the green iguana. Although they can be very attractive, it is necessary to know that these iguanas are young animals that will increase a lot in size. Although at the time of purchase they measure between 20 and 50 centimeters, over time they can reach close to two meters.
To have an iguana at home, it is necessary to adapt a terrarium that is high enough to place a trunk that the reptile can climb; temperature and humidity should be controlled.
Iguanas eat insects, fruits, vegetables, and leaves; when they are young they eat more than when they are adults, and it is necessary to feed them three times a week.
If the iguana experiences a color change, or its skin loses its shine, it may be a sign of a health problem ; in that case it will be necessary to go to a vet.
Chameleons and turtles
The chameleon is also a favorite as the first reptile to adopt, and its care is similar to that of the iguana. However, they are highly stressed animals; If you want to have a reptile that you can touch a lot or hold in your arms, the chameleon is definitely not the most suitable.
If what you are looking for is a turtle, you have to know that there are different types, each with different needs in terms of care. Florida turtles are the cheapest and very easy to care for.
