Reptiles make wonderful pets, but pet owners who aren’t used to caring for cold-blooded creatures can seem overwhelming. If you’re ready for an exciting new kind of pet ownership experience, here are 5 great beginner reptile pets to choose from. These snakes, lizards, and turtles will allow you to become accustomed to the basics of reptile ownership, like choosing an appropriately sized tank or regulating the temperature.

Ball Python

Many of the reasons why ball pythons are wonderful for beginners are the same as why they’re one of the most popular types of pet snakes all around. Ball pythons have a wonderful temperament, they’re non-aggressive and incredibly docile. Their nature makes them far more receptive to physical handling than your average snake. So if you’re looking for a snake that you can hold, the ball python is the one for you.

Corn Snake

Sweet corn snakes are an unfussy beginner snake that rarely exceeds 4 feet in length. They’re found in a variety of habitats in the North American continent and highly adaptable to various climates. How does that benefit you? You won’t have to worry about complicated temperature changes or super-precise measurements. Your corn snake offers you a very forgiving learning curve.

California Kingsnake

These striking snakes are a bit larger than the other beginner snakes but do not let their size (or their name) intimidate you. These snakes are calm and easy-going and harmless to humans. California kingsnakes are very popular due to the wide variety of vivid colors and patterns they come in. These variations are known as morphs and can range from typical reds, blacks, and yellows to include white, orange, and even lavender colorings.

Bearded Dragon

If a lizard is more your speed, bearded dragons are one of the most popular and beginner-friendly options. These friendly little critters may look prickly, but they’re big ole softies. Bearded dragons are well-tempered and intelligent. They’re capable of recognizing their owners and even being trained. making them more interactive than your average reptile pet.

Eastern Box Turtle

Aquatic animals like turtles are slightly higher maintenance than land-based ones, but Eastern box turtles are some of the least demanding of the bunch. They make great practice for getting accustomed to aquatic requirements. These turtles stay small, so owners won’t get overwhelmed having to clean a large tank every week. Additionally, these turtles are very adaptable and don’t require as meticulous temperature settings as other turtles might.

The Best Beginner Reptile Pets Come In All Shapes and Sizes

Exotic pets like reptiles are a vastly different experience than owning your standard dog, cat, hamster, or bird. There can be a bit of a learning curve when dealing with reptile care (like enclosures, temperatures, and far less frequent feeding schedules), but you’ll quickly find it to be worthwhile. If you’ve settled on the best beginner reptile pet for you, the next step is to find reptiles for sale. There are plenty of online reptile shops that make it easy to choose from a wide variety, all from the comfort of your own home.

Paul Petersen