Best pet reptiles: 5 species that are great for beginners

Two leopard geckos sitting on a rock, one of the best pet reptiles
(Image credit: Getty Images/ApuuliWorld)

Looking for the best pet reptiles? We've got you covered! With the help of expert vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, we've rounded up our top five picks for beginners and explained why they make such great pets.

Whilst these species are good for novices, getting a reptile is still a huge responsibility and a decision that you shouldn't take lightly. These creatures require special care and some of them need to be kept in very particular climates using the best reptile heating pads.

Dr. MacMillan says: "When choosing any pet, I urge any would-be pet owners to consider not only their set-up budget carefully but also to factor in any ongoing costs, such as electricity, food, and veterinary bills. Don’t rush into purchasing a pet unless you are sure that you can meet all their needs and care for them properly. And remember that reptiles can live for 10 years or more, so it is a long-term commitment."

What is the best reptile to get as a pet?

Corn snake

Corn snakes are one of the best pet reptiles, thanks to their docile personality and ease of handling. They're a lot smaller than other snake species, which you might find more favorable, growing to five feet in length. You'll get to spend lots of time with your new scaly friend as they're most active during the day.

When it comes to dinnertime, you'll need to feed them one mouse per week, according to Dr. MacMillan, which you can buy frozen. This diet is a lot simpler than other lizards who need to be fed more regularly.

You don't have to keep them under a UVB light, but Dr. MacMillan says it would be beneficial. However, you will need to make a temperature gradient in their tank via a heat source.

Corn snake wrapped around a branch, one of the best pet reptiles

(Image credit: Getty Images/ bugphai)

Leopard gecko

Not only is the leopard gecko beautiful to look at, but they have a gentle and calm personality that's great for children and beginners. Since they only grow to about eight inches, they're a good choice for handlers with limited space.

If you supplement their diet with vitamin D3, you won't need to install a UVB light for them - you'll just need a heating mat. They'll also appreciate the best toys for pet lizards to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. These crepuscular creatures are active at dawn and dusk, making them suitable for owners who are out during the day.

A leopard gecko sitting on a bit of wood, one of the best pet reptiles

(Image credit: Getty Images/ McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc.)

Bearded dragon

Since bearded dragons love spending time with people and don't have an aggressive nature, they make brilliant pets, according to Dr. MacMillan. They can grow up to two feet in length, so you'll want to ensure their new home is big enough.

Giving the correct bearded dragon care is super important - they need a large enclosure, a UVB light, a heat lamp and a varied diet of insects and vegetables. You'll be pleased to hear that they're not picky eaters, so you shouldn't have too much trouble with feeding them.

Before you bring one home, it's worth learning how long bearded dragons can go without heat.

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With this heat lamp fixture, you'll be able to monitor the vivarium's temperature and have full control over it using the dimming thermostat. The aluminum material also increases the output of UVA and UVB.

Bearded dragon, one of the best pet reptiles, sitting on a branch

(Image credit: Getty Images/ aire images)

Russian tortoise

Russian tortoises are friendly and curious, making them an excellent choice for families and children. They can grow up to 10 inches long and will need a large enclosure with plenty of space to explore. It's worth keeping in mind that they can live up to 50 years, so ensure you're ready for the long-term commitment before you adopt one.

Tortoises are herbivores and can eat leafy greens, hay, certain vegetables, and the occasional piece of fruit as a treat.

Russian tortoise walking on the grass, one of the best pet reptiles

(Image credit: Getty Images/Viorika)

Blue tongue skinks 

There are lots of reasons to love blue tongue skinks their striking cobalt tongue being one of them! As well as having some pretty cool features, they make wonderful pets and have an intelligent, laid-back personality. Their diet is a mix of animal protein, fruits, and vegetables, plus calcium and vitamin D3 supplements.

This might come as a surprise, but skinks can live for up to 20 years, so make sure you're invested for the long run. Similar to bearded dragons, these reptiles require a temperature gradient, so you'll need to invest in UVA and UVB lighting and use a thermometer to monitor their enclosure.

Blue tongue skink sitting on leaves with its blue tongue out, one of the best pet reptiles

(Image credit: Getty Images/ Chasing Light - Photography by James Stone james-stone.com)

Do any reptiles bond with humans?

If you're wondering, 'Do any reptiles bond with humans?' the answer is no. Well, not in the same way that cats and dogs do anyway. Dr. MacMillan explains that since they've not been domesticated to the same level as our furry friends, the type of bond is very different and they're "quite basic in how they interact with us".

Their needs are focused on food, water, breeding, and survival, so you might receive some interest and enthusiasm if you're bringing them some food.

Dr. MacMillan says: "Otherwise, they are not very good at showing what they are feeling unless they are fearful or aggressive. That’s not to say a reptile won’t bond with you in their own way, and there are definitely some individuals that show more expression than others, but don’t expect any big displays of affection from them."

Bearded dragon sitting on a girl's shoulder around greenery, one of the best pet reptiles

(Image credit: Getty Images/Nevena1987)

Do reptiles like to be touched?

Yes, some reptiles like to be touched and handled.

Dr. MacMillan says: "Pet iguanas seem to enjoy this type of human contact, and many turtles will push into your hand for more if you are petting them. Snakes also seem to appreciate being held and will wrap themselves around your arms or legs. This could also be because they are enjoying your body heat or a change of scenery from their enclosure, however. Bearded dragons are usually quite docile and like nothing better than to sit on your lap or even your shoulder.

"The more gentle handling you do, the more you and your pet will become accustomed to each other. This will all allow you to work out how your reptile likes being touched as well as providing them with some mental and physical stimulation."

Want more reptile advice? Read 32 types of reptiles you can keep as a pet.

Expert advice from
Dr. Rebecca MacMillan
Expert advice from
Dr. Rebecca MacMillan

Rebecca is a vet surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties, and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!

Megan Milstead
Staff Writer

Megan is a Staff Writer on PetsRader, covering news, features and buying guides. She has a wealth of experience looking after animals, having grown up with dogs, cats and horses all of her life. She’s particularly interested in pet happiness and behavior, which she loves to research in her spare time. You’ll often find her watching webinars on reactivity in dogs or researching cat body language. She loves going the extra mile for her cats Chilli and Nala (who also help out with testing the best products for our buying guides).

Megan studied BA Journalism at the University of Westminster, where she specialized in lifestyle journalism and was editor of Smoke Radio’s online magazine. She also graduated from West Herts College with a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Journalism. Before joining the PetsRadar family last year, she worked on the editorial team at Harrods and has spent most of her career writing for specialized titles, like RunningShoesGuru, Licklist and Mr. After Party.

Megan works alongside qualified vets and accredited trainers to ensure you get the best advice possible. She is passionate about finding accurate and helpful answers to your pet-related questions.