All children are fascinated by animals but what do you do when your child latches on to reptiles?
You have to admit that a reptile offers a unique experience compared to other animals. Some reptiles are suited for adults while others will make excellent companions for children. This article will encounter five child-friendly reptiles that You will love.
Do Reptiles Make Good Pets?
Taking care of pets makes your child empathetic, and it’s no different for reptiles. Also, it’s a fantastic house pet. Here’s why you should consider getting a reptile as a pet for your kids!
1. Kids Learn Empathy
Many children don’t know how to be empathetic. If given a pet to take care of, they will learn how to take others’ well-being into account. Having a pet will teach them how to be empathetic.
2. They Embrace Responsibility
Taking care of reptiles and feeding them is very easy, you can find most of their food at your local pet shop or you can even order online. If you want to feed your reptile the most nutritious treat then give them dubia roaches. You can even buy an entire Dubia Roach Colony to have food for days!
3. Finds an Unexpected Friend
Pets are closely entwined to a child’s psychological well-being. Reptiles make great playmates. Children like having someone to accompany them. Your child can share all their wild, unfounded stories with their new friend.
Reptiles will keep your children and family entertained. Imagine the chaos once the gecko is out of its enclosure! Don’t worry, these creatures aren’t overly intrusive. You’ll find them a few feet away!
Best Child-Friendly Reptiles for the Fam!
Here’s a list of reptiles that are easy to look after and keep. They’re gentle with the kids and fun to observe. Let’s get started.
1. Bearded Dragon Lizards
You can find these wise, mighty creatures in the warm regions of Australia. Now that they’re bred commercially, you can find them in many colors. An average bearded dragon lizard can live up to 15 years. The unique breeds are pretty expensive, though. They cost up to $400!
You have to keep a few things in mind. First, they require plenty of exercise. So, a fully grown lizard will need a large terrarium with enough breathing space.
Fun Fact: Did you know bearded dragon lizards are pretty territorial? They defend their turf quite well!
Tips to Make Them Comfortable:
- Get the bottom of the tank lined with a reptile carpet. Remember to clean up the waste at least once a month.
- Give them something to climb onto. Driftwood, a rock, or a few branches will do.
2. Leopard Geckos
These nocturnal reptiles come in various morphs. Most importantly, they’re easy to tame as they dwell on the ground. You don’t have to worry about sticky toes. These curious creatures also have eyelids.
An average gecko can live up to 20 years! And they only cost up to $100. So you can keep more than one of these reptiles in your home. But, no matter how many you settle on, make sure you get a giant tank filled with calci-sand and sani-chips. An old fish tank will also do!
Fill the tank with rocks, logs, and plants as Geckos love to play hide and seek. Also, they shed like crazy! So a hide box will be a nice touch. They require more maintenance and you will need to clean their spot every day.
Fun Fact: Did you know geckos eat their skin once they shed? It’s a weird thing to witness.
Tips to Make Them Comfortable:
- Allow them to feed on insects multiple times a day, especially the young ones.
- You must do spot cleaning every day. A complete cleanup should take place once a month.
3. Crested Geckos
Did you know these reptiles were considered to be extinct once? However, they were rediscovered in 1994. These geckos are easy to maintain and adore. Your kids are bound to love them.
Crested geckos have distinct eyelashes and can span up to 8 inches long. These nifty creatures require ample living space.
Fun Fact: These geckos are highly skilled climbers. There’s a 90% possibility that they’ll escape their tanks.
Tips to Make Them Comfortable:
- Geckos should be fed in the evening. Allow them to munch on insects. They also enjoy fruits so, you can mash some bananas, peaches, or pears for them.
- Clean their tanks every day.
4. Corn Snakes
Have you ever considered getting a snake for your kid? If so, a corn snake might be just what you’re looking for! They’re gentle, docile, and beautiful. Also, they’re typically small. However, some can grow up to be five feet!
Corn snakes live up to 20 years. They don’t require an extravagant living space, a shoe-sized enclosure will do. However, you should consider getting a giant terrarium.
Fun Fact: Snakes like staying alone. Don’t add more than one snake to your enclosure!
Tips to Make Them Comfortable:
- They feed on rodents, mice, and lizards. Allow them to stretch their tails and hunt for their prey.
- They eat very little. So, you don’t have to clean their enclosure constantly.
5. Russian Tortoises
You won’t find a friendlier pet than these gentle creatures. Allow your kids to grow up with these tame beings. They can live up to 50 years old! These reptiles require a large tank or cage. Make sure there are no coarse materials like sand in their cage.
Fun Fact: Russian tortoises are brilliant escape artists. So beware!
Tips to Make Them Comfortable:
- Get food that is high in fiber and calcium and avoid fatty substances! They enjoy fruits too.
- Clean their water bowls often. You should disinfect them daily as tortoises use them as their potties too!
Final Thoughts
Reptiles are easy-going creatures that you and your children will adore. They’re docile creatures who require little attention. If you want your child to ease into responsibilities, getting them a reptile is an excellent choice!
A snake might be intimidating, but they’re small creatures when young. Allow your child to grow with them. You always have geckos and tortoises to fall back on!
