Anything For Animals

posted by admin on Jun 10

Reptiles are fast becoming a popular pet in the country, and there are already 5 that are way ahead of the rest.

These 5 species are the most popular reptiles kept as pets at the moment, and it’s easy to see why.  Reptiles are very low maintenance once you have everything set up correctly in their vivariums - and (as adults) they don’t need feeding every day, so they won’t get in the way of a busy life!

So, lets get started with the Top 5, and I have added a little ‘bio’ about each species as well.

1) Leopard Gecko:
This species of Gecko has adapted very well to life in captivity - although is originally from Southern & Central Asia.  They are different from other geckos as they have an eyelid!  They are mainly nocturnal, so will be hiding during the day - and are much more colourful than their desert-dwelling relatives due to selective breeding.

2) Bearded Dragon:
These reptiles are naturally found throughout Australia, although do very well in captivity.  There are several different species of Beardies that have been domesticated although all have the same common name.  They are found basking on posts and in trees in the morning and afternoon and are very adept climbers.  They are friendly to handle - but can live for over 20 years in the right conditions - so make sure you really like one before buying it!

3) Corn Snake:
This species of Rat Snake is beautifully coloured and can be found in a huge array of colour morphs these days - although originally just from the US.  They are very easy to handle if reared in that way - and make a great ‘first snake’ for children and adults alike.  They can live over 20 years in captivity and are completely non-venomous as they are constrictors - and be prepared to feed them dead baby mice!

4) Royal Python:
Also known as the Ball Python, these medium sized snakes are the smallest species of African Python.  They can be handled easily if reared that way, and tend to roll up in a ‘ball’ if handled or scared - they are non-venomous as well.  They don’t really do much during the day (unless they are hungry) and curl up an hide on their heat-pad for most of the time.  As a result they are very low maintenance and can sometimes not eat for months around a ‘moult’ with no ill effects!

5) Hermann’s Tortoise:
This little cutie is from Europe and is found in shrubby habitats.  It a fairly small species, with adults as small as 3 inches, or as large as 7 inches.  They have the most beautifully patterned yellow and black shells, although this can fade considerably with age - and boy, do they age!  They can easily top 100 years if kept in the right conditions - so make sure your kids like reptiles too! 

If any of these 5 take you fancy, them maybe do a little more research until you find the right one for you!