2006-08-29 08:08:42 · 17 answers · asked by hockeychick100123 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I think at that age you need to be concerned with something that is too high maintenance. I would steer clear of anything that has demanding temperature or feeding needs. As far as a snake i would say something like a corn snake, they get to be a decent manageable size, and they can handle larger temperature variations. I would not look at turtles, (different from tortoises) because most 12 year olds are not going to wash their hands enough and they can get funky stuff, plus in most states they are not legal as pets anyway. A tortoise is pretty cool and there are some that are easy to take care of, but they are not super exciting. I love bearded dragons and if they want a lizard that would be a good option, but temperatures and diet are a little more difficult.
The bottom line is you need to do some research and make sure you totally understand the needs of whatever animal you get and try your absolute best to meet those needs.
2006-08-29 10:31:09 · answer #1 · answered by Holly T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the kid is responsible, a leopard gecko would be a good choice for starter lizards. Bearded Dragons are also great pets. They have a very funny and interesting personality. I have two, and they are fairly easy to care for. More on the expensive side and more maintenance compared to geckos though. If your interested, visit www.bearded-dragons.com and go to the forum and ask them anything you need to know. They have the best, safest, and most updated info on caring for dragons. Turtles make good pets also. I don't know a lot about them. As far as snakes go, for starters I would go for a corn snake. Good luck. Make sure you do lots of research before acquiring the reptile. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.
Some good sites on various reptiles:
www.reptilerooms.com
www.kingsnake.com
Leopard Geckos:
www.repticzone.com
www.reptilerooms.com
Bearded Dragons:
www.bearded-dragons.com
www.beautifuldragons.com (great food list)
www.reptilerooms.com
Snakes:
www.kingsnake.com
www.reptilerooms.com
www.repticzone.com
2006-08-29 17:44:49 · answer #2 · answered by Spiral Out 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely not any kind of turtle or tortoise. They live a VERY long time, and require a lot of money and time to properly care for. You have to think about the fact that any reptile will not be very interactive as far as pets go. Will this kid want the responsibility when the new wears off?
An anole lizard http://www.hilozoo.com/animals/AR_anole.htm is a good first time reptile pet. You can catch one yourself outside or go buy one very cheap @ the pet store.
Although they make great 1st time reptile pets they are still a bit costly to maintain. http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/lizardsaspets/a/greenanoleintro.htm
In general any reptile/amphibian is going to hit your wallet when it come to maintenance, but they can be really cool if properly cared for. Good luck!
2006-08-29 15:59:51 · answer #3 · answered by Wednesday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a bearded dragon is a great first time lizard,they do like to be held.A corn snake is a good first time snake because they are very cheap,ball pythons are a good first time snake also.Rember getting started can cost as much and even more than the reptiles you own.
2006-08-29 21:11:27 · answer #4 · answered by tom l 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leopard gecko or bearded dragon. pretty easy to care for, very friendly, and will last a while. durable little things.
i also wanted to add that consider what you have to feed these animals- most snakes are going to be eating baby mice(pinkies), baby rats (rat pups) full grown mice, rats, and depending on the snake they can even need bigger things. will you or your child want to feed things like this, whether frozen (recommended, safer and easier) or live? leopard geckos are good on insects and beardies eat mostly veggies and the occasional cricket or meal worm.
personally- i would go for the beardie. theyre funny and have great personalities, docile, can be handled without problems, easy maintence and once established, low cost. the first set up for any herp is going to be a little costly, keep in mind. good luck deciding!
2006-08-29 15:11:48 · answer #5 · answered by meow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Garden Snake
2006-08-29 15:14:07 · answer #6 · answered by just me000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
heyyyyyyy are you a snake enthusiast??? then start of your child with a ball python ( royal python ) they're great , tame easy, very shy, very docile and don't grow much ( 5 ft) get one today and enjoy ..... OHHHHH don't forget the heat lamps and water bowl and pine shavings and you'll be set feed 2 mice every 15 days and relax and enjoy the world of snakes!
2006-08-29 16:38:24 · answer #7 · answered by jerseyman34 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im 12 and i have a turtle(baby red eared slider) it takes alot of responsabilty but he makes a wonderful pet if u don't want a turtle
worm snakes are good (they dont get big ad theyre harmless)
2006-08-29 18:53:29 · answer #8 · answered by kimmyko 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A box turtle is the best. Easy to take care of.
2006-08-29 15:16:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I aggree no turtles or tortoises. I own 4 desert tortoises myself. A lizard would be a better idea.
2006-08-29 16:06:15 · answer #10 · answered by Triskelion 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋