What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a reptile as a pet?

Answer 1

As I have experience with snakes, most of what I say applies specifically to snakes, but can also apply to other reptiles.

Reptiles in general have low maintenance costs. However, they can have a high initial investment cost for tank and supplies, the larger snakes require very large tanks. Most reptiles don't require daily care, and with a self regulated setup, don't need care when you go out of town. They can go weeks without eating, but typically can be fed once a week, and likewise poop about once a week. You don't have expensive vet visits unless they get sick. Once a year checkups are usually all you need. There are no vaccines and expensive surgical procedures like spay/neuter. Unlike our furry friends, reptiles are on-allergenic. However, they can carry salmonella. They are also not cuddly like other pets. But with frequent handling they can become quite tame. Some reptiles are naturally docile, other take work, and some never will be tame. They don't require frequent feedings. If you get a reptile you have to be OK with feeding it items such as mice, rats, crickets, worms, etc.

There are some reptiles that novices should not get. This includes the very large snakes such as Burmese and Reticulated Pythons. Not only is there size dangerous for inexperienced handlers, but the space requirements become huge and they are expensive to feed because they require such large prey items. Also Green Iguanas are not for newbies. They require a diet of fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. Box Turtles are also difficult. Green Anoles are very inexpensive but difficult.

Good reptiles for beginners include leopard geckos, bearded dragons, corn snakes, kingsnakes, ball pythons, and boa constrictors (if you have the space and money for a large tank). Blue-tongued skinks are good for beginners and I'm thinking about getting one myself.

There are plenty of resources online where you can find more information. Definitely do you research before making a purchase. Some reptiles can live up to 30 years, so you have to be prepared for a long term commitment.

Answer 2

When heat goes out you can use hot water bottle if prolonged outage and water tank gets cold, large hand warmers the kind you shake can be used. If you get snakes they only eat once a month when older and only poop once a month, and no box or yard to have to scoop. If you get some lizards they need daily care. Snakes do cuddle. Both of mine give me love squeezes all the time. Depending on what you get they can take up a lot of room or minimal room. They live a long time so be prepared to have him a long time. no you don't have to have yearly shots and spay/neuter but be aware exotic vets are expensive if something goes wrong. I think I should own one clinic by now, or at least be half owner!!! I can go on vacation and have someone stop by my house every 2 or 3 days to change their water and make sure my house is still there. We play with them most every day and snakes are a great accent to our Halloween costumes. My grand son takes them to school once or twice a year to teach kids about them and how to care for them. And we actually have stretchy Halloween,Christmas and Easter costumes for them. Most everything is on the up side for me owning snakes. I used to be a vet tech and have had my share of different animals but as much as I love critters I will never have more than my snakes because of the cost and care. Research all the reptiles that you would like and make an informed decision based on their care and enjoy.

Answer 3

Advantages are easy maintenance (depending on the animal), fairly inexpensive housing (depending on the animal).

Disadvantages include can carry salmonella, are suceptible to temperature changes.

Please don't think of a reptile is a care-free pet-if you don't want to spend a little time caring for an animal, don't get one.

But, if you take the time to get to know them, they can be quite fascinating, with personalities all their own.

Answer 4

Well you don't mention the type of reptile, but the best advanage is you are not going to be allergic to them. Many people who can't have dogs or cats get reptiles due to this.
A disadvantage is you don't really "pet" reptiles as much as other animals.

Answer 5

Depends on what type of reptile you plan to buy?

Some are very easy to care for.

Others are a challenge to care for.

Some can be kept in a 10 gallon aquarium while others will need a large enclosure.

They are not very huggable and if the power goes out you will have to find some type of heat source for them if it is a prolonged outage.

Answer 6

reptiles are cool pets to watch and stuff but they get boring after a while. they dont require a lot of attention and most live for a long time.

Answer 7

It's fun. Its easy. But I hated cleaning out my chamelon's cage it was hard because he was fast and they don't like being picked up. Its hard because they can escape. I paid 7 dollars for my reptile but had to pay 73 dollars for the things it needs. It eats crickets and their in this thing but they could come out. Lizards only eat things that move.

Answer 8

Disadvantage (from past experience): when the power goes out, so does the heat lamp!

Answer 9

Iguanas are very difficult to care for. A lot of time and money go into caring for my Iguana.

Answer 10

advantage: non allergenic pet
Disadvantage: most take a large chunk of change to set up
Advantage: don't cost much to take care of after you set them up