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Top 7 Beginner Reptiles for First-Time Owners

Curious about getting a pet that’s a bit outside the norm? Leopard geckos, bearded dragons, and corn snakes are some of the top reptiles for beginners, known for their manageable care needs and friendly temperaments.

By Karim Aznou

Published on : November 2, 2024

In this article

Thinking about a pet that’s just a little more…scaly? Reptiles make for fascinating, low-maintenance pets for those wanting something different, but they are decidedly not always the easiest animals to care for. Some species require very specific habitats, special diets, or lots of handling experience. If one is a first-time reptile owner, then choosing a species suitable for beginners can make the biggest difference in how much fun, and stress-free, this new pet journey will be.

Leopard Gecko

  • Why They’re Great: These guys are small, hardy, yet known for being gentle. They’re among those few reptiles that feel comfortable being handled and enjoy it—a plus for kids and starters in reptile keeping.
  • Care Requirements: The geckos do great in a 10-20 gallon tank with a few hides and a simple substrate. Since they are nocturnal, that means they’re active at night so they have no need for UVB lighting like many other reptiles. A hot basking spot is a necessity, and they survive on a diet of mealworms and crickets.
  • Fun Fact: This gecko can “drop” its tail if threatened, but nothing to get your undies in a twist about—it will grow back!
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Corn Snake

  • Why They’re Great: Generally very docile, easy to handle, and coming in many stunning colors and patterns, corn snakes are small enough to be manageable yet still active and interesting to watch.
  • Care Requirements: Corn snakes need a secure, escape-proof enclosure with a hide, water bowl, and a warm side in which to bask. They’ll eat mice, and being non-fussy eaters, they are quite easy to feed. For a young snake, about 20 gallons is perfect.
  • Fun Fact: Corn snakes are excellent at escaping, so a well-sealed tank is a must.
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Bearded Dragon

  • Why They’re Great: Known for their friendly and inquisitive personalities, bearded dragons make for great companions. They are social, love basking in the sun, and even respond to owners.
  • Care Requirements: You would need to have a larger enclosure for an adult bearded dragon at least 40 gallons, with both UVB and heat lights. They are omnivores, so they will need a mix of leafy greens, vegetables, and insects like crickets and dubia roaches.
  • Fun Fact: Bearded dragons “wave” as a form of communication and can show affection toward owners.
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Blue-Tongue Skink

  • Why They’re Great: Blue-tongue skinks are docile, slow-moving, and hardy, making them ideal for new reptile owners. They’re also pretty large and have an iconic look, with their popped-out blue tongues.
  • Care Requirements: They require a large enclosure—with a minimum of 40 gallons—and a hot basking area with numerous hiding spots. Blue-tongue skinks are omnivorous eaters, taking in proteins such as dog food and insects, along with vegetables, making their diet more varied than most reptiles.
  • Fun Fact: A threatened blue-tongue skink will flash its cerulean-colored tongue to deter predators!
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Ball Python

  • Why They’re Great: Ball pythons are very docile and shy, and seldom get aggressive; hence, they can serve as one of the best snakes for beginners. Generally, they are low-energy snakes that need to be fed only once a week.
  • Care Requirements: Ball pythons will thrive in a 20-gallon enclosure with several hiding spots, a bowl of water for soaking, and a heat source. They prey on small rodents, which again comprises the easy feeding schedule.
  • Fun Fact: Ball pythons got their name because, when threatened, they curl up into a tight “ball.”
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Crested Gecko

  • Why They’re Great: Crested geckos have been deemed cute and easy to care for. Unlike many other reptiles, they don’t require much heat, and they are pretty low-maintenance with no special lighting.
  • Care Needs: They thrive in 20-gallon vertical tanks, as they are fond of climbing. They thrive well on simple commercial crested gecko food, together with fresh mashed fruits and insects for treats.
  • Fun Fact: Crested Geckos have small “eyelashes” atop their eyes, making them have a cute, expressive look.
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Russian Tortoise

  • Why They’re Great: The Russian tortoise is small, hardy, and relatively low-maintenance. They make a great tortoise for any beginner because they are docile, love to explore their spaces, and can live up to 40 years, which makes them a long-term commitment.
  • Care Requirements: Provide them with a large, indoor enclosure allowing for a basking light and cooler side; they will do great that way. Keep in mind they are herbivorous and really enjoy all leafy greens and vegetables.
  • Fun Factor: Russian tortoises are naturally burrowing animals, so having a substrate deep enough to dig and burrow provides them with a stimulating activity.
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Choosing the Right Reptile for You

Choosing your first reptile is an exciting process! Whether you’re drawn to a friendly bearded dragon, a curious blue-tongue skink, or even a classic ball python, each one of these reptiles offers a unique experience for the beginning hobbyist. 

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