Waffles, the Woma Python

Why Keep Reptiles

If you’re new to the hobby or a veteran keeper reptiles offer a unique family addition. Busy schedules, limited space, or just the desire to experience an animal that you can constantly learn new things about all make reptiles great pets.

It really isn’t fair to leave a dog at home for 10 to 16 hours — possibly a shift of work and gig work like Uber or Lyft. A scenario where the animal is left alone for significant periods can be physically and emotionally unhealthy, especially coupled with the limited space of an apartment, with sad outcomes for you and your pet.

Cats are generally more self maintaining but still shouldn’t be left for extended periods for the same reasons. Unfortunately, many apartment complexes ban owning cats and skipping out on their maintenance can result in some rather unpleasant damages.

Enter the reptile — most are solitary animals with no ill effects from sparse interaction. Some only need to be fed once or twice a week. A large terrestrial habitat takes up much less space than a medium breed dog requires. Most apartment leases include animals like fish, small mammals, and reptiles as furniture rather than counting toward any pet deposit. If you’re in a scenario with limited space but enough for a terrarium herpetoculture may be for you — be sure you’re in it for the long haul, though, because remember some of these little ones can outlive you!

The range and sizes of these types of animals is vast — from the tiniest gecko to the second largest heavy bodied lizard, the Asian water monitor, allowing a potential new owner to make the best selection for their scenario. There isn’t a convenient one-size-fits-all with new information about our scaled (or scaleless) friends so, regardless of your skill level, it’s always best to keep learning.