The popularity of reptiles as pets is really not too surprising, when one things about it. After all, the ready availability of even exotic animals has increased with a truly globalized economy and, let’s face it, people like to be “different.” So, rather than search the shelters or reputable breeders for a cute puppy, or pick up a cat to cuddle with, some choose to go the reptile route instead. The fact of the matter is that there are some reptiles that make perfectly good pets and pose no inherent dangers or difficulty of care. Others, however, can be bad choices, so we’ll take some time herein to talk about reptiles in general and to determine which can make a good pet.

First off, it should be noted that there are four living orders of reptiles within the broader “Reptilia” class. These are Crocodilia, Sphenodontia, Squamata and Testudines. Of these, only animals in the Squamata (lizards and snakes) and Testudines (turtles and tortoises) orders are commonly kept as pets, though some may choose to keep crocodiles and alligators, of the “Crocodilia” order, as pets as well. Among the most common reptile pets are snakes, lizards and turtles, and there is a bit of debate as to which are good choices and which should not be kept as pets. In general, however, iguanas and certain types of snakes are those that are least recommended.

Iguanas

Iguanas are both the most popularly imported reptiles and those which are most likely to be abandoned. There are many good reasons for this. Iguanas often start out small, but then grow up to 12 inches each year for the first years of their life and reaching lengths of 5 to 6 feet. Their skin is like sandpaper, their tail and claws are as sharp as razors. Likewise, their nearly 120 teeth are something that they are not afraid to use, even on their keepers. On top of that, if you think you’re going to keep an adult iguana in a terrarium, you’ll have to think again. Instead, you’ll need a full room in your house dedicated to this pet. Read the rest of this entry »