Amphibians & Reptiles As Pets – Everything You Need To Know!
In the pet world, usually, furry fellows are famous for their best human interactions and grooming intelligence. These cuddly beings have inhabited all the parts of the globe so much that it makes some think that you can only have them as pets and other creatures are pretty unfriendly to humans. However, apart from these mammals, there are members of other families that make excellent pets, such as birds as beautiful pets, reptiles, and amphibians.
The family of Reptiles and amphibians have many animals with high levels of intelligence and are very friendly to humans. Furthermore, if you are inquisitive about the animal world and want to discover with every passing day, you should skew towards reptiles and amphibian’s families. These pets not only survive well on their own but also develop a very healthy relationship with your mammal family. Ready to add a bit of drama with wonders and beauty? Read this article till the very end to know everything about having amphibians and reptiles as pets.
Amphibians As Pets
Amphibians are one of the most amazing and unique pets one could have at their home. Their interesting life cycle from the very starting of an egg to hatching to form a larva having gills to live underwater. Then it goes to develop lungs to breathe on land, making it a versatile creature and an evolutionary connection between water creatures and land creatures.
Along with the process of metamorphosis, amphibians also show an incredible level of intelligence that is quite surprising to be an amphibian. This makes them not only recognize their owner, train for multiple activities to some extent(not at the same level as furry fellows).
Perks Of Having An Amphibian Pet
Having an amphibian as a pet is quite an amazing experience. Some perks of having amphibian pets are:
- They are low maintenance pets. They can take care of themselves quite right and are not much choosy about their food. However, you need to focus on the hygiene part. Moreover, make sure you are providing enough food regularly, and the water is pollutants and toxins free.
- You do not need to spend hours and hours with your amphibian fellow. Unlike cats and dogs, they do not develop depression from loneliness. Therefore, if you are someone with a packed schedule having an amphibian pet is something you should consider.
- You get a chance to observe multiple enigmatic behaviours and observe nature changing its colours significantly in the same animal. The best part about amphibians is that these animals are very peculiar from individual to individual. So, there are high chances you observe some behaviours that any other pet owner missed.
Legal Allowance Of Keeping Amphibians As Pets
Amphibians are usually docile creatures, but some can be poisonous. Moreover, the rights of amphibians such as that of frogs are reserved under the law. So, for each and every frog you will have, you need to do thorough research and register it according to your country’s legislation. Always check complete details about the legal procedures for having an amphibian pet before getting one for you.
Most Common Amphibian As Pets
The most common amphibian pets are frogs, salamanders, and toads.
Frogs
Frogs make the best pets in the amphibian world. Let us start with a brief overview.
Breed Overview
Scientific Name | Pyxicephalus Adspersus |
Common Name | Frog |
Adult Size | 2 to 5-1/2 inches |
Life Expectancy | 4-15 years |
The life expectancy varies depending upon the frog’s species and the amount of your care for the frog. However, usually, frogs are considered to be one of the longest living amphibian pet. So, you don’t have fear to lose your friend for ages.
If you are too fond of handling your pet a lot in the day, the frog might not be the best option due to their sensitive skin. Small frogs are usually more active and like interactions, whereas giant frogs typically have a sedentary lifestyle and mind many interventions. Moreover, if you travel a lot and the duration goes more than a week, then frogs must not be on your List to Have. It is because it is not safe to leave your pet uncared for more than a couple of days, and it is hard to find another person to take care of your pet.
Frogs tank must be such that it fulfils natural requirements of half land half water. Moreover, you need to maintain the light, humidity and temperature requirements for your pet. It is sometimes quite tricky to clean your frog’s enclosure. However, it is much needed to be done regularly as some frogs are super allergic to contaminants in the water.
Also, you need to focus on the food requirements of your frog. Frogs are carnivores, so they usually eat insects. Some large frogs also feed on pinky mice. However, most of the dietary requirements vary with the type of breed you are going to have.
Salamanders And Newts
Salamanders and newts are one of the most amazing pets one can have. However, they are not as popular as other pets. Therefore, less data is available about taking care of these pets. These animals grow best in a high humidity environment, preferably half land and half water one.
The life expectancy of these pets is more than 20 years. So, they are long term companions if you know how to take care of them properly. If you are a beginner, go with simpler and more common species as it will be easy to find accurate data accordingly. These pets are carnivores and feed on insects, shrimps and other marine creatures. You can provide chopped ones, but they prefer live animals. The handling, feeding and caring requirements all vary with the type of species you are going to have.
Toads
Another common pet of the amphibian family is the toads. These, like their other amphibian fellows, are long-living and survive more than 12 years, depending upon the species and conditions provided. They usually grow up to 6 inches and are insectivores. Moreover, they also need a few supplements along with regular food. The water of the tank needs to be contaminant and chlorine-free.
Toads are amazing for making routine. However, they are nocturnal animals, i.e., they are more active during the night. You also need to ensure proper temperature, humidity and light for your toad’s containment. Moreover, they are not much handling friendly due to sensitive skin.
Toads are best if you have kids. However, some species do release venomous secretions from the skin. So, after handling your toad, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or mouth. Moreover, learn everything about caring for your toad before having one for your home.
Reptiles As Pets
Reptiles make great pets and are much more friendly than amphibians. However, if you are a beginner, you may budge at multiple things regarding taking care of reptiles. Most people invest a lot in having an exotic reptile specie and then rant at the difficulty of maintaining proper environmental conditions and food requirements. So, before going to have any reptile as a pet, look into the details of that animal completely. Go for a well-known species with a complete care guide to have the best relationship with your pet.
Legal Allowance Of Keeping Reptiles As Pets
Among reptiles, there is a wide diversity, most of which is rather unsafe for human interactions. So, if you are excited to skew and adventure with the reptilian creature, be very sure if your states law approves it as a pet. Moreover, if it needs any registration or not, it is unlawful to have poisonous and deadly animals like snakes and crocodiles as pets. Having them at home can cause serious trouble for you.
Let us discuss various classes of reptiles and how well they do as a pet.
Lizards As Pets
Lizards are one of the most mysterious pets one can have. Weird in the sense that they always show novel behaviour and intelligence. However, if you are a beginner, you must make sure you have basic maintenance stuff for the type of lizard you will have a pet.
Iguana
The most common type of lizard you find in pet stores are Iguana. However, these lizards develop aggressive behaviour when they turn into an adult and can grow massively. Moreover, you need to ensure the dietary requirements of this lizard, which is quite difficult for a beginner.
Leopard Geckos
The best option for beginners is having Leopard Geckos as pets. They are relatively smaller in size and can go well in a 20-gallon tank even when it turns into an adult. Moreover, you do not need any adjustments for light due to their nocturnal behaviours. Also, these adorable lizards are easy to handle, docile and children friendly.
You may also search into other breeds and species of lizards that suit best your environmental conditions.
Dragons As Pets
Dragons also come into the class of lizards. However, they are classified separately due to their peculiar behaviours and features.
Chinese Water Dragon
Some dragons need much care as the Chinese Water Dragon, which requires a specific requirement of heat, light, humidity, and diet to survive well. So, these may be left to pro pet owners.
Other famous dragons that behave well as pets as Bearded Dragons as pets. These are not only easy maintenance but also super clean and mesmerizing. These dragons are famous for their beard feature. These are omnivores like humans and love to cuddle with their human friends. These dragons can be trained for multiple activities as responding when someone calls the name etc. Moreover, they are children friendly and docile. However, make sure you have a large enough tank for them to grow and move.
You may also look at other dragon’s species to find the best match for your personality and interests.
You may also look at other dragon’s species to find the best match for your personality and interests.
Snakes As Pets
Snakes are famous for being low maintenance pets. You only need to feed most of the species once or twice a week. So, if you are adventurous and want to have some new pet but have a tight schedule, snakes become the best option. Not only for the diet, but these pets also do not need any light requirements as other reptile and amphibian fellows who need a good balance of UVA/UVB lights. Moreover, you also have a wide humidity range to work with. However, when having a snake for you, make sure it is not poisonous and complete research about its behavior, diet, and maintenance before bringing one to your home. Some beginner-friendly snakes species are:
Corn Snakes
These beautiful snakes are not only easy to maintain but are also completely docile. They are also not too long or heavy to scare children away. Corn snakes live for more than ten years. However, you need to have an enclosure with a tight-fitting lid as they love o sneak away from the house.
Ball Pythons
When the word Python comes, a fear of horror sweep across the spine. However, these small and constricting ball pythons are super adorable, docile and easy to handle. These snakes are quite picky eaters. So, it would be best if you were careful about finding what suits your snake the best. Ball pythons are among the most common pet snakes and are expected to live a long healthy life(of 20-30 years)
Turtles And Tortoises As Pets
If you are looking for a completely safe option for your kid, a turtle becomes the major highlight. However, along with their docile and friendly nature, there comes a major difficulty. It is not easy to maintain the proper aquatic environment for turtles and tortoises to live healthily. However, you can do thorough research, enlist the main points and work on them.
Tortoises and aquatic turtles grow quite heavy. Moreover, they are quite messy and challenging to handle. These reptiles are usually boring for children. Therefore, if your top priority is having entertainment for children and a low maintenance pet, then skin large turtles and tortoises from your list.
Eastern Box Turtles
These fewer maintenance turtles have a moderate size and do not grow massively like other tortoises and turtles. These are omnivores and love to live in varied climates. You need to ensure proper lighting and housing space to keep the turtle.
Red-Eared Slider
The most popular pet of the turtle family is the red-eared slider. These turtles are docile and live a long life of more than 20 years. They need a specific environmental condition to live healthily. Moreover, they are omnivores, and you need to maintain the balance between plant and animal bases materials.
Conclusion
Reptiles and amphibians make great pets. Moreover, they also give you a chance to explore the animal world and learn many novelties about animal behaviours than any other of your furry fellows. However, before having one for you, make sure you dive into the requirements of having that specific species as a pet and any health hazards linked with that species.
You may surf to other sections of our website to learn a lot more about amphibians and reptiles as pets. In case of any query, do contact us. We would be happy to help.
I am a graduate of a veterinary university. Dealing with all the kinds of pets from the dawn to dusk, it’s like understanding their language. That is the best time ever, I must say!
Writing has always been my orphenadrine. I love to share my experience and talk about the most common issues people have been facing with their pets. My writing career began in 2015. I aimed to work for pets to share my experience and make pet humans relation a lot better. I usually talk about the most significant or recurrent cases of the day. During my practice at pet centre, I face a lot of questions by pet owners. Moreover, I also own a variety of pets myself including different species of mammals, birds and reptiles.
Therefore, I have decided to educate all the pet owners about their little friends who can’t talk the way we do. Understanding what they are telling us is all we need to do. And most of us fail to perceive.
So, I am here to serve the purpose. Let’s help each other in better understanding the needs, behaviours, and problems of our best friends with the best possible solutions!
