Top 5 Low-Maintenance Reptiles

Reptiles can make great pets, but some require more specialized care than others. If you’re looking for a reptile companion that doesn’t need a lot of hands-on attention, here are 5 low maintenance Reptiles to consider.

Leopard Gecko

The leopard gecko is one of the most popular pet reptiles, and for good reason. These small lizards only grow to about 8-10 inches long, so they don’t require a huge habitat. A 20-gallon tank is sufficient for an adult leopard gecko. These geckos also don’t need special lighting or heating as long as you keep the tank between 75-85°F.

Leopard geckos only need to be fed 2-3 live insects about 3 times per week. Crickets and mealworms make good staple feeders. Make sure to gut-load the insects with nutritious food so your gecko gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs. A shallow dish of clean water should also be provided.

When it comes to handling, leopard geckos are usually quite docile once accustomed to their owner. Their care requirements are simple enough that they make great starter reptiles for kids and first-time owners. Just be sure to thoroughly research leopard gecko care before bringing one home.

African Fat-Tailed Gecko

Closely related to the leopard gecko, the African fat-tailed gecko is another beginner-friendly option. These geckos get their name from the distinct fat deposits they store in their tails. Like leopard geckos, fat-tails only grow to about 8-10 inches in length, so they don’t require large enclosures.

Fat-tailed geckos thrive at temperatures between 85-90°F. You’ll need an under tank heater to provide a hot spot for proper digestion and growth. The warm end of the tank should be kept on the dry side, while the cooler end can have a moist hide box to aid with shedding.

Feeding requirements are similar to leopard geckos – insects like crickets, mealworms, waxworms and occasional treats like pinky mice. African fat-tails don’t need as much calcium supplementation as some other reptiles, but a shallow bowl of clean water should always be available.

These geckos move a bit slower than leopard geckos and may take more time to tame down for handling. But their basic care needs are just as simple for beginners to manage.

Crested Gecko

Native to the tropical rainforests of New Caledonia, crested geckos make unique and eye-catching display pets. Most crested geckos available in the pet trade are patternless and have yellow, orange or red coloration. But some display amazing patterns, colors and skin flaps/crests on their heads – no two look exactly alike!

These geckos are arboreal, meaning they live in trees and appreciate vertical space. A screen enclosure or Exo Terra terrarium that is at least 18 x 18 x 24 inches works well. You’ll also need branches, cork bark and plenty of foliage for climbing and hiding opportunities.

One perk of crested geckos is that they don’t require special lighting or heat sources as long as room temps stay between 65-80°F. Simply mist the enclosure once a day to maintain humidity between 50-80%.

Instead of live insects, crested geckos eat powdered fruit diets mixed with water. Offer Repashy’s Crested Gecko Diet or Pangea’s Fruit Mix Complete in a small dish 2-3 times per week, providing just enough that your gecko finishes it within 24 hours. This helps prevent waste and spoilage.

Crested geckos require very little daily maintenance, especially compared to reptiles that eat live prey. Their small size, unique appearance and simple care make them fun and popular display pets.

Bearded Dragon

While more high maintenance than geckos, the bearded dragon is one of the best pet lizards for attentive beginners. These reptiles grow up to 18-24 inches, so they do require a large vivarium measuring at least 48 x 24 x 24 inches.

Bearded dragons bask in the sun in the wild, so proper lighting and heating is essential. Provide a basking area between 100-110°F under a heat lamp during the day. The overall temperature gradient in the tank should range from 75°F on the cool end to 100°F on the hot end. At night, temps can safely drop into the upper 60s.

Despite their somewhat complex heating and lighting needs, bearded dragons are actually pretty simple to feed. Staple foods like chopped greens and vegetables should make up about 75% of the diet. Dandelion greens, kale, carrots, sweet potato, squash and berries are excellent choices.

You’ll also need a quality powdered calcium supplement and multivitamin to prevent metabolic bone disease. Feed insects like crickets, roaches, worms and larvae to make up the remaining 25% of food 2-3 times per week.

When set up properly, bearded dragons are very personable lizards that often seem to enjoy human interaction. Daily maintenance is no more difficult than feeding vegetables and wiping down the enclosure to keep it clean. Just make sure you have the space and proper equipment to house one of these gentle giants!

Corn Snake

For reptile lovers who want a pet they can handle regularly, corn snakes are a top choice. These docile constrictors come in a huge variety of colors and patterns, with new morphs being produced all the time. An adult corn snake reaches an average length of 4 to 5 feet.

A baby corn snake can start out in a 20-gallon tank. But an adult will need at least a 40 gallon breeder tank with a screen topper for ample ventilation. These snakes are escape artists! Adding branches, cork bark, hides and fake foliage gives them plenty of cover.

One heat mat or heat tape on the side of the tank should allow for a temperature gradient between 75-85°F. Place hides throughout this range so your snake can thermoregulate properly. Ball pythons have similar heating and housing needs to corn snakes.

Though corn snakes can live 15+ years with proper care, their daily needs are pretty basic. Feed pre-killed mice or rats once every 7-10 days – adult corn snakes can usually eat prey items equal to about 1.5x the width of their body. Provide a large bowl or dish of fresh water at all times.

Gentle handling sessions 2-3 times per week allow corn snakes to become quite tame. As they grow accustomed to their keeper, they often stop rattling their tails defensively. When set up properly, corn snakes make hardy, handleable and long-lived pets.

The reptiles listed here are just a few examples of lower maintenance species that can do well with attentive beginners. As with any exotic pet, be sure to thoroughly research the needs of any reptile before bringing them into your home. Proper habitat setup and husbandry are critically important to your herp’s health and wellbeing. But when cared for correctly, these cold-blooded creatures can make fascinating animal companions. I sincerely hope you find this “Top 5 Low-Maintenance Reptiles” article helpful.