Monty's Reptiles

This list of reptiles is solely based on the author’s personal views and opinions. Please remember that all animals with a mouth and teeth are capable of biting, but with proper care and handling these animals will tame down and be easy to handle.  Prices were gathered from larger reptile distributors, and may be higher if bought at a corporate pet shop i.e. PETCO, Petland, Petsmart etc… further information can be attained by use of the internet, or just simply contact us and we will try to answer any questions. 

Lizards:

1. Sudan Plated Lizards are a shy African lizard that adapts to human interactions very well.  These lizards only reach lengths of 20 inches (half of that length is tail).  Plated lizards enjoy large enclosures where they can burrow and have a variety of places to hide.  The plated lizard is omnivorous, usually preferring a variety of insects.  This species of lizard can tolerate lower temperature but need a temperature around 75-85. Humidity should be around 50-60%.  The Sudan plated lizard can usually be purchased for $25-$40.

2. Leopard Geckos are another great pet lizard. They are extremely docile, but they are fragile.  Their tails can break off easily, and though they grow back, the new tail will never look as good as the original.  Like most geckos, leopard geckos are insectivorous.  The temperature requirements are in the high 80s with low humidity, except when getting ready to shed; a soaking bowl helps with this dilemma.  Leopard geckos don’t need a lot of room; a 20 gallon tank will do just fine.  Leopard geckos are readily available and range anywhere from $20-$1,500. 

3. Bearded Dragons are extremely nice when handled properly, but do have sharp claws and teeth. They max out at 18” long.  Temperature should be high 80s, but they do need a basking area a bit warmer.  This animal also needs Ultra-violet B (UVB) wavelengths of light.  Humidity should be kept relatively low, around 50%.  This species should be kept in a minimum of 40 gallon aquarium.  They also love to climb and need a hide box. These lizards are insectivorous, but will eat greens and some fruits.  Bearded dragons are common in the pet trade and retail from $70-$100. 

4. The Uromastyx is another African lizard and requires the same basic needs as the bearded dragon except that the uromastyx is primarily an herbivore.  These beautiful lizards are usually priced around $100-$180. 

5. Chinese Water Dragons are fast, but can tame down easily.  They max out at about 3 feet, but need large enclosures.  Temperature should be in the high 80s, they require UVB, and humidity should be high.  This species also needs plenty of water to swim in.  They are mostly insectivorous when they are young, but turn to greens when they get larger.  Water dragons are reasonably priced around $30-$40.

Snakes:

1. Rubber Boas do not exceed 2’ and are very docile.  They eat small pinkie mice and can be housed in a ten gallon aquarium all their life.  They are native to Washington and Oregon so low temperatures are fine and a shallow water dish provides enough humidity.  This species borrows frequently, and needs to have a loose substrate that allows for that, plus a secure hide box.  This species is not readily available in the pet trade, but with a little searching they can be found mostly for around $100. 

2. Spotted and Children’s Pythons are relatively small, docile snakes and don’t usually exceed 4 ft.  They eat appropriate sized rodents, and can be kept in a 30-40 gallon aquarium.  The temperature should not drop below 75 with a basking area around 90.  Humidity should be kept at about 60-70%.  These species are becoming more common in the pet trade, mostly through online breeders, and cost around $100. 

3. Corn Snakes are a medium sized snake that eventually will eat large adult mice.  These snakes should be kept in a 30-40 gallon aquarium as adults.  Temperature should be kept no lower than 75 and no higher than 85.  Humidity can be kept around 50-65%.  This animal is usually very docile, but can be very active during handling (be prepared for the snake to move fast).  This snake is easily acquired and can range from $30 to $70.

4. Ball Pythons are naturally very docile and easy to handle snakes; however, they may bite.  They average about 4-5 feet, and should be kept in 40 gallon aquarium with an appropriate sized hide box.  Some individuals can be very picky about what they eat, while others will eat anything offered to them.  Sometimes even balls that have eaten well in the past can go off their feed for a few months, greatly frustrating their owners.  Temperature should range from 85-90; humidity must be kept above 65% and when the animal needs to shed, humidity should be increased.  Special attention should be paid to making sure that the eye caps are lost along with the skin during each shed.  Natural colored balls can be purchased for around $30.  Captive breeding projects have produced a variety of colors and patterns.  The color morphs can range from $300 to $40,000.

5. Red-tailed Boas are moderately sized snakes, reaching 12-15 feet and weighing close to 75 pounds when full grown.  This snake is perfect for a beginner who is interested in larger snakes.  Younger children should never handle this snake alone, as just the weight and size alone can cause problems.  Red-tails as adults need a minimum 6’ long enclosure, and should be kept in something considerably larger.  This snake is usually easy to handle, but can move fast and enjoys climbing anything it can reach.  Eventually this species can eat a medium sized rabbit.  Temperature should be 85-88 and humidity around 75%.  Most pet shops carry this species and most range from $60 to $200.  Color morphs can be priced in the thousands of dollars. 

Turtles/Tortoises

I rarely recommend turtles as a beginner pet mainly because turtles require quite a bit of work.  Aquatic turtles, require clean water, enough area to move around, UV lighting, and a place to get out of the water.  Clean water is essential for the turtles health, and this require frequent water changes, a filter that can handle a lot of waste, and the filter must be able to withstand a bit of abuse.  The best rule of thumb when deciding what to put a turtle in is simply 10 gallons of water for every inch of turtle.  example a 6 inch turtle should be kept in a  75 gallon aquarium.  Another problem with turtles as pets is salmonella, and although this problem has been overstated, it is still a problem.  The truth of the matter is that 1% of 1% of all the salmonella cases in the US are caused by reptiles.  You are more likely to contract salmonella from a fast food meal than a pet reptile; however, when cleaning or handling any reptile you should always wash your hands afterwards.

1. Never take any reptile for granted, tame or not.

2. Never turn your back on any reptile. They can strike or escape without you even knowing about it.

3. Wash your hands between handling mammals/birds and reptiles.  Failing to do this causes more bites than anything, because to a snake, you smell like a food source so you must be food.

4. Purchase a snake hook and tongs, and remove your snake with a hook every time.  This puts you out of harm's reach, and allows you to observe the snake's behavior; if it seems irritated then you know it does not want to be handled or it could strike if startled.

5. Talk to all your reptiles.  Even though snakes can't hear, talking to your snake keeps you focused on the interaction between you and the snake.

6. If you are handling a reptile that is aggressive there is no substitute for a good pair of thick leather gloves, and possibly a thick jacket.

7. When trying to tame a reptile, the less physical you are the more the reptile will become accustomed to being handled. Don't restrain the animal roughly.  If  bitten, don't give up; continue to handle it until it calms down.

8. If you are bitten don't flinch (this is very hard to avoid!!) This will make the bite worse, and possibly hurt the snake.  If you got bit it is your fault.  Reptiles don't bite for fun.  You were either viewed as a threat or smelled like a food item.

9. When interacting with the large constrictors, especially those that are over 10 ft, it is always a good idea to never go in alone.  Even though your snake could be tame as a kitten it only takes one grouchy day to become a statistic.  When handling a large constrictor, and you are wrapped up either start with the head or tail and unwrap as quickly as possible (DO NOT PANIC) remember less is more; the less physical you are, the farther you will get.  If ALL else fails splash rubbing alcohol in the snake's face (this is something you should do only if you are in fear for your life).

10. If you keep venomous snakes, not only must you have the proper permits and enclosure, you MUST use caution and proper tools. Don't play Steve Irwin!  You are not faster than the snake; if you have not yet been bit, you are just lucky.  Getting nuked can cost a hand, foot, or your life.  Insurance and hospital bills can be extremely expensive.  Vials of antivenin often run $700-$800 per vial, and most bites can take up to 5-10 vials.  Indiana does not stock a wide variety of antivenin, and only a few hospitals even carry antivenin. 

11. Crocodilians are truly awesome animals, but they are not pets.  Big crocs look slow and docile, but these animals can be very quick, and are far stronger than any human.  Only educational facilities should keep crocs, and only experienced keepers should be handling these amazing reptiles.

12. Some reptiles, especially lizards, don't like vitamin supplements. Monitors are especially picky about the vitamins.  I have had several monitors that would rather starve than eat a vitamin covered mouse.  I get around that by using a small syringe and injecting the vitamins into the thawed mouse (please don't do this to a live animal; it would rank up there with cruel and unusual!).

13. Keeping venomous snakes and crocs here in Indiana is a privilege; if you don't have permits for your animals you are not hurting yourself but those of us that do obey the law.  Every time a person is caught without permits, the government makes it harder for us to get them.  Just so we are clear on this:  if you are caught without a permit for your animals, you are facing 15 years in jail, a 10,000 dollar fine, your animals will be destroyed, and you will not be allowed to keep another reptile.