Veterinarian Tiffany Margolin offers advice on which reptiles are appropriate pets and how they are the perfect alternative to a cat or dog.
Warning: Reptiles are carriers of salmonellosis (infection with salmonellae characterized by intestinal problems and fever). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a warning that NO households with children under the age of five should inhabit a reptile. because salmonellosis is highly contagious and risky to young children. If you have a reptile in your home, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with a bacterial soap after handling the animal.
Snakes
- Snakes are best for a child that is at least eight or nine years old.
- Look for a medium-size snake, which will typically be sold as an adult.
- Snakes are carnivores and require warm-blooded "feeders" as prey.
- The feeding times depend on the size of the snake.
- Wood and glass aquarium-type enclosures are best.
- Use a non-ultraviolet light/heating source.
- Snakes require a place to soak such as a little pool of water. The water should be changed daily.
- They are considered a low-maintenance reptile and are easily socialized. They can even be handled on a daily basis.
- Snakes can live for up to 12 years.
- Snakes can easily escape if they are not properly enclosed.
Iguanas
- Iguanas are best for children that are at least 12 years old.
- Look for a young adult or older juvenile iguana because they are typically already socialized and have survived the stage of their most critical nutritional needs.
- A glass enclosure is ideal.
- Use a room humidifier with multiple bowls of water (change every day) and mist with a spray bottle of water often.
- During very warm weather, an iguana should be allowed to "bathe" or soak in tub of water for about an hour a day.
- An ultraviolet light/heating source is required with a full-sunlight spectrum.
- Iguanas require a vegetarian diet with a calcium/phosphorus ratio of 2:1. Chinese cabbage, carrot tops, kale and strawberries are the best foods.
- Iguanas are fairly interactive and have interesting habits and personalities.
- They can live up to 10 years.
- They are on the higher end of maintenance for reptiles.
Bearded Dragon
- These reptiles are best for children 12 and up.
- Look for one that is older than six months because it will already have survived its most critical health stages.
- They are primarily carnivorous and eat mealworms, crickets and even pinky mice.
- An aquarium makes a comfortable home. For large dragons, a 40- gallon-size vessel is ideal.
- Use an ultraviolet light source and change it every eight months.
- They should have a flat bowl of water accessible, and it should be changed daily.
- They very active and socialize well.
- They have a spiny back, so they must be handled carefully.
