Why Reptiles Make Great Family Pets

When you think about a family pet, a reptile may not be the first thing that comes to mind. We at Spectrum Chameleon think reptiles should be at the top of your list! Reptiles make such great companion animals. Many of the specific reptiles we carry make great family pets. When you're ready, no need to look any further for a gecko, chameleon, or bearded dragon for sale!

Reasons To Have a Reptile as a Family Pet

Reptiles, such as turtles, snakes, and lizards, aren't exactly traditional family pets, but that doesn't mean they don't make great ones! Aside from being interesting to look at, there are several reasons why reptiles can fit in great with many families' lifestyles:

They Have Long Lifespans

Many reptile species live for quite a long time. For example, bearded dragons have an average lifespan of six to ten years. Leopard geckos live even longer, usually around 15 years. This is great for families because kids can grow up alongside their pets.

They Are Quiet 

Most reptiles are very quiet animals by nature. They prefer to move about their enclosure subtly, without drawing unwanted attention. This works well for families because the pet can be kept in an office or a child's room without it disturbing anyone's sleep. There is also no concern about the animal scaring visitors with a loud noise. 

They Do Not Require a Lot of Time 

While it is good for reptiles to socialize with their owners, they do not require any specific interaction schedule to be healthy and happy. Reptiles need their enclosures to be within certain temperature and humidity ranges, but their day-to-day needs are pretty simple. This flexibility in terms of care makes reptiles great pets for busy families. Whether you're home all day or out all day, you can take great care of your reptile friend on your schedule.

Which Reptiles Make Good Family Pets?

A variety of reptiles make good pets. Lizards are especially fun for families with children. They are very interesting to look at, with different species showing a range of colors and behavior characteristics. Lizards with no venom are also among the safest pets for kids to handle because even if they do bite, it doesn't do significant damage.

At Spectrum Chameleon, we are committed to high standards of ethics and safety with the reptiles we breed. Our animals are healthy and well taken care of before they make their way to your family.

Here are a few of the reptiles we have at Spectrum Chameleon, and a few reasons why each of them makes a great family pet! 

Chameleons

Our panther chameleons are beautiful, colorful lizards. They have large eyes, which move independently from each other, and long tongues to grab insects. Famously, chameleons can change color to fit in with their surroundings. Their distinctive curly tails and hand-like front feet make them very entertaining pets. 

Chameleons typically live for six to seven years. Males usually grow to be 15 to 20 inches long, while females are usually between eight to ten inches long when fully grown.

Leopard Geckos

Leopard geckos are another great option for a family pet. These lizards are smaller than chameleons. Males usually reach eight to ten inches in length, while females are seven to eight inches long. 

Leopard geckos make great family pets because they are small and quiet and they require little daily maintenance. They are self-sufficient enough that owners can leave for days at a time without worrying. Since they live for 15 to 20 years, leopard geckos are a great choice for a fun but relaxed long-term family pet.

Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are the largest lizards on this list, reaching up to two feet in length. They are gentle and docile, and they are known to be fond of their owners. Because of their large size, bearded dragons need larger enclosures than chameleons or geckos, but they tend to enjoy being handled more than the other two species do. 

Our bearded dragons' social nature makes them wonderful family pets, and the six- to ten-year lifespan means your friend will likely be around to play and bond with you for a long time. 

Find a Gecko, Chameleon, or Bearded Dragon for Sale

Reptiles make great family pets. They are fun to look at and handle, live for a long time, and require minimal maintenance. When looking for a pet reptile, make sure to shop with people who know these animals well.

At Spectrum Chameleon, we specialize in safe, responsible reptile breeding and care. We also carry supplies like food, tank decor, and heat lamps to help you get started. If you have questions, you can consult our reptile care guides, or just ask us online! We'll help you find all the information you need to enjoy your new pet.