Choosing your first reptile

Start with the commitment

Many reptiles live for 15 to 30 years, and tortoises can outlive their owners. Before choosing a species, be sure you can commit to that, and that the people you live with are happy too.

• Lifespan: will you be able to care for it in 10, 20 or 30 years?
• Space: adult enclosures are often much bigger than people expect.
• Running costs: heating, UVB bulbs (replaced yearly), food and vet care add up.
• A vet: find an exotic vet near you before you need one.

There's no such thing as a starter reptile

Every species needs the right enclosure, heat, lighting and diet from day one. Some species are more forgiving of small mistakes, which is why they suit first-time keepers, but none of them are low-maintenance.

Species by experience level

Here's how the species in our care sheets compare. Beginner species are more forgiving of small mistakes; intermediate species need more space, more precise heat and UVB, or more experience with handling and diet. Open any care sheet for the full details.

Before you buy

• Set up and run the enclosure for a week first, checking temperatures and humidity.
• Buy captive-bred from a reputable breeder or rescue, never on impulse.
• Plan a quarantine area if you already keep reptiles.
• Ask questions. A good breeder or rescue will ask you plenty too.