Each type of reptile has its characteristics, so if you are going to purchase one, it is highly recommended that you do some research on the animal. By doing so, you can be sure that it is the best choice for you as a pet.
All species have different basic needs. However, some are more sensitive to specific situations, which can be fatal for some. Therefore, it is best to avoid certain species and get used to caring for them first.
Some reptiles can be very difficult to care for. If you are still a beginner, read on to find out which reptiles you should not keep.
1) Iguanas
Because they resemble lizards, people tend to think that they are easy to care for, but this is not the case. Remember that iguanas grow very large to begin with, so they need a large enough habitat.
These animals are not friendly, require care in handling, and can be dangerous. In the beginning, they may see you as a threat. If you disturb them, they may bite you. Some breeders indeed have a very strong bond with their iguanas, but it takes a lot of patience and experience to achieve this.
The diet has to be very balanced, as they have to eat various fruits and vegetables. In some areas, this means that they can be high-maintenance pets. Tastes are usually not cheap.
2) Nile Monitor Lizards
The nile monitor lizard is a giant lizard that can grow to over 2 meters in length. As such, it is a difficult species to keep. It is also a reptile that likes to climb and swim. This isn’t easy to provide in an artificial living environment. Therefore, the biggest challenge in keeping a nile monitor as a pet is maintaining its habitat.
To make matters worse, these lizards do not like to be handled. They can attack and injure you. In the case of reptiles, an “affectionate” relationship between owner and pet is not always possible. This depends mainly on the temperament of the animal. Ultimately, you need to be aware that you cannot treat them the same way you would a normal pet.
3) Land and Sea Turtles
You may find it strange that turtles are considered the easiest reptiles to keep. However, this is not generally true, as size and lifespan must also be considered.
Turtles can live in a tiny tank when they are hatched, but they need a large surface area for easy movement as they grow.
Also, the average domestic turtle lives for about 20 years, so you need to be prepared to take care of them during that time. In some cases, their owners do not act responsibly and release them into the wild. Because of this situation, some species have become an ecological problem in some countries.
4) Crocodiles
Keeping these reptiles as pets probably never crossed your mind, but it is actually possible under specific strict rules and regulations. Not surprisingly, raising a baby crocodile is very easy for experienced people. Because of this, they are kept as pets in some countries, such as Mexico.
One of the biggest challenges in their care is their size. Many of these animals end up being very large. This makes them easy to keep at first, but they run out of space as they grow.
Furthermore, crocodiles are aquatic animals. They require a large amount of water at a constant temperature to stay healthy.
In addition, when their body length exceeds one meter, you can lose their lives just by being bitten. This means that after a certain period, they need to be moved to a place where they can be treated with the help of experts. Otherwise, you and your family are at risk of being involved in a severe accident.
5) Venomous Snakes
Venomous snakes are amongst the most challenging exotic reptiles to care for. This difficulty lies in both management and safety. This means that you must not only take care of your pet, but also be prepared for any life-threatening events.
In a nutshell, owning a snake requires learning how to handle both venomous and non-venomous reptiles and knowing what to do in case of an emergency. In addition, you need a sturdy and high-quality living environment so that the snake cannot escape. For this reason, poisonous snakes are never recommended for beginners. Even if you are an expert, you need to be extremely careful.
Would you ever dare keeping one of these reptiles as pet? Let us know in the comments below!