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The best pet reptiles for beginners

Snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises compared on what matters before you buy: the enclosure, the heat and UVB, the time and the decades.

Snakes

  1. 01Corn snakeTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureCorn snakes are native to Georgia, where state law generally prohibits keeping them as pets, and all snakes are illegal to keep in Hawaii. Check state and local wildlife regulations before acquiring one.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $569–$974
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr
  2. 02Ball pythonTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureSnakes, including ball pythons, are illegal to keep in Hawaii. Elsewhere, check state and municipal regulations, as some cities restrict keeping non-native constrictor snakes.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $626–$1,195
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    20–30 yr
  3. 03Milk snakeTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureAll snakes are illegal to keep in Hawaii. Some states protect their native milk snakes, so buy captive-bred and check state wildlife rules.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $637–$1,196
    Daily
    5–10 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr
  4. 04Hognose snakeTolerates brief handling · 36×18×18 in enclosureCaptive-bred western hognoses are legal to keep in most of the US, but some states where they are native protect them: Illinois lists them as threatened and requires a permit, and states such as Missouri and Iowa also restrict them. Never collect wild hognoses, and check your state wildlife agency before buying.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $521–$994
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    12–20 yr
  5. 05KingsnakeTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureAll snakes are illegal to keep in Hawaii. California kingsnakes are native to California, where only captive-bred animals from permitted breeders can be sold; check state wildlife rules elsewhere.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $621–$1,205
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–25 yr

Lizards

  1. 06Leopard geckoTolerates brief handling · 36×18×18 in enclosureGeckos, including leopard geckos, are prohibited for private possession in Hawaii.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $509–$928
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  2. 07Crested geckoTolerates brief handling · 18×18×36 in enclosureGeckos, including crested geckos, are prohibited for private possession in Hawaii.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $568–$1,058
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  3. 08Gargoyle geckoTolerates brief handling · 18×18×36 in enclosureLegal in most US states. Hawaii prohibits keeping geckos like this one as pets.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $600–$1,122
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  4. 09African fat-tailed geckoTolerates brief handling · 36×18×18 in enclosureHawaii prohibits private possession of most reptiles, including geckos; elsewhere in the US they are generally legal.
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $612–$1,183
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  5. 10Blue-tongue skinkTolerates brief handling · 72×24×24 in enclosureCertain states or localities may restrict keeping specific exotic wildlife or require permits; always verify state and local reptile laws before purchase.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $905–$1,825
    Daily
    5–15 min
    Lives
    15–20 yr
  6. 11Veiled chameleonHands-off: best watched · 24×24×48 in enclosureVeiled chameleons are invasive in parts of Florida and Hawaii, where local regulations may restrict breeding, sale, or possession without specific permits.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $607–$1,263
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    5–8 yr
  7. 12Bearded dragonTolerates brief handling · 48×24×24 in enclosureBearded dragons are legal in most of the US, but Hawaii prohibits private possession; check local rules elsewhere.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $828–$1,664
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    10–15 yr

Turtles & tortoises

  1. 13Russian tortoiseHands-off: best watched · 48×24×18 in enclosure
    Level
    Beginner
    First year
    $590–$1,167
    Daily
    10–20 min
    Lives
    40–50 yr
  2. 14Red-eared sliderHands-off: best watched · 100 gal tankFederal law prohibits selling or distributing turtles under 4 inches in shell length in the US except for strictly educational or scientific purposes; additionally, Red-Eared Sliders are prohibited in Oregon, require a permit in Florida (a Conditional species), and cannot be imported or sold in Vermont, due to their status as an invasive species.
    Level
    Intermediate
    First year
    $718–$1,433
    Daily
    10–20 min
    Lives
    20–40 yr
  3. 15Sulcata tortoiseHands-off: best watched · 192×144×24 in enclosureNo US state bans sulcatas, but federal rules require a health certificate or certificate of veterinary inspection to move one across state lines (9 CFR 74), and local zoning or HOA rules may limit keeping a large adult outdoors.
    Level
    Advanced
    First year
    $918–$2,055
    Daily
    15–30 min
    Lives
    50–80 yr

How this list is built: Every reptile we cover, beginner species first, then by daily care time. Grouped the way people shop for them. First year is the essential setup plus a year of food and supplies, at typical US prices; vet care is extra. Every number comes from the animal's own guide and its sources. How we make these guides.