So You Want a Reptile? Let's Talk About the Part Nobody Puts on Instagram

So you've decided you want a reptile.

Maybe you saw a leopard gecko smiling at the camera. Maybe somebody's bearded dragon was sitting on their shoulder looking adorable. Or maybe you went to a reptile expo "just to look."

Then you held one.

Congratulations. You're in danger.

Reptiles are amazing pets, but social media usually shows you the cute stuff—not everything that comes with actually owning one.

The Reptile Is Probably the Cheapest Part

You might bring home a leopard gecko for $50 or $100, but that's just the beginning.

There's the enclosure, heating, thermostat, lighting, hides, substrate, supplements, food and everything else your particular species needs.

One of the best things you can do is build the enclosure before buying the reptile. Get your temperatures and setup right first, then bring your new animal home.

You Will Become Obsessed With Temperatures

Before reptiles:

"It's about 72 degrees in here."

After reptiles:

"Warm side is 89, cool side is 76, humidity is 42%... WHY DID THE TEMPERATURE JUST DROP TWO DEGREES?"

Reptiles depend on their environment to regulate their body temperature, so proper heating isn't optional.

Soon you'll own more thermometers than any normal person should.

Welcome to the club.

Yes, There May Be Bugs

If you choose an insect-eating reptile, you're also entering the wonderful world of crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches and containers that guests are specifically told:

DO NOT OPEN THAT.

Eventually you'll grab a roach with your bare hand without thinking twice.

And at some point a cricket will escape.

You'll hear it at 2 a.m.

You won't find it.

The cricket knows this.

They're Not Dogs

Some reptiles become very comfortable with handling. Others prefer that you deliver dinner and kindly leave.

Both are okay.

Learn your animal's personality and let trust develop at its pace. Sometimes being a good reptile owner means simply leaving your reptile alone.

Reptile Vets Are Still Vets

Reptiles can get sick, and exotic veterinary care isn't always cheap.

Find a qualified reptile veterinarian before you need one and keep some money set aside for unexpected care.

That's much better than frantically searching for a reptile vet during an emergency.

Then Something Terrible Happens...

You want another reptile.

You start with one leopard gecko.

Then you see another morph.

"Two isn't that many."

Then someone shows you a bearded dragon.

Then you discover reptile expos.

Suddenly your house contains multiple enclosures, thermostats, calcium powder and enough insects to make your neighbors slightly concerned.

Nobody really knows how this happens.

So... Do You Still Want One?

Good.

Reptiles can be incredible pets. Just remember that you're bringing home a living animal, not a decoration or temporary hobby.

Research the species. Build the enclosure first. Understand its diet, lifespan, heating and care requirements. Find a reptile veterinarian.

At AARC World Exotics, we'd rather help someone realize they're not ready for a reptile than see another animal end up neglected or needing a new home.

And if you read all of this and still thought...

"Yep. I definitely want one."

Welcome to the reptile world.

Just don't open the cricket container in the house.