Worst is by far the chameleon, super fragile, don’t like long, and need very specific care. Best one that’s underrated is probably the western rat snake. Perfect size, gorgeous, cheap, handleable, and very personable and active
I remember as a kid I wanted a Savanah Monitor soooooo bad, then i did research and found out it probably wasn't the best beginner pet for a 10 year old. So i got a leopard gecko instead. Now that I'm 23 i still feel like Im not ready for that and thats okay! Maybe one day though💔
I really wanted a green iguana! 😕 I'm glad I didn't get one. Later at uni I really wanted a blue tongue skink, but instead kept agrican bullfrog, ceratophrys frog, and lots of inverts and farm animals (chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats)
When I first got a bearded dragon I thought they were a starter and then saw so much contradicting evidence and made so many errors and thankfully I managed to fix all of them by the first three months but I just really found your channel helpful so thank you for all of your high quality content
Blue tongues are great for beginners just because they are extremely hardy, and they are really interactive. Although everyone says they are handleable and friendly, some couldn’t not be (like my bluey) they can be naturally grumpy. They also have an amazing feeding response
I still honestly prefer labeling Blueys as "intermediate." Though I do that for any reptile that eats vegetation, because veggie diets get very complex very fast and need a lot of researching to really balance just right, and make sure that everything is kosher to feed. But for Blueys in particular, there are many, many subspecies, and the subspecies can drastically influence the care (primarily humidity) that they need. Once you know what you're doing keeping a Blue Tongue alive is one of the easiest things on the planet, but they really require a lot of thorough research to _make sure_ you know what you're doing, even moreso than a lot of other traditional "beginner" reptiles.
Amazing video, as always! Funny story by the way, one time I was at a pet store and this girl that was feeding one of the ball pythons got bit or something and she just said, “You’re an angry little noodle!“ 😂
Yes to ackie care guide. I’m that guy who saw baby savannah monitors for 40 bucks and bought one on impulse as his first reptile, and honestly, it’s been a great experience. I work with him every day to socialize him, I use every trick from Kevin McCurley’s book on taming, and I make sure he comes onto my arm. And because of him, I learned how to build my own enclosures instead of dropping 400+, and none of my animals afterwards were put in a store bought unless I had it lying around unused. He’s going through a bit of a grumpy stage at the moment, but he still lets me reach in and pet him.
I just got a trio of emerald tree skinks, had a full bioactive setup, uvb, everything. But they we're wild caught, seller seemed Good and told me they were checked by a vet. They all ended up passing from what I can only assume to be parasites... first expo but I should've been smarter. Wait until you can get captive bred ones...
I didn’t know that super dwarf retics were so cheap. I’m planning to get a dumerils boa for my first snake. I handle wild snakes whenever I get the chance and I’ve been researching snakes for years now. Basically, I’m not a noob. I love the coloring of a dumerils boa, as well as the size. They’re big enough to impress, but not big enough to be unmanageable. I will definitely keep an eye on the super dwarf retics though
As someone getting into breeding Superdwarfs, I've not yet seen a pure Superdwarf under $1000. I'm not sure why Garrett from Reach Out is even saying that as I don't think he sells any snakes under $2000, but I could be wrong.
I personally have never seen a pure “super dwarf” (kalatoa, Madu, Selayer…etc) for ANYTHING under $1,000 let alone one from a top breeder like ROR, not even independent less established breeders sell pure retics for that price.
Boas are a dream and I can't recommend them enough. I don't have a SD but my friend does, and he's very intelligent and curious (whereas boas are kind of dumb but generally docile). Even though they're dwarves you're still looking at a much longer snake on average than your little boas. the body language is also different so make sure you keep that in mind. I don't, but some people find boas harder to "read".
a friend of mine has a jackson chameleon. He said he's very time consuming and difficult as a pet. Fun fact : Fallout deathclaws are mutated jacksons chameleons.
Happy belated birthday :D Oh god, the green iguanas were so popular in Polish pet stores up to around the 2010s, maybe even longer - and by then a lot of people actually were aware that those (pet-store provided ones) could be nasty buggers. And yet it was still a popular pet lizard for KIDS. I want to get a bigger (than BP, and my adult boy is under 3 feet) and slightly more active snake one day, but I think 3 meters is my limit (limited space, I live alone and I don't want my cats to turn into a snack if the noodle escapes and the furballs still have many years of living ahead of them) - and there is something in retic snouts that makes them look (duh) predatory... whereas a regius is just a thick noodle. For worst beginner pets I'm definitely voting chameleons, the iguanas. Red eared sliders too have (had?) bad rep in Poland because they were a cheap turtle back when I was a kid = perfect pet for children. But every one I knew (never had my own) was a nasty, bitey angry little thing (popular in pet stores so I wouldn't be surprised if they have been WC). Actually, I'd also vote that Ball Pythons can be a difficult pet if you don't get one from a good breeder. Took me months to get my guy eating and the beginnings were an effing roller-coaster; a nidovirus scare, a colic scare, AND turned out to be much much older than what was sold - was just undersized for his age - which contributed to no appetite (breeding season) but also years of being fed something specific (and to this day I have no idea if he ate live, pre-killed or F/T because everytime I contacted the breeders, I had a different answer). Thankfully, I had help from other wonderful breeders and a great vet (and I'm just way to stubborn to admit defeat) but even that came after a few months and by sheer coincidence. I think this might be too much for some people, especially if they'd have only the internet to get help (that and from what I noticed, exotic vets seem crazy expensive in the States O_o). All in all I'm kind of glad my parents never allowed me to have a reptile when I was a child and now I can make my own research and decisions and there is actually possibility to do research that is not based on outdated guidebooks.
I started with reptiles when i was 18, i'm *sigh* 37 now and gained a lot of experience with different reptiles. I absolutely hated my jeweled lacerta, they were like little demons! Allthough they are beautiful,i will never ever get one or a couple again! But..the best reptiles, hands down, my giant bluetongueskink ❤ she sadly passed 2 years ago,but she was extremely sweet, even when i had to force medication in her little mouth, she never once bit me, never moody. And ofcourse the love of my life, Yoshi my argentine red tegu. He's a tank,but so darn sweet and gentle. Such a kind soul ❤
And hey Mr Wicked, Perhaps next video you might forcibly remind folks, particularly in the USA, to not collect box turtles from the wild. Boxies are beautiful what with their elaborately patterned shells and red eyes (I’ve heard it’s only males that have red eyes. That true?) If one’s intent on getting a box, buy it from a breeder, never from a wildlife ravager. As always, another entertaining, instructive film, another thumbs up 🤙. Thanks… And FYI: The French are “snail eaters” too but they don’t usually have scales. Okay, you’re a humorist, so weigh in on that one. ⚖️
When I was a kid I lived in key west Florida for a few years and our yard always had at least 3 or 4 iguanas in it, they were fun as hell to catch especially since at that time most of them were just as big if not bigger than me. But they definitely wouldn’t have made good pets, I realize they were wild but you get the same kind of thing in captive bred where some are skittish or really pissed off, and every once in a while you’d catch one that didn’t mind you after you handled it calmly for a minute.
So I think the reason most people want iguanas is the size. I think a closer substitute would be something like a tegu (although not for beginners, but great temperaments), or something like Chuckwallas or Euromastyx. There’s even smaller Ctenosaurs like the Pectinata or Bakeri that make wonderful pets. Just my two cents. Nailed everything else though, I’m SO glad False Chams have been getting the love in recent years, they are the reptiles that I met and got me obsessed with the hobby. Been watching since 15k and I’m glad I’ve stuck around :)
Love seeing you touching on the Dwarf/SD retics more!!! I agree on your stance with panther chameleons! Mine was an amazing animal to keep and I was able to keep him going into old age, but hands down the most effort required of any reptile I’ve ever kept!
“31… so old” puuuuleeease!!!!!! I saw that number 3 years ago and I’m still young lol!! I’m getting a jungle carpet soon. Not sure it’s a beginner reptile… but definitely not too difficult to care for from my research so far.
I’m having an odd time figuring out what level of difficulty I can handle. I have no experience with reptile care, but I have 2 years of professional experience caring for mammals - specifically, marmosets - with very specific and sensitive temperature and humidity needs. I’ve been considering myself somewhere between beginner and intermediate, but I honestly feel confident I could care for almost any “intermediate” animal. But I’m gonna do quite a bit more research before I say something like that with full assuredness… So the concept of “starter reptile” has been a bit frustrating! So I appreciate this video!
I heard shinglebacks could be quite hard to maintenance, but ever since I got one as a rescue his been my favourite little buddy Although I found the feeding advice a little sub par as what's recommended is kale an Barry won't touch that he likes citrus fruits an dog food? He'd only consider kale if he was starving
Yeah but I found I had some trouble finding information on there skin care habits cause of their thicker plate scales an a few fell of its neck, also they can cause some weird healing when injured it took about two years for the hole in his head to grow out Then they also have a higher reliance on plant matter in their diets, an like I said I found he likes sweet fruits most likely for the high water an fat contents Also blue tongues will occasionally use their basking pools, where as shinglebacks hate water an after the whole year of having one he never used it If anything shinglebacks have far lower care requirements then your typical lizard, except for the skin care which has little information at best
True I believe you can own any reptile if you do your research but certain ones are not for beginners even with research. Great video sorry I’ve been inactive
I had an adult male Asian water monitor named Sophie; he was around 7 feet and his enclosure was half my garage, 20’X8’X8’ his pond was 750 gallons, which is about an suv’s weight in water. 3 cubic yards of dirt, had to custom build heating and filtration for the pond. His enclosurebrably cost me $5,000; all things said and done. Counting repairs as he more than once sheared the plywood screws out of the support beams and escaped into the garage; make no mistake, if they think they can force their way out, they will, and their incredibly strong, intelligent, and determined. I was at a point in my career where I could afford the time and money required to keep him the way he should be, but if that's not, you listen to my favorite bald Canadian and get something smaller. If you have the space and finances to pull it off, though, their amazing pets.
Great video...as always! Shocked and saddened you didn't ruin the list with an amphibian 😂. I know my first bearded dragon 22 years ago was my first reptile but that is what I wanted. I did my research and found a breeder locally. I can't believe it was that long ago when I got into reptiles.
My dad won me a Green Iguana from a Fair when I was a kid. They used to be everywhere. My poor iguana got out one night and found some rat poison. I'm glad people are learning more that Iguanas aren't good beginner pets and expecially bad pets for kids.
Probably best alternatives to green iguanas are desert type iguanas. Some of the smaller ones could be "beginner lvl" reptile, but there isn't much captive breeding on them. Spiny tails are also a lot better option! If someone wants a big one, they should definently go with cuban rock iguana or rhinoceros iguana. I legit hate it when people just select green iguanas just because they're cheaper, It's gonna cost so much more money to keep their humidity up and have that tropical temperature. While the 'desert' types won't need as high humidity levels but rather heat. I have heard that cuban rock/rhinoceros iguanas tend to thrive better in northern areas and would probably be better option for people that live in colder places, obv keeping them inside tho.
I agree, I'd say the best Iguana species is actually a Chuckwalla though. They used to be more popular, although, now they're hard to find. They've got the same diet as a Rhino iguana and similar requirements but have the size and personality of a bearded dragon. I plan on getting one myself after I get my Russian tortoise.
Our first reptile we got in September. You hear people talk about ball pythons being picky eaters or pet rocks - our guy isn't! He's the absolute best little dude, thriving at 10 months old in his 4x2x2 bioactive - and I really want to expand and get a gecko of some sort next.
Happy belated birthday. I turn 31 in June and also remember the green iguana era. 🥴 another good alternative is a giant day gecko! We don’t handle ours as they will drop patches of skin (and I would absolutely die) but he’s is displayed in our livingroom and he’s super interactive! Always coming out to judge our daily activities 😂
I take in and rehab reptiles, and in 2020 I had a 5ft iguana surrendered to me who was on death’s doorstep. He spent 3 days at the vet getting fluids and tube feeds. When he came home with me, I syringe fed him for 2 months. I’ve never seen an animal so thin that wasn’t already dead. His previous owner had him in a bird cage outside and clearly he hadn’t been fed or given water in who even knows how long. Finally, he started to fill out and get his energy back. He trusted me after all he went through, and he was actually pretty friendly with me! Totally out of character for an iggy. Eventually, he was healthy enough to rehome. He went to a retired veterinarian. I can’t wait to have an iggy of my own, but they are definitely not for everyone.
I was definitely told a hognose wasn’t the best beginner snake. But it was my dream snake and I did as much research as I could get my hands on before getting him. Luckily, I got one of the good ones that is a fantastic eater so I haven’t had any issues.
I understand how many reptile peeps hate on green iguanas. But a green iguana was my first reptile and I had a great experience, now maybe my experience was unique. But my iguana was docile and lasted me around a good amount of years. Had a nice enclosure for him. But I have seen other iguanas from friends that are exact opposite from mine and were very moody and tail whip all crazy. One thing for sure the bigger they get their claws get really sharp. But my next iguana will be a crimson red iguana.
“I’m laughing 😂 as I hear you say how old you are! I just turned 42. I definitely remember so many people owning iguanas in the 80’s too! My neighbor had a huge one and he walked it like a dog”.
You aren't kidding about green iguanas being moody. About 10 years ago, a friend of mine showed me his in its room-size enclosure. It tensed up at my presence. Don't worry, he said, he loves everyone. Next thing I know, I'm getting checked out for a concussion. Evidently, that five foot behemoth whipped it's huge tail to my temple and knocked me out. I turned out to be fine, and my friend, feeling horrible, paid the bill. A month later, I hung out with him again. That iguana tensed up again seeing me. For some reason, that lizard just hated me and only me. Literally everyone else had no issue with him.
@@rottweilerfun9520 Just the tail. I fell down, but someone caught me. Those tails can be five inches thick and are dense. One doctor said it was like being punched by a heavyweight boxer.
Ackie Care Guide please. Also King's Dwarf Monitor guide. Is there an Emerald Tree Monitor guide? I can't remember, but do that too if you haven't already.
I am not a beginner keeper (been keeping snakes for 50+ years, including a boa constrictor). I want a super dwarf retic! I bought a baby green iguana once, could not get it tamed down. Thankfully the pet shop took him back!
I had a veiled chameleon as my first pet as an adult. He lived for almost 6 years. I would not say that he was particularly hard to keep, but he needed a lot of specialized equipment and food. Especially later in life, when he started getting picky about what he wanted to eat. So I had to provide him a choice, not just crickets most of the time. Also please read all care information before getting them, they are timid and fragile creatures. They can be stressed by such mundane things like mirrors or people they don't know (my guy really could distinguish me and my roommate from other people). And you can't really go on vacation for more than a couple of days without getting someone to care for them in your stead. But they are really fun, and are less of a time commitment compared to something like a dog.
One of my earliest blurry memories as a kid was my dad's "africanised" green iguana whiping me with its giant tail. Thing was wicked cool but was pissed off all the time for no reason.
When I was five, my parents had a 4-5 foot Savannah Monitor along with dozens of other animals. We let our monitor free roam. I used to wake up to it sleeping on my chest and I'm told it bit the shit out of some dude's hand 👏 who was visiting my family that tried to touch me in the middle of the night. Best pet I ever not had. Lol
This was a super interesting video. Still feeling good about my plant for a little male ball python for our first reptile! (Banana chocolate cinnamon or pastel crystal hopefully!! So cute!) And also feeling good about my mom's dream to have a Russian Tortoise in her yard over the summers and then get it set up to brumate inside for the winters! But I did almost spit out my coffee from the "long bois" and "boulder dogs" supers. Haha!
I have thought about getting an ackie I would love a care guide from you. I think if I get an ackie I want to go hard and make a full bio-active enclosure for It. I had a bready for about 16 years, and a grey rat snake.
I got a yellow anaconda when I was 13 years old ,man that was the worst thing for second snake. But hey now at 40 I keep mostly venomous arboreal vipers wich are also not for everybody. But these anaconda the yellow are very spicy and bite a lot .had her 15 years but she wasn't a good snake for handeling. Great video again
as someone who (legally) cant own a retic, i think carpets are a GREAT substitute for them. 6-8 feet long (depends on locality) , great eaters , not hard to take care of , and they can have great personalities
I'd love it if you did a video on olive pythons. I don't really hear about them any more. They're gorgeous, but I heard they tend to be quite bad tempered. Don't know if it's their nature or if they were mostly wild-caught.
I know the Australian olives are fantastic most of the time but they do have insane feeding resources so definitely not a beginner snake even though they are classed as that here in Australia
Sherlock was tiny in that opening segment...lol. Ackies are awesome, if you take the time to properly research them and find quality information. Maybe someone should do a care guide o them!🤔
I started..unwillingly..with a burmese...but she did turn out to be very well behaved...sadly I wasn't ready for the sheer size and was forced to rehome her at 14 ft...I didn't have enough space to keep her appropriately
I wish we could have a super dwarf retic, but in Saskatchewan they don't allow much. Especially with the change of laws last June even less species are allowed. 🤦♀️ But I've always wanted a big snake! P.S. Corns are really sweet snakes, everyone should have one. 😆
hey man! loving the vids, I was the rude person complaining about the amphibs in the vid, im sorry :/, but, have you done like a reptile room tour?? the newish setup looks great just wasnt sure if i missed it!
My dad had an iguana when I was little. It was totally my dream pet. One day, he let it outside in an enclosure to let it get some natural sun. It outsmarted my dad and managed to escape. Living in central FL, this little dude probably didn't survive back when we had annual freezes when I was younger. I used to think iguanas were the coolest pets ever until I grew up and realized how big of a responsibility it is. I still contemplate if I want lizards. I grew up wanting snakes instead. I guess its because they can't run away lol
Did you get an emerald tree skink? That’s super cool if you did, I have 4 and I know the information is pretty slim so it would be awesome to see you post some videos on them
While the asian water monitor is one of the worst beginner choices, I feel so strongly towards them that I am ready to give my everything just for them, the only issue is that they're impossible to find here in Finland. Though I guess I've some experience since when I was born, we had an Iguana who lived to be 19. (He was 3 when I was born.)
Yesss I want a Cuban False Chameleon soooo bad! The hardest thing is that they get dehydrated a lot. Would love a care guide! Most of them can do okay without live snails.
Green keel-bellied lizards are an amazing option instead of iguanas. I had an iguana for 21 years, and my green keel-bellied lizard is almost as personable as my iguana was. There is a bit of a taming down period, but it's well worth it in the end. My little Haku likes to jump out of his enclosure and run up to my shoulder and will hang out with me while I work. I mean, size is very different, but if you're looking for a little green buddy with a personality, green keel-bellied lizards are definitely a good choice.
Happy Birthday , I hope that you had a great day ! My wild broadhead skink buddies are out of brumation. I wasn't sure if they would remember me but no worries , the first time that I saw them they were taking wax worms out of my hand.
I'd say Chinese Water Dragons are a good smaller/easier option that REALLY match the look of Green Iguanas. But Emerald skinks are still easier space wise.
My local pet store has an Asian water monitor. I wish I had more room but I’ve already got a savanna and a mangrove(which is healing from his burn nicely) I need a bigger house
