I have done extensive research on many kinds of reptiles and amphibians, and am more than willing to continue research. Not too long from now I will have to say good bye to my pet ferrets as i will be attending a college with a no dorm pet policy. Though, in a couple of years when I no longer live on campus, I would like to adopt and or purchase my first reptile. I want a reptile that is not shy to humans, is cost effective (I will be saving up for the enclosure and animal itself but upkeep needs to fit a college sort of budget), and is just an all round great pet. I am very dedicated to my animals and will do anything for them. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions as to what my first rep friend should be! Thanks
I hope others chime in, but I would suggest you consider how much time you'll be at home once you are able to get a pet. Some hide a lot and won't care of you're gone, some are more active at night, and some, like my bearded dragon, like to watch all the house activity during the day, and look out his window (no, he's not in direct sunlight that could turn his terrarium into an oven, don't worry). That will help narrow it down for you, anyway. :-)
It's a tough decision. Shyness in most reptiles is like shyness in children, it's something that the two of you will have to work hard together to overcome. If you're looking for something budget friendly I would say perhaps a ball python, or garter snakes (notice the plural) garter snakes thrive together so it's good to get more than one, just separate for feeding. If your thinking easy feeding, a bearded dragon might fit well, but requires a fair amount of attention and care. And maybe a turtle, depending on where you are, some states have strict laws. Turtles are sturdy but can be temperamental and you'll have to see to it all needs are met, having a swimming spot and a land area and proper diet. Any animal you get will have different needs, there's no 'easy' reptiles. A tree frog/toad is a fun pet but not over the top handleable. But regardless of what you decide, do even more research. Research your local vets, research any and all issues associated with that animal and always keep learning about their care even if you think you've read it all. Hope this helps. Good luck with your future companion.
I would try and recommend you a male Russian tortoise, just to make sure you get it from a breeder, I've had mine for 8 years now and he eats out of my hand sometimes I make a little trail of kale through my house and its adorable to watch him follow it, he doesn't poop or pee when I let him wonder around, though when I first got him he did, he comes to me when he sees me, probably thinking I have food, if he comes up to a ledge he looks over and then turns around, overall he is very social and not shy at all, though I'd like to think tortoises have different personalities, they will need a large plastic tub to live in(not see through), you can buy in Home Depot, as well as UVB, ceramic lighting at night, and a basking spot, as well as a hide, and to feed him on a slate as their beaks tend to become overgrown quickly, so keep an eye out, they like to dig and burrow so some good substrate, all in all they are adorable animals and I think they are quite a manageable, as well as affordable first pet.
What type of reptile are you looking for? If you won't have too much time to dedicate to them, here are some choices:
Snakes - Ball Pythons, Corn Snakes
Lizards - Leopard Geckos, Crested Geckos
I'm not very educated in the realm of turtles and tortoises but I've seen that Russians are very beginner friendly and sociable.
Bearded dragons are often marketed as beginner friendly, which, to a certain extent they are, but if you don't have the time for one, don't get one. Learned my lesson when rehoming a bearded dragon and he didn't tell me it was gravid. One homemade incubator and some time later, had 5 bearded dragons on my hands.
Leopard Geckos!!! they are adorbs but im sure you know that already!