Very active yet docile, leopard geckos differ from other geckos in several ways, among them their various patterns and colors. They must be handled with care; grabbing by the tail can cause it to detach. Leopard geckos require an escape-proof enclosure (15-20 gallons) with warm and cool sides, fresh water up to three times weekly, and a diet that includes crickets, mealworms and superworms.
What Herp is Your Ideal Beginner Pet?
Corn Snake
Corn snakes tend to be thin and small, topping out at around 5.5 feet. Their tanks don’t have to be tall but should be a minimum of 10 gallons and have plenty of substrate that allows for burrowing. As adults, they need to be fed prey items once every five to seven days. Over time, corn snakes become more accustomed to handling.
What Herp is Your Ideal Beginner Pet?
Russian Tortoise
When indoors, a Russian tortoise can be housed in a tank, pool or plastic bin, as long as it’s 2 feet by 4 feet. By adulthood, it could reach a maximum of 10 inches, with a lifespan that can exceed 40 years. Russian tortoises are eager eaters and like vegetables and leafy greens. It’s best to let them be, as overhandling may result in stress.
What Herp is Your Ideal Beginner Pet?
White’s Tree Frog
Native to Australia and New Guinea, a White’s tree frog is characterized by its pudginess, waxy skin and green or blue-green coloring. It can live for up to 15 years. This active frog needs at least a 25-gallon tank to satisfy its need to climb, and its diet can include crickets, moths and beetles. Wash your hands and rinse thoroughly prior to handling, as oils found in human skin are not good for the frog’s health.
