easiest reptile for children

[jossh27]

hi, i have a 3 year old who absolutely loves reptiles and although i know he isn't responsible to actually own his very own i was thinking about picking him up something to have at his mothers house (we separated). feeding would be obviously supervised as well as handling time by his mom. i will have all the needed husbandry stuff up to par before introducing the new pet.
I'm just wondering what would be the best rep to get him? leos came to mind right away because i had one when i was a little guy. i would like something that doesn't need a ton of room and can do fine on just meal worms and crickets... preferably something that doesn't need high humidity because i wont be there to monitor it and his mother wont be much help

what do you guys think?

[BIGT FROM F.B.]

My opinion is that he's a little too young still. Interest will be lost very quickly and the animal could end up injured or killed.

[Aaron_S]

1. corn snake

If you want a lizard than go for an African fat tail. They tend to be more calm than leos.

[jjhill001]

I would also have to recommend a corn snake. Preferably an adult (harder to injure) that is already tame. A snake is going to give you a LOT more wiggle room than a lizard in terms of feeding schedule.

[misskirbyd]

He does seem very young... unless your co-parent is especially interested in a reptile she would have to care for, I would keep reptiles as something extra exciting at daddy house. That means the reptiles are also something your son can look forward to at your house.

[Minkness]

He does seem very young... unless your co-parent is especially interested in a reptile she would have to care for, I would keep reptiles as something extra exciting at daddy house. That means the reptiles are also something your son can look forward to at your house.

I second this.

[prairiepanda]

He does seem very young... unless your co-parent is especially interested in a reptile she would have to care for, I would keep reptiles as something extra exciting at daddy house. That means the reptiles are also something your son can look forward to at your house.

Third vote for this. 3 years old is pretty young. But if mom has her own interest in reptiles and would enjoy the pet as well, then that's cool. I agree with others that an adult or subadult corn snake or AFT would be a good choice, though. The feeding flexibility of snakes is definitely an advantage, though.

[sirtalis]

Dude.... he's 3

[Minkness]

Dude.... he's 3



Also agree lol.

Wait till he can safely hold the animal without killing it, pissing it off, or drop it, AND can appreciate it instead of just not caring.

Most people don't even suggest small puppies or kittens for 3 year olds because while not super strong, they can still cause alot of damage to a small animal.

If you want him to have the experience that's cool. Just do it at your place and let him learn from you and be under your supervision to make sure nothing happens to either of them.

[trailblazer295]

If you want to get him a snake/herp that's "his" I would buy whatever animal you deem suitable and keep it at your place. You can refer it to at his and let him aid in the up keep etc so he can be introduced to the responsibility of caring for an animal. Without of course at the expense of the animals well being. Getting his toes wet at responsibility never hurt anyone. You'd be there to ensure he didn't actually get hurt. If he loses interest then no big deal.

[jossh27]

I didn't once ask if you thought his age was appropriate for having a pet. Opinions vary. Everything will be supervised and the animal will be safe.

[trailblazer295]

I didn't once ask if you thought his age was appropriate for having a pet. Opinions vary. Everything will be supervised and the animal will be safe.

I wasn't saying his age wasn't appropriate. More so if his mom isn't really a herp keeper was the idea behind my opinion. People keep 100lb+ dogs around babies and they manage to live on. I'd think he might feed more off your enthusiasm for the hobby.


Everyone else let's be honest none of the suggestions could actually seriously hurt the kid. We all got hurt as kids, rode bikes, climbed trees, tripped on stuff. Getting a little cut up and bloody is just part of growing up. Look how many of us made it. Have to let kids live a little, getting hurt happens and teaches you lessons. My sister as a toddler stuck her finger in an electrical socket and guess what she only did that once.

[Sylphie]

Everyone else let's be honest none of the suggestions could actually seriously hurt the kid. We all got hurt as kids, rode bikes, climbed trees, tripped on stuff. Getting a little cut up and bloody is just part of growing up. Look how many of us made it. Have to let kids live a little, getting hurt happens and teaches you lessons. My sister as a toddler stuck her finger in an electrical socket and guess what she only did that once.

You know, I personally would be more afraid about the snake/lizard. I know that some childs are really smart, caring and won't hurt anything... but then, childrens are childrens, it's not they fault, but they still can harm the animal accidentally. In example the snake might try to squeeze or break away from hands, the child will be trying to hold him still and might grab too hard, or the oppositte - the snake/lizard will fall from frightened child... There was recently post about Tsubaki spiders where older boy accidentally overthrew the tank and it dropped from the shelf.


I agree with the idea of having pets in dad home and refer to it as the child pet. When older then it will just go to him. I remember how fast I was bored with my animals when I was young, and they were hampsters that lived only 2 years, not 20.

[Sasha2]

Blue tongue skink..These guys are big enough to not hurt easily and easy to hold.
A picture is worth a thousand words..
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/gerbig4/blutong_zpsb6pwlzfh.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/gerbig4/media/blutong_zpsb6pwlzfh.jpg.html)

They need a bit more room though and veggies but are so awesome its worth the extra work.
Seriously this kid is 14 now so it was a while ago that I had a youngster around.

[Minkness]

That pic is priceless!

[trailblazer295]

Blue tongue skink..These guys are big enough to not hurt easily and easy to hold.
A picture is worth a thousand words..
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/gerbig4/blutong_zpsb6pwlzfh.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/gerbig4/media/blutong_zpsb6pwlzfh.jpg.html)

They need a bit more room though and veggies but are so awesome its worth the extra work.
Seriously this kid is 14 now so it was a while ago that I had a youngster around.

Every time I see a lizard I want one but have to remind myself there is a reason I ended with snakes instead.

[eminart]

I'd stay away from anything that will drop its tail. At that age, he's bound to accidentally grab its tail while it's trying to get out of his hands.

I think a laid back snake would be better. Maybe a corn or hognose.

[sirtalis]

What about a rosy boa? Super small and easy care requirements.

[jossh27]

I've given it a lot more thought and I'm thinking maybe just a few fish, or a hermit crab. i really didn't want to go the snake route because if he was ever bitten i think it would traumatize him... especially if the snake didn't let go. I like having snakes and i wouldn't ever want my little guy to be afraid of anything i own/have. for this reason i was thinking lizard- throw a few crickets in its cage, mom can help spot clean and its done. he really has a gentle touch and i wasnt overly concerned for the animals safety because his mother being there is no different than myself being there, watching over him.

i appreciate the suggestions.

[jossh27]

Blue tongue skink..These guys are big enough to not hurt easily and easy to hold.
A picture is worth a thousand words..
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/gerbig4/blutong_zpsb6pwlzfh.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/gerbig4/media/blutong_zpsb6pwlzfh.jpg.html)

They need a bit more room though and veggies but are so awesome its worth the extra work.
Seriously this kid is 14 now so it was a while ago that I had a youngster around.

this is a awesome picture. you should have entered it in the photo contest a few months ago where "blue" was the theme

[Albert Clark]

Why don't you practice with your son all the aspects of husbandry for the next year in preparation of acquiring a snake or lizard? Consider role playing down the road once he shows a ability to understand all the intricacies with a rubber snake? Once you get the rubber snake then work on the handling of it with him. Just a thought, Good luck!

[sirtalis]

@albertclark, that's a good idea

[LiL Zap]

I think he's kinda young for a reptile if you ask me. Smaller children are notorious for accidentally injuring or killing reptiles. Their care is too much for a really young kid to handle.

Unless the reptile is really for you then I say go for it lol. Corns and balls are good beginner snakes. Leopard geckos and bearded dragons are good beginner lizards too.