Display reptile...that can be handled?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
P

Pazzoman

Piranha
MFK Member
Apr 5, 2009
3,005
50
81
New York
Hey everyone!

I've kept a variety of reptiles such as leopard geckos, savannah monitors, corn snake and various skinks. I havent been in the reptile forum in a while because i havent had any reptiles for at least 2 years. Im thinking of getting back in the game. Im looking for suggestions for a lizard or snake that has great colors which create the "wow" factor when someone walks in and one that i can handle often.

I would like a somewhat colorful reptile because it would create constant interest from my family...but would like it to also not be too annoyed of handling.

Dont worry about tank size...just suggestions and i will look into better detail.

Thanks A Million!


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
Green tree pythons make amazing display animals. They do get a bit nippy but they're definitely handleable. Also jungle carpet pythons and, in my opinion, reticulated pythons which are my absolute favorites! They have the super dwarves that range around 6ft for males and 8-10ft for females. Lizardwise, any type of tree monitor. They are on the pricey side though and majority of them are wc


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
I would disagree with the tree monitors, they are very pretty but all monitors do not deal with stress well, and do best when left alone. Some will climb onto you on their own which is fine, but picking them up and taking them out whenever you want would not be a good idea. Most brightly colored lizards tend to be this way, really.

A Superdwarf Reticulated Python would be a good choice if you got one that was not flighty, as many of them can be. Retics are both semi arboreal and semi aquatic, they are the all-terrain vehicles of the snake world. Plus, they are very active in a proper enclosure.
Other options would include Carpet Pythons or Boa Constrictors. There are also a plethora of ratsnakes available, but many of these will not deal with handling well.
 
I realize it might not "display" so well as they tend to stay in hides, but the right ball python morph would be really colorful/striking (piebalds are my favorite generally) and they take to handling more easily than some of the others listed above, as I understand it.
 
Lizard: bearded dragon
Snake: I have kept several species throughout the years (currently only keep green tree pythons) and in my opinion none should be handled often. Although some species tolerate it more others, it is always stressful for them.
 
A. gigas said:
I would disagree with the tree monitors, they are very pretty but all monitors do not deal with stress well, and do best when left alone. Some will climb onto you on their own which is fine, but picking them up and taking them out whenever you want would not be a good idea. Most brightly colored lizards tend to be this way, really.

A Superdwarf Reticulated Python would be a good choice if you got one that was not flighty, as many of them can be. Retics are both semi arboreal and semi aquatic, they are the all-terrain vehicles of the snake world. Plus, they are very active in a proper enclosure.
Other options would include Carpet Pythons or Boa Constrictors. There are also a plethora of ratsnakes available, but many of these will not deal with handling well.
Click to expand...

Well each individual is different. I've had croc monitors that were as tame as my dog and ball pythons that were meaner than satan. A reptile will never actually like to be handled but you can get them to tolerate it. With tree monitors, it just takes time and it really depends on how young you get them at.
As with super dwarf retics, since majority are cb now, they aren't as aggressive. These are the only snakes I keep now and the only ones that behave aggressively are the males around breeding time. You're sorta right about them being flighty though. They do not just chill like a ball python would. They're always trying to get away from you to explore.


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app
 
^^^^
Great advice above. My next plan is albino iguanas from Crutchfied. I've done the condras and dwarf retics as livingroom displays as well as a huge burm. They work great and so do most Tegus. Most of my monitors have preferred the reptile room over around traffic.

It also depends on your guests. Older people would be more interested in geckos or smaller bright colored snakes, while younger people tend to be more impressed with bad ace looking or feeding herps.

Sent from my 5860E using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
 
I'd just go with an albino boa....I would not recommend a retic for some ones first large python...They have a deserved reputation for being mean and although it depends on the individual, why take that chance when there are plenty of calmer on average species? The same goes for GTP's and Amazon Tree boas. Beautiful for sure but most will take regular work to tolerate handling. It may be a little small but I've always been a fan of king snakes, Mexican black kings are stunning and are very docile. A nice high orange pueblan milksnake would be good if you want color.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom