Are you a reptile lover living in an apartment, but unsure of which species would make a suitable pet? Reptiles can be fascinating pets, but not all of them are well-suited for smaller living spaces. It’s important to consider their size, temperament, and environmental needs before making a decision.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 of the best reptiles for apartment living. These species are all relatively small, low-maintenance, and don’t require a lot of space.
They’re also generally easy to care for and have docile temperaments, making them great options for first-time reptile owners or those who are short on space. So, whether you’re a college student in a dorm room or a city-dweller in a cozy apartment, there’s a reptile out there for you!
Table of Contents
Best Reptiles for Apartment Living
Reptiles, in general, are low-maintenance pets that also require less room than many other species of pets, which makes them an excellent choice for those who live in apartments.
Leopard geckos, bearded dragons, ball pythons, crested geckos, and Kenyan sand boas are among the reptiles that make the greatest pets for those who live in apartments.
While looking for a reptile to keep as a pet, it is crucial to pick a species that is compatible with your living conditions and the way you lead your life.
It is essential to the health and well-being of your reptile to provide it with a habitat that is secure, well-ventilated, and warm, and that is tailored to the particular requirements of the species you have chosen for it.
The experience of keeping a reptile in your apartment may be one of a kind and exciting if you give it the care and attention it needs.
Leopard Gecko
Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptile pets and make a great choice for apartment living. They are small and only require a 20-gallon tank, so they don’t take up too much space.
Leopard geckos are also relatively quiet and won’t disturb your neighbors. They are docile, easy to handle, and have a long lifespan, which can be up to 20 years if well taken care of.
Leopard geckos are insectivores, which means they only eat insects. They require a heat source, such as an under-tank heater, to maintain their body temperature, which should be between 80-88°F during the day and 70-75°F at night.
They also need a moist hide box to help with shedding, as well as a dry hide box for when they want to hide away. Leopard geckos don’t need UVB lighting, but it can be beneficial for their overall health.
Corn Snake
Corn snakes are another popular reptile pet that can do well in an apartment. They are docile, easy to handle, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. They only require a 20-gallon tank, so they don’t take up too much space. Corn snakes are also relatively low maintenance and can live up to 20 years if well taken care of
Corn snakes are carnivores and eat a diet of mice. They require a heat source, such as an under-tank heater, to maintain their body temperature, which should be between 75-85°F during the day and 70-75°F at night. They also need a hiding spot and a water bowl. Corn snakes don’t need UVB lighting, but it can be beneficial for their overall health.
Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are larger than leopard geckos and corn snakes, but they can still do well in an apartment setting. They require a 40-gallon tank or larger, but they are relatively easy to care for and have a docile temperament. Bearded dragons are also very social and enjoy being handled, which can make them a great companion pet.
Bearded dragons are omnivores and eat a diet of insects, vegetables, and fruit. They require a heat source, such as a basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter, to maintain their body temperature, which should be between 95-105°F during the day and 70-75°F at night. They also need a UVB light, as well as a hiding spot and a water bowl. Bearded dragons require a bit more maintenance than some of the other reptiles on this list, but they can be a great pet for those willing to put in the effort.
Crested Gecko
Crested geckos are small, arboreal lizards that can do well in an apartment setting. They require a vertical enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities, as well as a misting system to maintain humidity levels. Crested geckos are docile and easy to handle, and they can make a great addition to any apartment.
Crested geckos are omnivores and eat a diet of insects, fruit, and commercial crested gecko diet. They require a heat source, such as a low wattage bulb or heat pad, to maintain their body temperature, which should be between 72-78°F during the day and 68-75°F at night. They don’t require UVB lighting, but it can be beneficial for their overall health.
Ball Python
Ball pythons are a popular choice for apartment living because they don’t require a lot of space. They only need a 20-gallon tank, but they do require a heat source, such as an under-tank heater or ceramic heat emitter, to maintain their body temperature, which should be between 80-85°F during the day and 75-80°F at night. Ball pythons are also relatively docile and easy to handle, which can make them a good choice for beginners.
Ball pythons are carnivores and eat a diet of mice or rats. They also need a hiding spot and a water bowl. Ball pythons require a bit more maintenance than some of the other reptiles on this list, as they can be picky eaters and may require a bit of coaxing to eat. They also require regular cleaning of their enclosure to maintain good hygiene.
Western Hognose Snake
Western hognose snakes are small and easy to care for, making them a good choice for apartment living. They require a secure enclosure with a hiding spot and a heat source, such as an under-tank heater. Western hognose snakes are also known for their unique defense mechanism of playing dead, which can make them an interesting and entertaining pet.
Western hognose snakes are carnivores and eat a diet of rodents and other small prey. They require a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a hot spot of around 90°F and a cooler spot of around 70°F. They also need a water bowl and a hiding spot. Western hognose snakes don’t require UVB lighting, but it can be beneficial for their overall health.
Blue-Tongued Skink
Blue-tongued skinks are larger than some of the other species on this list, but they can still do well in an apartment setting. They require a large enclosure with a heat source, such as a basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter. Blue-tongued skinks are also known for their docile temperament and can be easy to handle.
Blue-tongued skinks are omnivores and eat a diet of insects, vegetables, and fruit. They require a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a basking spot of around 100°F and a cooler spot of around 75°F. They also need a hiding spot and a water bowl. Blue-tongued skinks require a bit more maintenance than some of the other reptiles on this list, but they can be a great pet for those willing to put in the effort.
Green Anole
Green anoles are small, arboreal lizards that can do well in an apartment setting. They require a vertical enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities, as well as a heat source, such as a basking bulb or ceramic heat emitter. Green anoles are also very active and entertaining to watch.
Green anoles are insectivores and eat a diet of small insects,
such as crickets and mealworms. They require a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a basking spot of around 85°F and a cooler spot of around 75°F. They also need a misting system to maintain humidity levels, as well as a water bowl and hiding spot. Green anoles don’t require UVB lighting, but it can be beneficial for their overall health.
Kenyan Sand Boa
Kenyan sand boas are a small, burrowing species of snake that can do well in an apartment setting. They require a secure enclosure with a hiding spot and a heat source, such as an under-tank heater or ceramic heat emitter. Kenyan sand boas are also known for their docile temperament and can be easy to handle.
Kenyan sand boas are carnivores and eat a diet of rodents, such as mice or rats. They require a temperature gradient in their enclosure, with a hot spot of around 90°F and a cooler spot of around 75°F. They also need a water bowl and a hiding spot. Kenyan sand boas don’t require UVB lighting, but it can be beneficial for their overall health.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach
While not technically a reptile, the Madagascar hissing cockroach can still make a great apartment pet for those who are looking for something unique and low maintenance. They require a secure enclosure with plenty of hiding spots and a substrate of coconut fiber or a similar material. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are also known for their docile temperament and can be easy to handle.
Madagascar hissing cockroaches are detritivores and eat a diet of rotting vegetation and other organic material. They don’t require a heat source or special lighting, but they do need a water source and regular cleaning of their enclosure. Madagascar hissing cockroaches can live for several years, and they can be a great conversation starter for guests.
Enclosure tips
The cage that you decide to use for your reptile should be one that offers a high level of safety and security. This requires selecting a cage that is not only strong but also manufactured from materials that are non-toxic.
You should also check that the enclosure cannot be opened from the outside and that it does not have any spaces or openings through which your reptile may become trapped.
In addition to this, check to see that the enclosure has adequate ventilation and does not experience extremes of temperature.
Keep it clean
Maintaining a clean environment: Because reptiles may be filthy, it is essential to maintain a clean environment within their cages to prevent the growth of germs and other potentially dangerous chemicals. This requires the removal of any uneaten food, excrement, and shedding skin on a consistent basis.
Also, you should spot-clean the enclosure every day and perform a comprehensive cleaning of it at least once each month. Employ a disinfectant that is suitable for reptiles, and steer clear of strong chemicals that might be hazardous to your pet in any case.
Size and design
Size and design: Examine the dimensions of the enclosure to ensure that it is large enough to house your reptile without suffocating it, and that it enables the animal to freely move around and investigate its surroundings.
It is essential to provide an environment that is an accurate representation of their natural habitat by providing a variety of hiding places, climbing surfaces, and other elements.
For instance, arboreal species such as crested geckos require a large cage with a lot of branches and foliage, but burrowing species such as Kenyan sand boas require a substrate that allows them to dig in it.
lighting and heating
Lighting and heating: In order to maintain their health, the vast majority of reptiles have very precise lighting and heating requirements. Make sure you do some research on the exact requirements that your pet has, and fit their cage with the right lighting and heating system.
These may comprise ceramic warmers, under-tank heaters, basking bulbs, or ultraviolet B (UVB) lights.
It is essential to do routine checks on the temperature and humidity levels within the enclosure in order to guarantee that they remain within the acceptable parameters at all times.
Substrate
Substrate: The substrate is the material that lines the bottom of the enclosure and offers a surface for your reptile to walk on. It may also be referred to as the “floor” of the enclosure.
Because the requirements for the substrate vary according on the species, you should be sure to investigate your pet’s particular requirements.
Ceramic tile, newspaper, reptile carpet, and coconut fiber are some prominent examples of available substrates to choose from.
It is best to avoid using any substrate that, if consumed, might potentially cause injury, such as shavings made from cedar or pine.
Food and water
Food and water: Providing your reptile with a food that is both adequate and balanced is essential to maintaining their health.
The vast majority of reptiles are carnivores and must consume a diet consisting of live or frozen rodents, insects, or other types of food in order to survive.
Research the particular nutritional requirements of your pet and make sure they have access to fresh food and water on a consistent basis.
You should also clean and disinfect their water dish on a regular basis to prevent the growth of bacteria that may be detrimental to them.
Which ones are the best for kids?
Leopard geckos and bearded dragons are two of the best reptiles for kids. Both species are relatively easy to care for and have docile temperaments, making them great pets for children.
Leopard geckos are small and easy to handle, and they’re less likely to bite than other gecko species.
They’re also relatively low-maintenance, as they don’t require UVB lighting and can be fed a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other insects.
Leopard geckos are active during the day and can be fun to watch as they explore their enclosure.
Bearded dragons are slightly larger than leopard geckos but are still relatively easy to handle. They have friendly personalities and are known for being great with children.
Bearded dragons require UVB lighting and a more varied diet that includes insects, vegetables, and fruit.
They also need a larger enclosure than leopard geckos, so be sure to consider the space requirements before getting one as a pet.
Of course, it’s important to supervise children when they’re handling and caring for reptiles, as they can be delicate and require specific care.
But with proper guidance and care, a leopard gecko or bearded dragon can be a great addition to any family with kids.
what are the prices?
There is a vast range of possible pricing for various reptiles, and it is dependent on a variety of criteria such as the species, age, and size of the animal, as well as where it is purchased. The following is a list of some approximate pricing ranges for the various types of reptiles that were discussed earlier:
- Leopard geckos: $20 to $100
- Bearded dragons: $50 to $300
- Ball pythons: $50 to $500
- Crested geckos: $50 to $200
- Kenyan sand boas: $50 to $150
conclusion
In conclusion, reptiles can make great pets for apartment living, as they are generally low-maintenance and require less space than many other types of pets.
However, it’s important to do your research and choose a species that is well-suited to your living situation and lifestyle.
Factors like size, temperament, and environmental needs should all be taken into account when selecting a pet reptile.
Once you’ve chosen a species, it’s important to provide your reptile with a safe and comfortable enclosure that meets their specific needs.
This includes proper lighting and heating, substrate, and regular cleaning and maintenance. By following these tips and providing your pet reptile with the care and attention they need, you can enjoy the unique and fascinating experience of owning a reptile in your apartment.
