5 of the Easiest Reptiles to Own
Thinking about bringing home your first reptile? Whether you’re drawn to snakes, geckos, or lizards, starting with a species that’s forgiving, easy to care for, and docile is the best way to set yourself up for success. Here are 5 of the easiest reptiles to keep for beginners—low-stress, low-maintenance, and lots of personality!
1. Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)
Why they’re easy:
Corn snakes are one of the most beginner-friendly snakes out there. They’re calm, curious, and usually tolerant of handling. They thrive in moderate temps, don’t need complicated lighting setups to survive, and rarely turn down a meal. Their medium size makes them manageable for housing in a secure 4’x2’x2’ enclosure.
Fun Fact: With hundreds of color and pattern combinations available, you can find a corn snake in many different "paint jobs"!
2.
Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)
Why they’re easy:
These adorable ground-dwelling geckos are a staple for new keepers. They don’t need UVB lighting to survive (though it can certainly be beneficial!), they tolerate handling well, and they’re relatively simple to feed—live insects dusted in a calcium / multivitamin supplement.
Pro Tip: Although these geckos prefer more moderate to dry humidity, it is beneficial to offer a humid hide with damp moss to help them shed!
3.
Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus)
Why they’re easy:
No heat lamp? No problem. Crested geckos do well at room temperatures from 72-80ºƒ and are one of the few reptile species that thrive on a commercially available diet; a specially formulated powdered fruit/bug diet that is mixed with water to create a smoothie consistency.
They’re arboreal, so they love vertical space—think bioactive setups with branches and plants. Plus, their chill attitude and velvety soft skin makes them one of the best reptiles for the occasional gentle handling session.
Did you know? They have soft, sticky toes that are covered in thousands of microscopic hairs known as "setae". These hairs act similar to little suction cups and lets them climb glass with ease. Just like little ninjas!
4.
King Snake (Lampropeltis sp.)
Why they’re easy:
King snakes are hardy, adaptable, and stunning to look at. They’re active during the day, tolerate handling well once acclimated, and don’t need specialized lighting. Some individuals may be food-motivated enough to strike at fingers during feeding time, but can be tap trained for more clear communication with their owner.
Housing tip: A secure, escape-proof enclosure is a must—these snakes are clever little Houdinis!
5.
African Fat-Tailed Gecko (Hemitheconyx caudicinctus)
Why they’re easy:
Often compared to leopard geckos, African fat-tails are just as calm, but with a slightly higher humidity requirement. Their easy-going nature, moderate size, and charming, chubby tails make them a great pick for those wanting something a little different.
Bonus: They do well in naturalistic and bioactive setups with moisture-retaining substrate—perfect for if you are wanting to get into building a bioactive enclosure.
Final Thoughts
These five reptiles are among the best starter species not just because they’re easy to care for—but because they help you learn the ropes when it comes to keeping reptiles! Owning these beginner-friendly reptile species teaches you the basics of heating, lighting, humidity, feeding, supplementation, housing, and enrichment without overwhelming you from day one.
Before bringing any reptile home, make sure you understand their care requirements and can meet them consistently. A well-researched keeper is a successful keeper—and with a bit of patience and dedication, you’ll have a healthy, happy reptile companion for years to come!
Check out all of our other articles, videos, and care resources to learn how to become the best reptile keeper you can be!
