Thinking of buying a reptile..

Well, I've been looking around for a while, but my friend (who has some lizards) dragged me down to our local reptile shop today, and I really fancy getting a reptile.

I don't have any pets at the minute, and I'm curious as to people's views on the various different species available.

At the minute, I'm looking at a corn snake, rainbow boa or bearded dragon.

I'm not entirely sure as to the cost of them, I know the animals themselves generally are cheap, and its the food and initial setup of the vivarium and all the temperature stuff that will cost the most.

thoughts anybody?

[squirrel_hunter]

Are you after a touchy feely pet? If so a reptile isn't for you. Trust me.

Saw this thread and thought "oh no, not another one getting married!"

You'll get more interaaction out of a bearded dragon (plus they are pretty cool), but reptiles in general are a little cold, in more ways than one!

Bearded dragons and corn snakes are both good 'starter' reptiles. Make sure you buy 'captive bred' not captive hatched or wild caught, but with both these breeds this shouldnt be an issue.
Pet shops are total rip-off merchants. The best thing for you to do would be to find out where your local herpetological society is, contact them and they will be able to point you in the direction of the best buys, both from a health point of view and financial.

About 15 years ago a friend and i set up the 'Herts and Beds Herpetological Society' which became a national concern, and we had members breeding corn snakes for pleasure who would then sell them on for £20 whilst pet shops would be selling them for about £75.

Be very careful with pet shops, their employees often have very limited knowledge on these animals, the animals are often innappropriately handled and their prices extreme. They will try and sell you their stock vivariums, heating equipment and food, and its not always whats necessarily best for those animals. Find local people with good knowledge who will give you good information and good prices.

Reptiles are very fascinating, rewarding pets, but do your research first.