E10

Gina Spadafori

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They don't purr like a cleaned daily cat or fetch like a dog. They have neither soft fur nor pleading eyes. But for a lot of people, reptiles and amphibians are perfect pets.

But which of these pets is best for a beginner?

Because they can grow to six feet in length, iguanas are not suitable for any but the most dedicated of pet lovers.

Here are a few relatively low-maintenance reptiles for the first-time owner:

Bearded dragon

Their tough looks are appealing, but this lizard's attitude is anything but nasty.

Although babies can be flighty, adult beardies, when calmly and gently handled, are gentle pets who can live for 12 to 15 years.

Leopard gecko

A popular ad campaign for an insurance company has drawn attention to these nocturnal lizards. Fortunately, they're good pets and tolerate gentle handling well.

They're smaller than the bearded dragons, about six inches long, and they can live for a decade or so.

Corn snake

Captive breeding has produced wonderful colours and colour variations, but all corn snakes tend to be calm pets that rarely try to bite, require minimal care and can live for 20 years.

Ball python

Want something more exotic?

Ball pythons mature at about four feet in length and love to hang around your neck. Fortunately, they're easily unwound: Start at the tail and gently unwind.

Deal with a reputable source for reptiles, and buy a captive-bred pet only.

And be sure you've done your research into housing, care and feeding.

- Gina Spadafori