Reptile keeping
Keeping geckos, snakes or tortoises in heated tanks set up to mimic their habitat.
Reptile keeping
- To start
- $350
- Each month
- $25
- Time
- 2 hours a week
- Sessions
- 15 minutes or more
- Where
- At home
- Who with
- On your own
Is it for you?
- It's all about living things.
- There's always more to learn.
- It has a steady rhythm you can sink into.
- It asks almost nothing of your body.
You’ll like it if
- You want to get really good at something
- You want to keep your brain sharp
- You want to switch off
Maybe not if
- You want to spend very little to start
- You want a workout
- You want something fast and exciting
Heads upAnimals up close
What it feels like
Reptile keepingAverage nature & Outdoors hobbyCalm
Company
Physical effort
Creative freedom
Brainwork
Hands-on
Outdoors
Quick wins
$350Costs more to start than 94% of hobbies
$25Less over a year than the kit
$650About $6 an hour at 2 hours a week
Before you buy
Borrow from a friend or buy second-hand first. Upgrade once you know you will keep going.
Your first session
Set up and heat a vivarium for a beginner species like a leopard gecko, and get the temperatures steady before it comes home.
15 minutes or moreAt homeFairly easy to start
Questions
How much does reptile keeping cost to start?
About $350 if you rent or borrow where people usually do, then about $25 a month once you are going.
How much time does reptile keeping take?
About 2 hours a week to enjoy it and get better, in sessions of 15 minutes or more.
Can I do reptile keeping at home?
Yes. Needs a table or a corner.
Is reptile keeping good for beginners?
It takes a bit more setting up than most hobbies. A good first session: Set up and heat a vivarium for a beginner species like a leopard gecko, and get the temperatures steady before it comes home.
Do I need other people for reptile keeping?
No. It works fine on your own.