🦎 A Reptile Is for Life, Not Just for Christmas: Why You Should Think Twice Before Buying a Reptile This Holiday Season

As we get closer to Christmas, we’re hearing the same thing more and more: “I’m getting a reptile for Christmas!” 🎄

At Scaly Safari, we absolutely love reptiles — after all, we’ve built our entire business around sharing our passion for these incredible animals. But we also know just how much work, care, and knowledge goes into keeping them happy and healthy.

And that’s why we want to gently remind everyone that a reptile is for life, not just for Christmas.

🐍 Reptiles Aren’t “Easy” Pets — They’re Specialist Pets

It’s easy to assume reptiles are low-maintenance compared to cats or dogs. But in reality, most reptiles have very specific care requirements.

Each species needs the right:

• Temperature and humidity levels (which must be carefully maintained day and night)

• UVB lighting for proper health and calcium absorption

• Specialist diet, which may include live insects, frozen rodents, or fresh greens

• Appropriate enclosure size and environmental enrichment

For example:

• A leopard gecko can live for up to 15–20 years with the right care.

• A corn snake may grow to 5 or 6 feet long and live for 15–20 years.

• A bearded dragon can reach 2 feet in length and live around 10–15 years.

These are long-term commitments — and not always suitable for young children or first-time keepers without proper guidance.

🎁 Christmas Pets: Why Impulse Buying Leads to Heartbreak

We completely understand the excitement of a child wanting a reptile for Christmas. They’re fascinating, unique, and endlessly captivating!

But when a reptile is bought as a spur-of-the-moment Christmas gift, it often leads to problems a few months down the line. The new owner might lose interest, struggle with feeding routines, or realise the animal needs more space than they can provide.

Sadly, that’s when rehoming becomes necessary.

🦎 The Scaly Safari Crew Knows This Story All Too Well

Many of the animals in our Scaly Safari Crew came to us because their previous owners could no longer keep them. Some outgrew their enclosures, others were handed over when families moved house, and some were simply the result of an impulse decision that didn’t work out.

There’s no shame in rehoming a pet — sometimes it’s the kindest option. But it’s something that can often be avoided by taking time to research before bringing an animal home.

🌿 Do Your Research Before You Buy

If you or your child is dreaming of getting a reptile this Christmas, here are a few things we recommend doing first:

✅ Research the species thoroughly — including size, diet, and lifespan.
✅ Visit reptile shows or experiences (like ours!) to learn more about their behaviour and handling.
✅ Talk to reputable breeders or rescue centres for honest, species-specific advice.
✅ Consider waiting until after Christmas — when you have more time to set up the right equipment and make an informed choice.

💚 A Final Thought

Reptiles make amazing pets in the right hands — they teach patience, respect for nature, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the wild world of cold-blooded creatures. But they deserve careful, informed ownership.

So this Christmas, before you say yes to that snake, gecko, or chameleon, remember: a reptile is for life — not just for Christmas.