Pet Reptiles

These are a fascinating choice even for individuals with special needs. Again it needs to be stressed that as with fish and birds, much careful and weighed thought needs to be devoted to the pros and cons of the wide range of reptiles as a pet for a special needs person.

The main positive attribute and benefit these would bring to the owner and presumably its dedicated care-giver would be the serenity and calming affect they foster. In comparison to cats, dogs and birds for example they are almost invariably silent creatures with no robust jumping upon them with loud invitations to play and pleadings for you to take them for a walk. They have cute, little motions and quirks in a minutia that can captivate any child.

It would take prudent, measured routine to care for them because they will not wine and nag you when they are long overdue for a feed – their cues given will need some discernment and certainly adherence to a schedule.

These, in the inner sanctum of an autistic or Aspergers person would present a gentle, curious, quiet calming corner of tranquility that might be just the ticket at a certain stage before any more adventurous undertakings may be envisioned. At least few surprises, few alarming occurrences are likely to upset or challenge a child with the more docile reptiles, however some snakes as a purchase should be given very serious questioning beforehand.

Please know all Australian reptiles are protected by law and so one would need a license to own one. Also although they are relatively inexpensive to buy, the housing and proper attention to maintaining them can be more than the initial modest cost suggested.

Turtles, are probably the most innocuous and impact the owner least – although a considerable amount of time is required in assuring adequate changing of water and proper filtration. Remember, these can live 30 years.

The most popular lizard as a pet in Australia is the Blue tongued lizard – Tiliqua scincoides, followed by the Central Bearded Dragon – Pogona vitticeps both of which are easy to care for. The Blue tongue lives to about 20 years and so please consider that these can be a longer proposition than dogs and cats.

Pythons surprisingly have had some popularity and although not expensive to buy, very serious thought should be given if this is intended for an autistic or Aspergers child. Additionally the python only requires feeding at every two to four weeks and is comprised of whole rodents.

If the child is old enough and takes to the quiet, silent curvilinear modes of the python then this may be the avenue of bond and care that your child may be receptive to. There is indeed a beguiling, fascinating lure this very peculiar reptiles possesses, no question about it.

Lastly, ‘all’ reptiles as a general rule will require less feeding and expense than mammals such as cats and dogs, so if all the above is agreeable to you then this is just icing on the cake – a cake I trust that will be a blessed source of companionship and heart-felt care for your child.

Pet Reptiles