Suggestions for first reptile for 9 year old daughter?

So my nine-year-old daughter has started to show an interest in reptiles I have over 12 years of experience with them but haven't own any for almost 8 years bearded dragons are one of the choices were looking at juvenile or subs adults. Also looking at ball pythons an boa constrictor. Looking at something that will be easy to handle and also not costly overall would be starting from scratch...

While many suggest a ball python as a first snake because they are docile, I'm going to go against the grain and say pick a different species. BP's tend to be picky little so-and-so's if not set up perfectly, they're primarily active at night, and they can get stressed if over-handled.

King, corn, and milk snakes are easy to keep, very active, typically chill to handle, and are a nice size for keeping as pets.

A common or even CA BCI would also be a good choice, just bear in mind it may eventually need a large enclosure as an adult; I only use tubs and PVC enclosures for mine due to their humidity requirements. If you're willing to take a chance on an older animal you can find them dirt cheap on CL or rescues.

A Dumerils boa is another option, they aren't as active as BCI's and are a thick, couch-potato type snake.

I'm not into lizards so someone else will have to comment on those.

Thanks... ya from what I do remember every ball pythonsl I owned was so picky when it came too feeding...

I'd say get a wc adult Burmese python


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How about a leopard gecko?

Originally Posted by Destroyer_Man

I'd say get a wc adult Burmese python


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That's just wrong!

I agree with Justin, a leopard gecko wouldn't be a bad option. They don't need special lights like beardies do and typically they don't leave teeth marks.

Sorry if it wasn't obvious, but I was totally joking


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How about an argentine b/w tegu, they are pretty calm and not too picky


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If she wants something bigger and more huggable than a leo, I'd say a Northern blue-tongue skink.

I would say if she's going for a snake, choose ball pythons or corn snakes. Ball pythons are supper laid back, and most have a great attitude. They do require more humidity, and they are nocturnal. But I pull all of mine out throughout the day and they do fine. Corn snakes are great because they get long, but they're still pretty thin. The only downside would be that they're kink of squirmy. They're not as laid back as ball pythons.

Lizards, would be bearded dragons all the way. They're hearty lizards with GREAT personalities. They live for a while as well. If trained well they can be supper laid back and chill!

My personal choice would be a Northern Blue Tongue Skink. They'll eat anything, and I think their personalities out rank the bearded dragon. They're hard to get a hold of, but they really are amazing!!!

Owns:
8 ball pythons
2 chameleons
1 Mountain horned dragon
2 Northern Blue tongue skinks.