what do you think is the biggest misconceptions about keeping reptiles

[neon cosmos]

While I was in college, I frequently brought up how reptiles can utilize feeding puzzles, and some students commented that "they can't understand it, they just want the food". I followed the comment with "Well, do they attempt to get to it?" They paused, and went "Oh."

Everyone clapped btw

I used examples of monitor lizards and even snakes picking mice from "waffle dishes" and rotating blocks.

[stoic plover]

I hate when people say snakes are slimy

[green mulch]

That reptiles are a cheap, easy pet. The setup alone can cost thousands, not to mention animal pricing. Vet care? Now THATS a lot of money to spend.

[slender lichen]

What do you think is a huge misconception about reptile keeping that people still believe

[sharp steeple]

Reptiles are the easy choice

[elfin zinc]

chameleons change colour to camouflage, bearded dragons are great beginner reptiles, desert reptiles don't need water

[kindred leaf]

almost everything that chain petstores say

[desert perch]

that there is such a thing as a beginner reptile you can own without doing any research

[forest pewter]

Iggie's are great beginners and grow to their enclosure.

[agile sparrow]

Yes beardies are a lot of work and commitment I feel like I see them being neglected so much because people don’t know how to care for them properly and just listen to what pet stores recommend

[flat haven]

Biggest misconception(s) I would say are things like people still believing information from 10-30 years ago. And that..non-keepers don't realize how attached you can become to them just like "standard" pets such as cats and dogs.

[sudden mantle]

Ball pythons and bearded dragons are good pets to get your 6 year old for his birthday

[dapper comet]

sand causes impaction and bearded dragons are easy to take care of

[wooden stratus]

Reptile X (usually a snake or tortoise) don't get larger than the enclosure they first have.

[unreal fulcrum]

Probably relating more to snakes, but that they’re mean, bloodthirsty predators, especially the big/venomous ones. But for the vast majority it’s just not true. Obviously, they can bite, but for the most part it’s just out of defensiveness

Even from my own experience, people will ask if my bearded dragon bites. Like…no, not unless you’re a cricket. They’re not mean-spirited animals

[flat haven]

Any animal with a mouth can bite but I hate when they assume your pet will just because it's not an animal they're accustomed to.

[vernal quest]

that the enclosure can be “too big” while keeping their bp in a 40 gal

[kindred leaf]

ik i already posted but definitely things related to enclosure size just cause of care guides not being updated, and that certain harmful reptile equipment is useful like repticarpet

[acoustic forge]

Or heat rocks

Like yeah… everyone warns against them but they’re still in every pet store

And”make sense” to new keepers

[vernal quest]

that reptiles are cheap/dont need a vet…

[jagged laurel]

reptiles are active

[icy lantern]

That beginner reptiles like Leo’s, cresties etc. are cheap. Sure their starter cost is dirt cheap compared to a lot of animals, but people buy these pets because they don’t have much money, than if the animal needs a vet it doesn’t get the care it needs because people weren’t prepared for giant vet bills that can happen

[vernal quest]

That reptiles don’t need special lighting or supplements and that they are easy and can live in small enclosures and that they are cheap

[torpid swan]

“its gonna eat you” like bros missin his crickets and u think hes gonna eat me yeah ok