Bearded Dragons
Bearded Dragons or Beardies are lizards that can grow up to 24 inches. They are friendly and social reptile pets. They enjoy human handling and tend to develop close bonds with their owners. Many Bearded Dragons will happily climb on your hands and allow you to carry them around on your shoulders. They are also easy to care for.
Young Bearded Dragons will usually be shy or skiddish when you get them. They will enjoy human handling the more time they spend with you.
Leopard Gecko
Leopard Geckos are another lizard species that enjoys human handling. They have a calm temperament and caring for them is easier than most reptiles. Leopard Geckos are easy to handle because they only grow up to 10 inches. Just like Bearded Dragons, Leopard Geckos like to climb into their owners hands. They are nocturnal and active mostly during the night.
Corn Snakes
Corn Snakes are one of the most affectionate snake species. They are popular because of their docile and non-aggressive temperament. Corn Snakes don’t get longer than 6 feet and are not as thick compared to other snake species. Because they’re not as heavy in comparison to other snakes, they are fairly easy to handle. Most snakes don’t like being held for long but it is not the case with Corn Snakes. If held correctly Corn Snakes will allow you to hold them for a surprisingly long time.
Chinese Water Dragon
Chinese Water Dragons are a great reptile choice for pet owners who like the look of Iguanas but want a lizard that can be handled. They are also smaller than Iguanas because they only grow up to 3 feet long. Chinese Water Dragons are easy to bond with and tend to be social. While they can sometimes become aggressive or bite, the more you handle them the friendlier they should be with you.
Argentine Black and White Tegu
Argentine Black and White Tegus are large lizards that grow up to 4.5 feet. Sometimes they are also called the Giant Tegu. They are calm and friendly reptiles. With proper training and socialization from a young age, they will grow up to enjoy human handling. If they are not socialized early, they can get aggressive.
Argentine Black and White Tegus can be kept in small groups because they don’t get aggressive with each other. They can also be house trained, making them an excellent pet.
Ball Python
Just like Corn Snakes, Ball Pythons also like to be held. They are calm and docile snakes and training them from a young age helps them to open to human handling. Ball Pythons enjoy wrapping themselves around your hand or waist while you are handling them. Many pet owners like it when the Ball Pythons do this.
Blue Tongue Skink
While these are not as popular pets as other reptiles mentioned in the list, Blue Tongue Skinks also enjoy being held. They have a friendly temperament and generally enjoy human attention. Some Blue Tongued Skinks will not have a problem with their owners scratching their head or chin. Blue Tongue Skinks that have been socialized from a young age will love spending outside cage time with their owners. Unlike other lizards they are not nocturnal.