Generally speaking, a dead tarantula will be upright with its legs curled underneath, so if you find your tarantula laying on its back, there's a good chance she is just starting to molt.

Molting usually takes up to a few hours, so this is a time to keep an eye on your tarantula, but never touch it! Your tarantula is extremely fragile and vulnerable at this time, so should never be touched until well after the molt has been completed (a week is a good start).

Also make sure there are no crickets in with the tarantula over the same time period. There are other signs that will precede a molt, as well, such as changes in appetite and activity among others.

While you shouldn't touch a molting tarantula, it doesn't hurt to watch from a respectful distance. A molting tarantula is rather a wondrous sight, as they split their outgrown exoskeleton and peel themselves out of it. Read more...

While Bearded dragons are generally docile and quite hardy, they are definitely not low maintenance, with specific heating and lighting needs and a diet that takes some work to provide.

They are also quite large, so they need a good-sized tank. However, they are one of the best reptiles in terms of taming and handling, and their larger size sets them apart from some of the other good beginner lizards.

Find out more about care of bearded dragons here.

Also See:

• Bearded Dragon Pictures
• Reptile Heating and Lighting

Photo © 2006 Lianne McLeod, Licensed to About.com, Inc.

Snakes can make good pets for the right person. Keep in mind that most snakes are carnivores, so you will have to supply their prey, but they do have the advantage of not needing to eat very often. A few snakes eat insects, but these are harder to keep and are not good for beginners.

If you are considering a snake as a pet, Snakes as Pets can help you figure out if a snake is right for you, what you should look for in a snake, and some good species for beginners.

Image: Corn Snakes by Lianne McLeod DVM

Hedghogs as Pets
Once you get past the prickly exterior, African pygmy hedgehogs are fascinating pets. Hedgehogs are illegal in some areas so check their status where you live before deciding on one as a pet.

Hedgehog factoid
Hedgehogs have a remarkable habit called "self-anointing" which can be somewhat startling the first time an owner sees it happening. Particular smells seem to send the hedgehog into a flurry contortions as it starts to salivate profusely and spread the saliva over its back. Learn more about hedgehog self-anointing here.

More

• How to Handle a Hedgehog
  Advice on picking up your prickly pet.
• Can You Hold or Cuddle a Hedgehog?
  Lianne McLeod DVM answers a viewer question.

Photo © Getty Images