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Reptiles make fantastic companions. They are unique, interesting, and come in a variety of species and sizes. However, taking care of them is not an easy task; reptiles are delicate creatures that need special attention to stay happy and healthy. If you already own a reptile, or are interested in getting one as a pet, read on to learn all about caring for these fascinating creatures.
The first step to providing the best care for your pet reptile is to make sure you understand its specific needs. Each reptile species thrives in a certain type of food and a special environment to stay healthy and satisfied.
If you are looking for a new companion of this type, determine what kind of reptile is likely to fit well with you and your family. Be aware that snakes, for example, need to stretch completely and can reach over 150 centimeters. Some reptiles have a long life expectancy; iguanas can live up to 20 years. So be aware of the world you are entering before opening your home to such a pet.
Online magazines can be a wonderful source of information, but don't forget that more traditional options, like your local library, contain excellent resources.
Be sure of the space your reptile will need. All animals, even slow-moving reptiles, enjoy having adequate space to move around and play.
Younger animals that have not finished growing can be intimidated by cages that are too large. If you buy a baby lizard, keep in mind that you will need to invest in more than one habitat throughout its life.
Info to remember: reptile habitats should be at least 150 to 200% larger than the length of your companion. The same goes for depth.
Once you have chosen a cage, you will need to think about how to make it comfortable. For reptiles to feel good, they need a temperature and lighting that recreate their natural environment.
Heat is important because reptiles are cold-blooded. They do not produce internal heat, they seek it from their surroundings. If the temperature is too low, they cannot move or digest their food properly. Invest in quality heating lamps that will maintain the correct temperature in the cage, and in a thermometer to check it regularly. Consult your reptile guide or encyclopedia for ideal temperatures.
Lighting is also an essential element. Some reptile species need a precise amount of UVA and UVB rays to feel their best! The UVB spectrum is very important, as some reptiles will not produce enough vitamin D or absorb calcium from their food without it. This can lead to diseases and even death. Snakes and nocturnal lizards do not need special lighting, but others, like turtles, do.
If your reptile comes from a tropical environment, you will also need to think about the humidity level, as these animals need it to thrive.
Just like with temperature, reptiles need to live in a humidity-controlled environment. Consult your reptile guide for details. You will also need to get a hygrometer to accurately measure the humidity levels in the cage.
There are several ways to maintain optimal humidity for tropical reptiles. Adding a bowl of water to the cage, manually misting the habitat, or buying a humidifier are all good options.
Once you understand the type of habitat your reptile will need, you can start preparing it. Substrate is a material placed at the bottom of the habitat, consisting of soil, wood, and even fibers. There is a variety of substrates, depending on the unique needs of your reptile.
Soil mixes are a good option for reptiles. However, it is best to check your reptile guide to know what is best for your companion.
Be sure to avoid sawdust, pebbles, or gravel. Newspaper substrate is not recommended for tropical reptiles.
Finally, you might want to decorate your pet's environment to make it feel even more at home. If your reptile's environment is suitable, you could get a variety of plants, moss, and water.
Many reptiles also need to hide to feel safe and comfortable. Consider placing a hide near a heat source for them, and another in a cooler section of the cage. This will give your friend more choices for maximum comfort.
To reduce the risk of disease and keep your pet healthy and happy, make sure to clean its cage regularly.
How often you clean depends on the substrate and your reptile's habits. Aspen, for example, should not get too wet and needs to be cleaned frequently. Herbivores like turtles can leave leaves or peels after a meal, which will rot if they remain in the cage for too long.
If you buy your substrate from a store, read the cleaning instructions and consult a pet care guide for precise information. Cleaning the cage once a week is a good frequency for most reptiles.
Each reptile species has a specific diet. Some eat live animals like mice, while others are herbivores. Make sure to learn as much as possible about your animal's unique diet and adhere to it. If you feed your animal the wrong kind of food, for example, insects when it is an herbivore, it can lead to serious diseases.
Many reptiles may need high levels of calcium to function properly. If this is the case for you, you will need to get supplements.
If your animal eats insects or rodents, you will need to plan its meals carefully. Snake owners, for example, keep and breed mice to have a simple and constant source of nutrition readily available. If you choose this solution, you will need a cage and food for these mice.
If your reptile eats insects, you could buy a cage to gut-load them. Gut-loading involves keeping live insects for up to 24 hours before feeding them to your animal, and feeding the insects high-calorie foods, often fortified with calcium.
Herbivores also have a specific diet. Research the best vegetables and be informed about risky foods. Some vegetables, for example, are goitrogenic; if eaten in large quantities, they can cause thyroid problems. These include broccoli and cabbage. Too many oxalic foods can lead to calcium deficiency. Examples: Swiss chard, spinach, and blueberries.
Other foods can be toxic; citrus foods can irritate reptiles' stomachs, while some vegetables like avocados can be dangerous. Again, your reptile guide will be a valuable resource to ensure your companion's diet is optimal.
Reptiles make fantastic pets. They bring excitement and a sense of adventure into your home, and teach you in a fascinating way about the world around you.
Reptiles are also a great way to get your children interested in the animal world, nature, and science. However, taking care of them is more complicated than with other pets. It is therefore important to do your research to understand why they are different and what they need to live well.
