carereptileUnNamed

Snakes, Lizards and Turtles have become very popular pets. They don’t require much space, never bark at night and when properly maintained are completely odorless. Most people keep reptiles just for the experience of having a unique and interesting pet. Reptiles are also frequently placed in classrooms where they always interest students and can encourage learning about nature and animals. Some others keep Reptiles for the experience of seeing them reproduce in captivity. Whatever the reason, here are a few things to consider before choosing a Reptile as a pet.

Which reptile will make the best pet?
In general the snakes require the least care and special attention, lizards quite a bit more and turtles and tortoises somewhere in between. Whichever group interests you most, when you are choosing a reptile pet it is a good idea to learn something about how and where it lives in nature. Reptiles which are generalists in the wild, that is they have broad natural ranges, inhabit varied environments and even eat a variety of foods, will always do much better and be easier to keep than a more specialized animal. Mostly, the animals available in the pet trade are generalists and do well in captivity. Some good examples of these are the ratsnakes, such as Cornsnakes and the Savannah monitor lizard. Both these animals have large natural ranges and compete in many different micro-habitats. But there are many others for sale which are much more specialized and will require specialized and sometimes costly caging and care.

Never purchase wild-collected reptiles or other animals as pets. Many of these wild-caught animals carry diseases and parasites harmful to your other pets. Most will also be less adaptable to captive conditions and will harm themselves or their keepers. It is also our responsibility to buy captive-produced pets to help safeguard wild-populations of animals.

Venomous animals do not make good pets. The keeping and breeding of dangerous and venomous animals like large snakes (over 12’), large aggressive lizards and crocodilians or deadly poisonous reptiles like cobras and rattlesnakes should only be attempted by experienced keepers with the knowledge and resources to properly manage those animals.

Also important when considering which animal best suits you are it’s caging and care requirements. Aquatic turtles need special filtering systems for their tanks. Most lizards need some live food (mainly insects) and many have special lighting and temperature/humidity requirements. Snakes only eat other (whole) animals as food, almost all accept pre-killed prey but some will not, so you must be able to attend to that need.

Reptiles are best kept in cages. And almost all are best kept singly, not in groups. Many are injured or killed when allowed to roam the house or by a cage-mate if kept together. When purchasing a young reptile consider the size enclosure it will need as an adult. Most boas, as an example, will need a cage 4-6’ long as adults. The large pythons can require complicated caging even larger.

What are the important things in the successful keeping of Reptiles as pets?
Temperature, caging and feeding.

Reptiles are cold-blooded, which means they maintain their body-temperature with the aid of their environment. Many inexperienced reptile keepers make the mistake of thinking that they can heat or cool the animal’s entire cage. Instead, a temperature gradient, where the cage is cooler at one side and warmer at the other, should be supplied. This gradient allows the reptile to control it’s own body temperature, more as they would in nature. Generally, temperatures under about 72° (F) and over 95° (F) should be avoided in proper husbandry of most reptiles, there are specific exceptions to this rule. Further temperature control is needed to encourage most reptiles to breed in captivity. Temperature gradient is usually created by installing a (controllable) heat-source under one end of the enclosure. This can also be done with lighting, especially for diurnal (active in the day) lizards.

Reptiles require adequate-sized cages which can be securely closed, easily cleaned and lack ways for the animal to harm itself. Aquariums have some of the attributes of a good reptile cage, particularly for aquatic species, but lack others. Two problems with aquaria as reptile caging are that they do not hold humidity and they are too open, many reptiles require much more seclusion to live happily. Professionally made unitized caging such as Neodesha caging systems is the very best choice. A good glass or wood cage, specially equipped for your reptile will also work. Every new reptile keeper starts small, but eventually if you are serious about providing the best life for your pets you will invest as much (or more!) money and time in your facilities (caging, lighting, temperature and humidity control) as you will in livestock.

Reptile diets are quite variable. Research your pet’s dietary needs and supply the best food available. It is also possible to underfeed and overfeed a reptile. Obesity in reptiles is very harmful to the animal’s health and longevity. Very large and heavy individuals of many species exhibit diminished breeding and fertility. Observe your pet closely to be sure it is getting the right amounts of the proper foods. And as with the keeping of any animal cleanliness and attention to detail are absolutely necessary.

Most of us have been exposed to traditional pets (dogs, cats, etc.) over a period of many years. We have a sense (large or small) of how these animals are doing, what they might need and can respond to those needs. You will have to closely observe your reptile pets to learn some portion of that same understanding about your lizard or snake or turtle.