Tips When Keeping Reptiles

Reptiles require specialized care and many can be difficult for novices to understand. If you are considering one, do your homework to ensure you can provide the right environment, diet and enrichment for them.

Look at their skin for signs of bagginess, and pay attention to their stomach – a healthy one should be fat and full. Also, be sure to find a veterinarian that specializes in reptiles. At Spectra Pets, you'll discover info concerning reptiles.

Get to Know Their Needs

Reptiles are not the “low maintenance” pets that some people assume. They can live for decades, grow to varying sizes, and require specific care based on diet, habitats, and environmental conditions.

The most basic requirement is a suitable cage or enclosure. A good rule of thumb is to buy a tank or terrarium that is two or three times the potential size of your pet.

Many reptiles also need a UVB light to simulate sunlight and maintain their health. It is important to change the bulbs regularly as they degrade over time.

Depending on the species, some reptiles may need twigs, branches, logs, and other habitat decor to keep them stimulated. They may also require a place to urinate and defecate. Some terrariums can be made toilet-proof by providing a large enough space for the animal to go in the corner of its enclosure. Others need to be trained to use a sand or wood-based substrate that is safe for them.

Create an Enclosure

A reptile's enclosure is their home and should be designed with the animal's needs in mind. Some species require an aquatic environment, others require a terrestrial (dry land) habitat.

A terrarium or aquarium is an excellent choice for most reptiles. They are easy to clean and provide the natural lighting and heat necessary for your pet's survival.

Consider using a repurposed piece of furniture, such as an old bookcase or entertainment center. Many herpetocultural and zoological sources specify enclosure sizes that are based on the length of the animal, including the tail, which helps with thermoregulation and production of vitamin D3.

If you build your own cage, try to avoid using glass as it can cause injury when your reptile accidentally rams into it or is crushed by it. Choose a material such as acrylic sheeting or plastic, melamine, high-pressure particle board or plywood that is aesthetically pleasing and sturdy enough for your reptile's needs.

Feeding

Providing adequate food is one of the most important things you can do for your reptiles. It's important to research the wild diet of your reptiles species and provide them with a combination of fresh food, pellets, and supplements that will help them live a long healthy life.

Herbivorous lizards and turtles should be fed high fiber foods like timothy hay, shredded vegetables (bell peppers, kohlrabi, swiss chard, kale, zucchini), and green leafy vegetables (chard, collards, turnips, spinach). These foods should be offered daily.

Omnivorous lizards, box turtles, and semi-aquatic reptiles are best fed a combination of insects (like crickets), and leafy greens, vegetables and/or fruits.

If you choose to feed your omnivorous reptiles live prey, be sure it is humanely and safely prepared. We offer a variety of meats for these reptiles including goose, mutton, pheasant, venison, and goat as well as ground organs. We also have a wide variety of freeze-dried meats and organs that can be used to create dietary diversity in your reptile's diet such as venison, lamb, beef, turkey, pork and ostrich.

Care

Reptiles require a lot of care, from the right habitat to specific food. It’s a good idea to consider the level of responsibility before bringing one home.

In the wild, reptiles regulate their humidity by moving to areas that provide the best climate for them. Under human care, this means that they must be kept in environments that can create stable humidity levels.

This may mean a humid enclosure for a tropical snake or a desert terrarium for a lizard. It also requires an appropriate temperature control and a light source (such as an incandescent bulb or a ceramic bulb heater) with full-spectrum lighting, which provides both UVA and UVB radiation.

These light sources must be carefully placed and used with backup power to avoid overheating. Reptiles must be provided with fresh water every day as well, and many need a special diet that can include live prey, insects, vegetables, or even pellets. As a general rule, it’s best to use commercially prepared food for reptiles rather than wild rodents.