- Reptiles of any species requires more care than you probably think. Some examples would be, cost, enclosure size, set up, enrichment, humidity, temperature, lighting, diet, and vitamins. Make sure you research all of this before bringing a reptile home. Also make sure everything you’ve learned applies to the species you want. Each one is different.
2. Not all reptiles are good for beginners. There are so many beautiful reptiles, how ever, many are very difficult to care for and are best for advanced keepers with years of hands on experience.
For example, Chameleons are not good for beginners or even intermediate keepers. They are stunning reptiles but they are highly sensitive animals and their care must be on point 24/7.
A better choice would be a leopard gecko, crested gecko, or children’s python.
3. Be prepared to spend several hundred dollars on supplies for your new pet. And keep another 100 to 300 dollars aside to buy the animal its self.
It may seem like a lot but it’s necessary to provide your reptile with proper care.
4. Reptiles of any kind are not good pets for children. Reptiles are sensitive animals and need to live in a calm, quiet, environment. They also require very gentle handling, and some species don’t tolerate handling at all.
5. Buy your reptile from a reputable breeder. It’s best to not buy from a pet store of any kind. Wether it’s small shop or a large chain pet store, the animals sold at these places are from large wholesales which is an inhumane mass production of reptiles.
These reptiles often have medical issues and sometimes they’re wild caught. Both of witch tend to have parasites, illnesses, and weak immune systems.
Although you may want to rescue these animals, in reality, by purchasing from these businesses you’re just supporting mass production and wholesales.
You can find lots of healthy reptiles from good breeders on MorphMarket.com. Even if the reptile want is not in your area, it’s nothing to worry about. You can safely have reptiles shipped to you overnight.
6. Reptiles need more space than you probably think. Unfortunately, recommended enclosure sizes are usually too small. Often times you will be told that a leopard gecko can live in a 10 Gallon tank [ 12 x12 x 24″ ] Or that a ball python can be kept a 40 gallon tank. However, This does not provide enough space for enrichment, thermo regulation, and many other things. A leopard gecko should be kept in a 40 gallon or larger and a ball python should be kept in 120 gallon enclosure [ 4 x 2 x 2 feet ]. In general, your reptiles enclosure should be twice as large, or more, then the size that is typically recommended.
7. You also need to remember that your reptile needs to eat. And of course, you will be dealing with it. If you own snakes you will be storing rodents in your freezer as it is much cheaper to buy them in bulk. If you are keeping lizards you will be be dealing with live insects such as, crickets, wax worms, roaches, silk worms, horn worms, etc. All of the insects also need to be captive bred and purchased from a reputable source. Do NOT catch insects to feed to your reptile. This can expose your reptile to pesticides, other chemicals, and diseases that can be deadly to your pet.
After purchasing insects, do not feed them to your lizard right away. The insects need to be kept in a clean container and provided with food. Such as carrot, apple, strawberry, or an all natural baby food for at leas 8 hours. Often times some of the insects at the store will die and the bodies are not removed. The bodies form ammonia and the living insects tend to eat the dead ones. This means that your reptile could also be consuming ammonia which can make them sick.
By providing your insects with fresh food they are able pass anything else they’ve eaten and are now filled with fresh nutrients for your lizard.
8. Reptiles will occasionally need to go to a vet. Although reptiles do not need regular shots and check-ups, if a medical problem comes up they will need to see an exotic vet. Many things can be dealt with at home, however, as a beginner, it’s best to have any problems looked at by professional to avoid making the issue worse.
9. There is a lot of improper information. It’s important that everything you’re learning is coming from a reputable source. Avoid asking questions at pet stores and even reptile stores, as it’s very likely the things you will be told are incorrect.
Pet store will also recommend products they sell they that are not safe for reptiles. Such as red lights, heat rocks and calcium sand. All of which are dangerous and cause medical problems.
It’s best to get all of your information from reputable websites, breeders, and reptile keepers.
10. You need to be very aware of the fact that reptiles are very addictive. There is good chance that will end up with more than you ever planed and they will take up most of your time. Either way, enjoy your new pt and make sure you are fully prepared before bringing one home.
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