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Basic Reptile Info
There are many things you need to consider when looking to acquire a
reptile or any other pet.
Before you bring home any new pet, be sure to research and learn
everything you can FIRST.
Check into whether you need a permit for this pet.
Consider where you live. Do you rent? Own? Can you accommodate it? Now and
in the future?
How big will it get? Will you be able to handle it? Have room for it??
Will your pet be a climber or a ground dweller?
Another biggie... Can you afford it? The food, the housing, supplies etc?
And even more important.... Do you have the time for this pet?
Here are some basics for caring for your new pet.
Habitat - Smooth sides make for easier cleanup and safety.
Tank size is measured by the length of the snake, on average.
Provide good security by using locks etc. This is important whether using
aquariums, Rubbermaid containers or wire cages.
Substrate - Avoid aromatics like pine, cedar etc, as they can cause
respiratory infections in your reptile.
Aspen wood shavings is a good choice for most reptiles.
Also, keep the tank/container simple. The more you have to clean, the less
often you are likely to do so. (paper towel rolls and toilet paper rolls
make great disposable hides for many snakes/geckos)
Heating - Under the tank heaters are the best option. Heat rocks can
harm/burn your pet while they try to regulate their body temp.
Some reptiles require light sources for UV and/or heat as well. Be sure
your set up can properly accommodate your pets needs without causing
overheating/burns.
Avoid porous water/feed bowls. They can absorb bacteria etc and can cause
illnesses in your pet.
Be sure to offer appropriate housing materials etc for your pet. This
includes the proper hides, rocks, branches, vines etc. Also include a way
to control humidity if your pet requires it. (note, if you use live
branches, bleach them or heat them first to kill off any insects etc which
could be inside the wood)
Consider the location for your new pet. Avoid placing tanks/containers
directly under air vents, in front of windows, or near high traffic areas
such as doors.
Consider your pets comfort zone. They would prefer quiet locations with
calm activity. Be sure your pet is somewhere that you will be sure to
check on them regularly. Even if its just to walk by and look in on them.
Some of the most common health problems are caused from poor housing,
improper feeding, and/or neglect.
Some of the most common problems are pneumonia, upper respiratory
infections, and wheezing. All of these require a vets assistance. Dr Rossi
has a book available on common illnesses and the treatments available.
Hopefully your reptile will never need it, but, for minor injuries,
neosporin works great.
Another common problem is mites. Easy to treat but very harmful if left
untreated. Mites live off your reptiles blood. If not treated, your
reptile can become anemic and/or die. There are several at home ways to
deal with mites.
1. You can use common lice treatment. Spray newspaper, let it dry, then
have the reptile crawl around on it. Or spray a paper towel, let it dry,
then gently wipe down your reptile. (this is a good idea to do on any new
reptile you bring home, as a precaution.)
2. You can also purchase a product called "Hot Shot" - no pests strips.
You will need to make sure these are used in a well ventilated area and
wear gloves while handling. They can be placed inside the tank as long as
it is kept in a container your reptile can not access. It can also be used
under or just near the tank(s)
3. There are also commercial sprays etc available.
Anytime you bring home a new reptile, no matter where it came from, you
should ALWAYS quarantine it for at least 30 days. This will ensure the
reptile is healthy before it has the chance to expose any other pets you
may have. An airborne illness can kill off everything you have in a flash.
Better safe, than sorry!
We hope this information is helpful whether you are a beginner or not. And
remember, a healthy reptile, is a happy reptile!!
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