Keeping a Reptile at Home

Pets are a fonts of enjoyment and fulfillment for most people. Pets like dogs and cats operate as loyal companions to people and are satisfied with tender loving object by their owners. However, there are people who pour out their affection to exotic pets.

Exotic pets are named as such because they aren’t domesticated and tamed and are most regularly found in the lunatic. However, the popularity of exotic animals as pets has encouraged pet supplies to stockpile up on exotic pets to join the rising pressure in the souk.

When a being heard exotic pet, the first thing that comes into his opinion is an animal that is uncommon and maybe brutish. There are wholly harmless exotic pets like hamsters, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. On the other hand, there are also exotic pets that may look heated and wild at first glance.

Reptiles are one of the most favored exotic pets especially people who have adoration for the outside. There are different kinds of reptiles but the meager sound of their names can remind anxiety from people who don’t know an iota about their sort.

Among the regular reptiles that have been purchased or adopted as exotic pets snakes, crocodiles, turtles and iguanas. The frightening conduct oddball in the legend of the Loch Ness is said to be a reptile. No one can of course endorse this belief and scientists are still at a hurt as to the candor behind claims of people who have seen the monster.

Nevertheless not all reptiles are scary. The misconceptions people have about the makeup of reptiles that are often regarded as exotic pets came from ignorance and lack of willingness to accept reptiles as exotic pets.

A persona who is planning to buy a reptile as an exotic pet should endure in mind that most reptiles eat meat but there are reptiles that eat plants. Make constant that you know everything about the elected reptile because there are reptiles that can be considered virulent. There are people who suppose that care snakes as exotic pets will cause the fate. Some prefer to keep snakes because they are a genuine deterrents to the thousands of rodents living in the neighborhood.

There loads of reptiles to want from and anybody with an affinity for these different and sinister creatures can choose from a form of reptiles that can be found wandering in the environment or being sold in pet food all over the world.

Your First Reptile? Here is the Top Three

Reptiles are now more popular than dogs as pets, a fact that appeared as a result of a survey carried out in early 2008. guess the most popular reptiles reptile pets. Like many things pet related, you need to make the right choice, and just as choosing a badly suited breed of dog can cause problems, the same is true of reptiles.

The easiest to care for tend to be the most popular also, and as such are great first reptiles, so here they are:

Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon is the name used for any agamid lizard in the genus Pogona. They are native to Australia, and are sometimes the first reptile people get as pets. Bearded Dragons are popular pets, notably the species Inland or Central Bearded Dragon. These reptiles are also affectionately called “Beardies” by those who breed or raise them. They are a ideally suited to children, because of their friendly and calm nature, along with the low amount of work they need to be cared for.

They have broad triangular heads and flatish bodies, the adults can grow to approximately 18 to 24 inches from head to tail with males and females being of comparable size, although males usually sport a bigger head and a thicker tail base than the females. They have a distinctive set of spines running horizontally from the head to the base of the tail. They range in colour from light tan to dark brown, depending on their native soil, often with highlights of black, brilliant red, or gold, and can change greatly depending upon their internal condition, mood or temperature darkening when cool.

Some spefically hand reared have been selectively bred for more brilliant colorations. They are omnivorous, capable of living on a wide variety of food sources, including both insects and vegetable food. A typical diet for captive beardies includes leafy greens and vegetables, and regular meals of feeder insects.

All species are from Australia, but they have been exported the world over and bred successfully in captivity. They live about 8-15 years with proper care in captivity, though some can live up to 20 years old

Corn Snake

The corn snake, or red rat snake, is a North American species of rat snake that subdue their small prey with constriction. The name “corn snake” comes from the fact that they have markings on their underside that looks like corn. They are found throughout the south-eastern and central United States.

Their placid nature, reluctance to bite, moderate adult size 1.2 to 1.8 metres, attractive markings, and comparatively simple care make them popular pet snakes. In the wild, they usually live around 10-15 years, but can live as old as 23 years in captivity. Like all rat snakes, corn snakes are non-venomous. They have a diet mostly consisting of rodents, mostly mice and rats, which they kill via constriction.

They are proficient climbers and may climb trees in search of birds and bats. Pet Corn Snakes are usually fed by their owners on a diet of easily available rodents, mostly mice, while younger and smaller animals may eat live or dead rat or mouse pups of various sizes. Frozen mice are ideal, as live prey can have the potential to carry disease or injure the snake if it has not been raised on live prey.

The Corn Snake was one of the first snakes to be kept as pets by people, and is still one of the most popular. Large numbers are bred yearly to ensure that there is a large enough supply base, lowering the need to collect specimens from the wild. keeping in groups is inadvisable in captivity, as these are naturally solitary animals.

breeders of Corn Snakes have stressed the need for a housing with no chance of escape. Corn Snakes are top drawerescapees and will often find a way to escape from any place that is not properly suitable. More newbies lose their snakes to escapes than death. They are good at climbing, squeezing out of the smallest of holes, and can also use their bodies to force the screen top off of a poorly-fitted aquarium.

Royal or Ball Python

The Royal Python or Python Regius is a non-poisonous python species native to Africa. This is the smallest of the African pythons and is popular in the pet trade. Adults normally do not grow to more than 90-120 cm in length, although some specimens have reached 152 cm and even 182 cm, around 6ft, but this is very rare. The build is thinck while the head is relatively small and the scales are smooth. The colour pattern is typically black with light brown-green side and spinal blotches. The stomach is a white or cream that may or may not include scattered black markings. However, pet industry breeders have, through selective breeding, developed many mutations with altered colours and patterns.

The name ball python is gained from the animal’s tendency to curl into a ball when stressed or frightened. The name royal python is believed to be from the story that Cleopatra allegedly wore the snake around her wrist. In the wild, the diet consists mostly of small rats mice and shrews. Younger animals have also been known to feed on birds. Pets usually do well on domestic rats and mice, either live, pre-killed, or frozen-thawed There are of course many more reptile breeds kept as pets, and no doubt popularity will change, but any of the three named above will make great pets, and a great introduction to keeping reptiles.

Responsible Reptile Owners

This leads to problems for both humans and ultimately the reptiles themselves. More often than not, people purchase reptiles for the wrong reasons. They often purchase on impulse or because they think it will make them look cool amongst their friends.

 Your decision to purchase any reptile must not be taken lightly. A reptile in captivity depends on its owner completely. Unable to care for itself, it is at the mercy of the caregiver and without the proper care, can lead to health problems and even death.

 To neglect responsibility as an owner can mean torture for your newly acquired reptile.  If you think a reptile is incapable of emotion, maybe you should refrain from acquiring any pet. Remember, there is still the element of pain and suffering to be considered should it be neglected.

 Any living being deserves the right to obtain the best care possible, especially one held in captivity. The environment you provide your reptile must closely resemble the natural area in which they are found in the wild.

 If you decide to give your pet away or sell because it was not right for you, please make sure the person receiving the reptile has proper knowledge of what it takes to care for and shelter the animal.

 Reptiles make fascinating pets.  The experience can be rewarding and educational.  The responsibility lies in the hands of the owner.  If you want a fulfilling and long lasting experience as a reptile owner, take the time and make the effort to learn about what’s involved before you purchase or accept a reptile.

 Anyone thinking about keeping reptiles must consider these factors:

 

1.  Why do I want to keep reptiles?

 2.  How much room do you have to house your new reptile?

 3.  What environment does the reptile come from?

 4.  What size reptile will you be comfortable keeping? 

 5.  Are you after something visually eye catching?

 6.  How much money are you willing to spend? 

 

The next decision you must make is where to purchase your reptile from. As a purchaser you have several options and again this is a vital step in your decision making. If you choose a reputable pet shop, don’t count on their expertise. While they may sell reptiles they may not have the experience to give you the required information. In some instances they are unfortunately sold merely as profit pieces. 

 It’s often a wonder they even made it to the pet shop in one piece and alive.  Exotic pet sales have gone through the roof, so many of these wonderful creatures are handled wrong right from the start.  It pays to research how a healthy reptile should look before you make the commitment to purchase.  Just having a license to sell a reptile does not make the management responsible people with consciences.

 One of the best choices you have is to purchase from a breeder. Visit several and ask questions. No question is a silly question. Ask to see if they keep records. If you are purchasing young reptiles, make sure they are eating before taking them home. Make sure they are not too thin; this could be a sign of bad health. Ask if you can handle your reptile. Make sure they are lively and moving freely.

If you are not 100% sure do not make the purchase. Take your time.  

Remember, a responsible pet owner is not just someone who loves animals.  It’s someone who makes the effort to care for the animals properly.  There are many well-meaning people who call themselves animal lovers and still don’t have what it takes to be the right caregiver for reptiles.  You may be the perfect match for a dog and far from the perfect match for a turtle, snake or a lizard!  Know your limits before you commit.

Baby Iguana Care

If there are baby dogs, cats or rabbits, then there are also baby iguanas. It is during this stage that these iguanas appear in their most fragile and need your loving care the most. Although they appear like they are easy to take of in their small appearance, proper precaution is needed so that they will be healthy in their older years.Just like any juvenile pet, there are certain requirements that you need to provide for your baby iguana. Although they are not as meticulous and as herd to get as any other pet food, you should also consider if these things will be perfect for your iguana. You do not want them to become sickly and eventually die even before you see them in their full sizes, now do you?Here are some of the important factors you need to consider when taking care of your baby iguana & Iguana Care .1. Shelter. Not just any other type of cage will do. Though it does not matter what kind it is made of, you need to consider what should be inside the cage that the iguana will need.An example is having something in them that will keep your pet warm during the night. Check out for carpeting or artificial turf to cover the flooring area of the cage. If you do not have the budget for it, you can opt for newspapers because they work just as well. Since iguanas live on trees, you need to set up some branches for your pet to climb on to. Climbing on branches will form part of their leisure and movements. Just make sure that the branches are stable enough to hold their weight in case they lay down on them.2. Temperature.Baby iguanas should always be warm in order to stay healthy. Since you have no way of telling this just by looking at them, you can put a thermometer inside their cage so you can monitor the changes in the temperature inside the cage. Make certain that you maintain a temperature of 70 degrees during the night and 85 degrees in the day. It is also a good idea for the cage for its shelter to be placed near a source of heat. You will see that your pet is inclined to have a comfortable rest if they stay close to that heat being radiated. Special monitoring of temperature is required during the cold season. Check the shelter regularly. You would not want your pet to freeze to death without you knowing.3. Food intake. Baby iguanas need to have a diet that is rich in Vitamin D3, phosphorous and calcium. Lots of greens are also needed. You can also give them vegetables and fruits that you yourself are consuming. Baby iguanas are not used to being fed any kind of food. Their digestive system is not as strong and as flexible as cats or dogs. Know what kind of food they can take and what they cannot. Your baby iguana can grow up healthy and strong just by taking care of them the way you do any kind of pet. If it is absolutely necessary, you can consult a vet that specializes in iguana for things that are far beyond your comprehension. They will be able to give you sound advices regarding your baby iguana and the things that you need to do.

Desert Iguana Care & Facts

Five Tips On Iguana care

 

1) Description – the desert iguana (Dipsosaurus Dorsalis) is 10 to 16 inches long when fully grown. It has a large, round body with a long tail. In fact, the tail of the desert iguana is longer than its body. Described as “blunt-headed”, desert iguanas have very distinct coloring patterns. The head of the desert iguana is colored brown. This coloration diffuses into reddish brown pattern which could be described as looking like a net.The desert iguana has gray spots on the trunk and neck. Desert iguanas also have dark spots on their white or gray tails. A row of dorsal scales are located down the center of the back of the desert iguana. 2) Habitat – As can be gleamed from its common name, the desert iguana lives in arid desert regions. Desert iguanas are commonly found in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts founding the southwest of the United States. They are also located in Northwestern Mexico and some islands on the Gulf of California. In the southern part of its habitat, the desert iguana usually lives in arid subtropical areas and deciduous forests.In the desert, these animals can usually be found around the range of the creosote bush. The desert iguana makes use of the creosote bush for shelter and for food. There are also several cases of desert iguanas moving into the abandoned lairs of kangaroo rats.They are hardy animals, often active even when other lizards have already retreated from the heat. They are also inclined to burrow into the soil near creosote bushes.3) Food – desert iguanas are primarily herbivorous. This means that they are inclined to eat plant matter. They will eat bud, leaves and fruits of many types of perennial or annual plants that are found in their habitats. They are especially attracted to the yellow flowers of the creosote plant.  4) Behavior – as said before, desert iguanas remain active even during intense heat. However, if the heat proves too much, a desert iguana will climb bushes in order to seek cooler temperatures. They are very quick and they can often be seen crossing roads just before an oncoming car. When a desert iguana runs at these speeds, it often does so on two legs. It folds its front legs near its body and uses its powerful hind legs to propel it forward.5) Natural enemies –like other animals, desert iguanas have natural enemies. In fact, even before they hatch, there area lot of animals which would eat iguana eggs. A mature desert iguana also has different birds of prey as its natural enemy. Other common enemies of the desert iguana are small animals such as rats, weasels, foxes and snakes. Of course, man is also one common enemy of the iguana. Many a desert iguana has fallen prey to the automobile. These desert iguanas are now referred to as “roadkill” by the human beings who drive these machines carelessly and without regard for the lives of small animals.These are just some facts about desert iguanas. As you can see, there are many things about them that people need to know. Hopefully, these facts have opened your eyes and have shown you that desert iguanas are so much more than stupid medium sized lizards. By learning all you can about desert iguanas, you will soon be able to fully appreciate their beauty.

A Basic Guide To Tortoise Care

One of the most popular types of tortoise is the Sulculta Tortoise, yes, there is also the Galapagos Tortoise, but personally, one of our favorites is the sulculta. Sulculta Tortoises are the second biggest in the world. We have a sulculta as well as some other reptiles and snakes. We consider ourselves to be experts in caring for a pet tortoise, as we have tons of experience caring for our own sulculta, as well as some other reptiles and snakes.Sulculta tortoises are known for having a long lifespan. They actually have been known to outlive humans! If you want your tortoise to live a long time, you need to understand what responsibilities are included in his care. It is kind of bizarre to think that humans can pass colds on to tortoises. Unfortunately for a tortoise, such a cold could be deadly to him! They also are prone to developing “crust” in their eyes, so you must keep a look out for that. Tortoises may be (very gently!) handled when they are young, however most of them grow too large to be held comfortably. Moving a turtle is simply a case of appealing to their tastes. A bright edible flower or a piece of fruit may be used as a luring device. Tortoises can eat fresh grass from outside as long as you are positive that it doesn’t contain any chemicals which can be harmful. If you want an “outside tortoise,” you can build a covered shelter for him, but it HAS to have a roof to keep him from being preyed upon. Also, depending upon the temperature where you live, you may have to have the housing temperature controlled, as tortoises can be very sensitive to temperature. When kept outdoors, they should be in areas where there is direct sunlight as well as shade. When you keep them indoors, you need artificial sunlight on them for fourteen hours a day. You can do this by using a full spectrum UVB light. Make sure you change the light routinely as it may appear to be working, but it’s not working like the sun does. Inside, you will need to have a basking light for the little guy. Tortoise care can be very fun and there are lots more stuff you need to know, such as the substrate (soil is best so they can burrow) and the other types of foods they can eat.

Reptile Caresheet Albion Iguana

Iguanas are sensitive creatures; most of them rely on their environment for survival. Having an Albino Iguana as your pet gives you the obligation to properly care for it and make sure that it survives under your captivity. One of the most crucial factors in an Albino Iguana’s survival is food. So being the owner, you must appropriately feed it with the right food. Iguanas are scientifically classified as herbivores so green leafy plants should not be in its main diet. Though some people still recommend on feeding iguanas with insects and other animal protein based food. You may have seen iguanas eating insects on televisions and magazines but research studies shows that this thing occurs only by accident. Like for example, when an insect is on a piece of plant. An iguana slowly creeps over to eat it. Then leaf and insect are simultaneously consumed by the reptile. Experts and veterinarians recommend more vegetables to be fed to your pet and lesser animal protein or insects.  This will eventually lead to better physical health. Albino iguanas also need water, so make sure to provide them with this. Iguanas usually dip their head on the water when drinking, so also make sure to have a tall glass that is full of fresh water. Sometimes they also lick off small water droplets from plants to quench their thirst.Water should always be available for your iguana and make certain that they are fresh.  Never feed your iguana with left over vegetables because this may cause disorders in its digestive system. It will then lead to sickness or even death. It is highly recommended to feed your iguana every day and regularly. The ideal time for feeding your iguana is early in the morning usually an hour after it is awake. Succeeding feeding all through out the day can also be done but only in small quantity. Never feed your iguana immense amounts of food before sleeping time. Feeding your Albino Iguana in the morning gives it time to properly digest food before sleeping. In addition, the morning temperature will give your iguana the right environment to properly digest its food.The amount of food to be given literally depends on the size and bulkiness of your iguana. The main rule in here is to feed your iguana as long as it wants to. This kind of technique will allow you to note how much your iguana can take over one feeding. Food for your Albino Iguana should be on a shallow bowl which should be made of ceramic, glass or plastic and should be regularly cleaned. The bowl to be used should be sturdy enough to hold your iguana and should not be tipped easily.Variety of food is also important to make your iguana feel healthy and at home. Iguanas are known to eat a large variety of fruits and flowers in the wild so it is a good idea to also feed them this way while they are in your captivity.Aside from proper food your iguana should also have the proper lighting and sunshine. Iguanas usually get calcium from the sun rays to help them properly digest their food.So if you want your Albino Iguana to stay healthy and have a longer life span feed them with the right amount of food and the right kind of food.