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A
reptile can be a fascinating pet and a wonderful learning experience
for people of all ages. A terrarium environment with reptile inhabitants
is like a moving, living piece of nature right in one's own home.
At Petland Discounts you can find a large selection of reptiles
to choose from. Whether you prefer snakes, lizards or turtles, these
long-lived pets can provide years of fascination, exhibiting much
of the same behavior in your terrarium as they do in the wild.
Once you
have chosen you pet in order for them to thrive in captivity it
is important to reproduce the environmental conditions the reptile
finds in nature.
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When
selecting a tank or a cage to house a reptile, it
is very important to consider the needs and general
habit of the animal. An enclosure destined to become
a terrarium should not only be large enough to accommodate
rocks, branches, water bowls and hiding caves, but
should also provide a safe retreat for your pet herp.
A terrarium should be well ventilated but securely
closed with a metal screen and safety clips. This
will ensure the reptile will stay inside and will
be out of reach from other curious pets and small
children. |
When
deciding on the size of the tank or cage to use consider
the following:
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Very
active reptiles may require larger space enclosures
to roam around.
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Maximum
size and speed of growth of the reptile.
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General
disposition, as a rule aggressive and territorial
reptiles may need larger enclosures, or may not
be housed together
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All
reptiles are cold-blooded animals, they require an
external heat source in order to performs most bodily
functions. Temperature requirements vary from species
to species, and must be closely matched to guarantee
their well-being.
A
large selection of heaters, lamps and thermometers
is available at your local Petland Discounts to help
you meet the specific requirements of your pet. The
most common types of heaters are: |
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Combination
hoods. These are very effective in providing needed
heat and UV rays. They have independently controlled
sockets for day and night time heat bulbs, as well
as a socket for a fluorescent UV bulb. Their metal
construction and shape ensures maximum heat radiation.
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Incandescent
day and night lamps. An economical alternative to
providing heat. Should be used in conjunction with
UV lamps with any diurnal reptile.
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Ceramic
heat emitters. Very effective source of heat can be
used day or night. These heaters do not emit light.
Must be used in conjunction with UV lamps with any
diurnal reptile.
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Heat
pads. Very effective for creating warm spot in the
bottom of a terrarium. Mostly recommended for burrowers
or non-climbing reptiles. These adhere to the underside
of terrarium thus avoiding electrical connections
inside the enclosure.
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Heat
rocks. Very hot emitters shaped as rocks or caves.
These heaters are placed inside the terrarium. They
are recommended for use only with species with high
temperature tolerance.
A
well-planned terrarium will have temperature variations
in the optimal range required by the reptile; this allows
the animal to find a comfortable zone on its own. Always
monitor temperature in at least two areas of the tank.
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Under
natural conditions, most reptiles are exposed to sunlight
on regular basis. An invisible portion of the sun’s
spectrum reaching the reptiles, Ultra Violet B (UVB) light,
is required by these animals to synthesize vitamin D3. In
turn, this vitamin is responsible for the metabolic conversion
of dietary calcium needed for growth and optimum health.
Lack of exposure to beneficial UVB illumination causes Metabolic
Bone Disease, which can lead to premature death. |
In
captivity, most reptiles require the exposure to the UVB light
in order to develop normally, and in some cases help reverse the
onset of Metabolic Bone Disease. Reptile specific fluorescent
bulbs can provide UVB light. These bulbs should be placed directly
on top of the reptile enclosure screen, as glass or plastic do
not permit the passage of the UVB rays
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Bedding
is an essential component of your terrarium as it helps
to absorb products of waste from your pet as well as providing
a natural walking and burrowing medium. There are many types
of beddings available each with different characteristics
to match specific environmental needs of the reptile. Final
decision on the type of substrate to use will depend on
actual habit and humidity requirements. Avoid the use of
dirt and mulch that has not been specifically formulated
for use in terrariums as these may contain parasites or
pesticides that will harm your pet. |
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A
terrarium should always be eye pleasing and should simulate
the natural environment of your pet. There are climbing
objects, hollow logs, plants and many other decorations
that will compliment their new habitat. Reptiles will be
more secure in their environment if adequate hiding places
and branches to climb on are provided. A well-decorated
terrarium can be a magnificent centerpiece for any room. |
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Food
selection varies by species. Some reptiles are carnivorous
feeding mainly on insects, small rodents or fish, which
are readily available at your local Petland Discounts store.
Some others prefer fresh fruits and vegetables as part or
the whole of their diet. Whatever type of food your pet
prefers, it is very important to supplement their diet with
calcium and vitamins available specifically for reptiles.
Some species will also accept prepared foods available at
all Petland Discounts stores. |
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Filtration:
(Click
HERE for Filtration) |
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Aquatic
animals such as turtles and amphibians require significant
bodies of water as part of their new habitat. This water
must be maintained clean at all times to promote healthy
growth and development of the animal. A filter is an important
part of the aquatic reptile’s vivarium. Petland Discounts
carries a large variety of filters and other accessories
for your pet’s well-being and maintenance. Our associates
can help you select a filter that will meet the needs of
your pet. |
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Bowls
should be adequate for both drinking and soaking and heavy
enough so that it cannot be easily overturned. Some bowls
for use with reptile come in the shape of rocks or logs
to match your set-up. Some reptiles require the use of drip
systems, which are also available at Petland Discounts.
Make sure your reptile has fresh water on a daily basis. |
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A
very important tool for every pet owner. Consult books written
about your reptile pet to find out about its particular
needs. |
Did
you know: Most snakes shed their
outer layer of skin between 4 to 6 times a year. During the
shedding process, which lasts 1-2 weeks, snakes will probably
not eat, be less active and their eyes will have a milky haze
to them.
Did you know: If you keep more than one snake in a
cage, you should separate them for feedings to avoid having
two animals fighting over the same prey. Do not leave live
food in the tank unattended. The prey may turn on the snake
and do great amount of damage.
Did you know: One major difference in boas and pythons
is that boas are livebearers, while pythons lay eggs.
While
many green leafy vegetables are in fact a rich calcium
source, many of them are not suitable to feed reptiles
on prolonged basis. The main reason for this is that
some vegetables are also rich in oxalic acid, a naturally
occurring compound that prevents the absorption of
dietary calcium from foodstuffs. Following is a list
detailing the vegetables that should be used for feeding
vegetarian and some of those that are not recommended.
| Recommended: |
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Not
Recommended: |
| Dandelion
greens |
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Lettuce |
Mustard
Greens
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Spinach |
| Collard
Greens |
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Broccoli |
Escarole
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Cauliflower |
| Water
cress |
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Kale |
Peas
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Cabbage |
| Squash |
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Bok
choy |
| Pumpkin |
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Brussel
sprouts |
Fruit
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You
can print this page out, or download the entire
page on .pdf here.
If
you do not have Adobe Acrobat get it here.
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