Ask An Expert: 5 Tips For Owning Your First Reptile
Dave V.
Pangea Pets
19333 South Dixie Highway
Cutler Bay, Florida 33157
(305) 254-0110
Pangea Pets
Make Your Decision To Own A Reptile Wisely
If this is your first reptile, make sure that it does not require having a license that would need to be renewed yearly and could cost up to $100 per year. The Department of Agriculture website will be able to help you with that information. Reptiles are not like a cat or dog -- They are not very active and mostly eat and breed, so, having a reptile could get boring quickly. You have to have a definite interest in whatever type of reptile you choose, as well as the commitment to care for them for what could become a very long time. Reptiles live much longer than animals; in fact, snakes can live up to 30+ years. It is imperative that you do your research carefully and extensively before heading to the reptile store so that you know exactly what you are up against and the behavior that will be characteristic of the reptile that you finally choose, as well as their life span.
Properly Caring For Your Reptile Is A Top Priority
Sometimes caring for reptiles can get very expensive. The cage that you purchase must be large enough to give the reptile enough space to have some freedom of movement and be prepared for your reptile to grow and purchase a larger cage to accommodate its size as time goes on. Cleaning that cage could take anywhere from a half hour to an hour a few times a week or once a week, depending on the reptile's cleanliness, when it is in the process of shedding its skin, and how often it alleviates itself of its waste. What you feed them is dependent on the species that you choose. Some need live food such as rats and crickets and others need pre-killed food or simply lettuce. Regardless, it is important that their food be the proper consistency so they can digest properly. Make sure that you always know where you are going to purchase the food and if it will be readily available when you need it. Keep in mind that reptiles rely on their instinct for survival. Some, such as snakes, do not have very good eyesight. Knowing the right way to handle the reptile is crucial to your safety and the safety of any children or other adults in your family.
Accommodate Your Living Space To Make The Reptile Comfortable With His Surroundings
A critical factor for caring for reptiles properly is temperature control. Keep in mind that they are cold-blooded creatures. They need to be able to go from cold to warm when it fits their needs. If you have other pets in the household, make sure not to co-mingle them with the reptile. In some instances, if your choice of reptile is a large snake, there is the potential for it to eat a small dog or cat if aggravated or extremely hungry. It is best to keep the reptile on a screened-in porch in a covered cage. Determine the safest place to put the reptile while you clean the cage. Handle the reptile carefully and become attuned to feeding times. Snakes like to hide away when they sleep so make sure to outfit the cage accordingly, perhaps by adding a shelf in the cage that the reptile can crawl into. Always wear gloves when cleaning the cage because their waste has the possibility to carry bacteria or salmonella.
Make Sure You Understand The Reptile's Eating Habits And How To Determine When Not Feeling Is Normal
Although it may not seem difficult, the food that you feed your reptile may end up being the greatest challenge. If they eat live rats or crickets or small insects, make sure you are able to obtain this form of food on a regular basis. Once you find the right food, stick to the same diet and routine. Just as important is understanding the cost that goes into keeping the reptile well fed and healthy. It may take a period of trial and error to determine its diet and when it is hungry. Most reptiles do not eat two times a day, like a dog or cat. It might be every two days that they gain their appetite. Find the right supplier to sell you live or pre-killed food for the reptile's appetite and for the right price. Get to know your reptile's behavior in order to tune into when it needs to go to the vet. It is very possible that daily stressors can take a toll on their immune systems, and recognizing that is the key to a healthy pet. Ask yourself questions such as: has its eating and/or drinking habits changed? Does it look different or are there lumps on its skin? Are they having a shedding problem with their skin? Is it having issues breathing? If you are totally in tune with your pet reptile, you will be familiar with the signs that it is time to take it to the vet. There are exotic reptile vets and the pet shop that you buy it from will most likely be able to refer you to a good vet.
Give Yourself Ample Time To Find The Right Person To Care For Your Reptile While You Are On Vacation
When planning a vacation, it is crucial to make sure your reptile is in good hands. It is best to see if a good friend or neighbor can help out, but, if no one is available, check with your favorite pet store for references or go to Care.com to find the right person for this responsibility. Once you are able to find someone, make sure to have them come over and give them all the information they need to feed and provide water to the reptile a week or so in advance. This way, they become familiar, take notes and can ask their questions prior to your leaving. Buy live insects or crickets in advance and store them in a jar. Depending on the type of food the reptile consumes, make sure everything is pre-prepared before you leave and the pet sitter is aware of exactly the way to give them the food and water without endangering themselves. The sitter must be aware of the temperature control as well. Leave important phone numbers such as the vet and pet store for the sitter in case of an emergency. If you only plan to be away for one week, you could possibly feed it before you go, leave water for the week and be assured that it will be fine until you return.
A longtime resident of Palm Beach County in South Florida, Hope Wilkos divides her passions between writing, fashion and scuba diving. With the gift of self-expression, Hope has used her writing skills to cover memorable events over the last five years and share that thrill and accomplishment with her readers. To achieve your goals, Hope strongly believes that you must "Follow Your Dream."
