Reptiles such as lizards, turtles and snakes are rapidly growing in popularity and can make interesting pets for both young and old. Being “cold-blooded” they have special requirements to keep them healthy and live a long life (which can often be 20 years plus!)
There are specific laws and regulations for the keeping of reptiles as pets so check with your state and local authorities before considering a new family member. Remember not to take reptiles from the wild, purchase only from a licensed breeder.
Housing
Large aquariums are suitable for most of the smaller species of reptiles. For snakes and pythons a box of strong wood and glass may be more suitable. Cover the floor with large gravel, wood chips or shredded newspaper, and create hiding places eg pile of leaves and bark, hollow log. Provide a shallow water dish that can’t be tipped over. Lizards do not cope well with humidity so ensure their enclosure is kept dry.
Reptiles are cold-blooded animals which means that they draw on heat from their environment to keep warm. Correct heating is therefore a very important factor in the housing of these pets. For lizards and snakes adequate heating can be provided with a 100 watt light bulb. When deciding where to put this light make sure that it is at one end of the cage to allow your pet to get closer to the heat or move away as it wishes to. Reptiles have a “preferred optimum temperature range” at which they will remain at their peak. For lizards this means that the temperature in their enclosure should be kept between 20-30ºC whilst snakes prefer 20-28ºC. It is best if the light bulb is hanging to ensure that your pet will not burn themselves. If you have a nocturnal species, heating from within or below the floor is a better option in order to create a dark cage. Also, watch the humidity of your pets enclosure– this should be maintained around 50%. A UV light source is important for snakes and lizards if they are kept inside.
Turtles are water based reptiles and should have a small pond. Young turtles are best kept indoors. An aquarium approximately 1m long is a good choice for small turtles. Also, create a water bed floor using large gravel with a sloped bank area (use of large rocks is ideal) to provide a dry area for the turtle to bask. Water quality is a very important aspect of turtle husbandry as a number of problems can arise if not maintained properly. The pH of the water should be kept between 7.4 – 8.0. If it is not in this range a buffer may need to be added to the water or if your water is too acidic 1 teaspoon of marine salt mix may need to be added per 10 litres of water at each change. Temperature should be kept between 18-21ºC. About 25% of the water should be changed weekly to keep it nice and fresh. A white incandescent light at one end of the tank will allow you to imitate a night and day cycle which turtles require. It also helps create a temperature gradient in the tank, 25-28ºC. UV light is also important, available as special UV bulbs for reptiles, or you can allow your reptile access to sunshine for 30 minutes each day.
Diet
Most reptiles can be fed snails, crickets, mealworms. Calcium supplements are recommended. Fresh water is important for all species and is best kept in a tip proof container. Lizards should only be fed twice a week as they are prone to becoming overweight. Diets for lizards can include rats, mice, chickens, chopped meats with the fat cut off, chopped boiled eggs, dandelion flowers, soft vegetables and fruit. Cockroaches and other insects may be given to smaller lizards. In winter time you may notice your lizards appetite decreases – do not be alarmed as this is normal.
Snakes can be fed a range of warm blooded prey including mice, rats, chickens. Ensure prey is dead and thawed if frozen. Offering the food to your snake using tongs helps to simulate prey movement. Obesity can become a problem in snakes but is easily preventable by feeding once a week.
Turtles need only be fed 3-5 times a week, offering small amounts of food each time for example 5-10 bite sized pieces. They are carnivorous and will only eat when they are in water. Commercial turtle feeds are available from pet stores and should be used rather than pieces of meat which are deficient in vitamins and minerals. Other foods that can be offered are earthworms, insects and small fish. If uneaten food remains in the tank remove it after an hour of feeding.
General Health
Lizards and snakes shed their skin each year, snakes may shed several times. At this time it is best to leave your pet alone. If you do have to handle your reptile be gentle so you don’t disturb any new skin forming. Providing a rock or piece of bark for them to rub against is a good idea. If your pet has not shed its skin completely you can try soaking it in warm water for ten minutes however never leave them alone in water and don’t attempt to pull its skin off as this can cause damage.
Reptile disease is often a product of husbandry and hygiene mismanagement. The best thing to do is learn as much as you can about caring for your reptile.
