Reptiles are one of the most diverse
species on earth found from the tropics to deserts and oceans to the
Arctic Circle. They can be aquatic, semi aquatic, tree, ground or
rock dwelling or even burrowing. The benefits of owning a reptile
are numerous. Besides having something different as a pet, that does
not evoke any allergies to its owner the fascination and allure of having
a relative of the dinosaurs and the oldest species of land creature on
earth is enough to get people started. However, much research
should be done before purchasing a reptile which is essential to
maintain its health and happiness.
All reptiles have a preferred body
temperature, which varies between species, fluctuates with seasons or
even certain times of day. There is an optimal temperature range for
each species necessary to maintain its metabolism, digestive enzymes,
reproductive system and behavior. Reptiles are dependent on their
environment and movement within it to achieve this. When out of this
temperature zone for too long, sickness, disease and a compromised immune
system occur. Unless returned to their required zone, even the best
medical care is of no avail since therapeutics is also temperature
dependent.
In order to maintain the health of
your reptile, specific requirements must be met which differ with each
species. Those include humidity, habitat, photoperiod, substrate,
water and food. For example, chameleons only drink water off leaves
while Emerald Tree Boas drink water collected in their tight coils.
Both of these species require daily misting and 50 to 60 percent humidity,
14 hours of light/10 hours dark photo period. While most snake diets
are small mammals, the Hognose snake eats toads; the Southern Brown snake
eats eggs; and some King snakes eat other snakes! Bearded Dragons
and Basilisks devour insects while many monitors are carnivorous. On
the other hand, your red and yellow-foot tortoises primarily eat fruits
and veggies.
To maintain proper temperatures,
heat sources and ranges for each species should be determined.
Desert species such as Collard lizards require 100-105 degree basking area
obtained from an overhead heat source with the remainder of the cage being
80-85 degrees. The popular green iguana, which is primarily a tree
dweller, uses only radiant heat from the sun (their heat receptors are in
their back). They are often accompanied by a hot rock which does not
heat the surrounding habitat and provides unnatural, inadequate spot heat
that can lead to poor digestion and long term thermal burns since they
cannot feel the extent or utilize this belly heat. Overhead ceramic
heaters and unfiltered sunlight are safer and more effective alternatives.
Reptile lights are another
important subject since it has been shown that many of the lights you can
purchase do not provide adequate UVB spectrum and even the best ones must
be replaced after six to eight months since they lose their
effectiveness. This can lead to secondary medical conditions that
can be misdiagnosed or can reoccur when assuming the proper equipment was
used. A list of full spectrum lighting that provides adequate UVB is
available from your local herp club or experienced reptile vet.
There are specific diseases, which
accompany any pet you may acquire. There is a potential for your
reptile to carry a disease such as salmonella, sparganosis, pentastomiasis,
equine encephalitis, Q and Relapsing fever and zygomycosis, to name a few,
all of which are transmittable to humans. An experienced reptile
veterinarian should be consulted either before or during your new pet's
routine checkup.
State and Federal permits may be
required on certain species of reptiles not only by the owner, but by the
attending veterinarian, also. Check this out before you purchase
your reptile or choose your veterinarian.
Other questions you should consider:
-
can you meet the reptiles needs
-
is it a handleable species
-
what is the annual expense of keeping
one
-
can you provide the proper housing as
it becomes a full grown adult
A local herp club is an excellent source
of information as well as an experienced reptile veterinarian that offers pre-purchase
counseling. A free phone call can be very enlightening!
Once you obtain your reptile, an initial medical checkup can save many
headaches down the road. Many reptiles are purchased or obtained
with improper husbandry advice and may be infected with parasites.
An once of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Remember that we are
trying to give our reptile friends the most natural environment and diet
as possible. Reptiles make fascinating and enjoyable pets, and
although they require a fair amount of work, are well worth the effort!
The above is a reprint of an article
written by Jack Landess, D.V.M., as a public service. Reprint
permission was obtained from the Florida
Pet Pages.
For more Reptile
information
see:
Animal
Den Reptile
& Amphibian Gifts
