Choosing
a Reptile as a Pet
There are many factors to take into
consideration when choosing a reptile as a pet; each type of reptile
requires specific environmental and dietary needs. To prepare yourself
it is important to research the specific reptile's needs prior to their
purchase. A reptile can make a very rewarding pet, and with the correct
care and diet can live a long and healthy life. You also need to keep
in mind that many of these animals can live for many years; therefore
you need to be prepared to care for these animals for their projected
lifespan. If you are using the internet as your information source be
very careful to choose reputable, science-based websites.
The first decision you need to make is what kind of reptile you are
interested in and what kind is most suited to your lifestyle. Reptiles
can include snakes, turtles, lizards and more. There are many good
"starter" reptiles that are a good starting point for novice reptile
owners. The following list includes some good beginner reptiles;
- Leopard Gecko
- Bearded Dragon
- Ball Python
- Corn Snake
- King Snake
- Savannah Monitor
You need to take into consideration the time you will have to devote to
the care of your reptile, the space you have to house them and how
comfortable you are feeding them their appropriate diet, which may
include whole prey like mice or rats.
When housing a reptile it is important to strive to mimic their natural
habitat as much as possible in order to decrease unwanted stress. The
following points are very important to keep in mind when purchasing an
enclosure for a reptile:
- The size of the enclosure appropriate to the size and
type of reptile
- The correct type of enclosure
- The correct lighting required
- The correct type of substrate to use as bedding
- How to ensure the enclosure maintains the correct
temperature and humidity
- Ensuring the enclosure is escape proof
**Different species will
have different requirements so it is important to do your research.
The correct diet is very important in reptiles as they can quickly
become malnourished if they are not receiving the correct amounts of
vitamins, minerals, proteins, etc. It is important to find out what
your reptile requires to ensure a balanced diet. Important points
include:
- Correct type of food
- Correct frequency of feedings
- Correct amount of food
- Are there any supplements that need to be added to
the food?
It is important to recognize obvious signs of illness prior to
purchasing. Ensure the animal has clear, bright eyes, no nasal or oral
discharge, healthy looking scales or shell and a healthy looking
weight. They should be attentive to their surroundings and be bright
and alert when handled. Any reptile that appears to be ill or
malnourished is not a good candidate for a pet, these animals should be
avoided. Bring your newly acquired reptile to a veterinarian who is
familiar with the species for a health check. Bring a stool sample if
possible since parasites are a common problem in reptiles. If there are
any signs of illness it should be brought to the attention of your
veterinarian immediately. A reptile's condition can worsen very quickly
therefore prompt treatment of the problem will result in a better
prognosis for your pet.
Veterinary Care of your
Reptile
It is highly recommended to have your new reptile is checked by a
veterinarian within the first couple days of purchasing; this can
ensure your reptile is in good health. Your veterinarian can also check
for any internal or external parasites and guide you on the appropriate
diet, housing, etc. for your new reptile. Annual veterinary
visits are also recommended as good preventive care to rule out any
underlying conditions that may be present and ensure your reptile is at
optimum health.
If you have any questions regarding the choice of reptile or a reptile
that you currently own, please do not hesitate to call the Bowmanville
Veterinary Clinic at (905) 623-4431. |
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