Reptile care recommendations by reptilehq.com

Reptile pet habitat tips? Originally from East Africa, the sulcata tortoise is often seen in zoos and conservatories. But, they’re also a highly sought-after species in the pet trade. They are one of the largest tortoise species in the world, so caring for one is not for the faint of heart. Full-grown tortoises can reach 25 to 30 inches in size and tip the scales at over 100 pounds. Not only that, but they have a long lifespan. In good living conditions, a sulcata tortoise can live for 70 years or more! Thanks to their massive size, sulcata tortoises need a large outdoor enclosure. They love to explore and move around the habitat, so you cannot keep these creatures in confined spaces. Most owners will build a dedicated enclosure using tall concrete walls. While you might think that wooden fences would suffice, these reptiles are quite strong. They can easily blow through wood fences. These pet tortoises can also escape by other means. They are capable of climbing objects and burrowing in the substrate. So, take some extra time when planning the perfect habitat! The yellow-footed tortoise is very similar to the red-footed tortoise. However, it doesn’t feature the same intense coloration. But that doesn’t mean that this species is any less beautiful!

Bringing your first snake into your family requires preparation, and the certainty that everyone else in the family will be comfortable with the newcomer. Is there anyone in your family who might be afraid of snakes? Are you renting a home? If so, check with the landlord about whether pet snakes are permitted. Snakes are carnivores that eat their prey whole. Will the storage of the food items be a problem? Think about these things before deciding on a pet snake. A pet snake needs an enclosure, and a hidey-home inside the enclosure. Unlike enclosures for fish, hermit crabs, birds, and horses; bigger is not better for a snake enclosure. Small snakes become anxious when faced with a home that is too big. Generally speaking, arboreal snakes need tall enclosures and ground-dwelling snakes need wide ones. Choose a variety of snake before shopping for a terrarium, but buy and set up the snake home before you buy the snake. You’ll see why in a moment.

You’re not going to need a very large enclosure for your Mexican alligator lizard, but you should not go any smaller than 24 by 24 by 36 inches. If you have room, a larger enclosure would certainly be fine. Just remember to focus on the height of the enclosure rather than its length. Because the living space of a Mexican alligator lizard requires plenty of ventilation, glass enclosures shouldn’t be used. Instead, go for a screened living space. It will look nice, and you will have plenty of cross ventilation. Expert Tip: No matter what size of an enclosure you use, make sure that it has a tight fitting lid. These reptiles can be quite the escape artists, so be careful! With a little advanced planning and some creativity, you can design a living space for your lizard that’s the perfect combination of form and function. As long as you have the basic elements and plenty of enhancements, you can make an enclosure that is pleasing to both you and your Mexican alligator lizard. The first thing you’ll need to do is to decide on a substrate. Acceptable substrates include paper towels, newspaper, sphagnum moss or peat moss. Read more information at how to care for reptile pets.

My friend can’t care for their bearded dragon any longer and gave him to me. I want to keep him, but I don’t know what he’ll need to be healthy. Any tips on how to start taking care of a bearded dragon? Bearded dragons can make a good first-time reptile pet. They are generally easy to care for and can live up to 10 years of age. Make sure the enclosure is as big as possible and able to be easily disinfected. Heat lamps and external heat sources are required to maintain health and support their immune system. Make sure the temperature is 80-85 degrees on one side and 90-95 on the other so there is a temperature gradient in his enclosure. Always use temperature readers on both ends to ensure proper temperature. A basking light is also needed with a metal reflector so the dragon can warm itself.

The red-footed tortoise comes from Central and South America. It’s steadily gotten more popular in the reptile trade. Thanks to its active nature and unique appearance, this type of pet tortoise is quite popular among collectors and beginner reptile fans alike. These tortoises get their common name from the distinct coloration of their skin. The legs feature several brightly colored scales. The red scales are sporadic, creating a spotted appearance. You may even see some tortoises with red along the face and head. The carapace is more muted. The raised scutes are typically dark brown, black, or gray. However, the raised center usually features a splash of light tan. Red-footed tortoises are long-lived creatures. With proper care, most will live anywhere between 30 and 50 years in captivity! Find more info at here.