Pet Reptiles

Whether your pet is the impressively large red-tailed boa constrictor, the small rosy boa, or the rare sand boa, feeding it is basically the same. In the wild, boas thrive on a diet of small...

External parasites such as maggots are an annoyance for pet reptiles, but they also can carry diseases. The pests can harm reptiles by causing weakness and infection. Because a maggot infestation...

There is some debate on whether a hatchling (baby) desert tortoise should be hibernated. Some experts once recommended that they not be hibernated until their third winter. However, with more...

Metabolic bone disease is a condition that affects certain reptiles. It is characterized by the weakening or thinning of bones as a result of poor calcium absorption. It can be a crippling...

The Cook Islands, low coral atolls located in the South Pacific about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, are home to about 20 reptile species, native and imported.

Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures, and they need to have a certain median heat around them at all times or else they will become cold and die quickly. Most reptile cages, except those in areas...

Common mealworms, or Tenebrio Molitor, are one of the most frequently raised feeder insects. The small worms are easy to grow and harvest in a home environment, and are readily used by reptile and...

Most reptiles, because they are cold-blooded, need a heat source in their aquariums. Lighting is an effective way to create this essential environment. While each species' lighting needs varies,...

There is little evidence that PVC pipes are harmful to reptiles. In fact, many scientists and hobbyists who work with reptiles recommend PVC pipes as construction materials in reptile cages....

Turtles are long-lived reptiles with attached shells. Turtles are divided into 12 biological families, with a wide range of appearance, habitat and behavior. Over 250 species exist around the...

All animals shed their skin at regular intervals. Unlike mammals, which are constantly shedding their skin in small pieces, reptiles shed their skin in large pieces every few weeks or months. ...

Maybe making a pond for your favorite turtle at home is a better idea than buying one from the marketplace. Turtles inhabit fresh water and bear equal chances of a comfy survival in a man-made...

Meal worms are one of the most common live food items for lizards and turtles. They're small, clean, nutritious and easy to keep. Usually sold in batches by the dozen or more, you'll often not...

Pediatric metabolic bone disease is an issue with reptiles because when the animals are purchased from a pet store the new owner is given insufficient information on the care and feeding of their...

The American alligator is a large reptile found from North Carolina to Florida and across the Gulf States to western Texas. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission estimates that 1.25 million...

Iguanas are one of the most popular pets among reptile enthusiasts. They've been kept in households for decades and are quite easy to find, available at almost any pet shop. As babies, they can be...

Rabbits are small, long-eared, nocturnal mammals. They are also highly social. Pet rabbits enjoy close, affectionate relationships with their owners. Although rabbits can make great companions,...

Before acquiring a pet reptile, please do research on how large they get. Pet stores only sell young animals and many species of lizards, snakes and turtles will quickly outgrow these homes. Since...

Reptiles have been around for hundreds of millions of year. Their life spans can range from a few years to decades. The inception, hatching and maturing of a reptile depend on factors ranging from...

Iguanas are small reptiles that are becoming more popular as pets. In their native environment, reptiles spend time in a great deal of heat and humidity, so it is important to replicate their...

Metabolic bone disease, or MBD, is a term that is used to describe a variety of conditions in reptiles that involve the deterioration of their bones. The most commonly affected reptile is the...

If you've ever had a pet reptile, like a bearded dragon or baby monitor, then chances are you've fed it a nice treat of either live or canned mealworms. You may have also encountered them in wild...

No matter the type of snake you have there are several easy steps you can take to ensure safety for both you and your pet during feeding time.

Moving is one of the top 10 most stressful events in a person’s life- we can all agree on this fact. Wherever you go, your pet is part of the journey and is hopefully not lost, injured or stressed...

Iguanas can be difficult pets to keep due to care and attention requirements. An iguana is incapable of regulating its own body temperature, requiring iguana owners to build adequate habitats that...

Corn snakes (Elaphe guttata guttata) are colubrids native to the eastern United States. Toted as the perfect first snake due to their modest size, calm personalities and the wide array of color...

Caring for a reptile takes time and effort. A reptile should always have a clean terrarium that is clear of pests. Cleaning out a reptile terrarium helps your reptile to remain healthy and happy,...

Common Boa Constrictors are one of the most popular large snakes in the pet trade. Reaching sizes of about 7 feet in length, Common Boas are impressive yet manageable captives. In this article you...

Reptiles are one of the fastest growing pets in the country, largely due to the fact that they have no dander to be allergic to such as those of furry pets. While many pet stores offer terrariums...

Keeping reptiles is a great alternative to larger animals like cats or dogs. Reptiles do not require nearly as much maintenance and can be kept in a terrarium cage. Here's how to make a basic...

When it comes to feeding your pet reptile, one of the best forms of food is the cricket. You can easily find crickets in any pet store. They provide both the nutrition and stimulation needed to...

Snakes can Make great pets. They don't have no hair to clean up and they very rarely smell. Giving them an occasional bath with help them when they need to shed. Snakes like to be clean just like...

When purchaseing a columbian red tail boa you want to take care to choose a healthy specimen. Many breeders out there are trying to sell sick or poorly cared for snakes. don't be a victim to these...

Reptiles are not domesticated animals. Lizards, snakes, tortoises and turtles require living conditions that mimic their native environments. Reptile keepers, whether private collectors or zoos,...

Iguanas need more than a little wire enclosure with a water bowl to keep them happy. This massive and impressive reptile needs very specific requirements and lots of room to accommodate his five-...

Veiled chameleons are tropical reptiles that require quite a bit of care. One of the things that is most important for veiled chameleons is the light in their habitat. Veiled chameleons need UVB...

When setting up a terrarium for your pet, it is important to provide a shelter inside the terrarium to give your pet a place to hide. Most pet stores sell a large variety of shelters for use in...

A pet reptile's habitat should mimic the reptile's natural habitat as closely as possible. Herpetologists say that this can increase the lifespan of a captive reptile. You can find information on...

Iguanas make great pets for older children. They're inexpensive and easy to care for and live happy, placid lives for up to 10 years.