Reptiles, Rodents & Small Pets

Boa constrictors are nocturnal reptiles that hunt at night using heat-sensitive scales. Their life expectancy is dependent on their habitat, diet and ability to evade predators.

Leopard geckos make interesting pets, but they require the proper care. Setting up the right habitat for your leopard gecko is crucial to his health.

The term "sphinx moth" actually applies to several species of moths. In their caterpillar or larval stage they are known as hornworms. The tobacco or tomato hornworms are two species that are...

Reptiles are popular pets for those looking for something other than the run-of-the-mill cats, dogs or fish. Because of their delicate nature, being exothermic and often finicky eaters, they also...

Young praying mantises (called "nymphs") require different care than adults mantises. Once mantis nymphs hatch from their eggs, they resemble smaller versions of the adults. Scientists call this...

Map turtles are cold-blooded reptiles with a variety of needs that can be provided in an outdoor enclosure. Regardless of how well designed the enclosure, however, map turtles should not be left...

Rabbits make wonderful pets. They're gentle and friendly, enjoy being stroked and don't make much noise. Rabbits can also do a lot of damage. It's important to securely fence in the area of the...

Design a turtle enclosure in your backyard for the most natural lifestyle for your pet turtles. Turtles like to be able to dig, hide, rest in water, and in some cases even swim. Keeping a turtle...

Green geckos are more often referred to as day geckos because, unlike most of their ilk, they are active during the day. These geckos can be very territorial and aggressive and do not like to be...

A dual light stand that provides both heat and light is essential for any reptile enclosure, and tortoises need both UVA and UVB lamps to stay healthy and happy. UVA rays simulate natural sunshine...

A pet iguana needs a lot space in its enclosure to roam, climb and bask. A good iguana enclosure should be very large---much larger than typical reptile enclosures sold in stores---so building...

Iguana mites are often a problem for iguana owners. These external parasites (which look like tiny moving dots) can damage the health and happiness of captive iguanas, and will do significant harm...

A Sulcata Tortoise can be a demanding animal to care for. They will grow to weigh over 80 pounds and live for over 75 years. Correctly caring for your tortoise is essential to it's well being.

Do you want a pet, but not want all the work that comes with them? Are your kids nagging you for an animal, but you don't want to add yet another chore to your to-do list? Tree frogs may be the...

Snakes are one of the most widely kept reptiles. Being reptiles, they're fragile by nature, but not picky when it comes to housing. Snake cages don't have to be an expensive endeavor. With a...

Keeping reptiles can be a rewarding experience for anyone interested in a pet that many consider unorthodox. However, due to their inherent fragility, they require a degree of skill of caring...

If your iguana's enclosure is having mold problems, you have two likely culprits--your humidifier or your iguana's food. Unfortunately mold spores are airborne, so once you have a mold problem it...

Crested geckos are a nocturnal, tree-dwelling reptiles. When housed in captivity, it is imperative to replicate their natural environment to ensure good health and happiness. Inside a tall sturdy...

Snake mites, ophionyssus natricis, are quick spreading, species-specific parasites that feed off the blood of living snakes. They are vectors for several blood borne pathogens, and can be deadly...

Many varieties of snakes can be kept as pets and each species has particular needs. Aesthetics are secondary to proper care. As long as the snake's needs are put first, the sky is the limit when...

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...

There are many subspecies and local variants of Boa Constrictor that are smaller than their main land cousins. These island and dwarf boas have similar care requirements and can all be housed...

Argentine Boa Constrictors are a unique subspecies found in Argentina and Paraguay. With their distinct black, silver and white coloration and impressive sizes these boas always stand out. Their...

Bolivian Red-Tailed Boas (Boa c. amarali) are a slightly smaller form of boa from southern and southwest Brazil into Bolivia. These boas seldom exceed 6 feet in length and have a unique...

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...

Carpet Pythons are medium sized, semi-arboreal snakes from New Guinea and Australia. These pythons are an excellent choice for the beginning snake keeper. By following the steps in this article...

The California Kingsnake is an excellent choice for a first pet snake. Reaching only about 4 feet in length they are easy to handle and feed. This article will give you the basic information...

Burmese Pythons are large constrictors from Indonesia and Malaysia. Popular for their large size and gentle disposition these snakes are common in the pet trade. While a Burmese Python can make a...

The Blood Python is a heavy bodied snake from Indonesia. Growing to lengths of 6 feet or more and weighing in at 30 lbs. an adult Blood Python can make a breathtaking pet. With the right knowledge...

The Ball Python is a medium sized snake usually reaching 3 to 5 feet in length. Their personable demeanor and easy care make them very popular pet snakes. This combined with the many different...

The African Rock Python is a large heavy bodied constrictor found throughout Africa. Although this species is known to grow up to 20' and weight 200 lbs, males average 12' and females around 16'....

During the cold winter months, turtles and tortoises are usually stuck inside of a house. It is always necessary to have heatlamps for your turtles or tortoises throughout the cold, fall and...

Reptiles are often kept as pets because they do not smell bad and they are quiet. Common pets include turtles, snakes and iguanas. You can purchase reptiles from breeders as well as from local pet...

There is no substitute for fresh air and real sunlight when it comes to raising African Spurred Tortoises. Building an outside home for this terrestrial reptile is the perfect way to provide these...

Use a tight fitting lid on a tarantula cage to keep the spider in the enclosure. Learn more about setting up a tarantula enclosure with tips from an exotic animal expert in this free video on pet...

Snakes make very rewarding pets for people who want something a little exotic that does not require a tremendous amount of work. Young snakes and small species can be kept in an aquarium, but...

Turtles are cute, tame and fascinating animals, each with their own distinctive personality. Turtles can die in captivity due to negligence, which is sad. If you are committed to caring for a...

Caring for baby alligators is not difficult if you have an enclosure already established in which to house them. If you are starting from scratch, be prepared to spend some money and a...

Everyone who has had a Ball Python has experienced this at one time or another. They go to the local pet store to buy a rat for their snake and he doesn't eat it! What do you do now??? This is a...

This article is to teach you how to properly care for your "pet" Bearded Dragon. They make wonderful pets. If you follow these directions your pet will live a long and fulfilling life...

A Water Monitor is not a pet for the faint of heart. While rewarding to keep, these animals are aggressive carnivores! Some people feel that a Monitor Lizard is the ultimate pet. A great...

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-...

With its docile, friendly personality, a ball python is a great choice for a first snake, or a nice addition to the collection of an experienced reptile keeper. With the proper care and...

With their sociable personalities and lively natures, Russian tortoises can be a great addition to any family. Though not difficult to take care of, they do require the proper housing,...

Mexican Redknee tarantulas are some of the most beautiful and popular spiders in the hobby. With their black velvet bodies and bright orange banded legs, they are easily recognizable to anyone...

Red Tail boas can be a beautiful and exciting addition to any reptile collection. Because of their large size and specific environmental needs, it is important that they are housed and fed...

Turtles are a common household pet for children. Their inquisitive nature and eating habits can be fun for the whole family to admire. When keeping a turtle for a pet, be aware they have specific...

We don't exactly know why this seems to make a lizard submissive to the point of being comatose, but it often works. Perhaps it's a case of a lizard "playing possum," because many predators won't...

Many people purchase pets without knowing how to properly care for them. A lot of research is needed to care for the animal properly. Reptiles are a lot more work, due to most people not knowing...

Gardner snakes are known to be one of the easiest snakes to care for. They are active during the daytime, do not grow to large sizes and do not require multiple outings. However, they are known to...