| Reptile Husbandry |
From "Pet Care"
episode PCW-104 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
The five major areas of concern when caring for a reptile are the following: - Cleanliness
- Substrate
- Temperature
- Lighting
- Diet
Cleanliness Reptiles' cages must be kept scrupulously clean. In the wild these animals never stay in the same place for any length of time and thus never come in contact with their own waste. Doing so in a terrarium or vivarium can lead to illness and even death. - Clean the terrarium with a mild additive-free soap and water.
- Scrub the tank, then use a dilute bleach solution -- 1 part bleach to 16 parts water -- to wash it again. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of soap and bleach.
- Never use pine-based detergents -- they can cause health problems in tortoises.
Substrate - The substrate is the material that lines the bottom of the terrarium. A number of materials are suitable for use as a substrate: pine, alfalfa, Astroturf, etc. Be sure to find out which is the right type for your particular pet.
- If you use Astroturf, be sure to have two or three pieces cut to the correct size. Then when one is being washed, another can be used in its place.
Temperature Range - The temperature in your pet's habitat must range from cool to warm, as reptiles' body temperatures depend on their surroundings.
- Proper lighting is crucial (more about that later), and basking spots are important for your reptile's comfort (figure A).
- Create areas where your pet can hide.
- Be careful not to let your pet burn! Reptiles can be burned easily if the surface upon which they are lying is too hot, or if their home is placed in direct sunlight. Be aware of where you place your terrarium.
- Keep in mind that changes in your home's temperature will affect the temperature in the terrarium too.
Lighting - Proper lighting is crucial to a reptile's well-being! Some species can't form proper bones without UV light.
- Natural light is the best, but be careful about your pet's length of exposure to any type of light. Take your pet outside to get natural light at least three times a week.
Diet - Reptiles need variety in their diet just as people do. Some reptiles are strict herbivores; if you have room, plant a garden and let your vegetarian pet help himself to whatever he wants from it.
One last tip: - When you decide to adopt a reptile, be sure to find a vet who specializes in such creatures.
Guest: Dr. Cynthia Stringfield
Chief Veterinarian
The Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Web site: www.lazoo.org Web site resources for Reptile Husbandry: Nutrition for Reptiles at petsmart.com Choosing the Right Reptile at petsmart.com Handling Your Reptile at petsmart.com Humidity for Your Reptile at petsmart.com Reptile Habitats at petsmart.com Feeding Your Reptile at petsmart.com
| 
)
