Reptiles are fascinating creatures that can add a lot to your life. But, they also require a substantial commitment of time, space and money.
Their environment must be escape and draft proof with specific light/dark cycles, specialized heating/cooling systems and a food source. Specialized veterinary care is also often required.
Temperature
Most reptiles require warm, humid environments. They can be hypothermic if not kept at the proper temperature ranges. The temperature required depends on the reptile species and the climate where they originate.
The environment also requires proper humidity levels to prevent diseases such as internal parasites. The amount of water vapor in the air is usually measured with a hygrometer. The hygrometer should be placed in the enclosure and should be read daily to ensure that the humidity level remains consistent. This helps to eliminate a dry, dusty atmosphere that can cause irritation and disease for the animal.
The type of substrate a pet owner uses can also affect the humidity level in an enclosure. For example, cypress mulch can hold moisture well and is resistant to mold. However, this type of substrate can be expensive and difficult to clean thoroughly. For these reasons, most reptile owners choose newspapers as a substrate for their pets. Newspaper is inexpensive and easy to clean, and it allows any regurgitated material or droppings to be easily observed.
Humidity
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It is a critical factor in reptile pet care because it determines the water vapor content of your reptile’s environment, which can affect their overall health and well-being.
Proper humidity levels vary by species. Some reptiles, like chameleons and green tree pythons, require very high levels of humidity while others, such as corn snakes and tortoises, thrive in lower humidity environments.
Keeping the humidity in your reptile’s enclosure is important because it helps prevent respiratory problems, skin and shell disorders, and shedding issues. The best way to monitor and control the humidity is by using a hygrometer. These are fairly inexpensive and can be found at any pet store or lowes/home depot. They secure to the inside of your reptile’s terrarium and read both the temperature and humidity.
Adding a humidifier or fogger is another way to increase humidity for your reptile. However, misting isn’t good for every type of reptile because it can lead to fungal growth in the cage. It is also important to keep the enclosure out of direct sunlight, especially in the summer, and add a hiding spot or shady area to provide relief from hot light sources.
Lighting
We often see a cute corn snake with its soothing disposition or a Chinese water dragon happy to sit on someone’s lap, but these reptiles and their species-specific needs are not always portrayed accurately. In reality, a pet reptile requires a lot of daily care including temperature, humidity and light/dark cycles that may not coincide with the owner’s schedule or backup power in case of a power outage. Feeding, heating, lighting and cage equipment can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars per year.
Many reptiles require a source of full-spectrum UVB lighting to emulate natural sunlight in their enclosures. In the wild, reptiles spend hours basking under UV rays to manufacture vitamin D3 in their skin for calcium absorption from food. Without this UV exposure, reptiles can develop a serious and potentially life-threatening disease called nutritional metabolic bone disease.
Many owners report difficulty with providing a direct source of UVB lighting in their snakes, lizards and chelonians’ enclosures. These bright lights can disrupt the animals’ waking/sleeping cycles, stressing them out and decreasing their immune system strength. A frosted or “blacklight” bulb is a common option that emits UVB light during the day but glows very dim at night, allowing the animal to be able to rest peacefully.
Diet
Reptiles are ectotherms and cannot control their own body temperature, so the environment plays a vital role in their overall health. Proper temperatures, humidity ranges, and light/dark cycles are critical for their survival.
Reptile owners must also provide a nutritious diet for their pet. Imbalanced diets lead to nutritional disease in reptiles. For example, snakes that eat primarily mice are more likely to develop metabolic bone disease from a deficient diet. Pellets and well-balanced fresh foods should be fed to reptiles, particularly herbivores and omnivores.
Herbivorous species (green iguanas, spiny-tailed lizards) require a high percentage of fresh, leafy green vegetables and some fruit for a healthy diet. Omnivorous reptiles can be satisfied with a balanced diet of both meat and vegetables. For optimal dietary balance, serve a rotation of food to your reptile and always ensure that the base diet is nutritionally sound. Insectivorous species such as geckos, skinks and young chameleons should be fed gut loaded or dusted insects that contain adequate nutritive value to keep them healthy. Many reptiles enjoy eating live prey such as worms and crickets but should only be fed these in moderation.
Exercise
Reptiles are often marketed as low-maintenance pets, but they still require unique and specialized care. Many vets do not feel comfortable treating reptiles, so be sure to find a herpetological (reptile/amphibian) veterinarian who specializes in your pet’s specific species.
A properly maintained reptile enclosure is a clean and sanitary place for the animal to live. Like a dog or cat, feces and shed skin must be cleaned from their habitat regularly.
While they are less injury-prone than cats or dogs, reptiles can suffer from a number of health issues, such as metabolic disorders, dehydration and hypothermia. Observing your pet’s behavior and keeping detailed records will help you identify signs of illness early on.
Reptiles are sensitive animals who should never be snatched from their ecosystems or bred in factories, where they are often subjected to cruelty. They enjoy swimming, climbing, burrowing, hunting and exploring their territories in nature – all of which they are denied when kept as “pets”. Caring for a reptile can also provide a sense of purpose and connection for people who may struggle to connect with other humans.