How to take care of turtles, lizards, and snakes at home

Image of a painted turtle on a tableThe number of reptiles kept as pets are increasing at an unprecedented rate. The proportion of pet stores that carry reptile pets, coupled with the ease of purchasing them online, has led to a boom in families keeping turtles, lizards, snakes, etc., as pets at home. 

For instance, in the United States, 9.4 million reptiles are owned as pets; in the UK, the number stands at 819000. Although owning a reptile as a pet seems fascinating, their upkeep and maintenance process is undulating and tenuous. Thus, it is best to do some preemptive research before welcoming a new ‘member’ into the family.

If you have been contemplating getting a turtle, lizard, or snake, our guide will help you take care of them correctly.

How to Take Care of Turtles at Home: A Simple Overview

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To the untrained eye, turtles may not seem as cuddly as cats or dogs, but they make excellent pets. However, if you want to get a turtle as a pet, be prepared for a long-term commitment, as turtles have a long life expectancy, almost 30 years or more.

  • Heat, Lighting, and Habitat – Turtles require supplemental heat to regulate their body temperature. They need invisible UVB rays that the sun emits to metabolize important nutrients like calcium. Therefore, the first step is to invest in a special heat light, under-tank heaters, UVB emitting bulbs, and likewise. They are essential to keep the indoor environment hospitable for the turtle.
  • Water Requirements – Depending on the type of turtle you have as a pet, the tank’s water requirements will vary. For instance, aquatic turtles need to fill 75 percent of the tank with water. A miniature area for basking is important. The key to keeping an aquatic turtle happy and healthy is to ensure that the tank has enough room and water for them to swim. Besides, it should be kept clean.

Food – You can purchase turtle food from reputable brands at most pet stores and online. In addition, leafy greens, foliage, and melons are treats your turtle pet will delightfully chomp down on. However, foliage and greens should be given moderately. You might be surprised to know that some turtles are carnivorous, and if that is the case, then make sure to feed them frozen meats as part of their regular diet.

Learn more about turtles up close and personal by booking show with us!

How to Take Care of Lizards at Home: A Simple Overview 

Lizards are incredible reptiles. They make wonderful pets, and their popularity as pets has increased in recent times. Some of the tips and tricks to take care of lizards at home are –

  • Basic Requirements of your Pet Lizard – To begin with, the rudimentary requirements of your pet lizard depend on the type or species of lizard you have. For instance, Chinese Water Dragons require a tall tank, preferably composed of substances other than glass. They need an area to swim, and the air inside the tank should be regulated at high humidity. On the other hand, Bearded Dragons – another lizard variant – need a tank that is short in height but long in length, as they are not fond of climbing. Furthermore, it is noteworthy to remember that some lizards also require climbing structures in their container.
  • Heat Requirements – Lizards are cold-blooded creatures. Thus, their tank needs a heating lamp or similar equipment. A UVB bulb and the heating bulb must be installed into your pet lizard’s container. Furthermore, the bulbs also have to be changed regularly. As lizards cannot see red, most heating lights are red in hue to ensure that your cute pet has a sound sleep.
  • Feeding Requirements – One of the most distinctive aspects of a pet lizard’s upkeep is its feeding requirements. Lizards are very finicky about what they eat. For instance, some variants of lizards only consume specific bugs, whereas others also prefer a decent portion of plant matter and foliage. Therefore, when you get a pet lizard, get a detailed analysis of its natural dietary habits. Likewise, when you feed bugs or insects to your pet lizard, ensure they are the right as to prevent choking. Simultaneously, most lizards also need fresh food, implying that you have to feed items like grasshoppers, crickets, worms, etc.

 

Ways to Take Care of a Snake at Home: A Simple Overview

  • Enclosure Requirements – The first thing to ensure before getting a pet snake is to build an appropriately-sized enclosure or tank. The most common options for enclosures include glass, plastic, and wood. The key to gauging the right size of the snake’s enclosure is to ensure that it can stretch out along the length of the enclosure.
  • Heating Requirements – One of the most pivotal parts of taking care of your pet snake is ensuring it gets an adequate amount of heat. As snakes are ectothermic, they must use the external environment to regulate their temperature. The two ways to maintain the heating requirements of the snake pet include – overhead hating and under tank heaters. Overhead Heating entails co-opting different kinds of bulbs and is a natural way to assist the snake in temperature regulation. On the contrary, underwater heaters (UTH) are preferred for snakes with a shy temperament or habituated to burrowing.
  • Water Dish – Thirdly, your pet snake needs access to an ample amount of water. It is essential for hydration when the snake is thirsty. Besides, snakes also enjoy getting a goad in their water dishes. Moreover, they can also use it to shed their skin. The key is to opt for a water dish that is neither too long nor too deep. Simultaneously, water dishes also help increase the humidity in the enclosure, something that is an integral part of a snake’s habit.


Conclusion

So, there we have it, a crisp overview of the different ways to care for turtles, lizards, and snakes at home. Besides checking off practical needs, shower your reptile pets with love, affection, and attention.

We can bring these reptiles to your home or your event location. Fill out our quick online form to book a show or call 973-586-0444 for more information. Serving the entire New Jersey tri-state region and beyond.

 

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