Care & Husbandry Articles
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List of non-toxic plants for your terrarium
Feeding Pre-killed Prey to Reptiles
Great information on feeding your reptiles
Increasing Cage Humidity
Dealing with Snake Mites
If you own snakes, or have read about their care, you no doubt have heard of snake mites. Some books make snake mites out to[...]to identify a mite problem in your snake collection, and the steps that we recommend you take to remedy the problem.
Full Spectrum UV Lighting
The main goal for most people who keep reptiles as pets is to provide their animals with the absolute best possible care. [...]species such as bearded dragons and tortoises. In this article, I will discuss the importance of full spectrum lighting.
Tarantulas As Pets
Do tarantulas really make good pets? Well, that really depends on a few factors, namely, what the keeper intends on getting out of having a pet tarantula. If you are in search of a cuddly pet to snuggle with on a cold night, then a tarantula is not for you. If your looking for a critter to carry around with you on your shoulder when you go shopping, then a tarantula is not for you. However, if you are searching for a truly unique and fascinating pet, one that requires minimal daily maintenance and even less physical contact, then look no further. A tarantula is for you.
Handling Reptiles
Water and Hydration for Herps
Water is great stuff. We take it for granted, but we sure would miss it if it was gone. Our bodies are about 70% water. The same goes for our planet; nearly 75% of it's surface is covered by water. Water is quite simply vital for most any form of life to thrive. This goes for bacteria, humans, and reptiles. Many neophyte reptile owners are under the false impression that all herps will drink happily from a bowl of standing water. This is simply not true, in fact many species will ignore water if its is not moving. In this article I hope to inform of the theory and methods behind keeping your reptiles properly hydrated.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Captive Herps
In nature, reptiles and amphibians are exposed to a wide variety of food items, often much more varied and ultimately more nutritious than those diets fed to captive herps. As a result, animals maintained on diets consisting solely of store bought crickets and worms are often deficient of many life sustaining trace minerals and vitamins. Wild insects often have a much more varied and complete gut contents than compared with those that are reared in cricket farms. Additionally, wild animals may feed on as many as a dozen different species of insect in a given day, where as pet herps usually subsist on only a few commonly available bugs.
Is My Reptile Warm Enough?
IS MY REPTILE WARM ENOUGH?
Reptilian Brumation
Reptilian Brumation: Physiological Aspects and Captive Management Explained By Jonathan Rheins
Incubation of Reptile Eggs
Incubation of Reptile Eggs - By Jonathan Rheins
Feeding Stubborn Snakes
FEEDING STUBBORN SNAKES
LLLReptile's Interview With Bob Applegate
Interview between LLLReptile's Jonathan Rheins & Bob Applegate
Feeding Insectivorous Reptiles
Many commonly kept species of reptiles and amphibians make insects and other invertebrate prey a large portion of their natural diet. In fact, they may feed upon as many as a dozen different species within a single day, each one containing different levels vitamins and minerals that are vital to health and growth. As with all aspects of captive husbandry, it is our goal as keepers to try and provide our animals with the most natural and beneficial care. Food is certainly no exception.
Responsible Herp Keeping
There is simply no denying the growing popularity of reptiles in our country. We watch them on TV, read about them in the paper, and see them at pet shops. There are even reptile expos. We are clearly a people with a fascination for what is different and new. With growing frequency, households across America are taking things one step further by bringing these animals into their homes as pets. It has already become clear that reptiles can make rewarding pets if cared for properly. However, keeping exotic animals as pets is not without caveats. If we want to maintain our rights as animal lovers to keep reptiles as pets we must do so responsibly and with the consideration of others in mind.
Tips For Raising Baby Tortoises
ortoises, as a group, have long been among the most popular pet reptiles. Their wide availability coupled with their outgoing personalities and straightforward care have made them favorites among beginning and advanced hobbyists alike.
Notes on the Feeding of Monitor Lizards
Monitor lizards of the genus Varanus have long been popular among reptile enthusiasts of all ages and levels of experience. These large, intelligent creatures can provide an extremely rewarding pet experience if they are properly cared for and their needs met.
Reptile Acclimation
To an experienced reptile keeper, the term acclimation would likely be associated with the (sometimes) lengthy and rigorous process of aiding in the adjustment of a wild-caught animal to a captive lifestyle. And while this is sometimes the case, many beginning hobbyists may not realize that even captive bred herps of all types and sizes will require a acclimation period when first obtained.
Lizard Claws: To Trim or Not to Trim
Most lizard species that are commonly kept as pets are small and docile enough to make the issue of nail trimming inconsequential. However, in larger species, sharp nails can inflict nasty scratches on both owner and themselves if not kept in check. For their relative size, lizards are strong animals, and even friendly specimens used to human contact can inadvertently cause harm with unruly claws.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF BEARDED DRAGONS
The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) of central Australia, has risen from moderate obscurity to become one of the world’s favorite pet lizards in the span of only a few decades. Their personable demeanor, manageable size, and attractive appearance have all contributed to their current level of popularity.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR OUTDOOR HOUSING OF TORTOISES
Tortoises are among the most intelligent and responsive reptile pets that one can own. Their personable demeanor and simple dietary requirements further add to their appeal. However, in addition to the aforementioned positive attributes, there are certain aspects of chelonian care that may prove troublesome for all but the most prepared of keepers.
TIPS FOR RAISING BABY BEARDED DRAGONS IN CAPTIVITY
There is no denying or avoiding the fact that Australian bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) have made their mark on American herpeteculture, and that they are here to stay. Combine a calm demeanor, dragon-like appearance, a handful of fancy color variants, and a reproductive strategy that would make most rabbits jealous, and you get the bearded dragon, perhaps the perfect lizard pet.
Chameleon Care - An Overview
Old world chameleons are without a doubt one of nature’s most beautiful and mysterious creatures. Clad in brilliant colors and equipped with some if the animal kingdom’s most unique physical attributes, it is no wonder that these animals have gained such popularity among reptile hobbyists and nature lovers alike.
Feeding Aquatic Turtles
Aquatic turtles have always been popular terrarium subjects, both as a result of their ready availability and physical variety. However, due to their semi-aquatic nature, certain aspects of their husbandry may prove more challenging than those of a terrestrial species.
Multiple Species Habitats
Tips on the pros and cons of Multiple Species habitats
Hay As A Part of a Grassland Tortoise's Diet
Some respected tortoise keepers recommend a diet for grassland species that contains up to 85% high-fiber foraging feed such as alfalfa hay, grass hay, and various other grasses, with only a small portion of the diet being fresh produce commonly found at the grocery store. With this in mind, it is important to understand the differences between the various types of hay available and to provide an appropriate mix of hays and fresh greens for your tortoise.
Review of Reptile Heat Bulbs
A breakdown of the different Heat bulbs commonly available for reptiles.
