Cold-blooded companions
Providing the best life for scaly friends starts with understanding their needs
Reptiles are increasingly popular as pets.
However, there is widely conflicting information available regarding their proper care.
One reason is that there are so many different species of reptiles, all with different requirements. Thus, it is essential to research the needs of a specific reptile beforetaking one on as a pet. Humans have long thought that minimalist enclosures for reptiles are sufficient, but there is more and more information available about what they require for their health and welfare. Below are some major factors you should consider when doing research on a reptile you are interested in as a pet.
Some reptiles grow to be a few inches long while others can grow up to several feet. This is important, as the size of their habitat plays a vital role in the welfare of a reptile. Some reptiles such as bearded dragons need very large habitats, while other reptiles such as small geckos or anoles can have smaller habitats. Arboreal reptiles such as chameleons require taller cages while reptiles that don’t climb much require wider cages.
Temperature requirements vary between reptiles: heat can be provided in the form of heat lamps and heat pads. A single habitat should have both warmer and cooler areas, to allow your pet to choose its own temperature. Keep in mind that the cool area should still be relatively warm. So, having a thermometer in each area is ideal. Avoid hot rocks, as they can easily burn a reptile. Daytime and nighttime bulbs may be required for a natural light cycle, depending on the reptile in question. In addition to temperature and lighting, UV bulbs may be needed to provide sufficient UV rays for bone development. Humidity is another factor to take into consideration. For example, Crested Geckos require high amounts of humidity while Bearded Dragons require lower amounts.
Many different substrates and decor exist. For example, sand is a comfortable substrate for some reptiles but can be dangerous to others due to potential ingestion, resulting in gastrointestinal impaction. Shredded bark may be used, as well as reptile cage carpets. Reptiles such as the Hognose snake like to dig tunnels, so carpets would not be enriching for them.
Reptiles vary greatly in their diets. Many reptiles such as bearded dragons can eat crickets, different worms, lettuce and other vegetables, while the average snake will eat mice or rats. It is important to know what your reptile of interest eats and what supplements may be required to maintain their health.
Be sure to find a veterinary clinic with an exotics/reptile veterinarian. Reptiles can decline quickly so it is very important to have general checkups as well as to seek immediate veterinary attention when illness is suspected. Lastly, because reptiles
are becoming more popular as pets, there are more reptiles ending up in animal shelters. Consider adopting an animal that needs a home.
Jessica D’Amico is a fourth-year veterinary student at the Atlantic Veterinary College with a strong interest in wildlife welfare. Animal Talk is a bi-monthly column in The Guardian produced by the Companion Animal Welfare Initiative (CAWI), the goal of which is to improve the welfare of owned and unowned companion animals on P.E.I. Members of CAWI are the P.E.I. Cat Action Team, P.E.I. Department of Agriculture and Forestry, P.E.I. 4-H, P.E.I. VMA, Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at AVC, SpayAid P.E.I., and the P.E.I. Humane Society. For more information, see gov.pe.ca/agriculture/CAWI. Readers may send questions related to the well-being of owned and unowned companion animals to askcawi@gmail.com.