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Reptile Housing
There are a few ways of making these creatures feel at home. There are strict
rules regarding this as any variation particularly in heating can cause the
demise of a reptile pet. These conditions are left to the hobbyist yet there
are many products that are available now make the requirements for reptiles
very easy to maintain. Indoor terrariums are best, these areas of course
must be escape proof, and have adequate room for your pet, along with essential
heating, ventilation, humidity, and lighting all depending on the specific
needs of the reptile in question.
Terrariums Types:
oThe heated dry terrarium for the desert and semi-desert species.
oThe heated humid type for the tropical species.
oThe heated dry type for the species of the temperate climates.
oThe heated humid type for the damp woodland species.
oThe heated & filtered aqua-type for those that require a body of water.
The shape of the terrarium is unimportant, however a tall type would be advisable
for the arboreal species and a shallow type for the terrestrial species.
Most pet shops carry complete terrariums that are ready to be inhabited.
Some hobbyists build their own terrariums from found objects yet these may
present problems such as poisons and insects. The reptile could care less
about this as long as its requirements are met. One of those requirements
is the size of your reptile's home. The size, number, and habit of the pet
you choose dictate this. As an example, a pair of small terrestrial lizards
could be at home in a 2x1x1-foot terrarium. For the arboreal lizard the same
dimensions would be suitable with the terrarium being upright, length being
the height. The same could be used for terrestrial and arboreal snakes up
to 18 inches long. An 8-foot boa or python would require a cage of 6x3x3.
There are excellent books that can give you the required information pertaining
to caging individual species of reptiles.
The inside of the terrarium needs to have materials for your pet to feel
at home. There are wide ranges of materials that can be used, yet there are
only a few that are recommended. Aspen wood particles is the substrate of
choice for most species, yet if the reptile requires more humidity or high
moisture than moss or cypress mulch may be required. Remember that you will
need to change these materials frequently to keep the cage clean and free
of bacteria. Rocks and driftwood make a great place for your pet to hide,
bask, and they are an aid to shedding.
Plants are a common consideration for the terrarium. Use of plastic plants
are better than most live plants as reptiles may uproot live plant or worse
they may try to eat them, many plants are toxic.
The terrarium is a life support system for your reptile. Many of the accessories
you will need can often be purchased at your local pet store. It should include
an appropriate heating device, lighting, some ventilation, and potentially
some humidity controls depending on the reptile specie. Temperature controls
are needed for the pet to remain healthy and active. Direct sunlight and
human house heaters can cause problems for the reptile terrarium as it can
raise the temperature to a dangerous level. Different species need different
temperatures.
When purchasing your pet it is advisable that you purchase a book
(go here) concerning the environment conditions
that your reptile requires. Plus, it makes for interesting reading and you
may soon become interested in more than one species.
The best heating devices on the market today are ceramic heat emitters and
under tank heaters. These heaters are made to heat different sized terrariums
so be certain to buy the correct size to prevent under heating and over heating
your pet reptile.
An aquarium heater should be used to heat the water of any reptile requiring
a pool of water. The pool should also be filtered to keep the water clean.
The addition of an air stone will help in keeping the water oxygenated.
A proper amount of light and complete darkness is essential for the good
health of all reptiles. Very few reptiles like the green iguana require special
lighting. They need to be provided with ultraviolet lighting. There are special
bulbs that you can buy to keep these pet reptiles healthy in captivity by
providing them the special light they need. Be aware that there are only
about 5 species of iguana that require this special lighting, no other reptile
should be exposed to ultraviolet lighting as too much ultraviolet light can
be very harmful and can cause blindness and cataracts in reptiles that do
not need it.
Reptiles from moist regions may require a humid environment. Others from
seasonal areas may require increases and decreases in humidity. Spraying
several times a day with a spray bottle can produce the humidity needed.
It is advised to check current literature on the desired specie as many do
better in captivity with little to no humidity in the cage. An increase in
humidity can produce an environment that is conducive to mildew, mold, bacteria,
and odor.
Ventilation is not an issue with reptiles, as they are known to do rather
well with little if any air flow. Increased ventilation produces a big problem
with cold airflow - and should be reduced as mush as possible to keep your
pet reptile healthy. In most cases small side vents will provide proper
ventilation or the screening of the lid is all that is required.
Most books concerning reptiles will suggest ways in which to obtain proper
conditions for your pet. In the reference area of this site you will find
many books on these pets.
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