General Reptile Information

Reptiles are popular pets, yet they are not a pet for everyone. There are several things to consider before purchasing a reptile:

What type of reptile are you interested in?
o There are many different types of reptiles, each being unique and requiring different care.

Do you want a pet you can socialize & handle or just to look at?
o Some reptiles are handled well, while others are not.

How much time can you devote to your pet?
o At least 15 minutes of observation are required every day. This also helps to detect signs of illness. Handling your pet to socialize it, feeding, and cleaning the cage on a regular basis are all essential parts of exotic pet ownership.

Can you afford proper medical care, when required?
o All reptiles should be examined within 48 hours of purchase and at least annually thereafter. When a reptile acts “sick” it is literally dying; a reptile acting sick is a rare exception! Early detection is the key with reptile health and care.

o A stool sample should also be checked as soon as possible after purchasing and if there are any health concerns; reptiles, like other animals, can be infected with parasites.

o Reptiles do take a longer time to recover after an illness; therefore, continuous medical attention may be required & can become costly.

Can I provide the correct habitat to my reptile?
o The habitat setup for reptiles is unique to each species yet some have common requirements – a source of heat, a source of U/V light, and a secure, escape-proof enclosure. We DO NOT recommend heat rocks because animals can burn themselves and cause serious medical issues.

Good record keeping is also essential for early detection of disease in reptiles. We recommend keeping a spread sheet handy - recording weight, size (length), changes in appearance, amount of food given/eaten, bowel movements (amount and appearance) and shedding (where applicable).

Reptiles need certain parts of their diets supplemented. There are good and bad sources of calcium please refer to the following list for ideas of which are good to feed your reptile:

Good Sources of Calcium:

Turnip Greens, Chinese Cabbage, Mustard Greens, Leeks, Watercress, Chard, Collards (cooked), Kale, Dandelion Greens, Endive, Beet Greens, Dark Green-leaf Lettuce, Parsley, Spinach, Yellow Wax Beans, Papaya, and Blackberries

Moderate Sources of Calcium:

Cabbage (inside white leaves), Strawberries, Turnips, Okra, Raspberries, Green Beans, Guaves, Apples, Pears, Mango, Radish, and Eggplant

Poor Sources of Calcium:

Parsnip, Rutabaga, Blueberries, Squash, Carrots, Cantaloupe, Yams, Plums, Beets, Cherries, Cauliflower, Grapes, Peaches, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Lettuce (head, iceberg), Asparagus, Tomato, Pineapple, Bananas, Peas, Brussels Sprouts, Mushrooms, Corn, and Apricots

Feeding Killed vs. Live Prey (where applicable):

Although some people feed live prey, most reptiles and amphibians can easily be converted to killed prey, which is also a safer method of feeding. Snakes such as boas, pythons, and rat snakes are easily converted to killed prey, as are omnivorous skinks, geckos, bearded dragons, water dragons, and monitors.

Captivity is obviously not a natural state for reptiles, so mental and physical stimulation is needed. An animal which is not hungry will not eat; some prey will actually attack a disinterested predator, which can cause serious injury. Even meal worms and crickets will eat away skin because they seek moisture for the eyes of reptile. Live prey will fight back! We are responsible for our pet’s well-being in captivity, even if it means keeping them safe from their prey.

One can purchase humanely, pre-killed prey form a reputable place. When feeding frozen prey ensure it is well thawed out before offering it to your pet. This can be done by placing the frozen pray in warm water or in the refrigerator overnight. Freezing for 30 days kills off most parasites and other harmful organisms; prey is safely frozen for up to 6 months.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call; any of our staff members here at Goose Creek veterinary clinic will be happy to assist you. This is not a species specific hand-out, therefore, you may ask for additional hand-outs concerning your pet. Thank you.