5 Important Steps To Take Before Bringing Home A Reptile
With unique appearances, their own little personalities, and captivating quirks, reptiles can make excellent pets. Thanks to their popularity, things like chameleons, geckos, and even iguanas can now be ordered online, which makes it convenient to get online and order the type of pet you want. However, any reptile is far different from a cat or a dog. These creatures need specialized care and an educated owner if they are expected to live a healthy and happy life. Here is a look at a few important steps you must take if you make the choice to bring home a reptile of your own.
1. Find out what kind of habitat your new pet will need.
Reptile habitat needs can vary by species fairly drastically. Something like a leopard gecko will need a dry space with good dry heat available, but something like an iguana needs a sizable enclosure complete with the proper lighting. Salamanders must have ample moisture and do best with natural substrate materials. Check into what you need and have it ready to go before your reptile arrives.
2. Take some time to get to know the proper dietary needs of the reptile.
Just as habitat can vary from reptile to reptile, so can the nutritional needs. Iguanas need fresh fruits and vegetables since they are herbivores, but something like a gecko is going to need ample protein from mealworms, crickets, and other insects because they are mostly carnivores. Do just a bit of research on your particular prospective pet and make sure:
- You have a place to get the foods the reptile needs
- You have the budget to pay for healthy food
- You know what supplements may be necessary for periodic feeding
3. Research common health concerns of the specific reptile.
All reptiles will have their own health concerns unique to the species. Some can be prone to obesity due to inactivity, some can develop skin parasites without proper cleaning, and some get sick if they don't get enough UV light from an artificial light bulb or the sun. The more you know about the health needs of the reptile before you buy it, the better equipped you will be to act when you spot something wrong. On the same note, make sure you talk to a local vet to determine if they can offer treatment. Reptiles are considered exotic pets and not every vet or animal clinic will see them.
For more information, contact a pet store that has reptiles for sale online.