Ads
Though reptiles and amphibians, or herptiles aren’t the most cuddly of pets, their beauty and very alienness makes them fascinating. Here are some things to know about them before taking them on as pets:
Even hatchlings can deliver quite a nip when they’re handled. The best way to pick up a turtle is by supporting the shell, with fingers well out of the way of the beak. Consider that some turtles can bend and stretch their neck a surprising length to get at offenders.
There are turtles who do not like to live with members of their own species, despite all those photos of turtles basking together on logs. However, some turtles can tolerate living with a turtle of a different species. Ask the breeder or pet store owner about this.
Fortunately, snakes don’t need to be given live food. They’ll take provender such as frozen baby mice. Bigger snakes can handle frozen rats.
Check with a veterinarian to learn about snakes shedding their skin. Some snake owners are dismayed when this happens because the snake looks ill. A herptile veterinarian can help an owner help their snake through what is a stressful time.
Male green iguanas can grow over six feet and are aggressive on both ends. They can deliver nasty bites and use their long, sharp tails like whips. If they’re neutered, they become calmer and easier to care for.
Geckos are famous for being able to escape from any enclosure. Special structures on their feet make them able to easily climb glass. If an owner must have a gecko, they should consider the leopard gecko. This lizard doesn’t have the same type of pad on its feet that make other geckos such good escape artists.
Some amphibians have toxins in their skin that can be dangerous if they enter an open wound. If the owner has a cut on their hands, they might want to put on gloves before they handle an amphibian such as the beautiful but potentially deadly yellow and black dart frog. Amphibians and indeed some turtles may also harbor the salmonella bacteria, so wash hands after handling.
Amphibians breathe largely through their skin, which is delicate and must be kept moist. Misting them with water now and then is a good idea as is maintaining a good humidity level in their enclosure.
Ads
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), one of the mo...
Read MorePeople who own rabbits and rodents not only have t...
Read MoreIt has been estimated that the earth is inhabited ...
Read MoreLabradoodles are one of the most popular dog breed...
Read MoreThere are many dogs out there with a mission. They...
Read MoreThe Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), one of the mo...
Read MorePeople who own rabbits and rodents not only have t...
Read MoreIt has been estimated that the earth is inhabited ...
Read MoreLabradoodles are one of the most popular dog breed...
Read MoreThere are many dogs out there with a mission. They...
Read MoreThe Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), one of the mo...
Read MorePeople who own rabbits and rodents not only have t...
Read More