Reptiles as pets - A strange and wonderful passion

Some reptiles can make really good pets. They vary in size and temperament and they have different needs, but with the right knowledge and understanding, they can be kept successfully in captivity.

Can Reptiles Make Good Pets?

Pet reptiles can be good pets. They have virtually no odor and the varying sizes means that you can find one that is right for the size of your home.

Generally they are easy to clean and this needs to be done once a week. They can also miss a feeding every now as they do not constantly eat. However it is not advised.

Some popular pet reptiles include:

• Pet Snakes
• Turtles
• Lizards

There are different types of pet snakes and one of the most common is the garter snake. Constrictor snakes are also extremely popular. Many people think baby boa constrictors are cute but they can grow to be 3-14 foot. They also weigh a great deal and can easily overpower you.

Turtles may not be cuddly, but they can make really good and interesting pets. The care of pet turtles is important. Aquatic turtles require a large tank with plenty of area to swim and to go on dry land. Land turtles prefer to live outdoors with plenty of space. They eat lettuce, though some turtles are carnivores and they prefer foods like worms. They are fairly inexpensive to keep though they can be expensive to buy.

Lizards are common and they come in all different shapes and sizes. The Bearded Dragon is a exotic type of lizard and they grow to be fairly big. They can make good pets, though they can also be unpredictable and territorial so it is often best to stick with smaller lizards such as geckos. There are few types of geckos and the most popular is the leopard gecko. They are ideal for reptile beginners and they are fairly easy to tame.

Iguanas are also quite popular. The green iguana is the most common one.. They do need experienced owners and they definitely do not make good children's pets. Their requirements are quite extensive .

So while reptiles can make good pets, research and knowledge is needed before you decide to take one on.

Are Wild Caught Reptiles As Reliable As Captive Produced Ones?

Wild Reptiles are never as reliable as captive bred ones. It is also illegal to actually capture a reptile from the wild. Hundreds of reptiles die each year as a result of capture and from the stress of traveling.

Wild animals are also not tame and can be extremely difficult to train, especially adults. Captive bred ones on the other hand are used to their surroundings.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Reptile

Before buying pet reptiles, there are a number of factors you should consider first. These include:

• Space
• Costs Involved
• Any Special Requirements The
• Do You Need A Permit?
• The Size Of The Animal

It is important to consider the costs involved in keeping reptiles. Most reptiles need special equipment to survive. Things such as heat pads and special lighting can be really expensive and are necessary to recreate the reptile's natural habitat. Most reptiles are carnivores. Reptiles are a lot more expensive to keep than a cat or a dog. Always make sure you have the right amount of funds to keep your chosen reptile.

A lot of reptiles are fairly small. so you can get away with keeping them in a small tank. However, some types of pet snakes can grow to a considerable length and they will need a fairly large tank, even if they are less than a foot long when you buy them. You should never keep an animal in a place that is too small for them and you should always consider the size of the reptile before you purchase it.

Some reptiles need a permit in order to own them so you should really check this out with any local pet shops or breeders in the area. Reptiles can be extremely difficult to look after and they require a lot of commitment so it is always advisable to have more knowledge as possible before purchasing one.

You can buy reptiles from pet shops, breeders, private sellers and there are even some animal shelters that rescue them. They vary in price and breeders are generally more expensive but more reliable in providing well bred, tame animals.

Tips on Caring For Your Reptile

Pet reptiles need a certain level of care in order to keep them happy and healthy. Some tips on keeping your reptile happy are:

• Always make sure they are kept under the right temperature.
• Make sure they have sufficient lighting
• Give them regular mini health checkups
• Look out for any odd behavior
• Always stick to the recommended food restrictions

Overall, reptiles can make good, interesting pets as long as they are looked after properly. They do not generally make good children's pets.