 Reptiles are fascinating and entertaining pets, but some important
considerations must be taken before diving off into reptile ownership.
1. Reptiles make good pets for
children, but not small children that cannot be instructed in good
hygiene e.g. washing their hands after handling a reptile.
2. When purchasing a reptile for yourself take into consideration it's future size and longevity.
- Iguanas can become quite large and aggressive.
- Spur-thighed tortoises (Sulcatta) while cute and small in the
store can grow up to 150 pounds, require lots of space, are excellent
diggers and can live up to 100 years.
- Several of the pythons and boas can become quite large e.g.
Burmese pythons and Red Tailed Boas. Check you local regulations
before purchasing these species.
3. 90% of all reptile health
problems are husbandry related. Research your pet's needs and be
prepared before you make your purchase. Never purchase a reptile on a
whim or for someone that is not expecting it.
4. When you have decided on a reptile and go to make your purchase:
- Look for bright open eyes. Closed or puffy eyes are signs of illness.
- While reptiles are scaly they should not be dry and flaky. Skin and scales should look healthy.
- Although cute, do not pick the skinny runt it is unlikely to survive.
- Look for captive bred pets, not wild caught. They have fewer parasites, and less stress and acclimation issues.
Recommended reptiles for the beginner are:![untitled-1[1].jpg](images/stories/untitled-1[1].jpg "untitled-1[1].jpg")
Snakes - Ball pythons, Rainbow Boas, and Corn and King Snakes
Lizards - Leopard and Crested Geckos, Bearded Dragons
Turtle/tortoises - Box turtles, sliders and map turtles (sliders will get dinner plate size), Red Footed and Leopard tortoises.
An excellent source of information on several types of reptiles is Melissa Kaplan's web site at
www.Anapsid.org
Please contact our veterinarians at Animal Medical Hospital in Saint
Petersburg, Florida (FL) at 727-896-7127 for more information.
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