| REPTILES |
| many people view reptiles as slimy, mean, little creatures. unfortunatly, this sterotype is misleading. most of the reptiles commonly found in pet stores are compleatly safe, and make extreamly intresting pets. i will outline some basic "apply all" guidelines, if something should differ for a particulat reptile, i will make a special note under the description information. the size of ones tank should always depend on the size of ones animal, for exmple, I would not recomend putting a juvenile corn snake in a 100 gallon tank. The bottom of the tank, should always be lined with either carpet or a digestable substrate. I prefer the substrate, as it is eaiser to clean,( no washing required, just toss it) and is safe in case the animal should accidently injest it. As far as heating is concerned almost all reptiles will require 1) a source of heat, and 2) a source of UV florescent light, to insure proper digestioin. A cermanic heating light is the best, far better than heating rocks or pad, in case the animal should lay to long an burn itsself. A full spectrum light also needs to be avaible, as it provides vital nutriants and aids in the absorbation of the food into the body. Every animal has different feeding requirements and different schedualls. Some will eat every day, some will eat once a month. food ranges form commercial pellets (never primary source) to crickets, mealworms and mice. some larger adult sankes might even require a small rabbit. SNAKES Most snakes will need to be fed an appropiate sized mouse once a week. I never reccomend feeding your animal in its' tank, but in a box or paper bag. The animal will become acustom to his food being dropped in from above, and one day, when you are trying to reach in to bring out your pet, might mistake your hand for its prey. Snak bites really do not hurt per say, as they are nothing more than pinpricks. they can cause quite a shock, espically to young children, so one should always be aware that it is a possiblilty. RED TAILED BOA- grows about 6 to 8 feet long, and require at least a 100 gallon tank at in adulthood. A soft digestable substrate is reccomended, such as "fake" dirt or sand this allwos him to burry themselves, which they love to do. heating and full spectrum lighting required. BALL PYTHON- grows about 5-6 feet in adulthood, thicker bodied than boas, and would also reccomend a 100 gallon tank. known for being docile and good with children. CORN SNAKES- while there are many different beautifull mutations (regular, albino, diamond) most will not excede 3-41/2 feet. known for their amazing escapes, they should be kept in a well locked tank. of course they are not dangerous, but i dont enjoy having to explain to people that their is a snake living somewher in my walls. KING SNAKES- these are some of my faveotites, such as the Black king, the California king (illegal as pets) and the Mexican king. 4-5 feet in adulthood. |