Choosing a Reptile
Reptiles have become readily available in the pet market. With such a plethora of choices, picking the one that is right for you requires some serious forethought and research. The following considerations may be helpful.
Housing
You must be able to provide a proper environment for your new pet in order for it to remain healthy. Purchasing an escape-proof cage or tank of adequate size is crucial, but you must also take into account the growth rate and final size of your new pet. That cute little tortoise hatchling that you just bought may fit in the palm of your hand now, but within two or three years, it may end up as heavy as you!
You must also purchase appropriate heating devices, water receptacles, lighting (full-spectrum and basking), thermometers and hygrometers and soaking/swimming equipment. Some reptiles will quickly outgrow their habitats, requiring additional expenditures on expansions.
Specific Habitat and Diet
Each type of reptile and amphibian requires a specific type of habitat and diet, and each has an optimal temperature range for keeping it healthy. Some reptiles come from desert locales and, therefore, require a hot and arid environment. Others come from tropical areas, and thrive in a hot and humid environment. Providing the correct temperature, humidity and environment is extremely important.
You must also consider the number and types of herps you're planning to keep. Some lizards, for example, prefer a solitary existence and will become stressed if more than one is housed per enclosure. Other types will fight if kept together. Still others will eat each other if housed together.
What sort of diet will your new pet require? Are you able to stomach the idea of feeding a mouse or other small animal to your new snake? If your pet eats insects, will you be able to provide those insects readily? Are there specific vitamin requirements for your pet of choice?
Your Own Species-Specific Requirements
Some reptiles accept handling more readily than others. Some may never accept and make every attempt to shun contact. Others become very stressed by handling. Still others seem to enjoy human companionship and may seek out a human for affection or food treats.
What is your expectation for your pet? Do you want a reptile that you can handle readily or do you prefer a more solitary animal?
The ages of family members should also be taken into consideration. Small children shouldn't be allowed to handle a reptile until they are aware of how to properly handle it, and should ALWAYS be under adult aupervision. Children should also be made very aware of the proper hygeine after handling any repitle- never touch the mouth, eyes or nose while handling a reptile, and immediately wash your hands with antibacterial soap after playing with your pet. This will reduce the chance of being infected with any of the zoonotic diseases which many reptiles carry. Finally, consider whether or not the child possesses the skills to handle some of the more fragile herps.
Reptile Humor
You Might be a Reptile Enthusiast If:
You hang signs all over your house "Escaped Snake! Please look before you sit!"
You never turn on your room lights because the cages provide enough.
You never have to turn on the heat because the cages provide enough heat for the whole house
Your screen saver is of a snake slithering across your screen
The electric company asks you why you need a 200 amp service when all your major appliances are gas.
You have to buy extra bookshelves for all the herp books and magazines.
Your linen closet has about three times as many pillowcases as sheets.
You've said "Are aquariums all right?" to a prospective landlord and own no fish.
You find yourself telling prospective landlords that you have a small snake and you're talking about your 6-foot boa.
You keep your house at a constant 85F.
Losing electrical power at any time of the year is a major crisis.
You sleep on the couch, but have a lovely reptile setup in the bedroom.
You have a sign that says "Beware of Snake" on your front door.
You evaluate potential apartments/townhouses by whether they have electricity included.
You evaluate potential apartments by the location of the electrical sockets.
Redecorating the house means finding a way to squeeze in another aquarium.
Hunting under the bed with a flashlight doesn't involve finding that missing sock.
You think finding mice in your new house is a good thing.
Every small bookshelf, desk, and counter you own has an aquarium on top of it.
You've ever had to clean mouse/rat guts off of anything.
Your bedroom looks like a picture out of National Geographic.
Your electric company asks if you want a professional account.
You have a bigger uninterruptible power supply on your snake cage than on your computer.
When you have a 3 bedroom house and you realize you have a herp in each bedroom.
