Reptiles are a great addition to any home. I have several in my house and love them all dearly. Their unique and interesting personalities and their cleanliness make them the perfect pet for people who don’t want to deal with messy dogs or cats. However, reptiles require a lot of care and attention. So if you’re thinking about getting one (or more), here are some tips that will help keep your reptile pet healthy.
Temperature – Invest in an appropriate thermostat for your reptile
You will want to invest in a reliable thermostat that can regulate the temperature of your pet’s tank, cage, or room as they require. If you have an indoor reptile, it is recommended that you control the temperature using a remote thermostat.
Thermostats come in many different forms and prices based on their use and style. They are available for both heating and cooling, so there are many options to suit any situation. The most basic types of thermostats are analog or digital models, which can be wall-mounted or used with remote sensors placed around the room where you would like them to function (such as near windows).
Lighting – Spend time researching the proper lighting for your reptile pet
As you are researching the best way to care for your reptile, it’s essential to consider the appropriate lighting for your reptile pet. Most reptiles require UVB rays so they can synthesize vitamin D3.
To understand why this is so important, let’s first look at what vitamin D3 does in humans. Vitamin D3 helps our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus from food sources. The more calcium and phosphorus in our blood, the stronger our bones become; however, some people don’t get enough sunlight on their skin or eat foods rich in vitamin D (such as fortified milk). This can lead to a condition known as rickets, resulting in weak bones with soft spots (known as “rachitic rosary”). While people who live in sunny climates generally do not suffer from this disease because they receive plenty of natural sunlight on their skin throughout most of the year. Those living further north or south may need to supplement their diet with additional sources of vitamin D such as fortified milk products or pills containing vitamin supplements such as Caltrate®.
Vitamin D deficiency is not just limited to humans. Many reptiles also need adequate amounts to develop strong bones through an increased absorption rate during digestion processes within their bodies! In fact, all vertebrates require some sort of supplements.
Food – Research what food is best
You will need to feed your reptile a high-protein diet. Reptiles are carnivores and require a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, vegetables, and even small mammals or birds. Your reptile pet will also need calcium supplements to keep its bones strong. Some reptiles are prone to developing metabolic bone disease (MBD), which is why they need to have access to UV light at all times of day or night.
To ensure that your reptile gets the proper amount of vitamins in their diet, we recommend giving them a multivitamin every week or two, depending on how quickly they grow. This can help prevent potential metabolic bone disease or nutritional deficiencies, which could cause health issues.
Water – Take the time to make sure your reptile pet has access to clean water at all times
Reptiles are susceptible to their environment, so taking care of their water is essential. Here are some tips for making sure your reptile has access to clean water:
- Provide a water dish that is clean and fresh at all times.
- Keep the water dish full of fresh, cool to room temperature water at all times (never use hot tap water).
- Have a container that is the right size for your reptile pet (you can have multiple dishes if you have more than one reptile).
Ensure the container isn’t too large or small since this will affect how much time they spend drinking from it. Also, remember that some reptiles prefer standing in their food bowl while others may lay down in theirs! Make sure there’s enough space between any heat source, such as lamps or basking lights, so that when your animal drinks, it won’t get burned by being too close to something hot!
Humidity – Learn more about your reptile’s humidity levels to stay healthy
The humidity level of your reptile’s enclosure will depend on the species. Reptiles need higher humidity levels than humans but tolerate lower levels better than us. Generally speaking, you should aim for a humidity range between 50% and 80%.
Humidity can be measured with a hygrometer, an instrument that measures relative humidity (the amount of moisture in the air). If you don’t have one handy, you can still get an idea of how high or low your reptile’s enclosure is by touching a damp paper towel to its top surface. If there’s no moisture on the paper towel after about five minutes, your enclosure isn’t humid enough for your pet to thrive. To increase this level by five percent—which may be all needed—you should use a humidifier or place some moist potting soil inside the cage.
To decrease relative humidity too much from 70% down into 40% territory (a common scenario), use a dehumidifier or let things dry out naturally over time.
Reptiles require a lot of care, but they are worth it!
Reptiles are rewarding pets. They are not like other animals but also not like other pets. Reptiles have their own needs and knowing if you have the time, money, and space for a reptile before you get one is essential.
Reptiles are rewarding pets because they can be very personable with their owners, depending on the species of reptile chosen. Some will climb on your shoulder and sit there, while others will jump off before you even realize what has happened! There is no way to predict how each animal may act towards its owner since every animal has its own personality. Just like humans do!
Conclusion
Your reptile is a living being that deserves the same care and attention as any other pet. They are not just objects to be owned but a friend whose needs should be addressed daily. As long as you take the time to research what type of environment they need, spend time exploring their specific needs (food, water, etc.), and keep them safe from predators or other pets in your home, then there shouldn’t be any reason why your reptile won’t live long and happy life with you!