Getting a Reptile?
Getting a reptile in the family can be a fun and educational experience. This checklist will help you create the ideal environment for your reptile and an exciting new addition to your home.
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When choosing a terrarium, remember to consider the full size of your reptile to ensure there is enough room for your reptile to be comfortable once it is fully grown. |
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For a number of species the ambient air temperature of our region is not warm enough so extra heating is required. Heating can be achieved in a number of ways, most commonly with a heat lamp. Ask one of our reptile specialists for the best heating option for your reptile. |
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Controls the heat source to maintain the ambient air temperature of your terrarium. This avoids over or under heating. |
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Measures the temperature inside the terrarium. Reptiles often require a heated area and an area that is cooler. The use of a minimum two thermometers can ensure there is a healthy balance. |
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Reptiles have species-specific requirements for lighting in their environment to help maintain a healthy metabolism. Talk to one of our reptile specialists to ensure you have the correct lighting for your reptile |
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Substrate is used to cover the bottom of the terrarium and should mimic the environment the reptile would experience in the wild. Some common substrates are soil, sand, pine bedding, paper cat litter or artificial grass. |
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Most reptiles will eat live food and formulated dried foods as a large proportion of their diet. Others eat plant matter and fruits. It is important to discuss the feeding requirements of your reptile with our specialist staff. |
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Correct levels of vitamins and elements such as calcium are important to add to your reptile’s diet. The requirements vary depending on the species and can be added to food or water. |
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A food dish must be easy for your reptile to access and deep enough that live foods like mealworms cannot escape easily. |
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A water dish must be deep enough for your reptile to bathe in but shallow enough at some point for them to be able to get out. A stone water dish is a good idea as it is heavy enough to avoid being tipped over. Water must be changed daily. |
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All reptiles need caves to hide in or to retire to during shedding times. These can be premade caves or created from rocks and wood. Consider your reptiles size and sleeping habits when selecting caves |
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Basking areas must be provided for reptiles to lie and absorb heat. Large flat rocks or pieces of wood are ideal for this. |
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If you decide on an amphibian such as a Fire Bellied Newt you will need a large proportion of your terrarium to be water for them to swim. To help keep this clean a good quality filter should be used. A minimum of 25% of the water should be changed every week. |
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Live plants can be planted in your terrarium. They can provide a hiding place, food source, and entertainment source for your reptile. |