• Before considering any reptile, be aware that most reptiles require live food.

  • Some snakes will eat frozen mice that must be thawed, but don’t buy a snake depending on that.

  • Some reptiles eat daily, some several times a week and some several times a month.

• Small children should always be supervised when handling any reptile.

  • Even the most docile corn snake can bite.

• Some reptiles, such as the tegu, can be food aggressive.

  • In other words, they will bite the hand that feeds.

• Wash your hands after handling any reptile.

  • Reptiles can be the source of Salmonella poisoning.

• Know the size your pet will get to as an adult.

  • Zoos are overwhelmed and most will not take the lizard or snake who outgrows its environment.

    • Consider that your tegu that you bought at 2-4 inches will grow to an adult size of 2-4 feet or your reticulated python that at first fit into a 20-40 gallon tank and ate mice now requires his own ‘room’ and is eating rabbits and chickens as a snack.

  • Please consult with a reputable breeder or pet store that will give you information about the pet you pick.

DO YOUR RESEARCH and never buy any animal on a whim.

• As with most reptiles, look for ones that are captive born.
• Wild caught can harbor parasites and mites that can be difficult to get rid of.

Level of Care:

Beg = Beginner

Inter = Intermediate

Adv = Advanced.

A terrapin and tortoise are both turtles.

• • The difference between a tortoise and a turtle is that a turtle can swim.
  • Although a tortoise is a turtle, it cannot swim, but will enter the water to drink, etc.
  • A terrapin is a turtle that lives in the water for the most part, although may still leave the water to bask.

Health issues:

• • Metabolic Bone Disease, bacterial infections, shell rot, obesity and respiratory infections.
  • Make sure you clean the water used and keep bacteria free.
  • As with other reptiles most turtles should be provided Vitamin D/calcium – check with breeder, as well as UV lighting.

Tank:

• • Basking turtles and semi-aquatic turtles need a place to bask (a specific side of the tank with a heating light).
  • Provide filtration system for the turtles that swim.
  • A heater that goes into the water may also be needed to keep water temperatures where they need to be.
  • You may need several thermometers in the tank for the water, gradient air temperature and basking area.
  • Temp column:
    • L = Low      M = Mid       H = High

Females tend to be a lot larger than males.

• • The adult sizes listed range from the smallest (usually males) to largest, (usually females)