A Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Rambunctious Reptiles
Ask a close friend about their first pet, and you’re more likely to hear about a couch-dwelling kitten and slobbering puppy. Hardly will you hear a playful anecdote about a snake, gecko, or turtle. Contrary to popular belief, some reptiles make for excellent beginner pets—even ball pythons and bearded dragons! If you’re pursuing a journey towards reptile parenthood, keep these tips in mind.
Tip 1 - Do Your Research
Every reptile is unique, and not every critter is novice-friendly. Consider how much additional space you can accommodate in your home and craft your budget. Take note of your reptile’s specific needs—some require temperature control, a large tank, and even live food. Ask yourself: am I willing to make an effort? If not, strike that reptile off your list.
Tip 2 - Respect Your Pet
As with a cat or dog, you’ll want to respect your reptile’s need for space and quiet. Take the time to familiarize yourself with their ideal habitat, temperaments, habits, and quirks. Just like some breeds of mammals are athletic, sedentary, vocal, or playful, your reptile might act the same way!
Tip 3 - Study Your Reptile’s Nutritional Needs
Most reptiles require fresh food—fresh meaning alive. Depending on the type of reptile you choose, you may have to make room to store mealworms, Dubia roaches, or even mice. Some will enjoy a diet of fruits and vegetables.
While there are commercial or ready-made products available on the online market, you’re better off opting for fresh alternatives, just as they would enjoy in the wild. If you can’t handle the meal, you can’t handle the reptile!
Tip 4 - Handle Your Pet with Care
Some reptiles are tolerant of regular handling, whereas others may not always be appreciative of it. Research how best to handle your pet before doing so, and what type of species may be friendlier than others.
For instance, a leopard gecko is far more receptive to constant handling than some types of spiders and beetles. However, no matter how forgiving your reptile is of all-day pets, you’ll want to know how best to hold them and when you shouldn’t.
Similarly, you want to know where not to handle your pet. For example, you shouldn’t hold any type of lizard by the tail—some will even detach from the body if they become threatened.
Tip 5 - Differentiate Feeding from Playing
Some reptiles will confuse feeding time with playing time. In particular, snakes might go in for a bite as a feeding or defensive response. Let your pet know it’s not time to eat by poking their nose or snout with an inanimate object and keeping food away.
Tip 6 - Keep Your Hands Clean
Ever wonder how specific reptiles hunt at night? They boast a powerful sense of smell, so if your hands stink of prey, your pet will likely treat them as such. Always wash your hands before handling your pet to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
Tip 7 - Don’t Use Head Restraints
If your pet is a biter, don’t attempt to use a head restraint. Doing so will only aggravate them and incite and predatory response. Plus, you wouldn’t want your beloved pet to be fearful of you!
Conclusion
Reptiles make for exotic, fascinating, and unusual pets that are just as easy to bond with as your typical cat or dog. However, they may require specific care and a little more patience than usual.
To satisfy all reptile needs, shop our pet supplies on Wags to Wiskers. Select by pet type, size, weight, or brand. There’s no shortage of must-haves in our catalog!