Turtles and tortoises

Turtles and tortoises are cold-blooded which means they cannot significantly raise or lower their body temperature independent of the environmental temperature. Their body temperature reflects the temperature of the surrounding air or water. Therefore they are extremely susceptible to environmental temperatures.

 

Turtles and tortoises usually have an optimal temperature range between 21-30ºC. Tortoises from arid desert regions are usually on the higher end of this range, and species from dense jungle habitats will often be toward the lower end. The critical upper limit of temperature tolerance for most turtles and tortoises is 35ºC. If they are kept at this temperature for any extended period of time, death can occur. Most turtles and tortoises will stop eating as the temperatures rise above 30ºC.

The need for and length of hibernation varies widely between species. Even within a species some may hibernate, and others won’t, depending on their localized climate. The temperature for hibernation is usually around 5-10ºC.

 

Turtles, like other reptiles, need specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light (290-320nm, the UV-B spectrum) in order to properly utilize vitamin D and calcium in their bodies. Without UV-B, even if the turtle is ingesting the proper amount of calcium, the body is unable to convert calcium into healthy bone. Stunting and softening of the shell eventually occurs. Sunlight is the optimal source of ultraviolet light, especially for these wavelengths. Owners that keep their turtle indoors should utilize commercial reptile lights that include at least 5% UV-B in their spectrum.

Land turtle/tortoise enclosures should mimic the natural environment. Even though turtles are able to withdraw into their shells, they often benefit by having hide boxes in their enclosures. They should feel they can hide from the outside world if they so choose. Dog bite s are a very common cause of turtle death, so supervise any interaction that your dog may have with your turtle.

 

The omnivorous turtles and tortoises (e.g. box turtle, red-foot tortoise, and yellow-foot tortoise) require nutrients provided in both animals and plant materials. A diet of 85% vegetables, 10% fruits, and 5% animal protein is suggested.

Dog food is sometimes used as a protein supplement, but its use should be limited. Diversity is the key to a healthy diet. These turtles greatly benefit by having a combination of vegetables, fruits, insects, earthworms, slugs, and mealworms. Omnivorous species seem to enjoy brightly colored berries and vegetables such as strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, etc. Owners should make sure that vegetables with a high calcium-to-phosphorus ratio are fed more often than those with a lower value. Items such as dandelions, mustard greens, lettuce, broccoli and green peppers are excellent in this regard.

 

While some turtles might eat every day (required for hatchlings and juveniles), adults can go for days (or even weeks!) without eating. Most pet turtles and tortoises are fed every 24-48 hours. Decreased appetite is a common indicator of illness in captive turtles, so feeding patterns should be observed and compared to the individual’s history. Gastrointestinal transit time can range from one to several days in adults; therefore, it is normal if defecation only occurs a couple of times a week.

Clean water is necessary for land turtles in several ways. Soaking in water stimulates most turtles and tortoises to eliminate urine. If fact, many tortoises will not empty their bladder until they have found water to soak in. Because turtles tend to pee in their water, it should be changed daily. Unclean water can cause anorexia and disease.

Common problems in land turtles include dog bite trauma, automobile trauma, respiratory infection, urinary bladder stones, egg binding, pneumonia, eye infection, ear infections, liver and kidney disease, metabolic bone disease, overgrown beak/nails, and shell deformities. Parasitism, infection (bacterial, viral, fungal), and neoplasia/tumor growth also occur. Decreased appetite or anorexia is a very common symptom of clinical disease. Seek veterinary attention immediately if loss of appetite occurs.

ust like other pets, it is recommended that turtles and tortoises receive regular veterinary care. A complete physical examination is recommended every 6-12 months. An annual fecal examination is recommended to check for internal parasites.

Iguana

Green iguanas can be found naturally from Mexico to South America. They are reptiles that spend most of their lives in trees. Iguanas are herbivores, eating mostly leaves, flowers, and fruit. They can not chew, so you need to cut their food in bits that they can swallow. They also excel at doing nothing and conserving energy. Iguanas will spend a great deal of time basking, resting, and watching.

 

A green iguana can make a wonderful pet, but it is not for everyone. Iguanas grow quickly and get quite big. The cage and habitat needed for an adult iguana that can grow up to 2m long needs to be at least 4m long and 2m high because they like to climb. Iguanas are territorial animals and do not always handle cage mates well. They usually should not be kept in groups. To prevent stress, fights, and possible injuries, having only one iguana in a home is often best.

Water should always be made available. Remember that smaller green iguanas, especially babies, may not be able to locate their water bowl. Because of this, it is vital that you mist them daily and soak them at least twice weekly in order to ensure that they are well hydrated. If possible, it is best to provide a water container large enough for the lizard to get into and soak. In the wild, green iguanas always live near water and are excellent swimmers.

Lizards (Agamas)

Agamas are relatively new as pets. Most agamas are land dwellers and usually live in woodland to desert areas. To keep their captive housing most natural, a tank with a large amount of ground space would be best. Branches and rocks would be a good furniture suggestions. The size of your tank will depend on the species of agama you have chosen. Putting a reptile in a small enclosure will not keep the reptile small but it will be uncomfortable and stressful for the animal. Stress can cause death for these delicate creatures because it weakens their immune system and allows an illness to take over.

 

A heat light may be required. Temperatures should be monitored and adjusted to create a natural environment for your agama. A fluorescent UVB light is a must. Without this light the lizard cannot digest it’s food properly and will acquire metabolic bone disease. A 7.0% UVB fluorescent is recommended for more of a desert species. And a 5.0% UVB fluorescent for more of a woodland species.

The main diet for an agama is crickets and other arthropods. When feeding lizards it is important to not put too many insects in with the lizard. If the lizard is not planning to eat the insects, they will not kill them and will instead allow the insect to chew on them. Having too many insects in the cage is a stress and can cause damage to your pet. Most species, however, do eat some fruits and vegetables. Variation is very important for lizards because it mimics their natural diet. Although most agamas are from a dry area, they should be offered a shallow water dish. They should also be misted slightly on a daily basis allowing them to drink the mist.

Chameleons

There are around 180 different types of chameleons and they vary in size, color, and appearance. Even though there are many types of chameleons only a few are readily available as pets because not all will make ideal companions.

 

Chameleons are arboreal and have adapted to live their lives in trees. Because of this their enclosure must be quite large with a good ventilation. Lots of branches of various diameters need to be provided for climbing. Ensure that the plants are not toxic, as the chameleon may eat the foliage.

Chameleons are most well known for their ability to change colour. But the colour shift depends on the species of chameleon, not all of them being able to reproduce the same colours, but it depends also on the age, young chameleons being able to only change shades a bit.

 

Changing colors provides camouflage, temperature regulation and a means of communicating with other chameleons. Colors change in response to excitement, stress, temperature, lighting conditions, the presence of another chameleon, and other influences. Generally, a dark brown to black chameleon is stressed, with the brighter colors reflecting a happier mood. Also, different colors can be seen due to color mutations and other color phases.

They are carnivores that feed primarily on insects, but some will also eat small reptiles and other vertebrates. Prey food should be gut loaded with nutritious foods (leafy greens, vegetables, fruit) prior to feeding and should be dusted with a calcium (especially for the egg laying females) and vitamin D supplement.

 

Chameleons get their water from droplets on leaves so as a rule they will not take water from a dish. Adequate water intake must be provided either through a drip system or by misting the enclosure at least twice daily.

Gecko

The gecko is a small to medium species of lizard that is found in a wide variety of habitats in warm parts of the world including rocky deserts, mountains, jungles, rainforests, grasslands and even in urban areas.

 

Most geckos are nocturnal, which means they are active at night, but day geckos are active during the day and nibble on insects, fruits, and flower nectar. Most geckos make noises such as chirping, barking, and clicking when they are defending their territory or attracting a mate.

Geckos are found in a wide variety of colors and have various different markings on their bodies depending on the species of gecko. There are many types of geckos, and several are kept as pets. The most common is likely the leopard gecko and it’s a good starter reptile that’s also popular with experienced owners. They are docile, relatively easy to tame and also pretty easy to care for.

 

Several other species of gecko, such as the crested gecko, the tokay gecko and the Madagascar gecko are becoming quite popular.

Never grab a gecko by the tail, as they will often drop their tails (a natural defense against predators). If this should happen, however, don’t worry. It will grow back, although it may have a different shape and/or color.

 

Snakes

Snakes are fascinating animals and with regular handling most of them can be quite tame as pets. However, snakes are obviously not the right pets for everyone. They have unique requirements and should only be cared for by those with the commitment and understanding to meet their needs.

 

When choosing a snake as a pet, you are making a long-term commitment and many species can be expected to live over 20 years.

There are many species of snakes that can be kept as pets. The best for beginners are the Corn snake or the Ball python. More experienced snake owners can go for a Boa constrictor, a Burmese python, or even for an Anaconda.

 

Snakes are, by nature, typically solitary creatures. They most definitely do not enjoy crowds or loud noises. And because of this solitary nature, it’s usually best to have just one snake per habitat. Try to keep the snake handling to a minimum, as most snakes aren’t the touchy-feely type. However, you do need to handle your snake for about five minutes a day so it is accustomed to human contact. They also love consistency and routine, so stick to the same routine for feeding, changing of water, and cleaning the tank.

All snakes are carnivores. They eat meat. In fact, they eat their meat whole, with all the bones and innards still inside. Many types of pet snakes eat mice and rats. Some eat amphibians and other reptiles. The tiniest ones might live on large insects.

 

Fortunately, many pet snakes will accept dead prey. If your snake won’t touch dead prey, try wiggling the meal a bit, to make it move. Also, try putting a piece of fabric over the tank as a “privacy curtain”. Sometimes one or both of those will do the trick.