Rare Pets: Geckos

Geckos are great pets for both reptile lovers and for those just starting to think of keeping cold-blooded animals as pets. One caveat: if you’re thinking of obtaining a gecko because the animated one in the Geico commercials is cute, think again. Pet purchases should never be made on the basis of media representations, especially not for less common animals. If you are seriously interested in having reptiles for pets, however, geckos are a great start. They’re easy to care for and rather social, for reptiles anyway. In fact, geckos are so social that it’s best to keep at least … Continue reading →

Chameleon Care

There are several different species of chameleon that are popular as pets. Veiled chameleons are large — reaching up to two feet in length — but also relatively hardy. Jackson’s chameleons are smaller and have three horns on the head. These lizards do well in lower temperatures. Panther chameleons are also large and exhibit striking colors. Males are much larger than females. Chameleons are solitary and easily stressed. In the wild, they live exclusively in trees — so the habitat you create must provide plenty of branches for climbing and foliage for hiding. The more space you can provide, the … Continue reading →

Chameleons

Chameleons are amazing and interesting pets but are not necessarily the best choice for beginning lizard hobbyists as they are easily stressed. These lizards are known for their ability to change color. Young chameleons are usually a dull grey or brown color and can change color only a little. Around five months of age, the adult color develops, bringing the ability to change through an amazing range of colors. You may see an adult chameleon display green, blue-green, turquoise, black, and more! Why do they change colors? Camouflage is the best known (but not the only) reason. Chameleons also change … Continue reading →

Giant Tegu

Also known as the Argentinean tegu, the big headed tegu, or the black and white tegu, the giant tegu is a gentle giant lizard. Don’t confuse an Argentinean tegu with a Columbian tegu — the Columbian is somewhat smaller and less docile than the Argentinean variety. These lizards truly are gigantic — an adult black and white tegu can reach four feet or longer (including the tail). The whole body sports a pattern of white and black dots and stripes, making the giant tegu a distinctive pet. Despite the intimidating size of the giant tegus, these lizards can be very … Continue reading →

Bearded Dragons

The bearded dragon is also known as the inland bearded dragon or the central bearded dragon. This large lizard hails from Australia. Compared to the Chinese water dragon, you might think the bearded dragon is small — a fully grown adult has a length between 16 and 22 inches. (By comparison, male Chinese water dragons reach around three feet in length!) Bearded dragons are still considered large reptiles, and will need plenty of room to move. The tank base should be two feet by three feet (or more). House your bearded dragons in a glass aquarium with a screened top … Continue reading →

Chinese Water Dragons

Like their name implies, Chinese water dragons love water. Don’t be surprised to see your Chinese water dragon spending a ton of time in the water! These lizards hail from Southeast Asia — Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and China. To mimic these warm climates in your lizard habitat, keep the daytime temperature between 83 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also provide a basking spot at around 90 degrees Fahrenheit so your Chinese water dragons can thermoregulate. Overnight temperature should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the lights and heat on a twelve hour cycle for most of the … Continue reading →

Symptoms of Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles

Metabolic bone disease is an unfortunately common disease in reptiles. Though it is most often seen in iguanas, it can arise in any pet reptile. The disease is most often caused by poor care and diet, and can be easily corrected in the early stages. The symptoms of metabolic bone disease can vary depending on the severity of the case and the length of time over which the disease developed. Most of the symptoms are related to bone and muscle effects, as calcium is key for bone formation and muscle function. You may see a reptile with metabolic bone disease … Continue reading →

Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles

Metabolic bone disease is a common but preventable disease seen in pet reptiles. There is no one cause for this disease — the primary problem is a disruption of calcium metabolism that leads to many related problems. Most often, metabolic bone disease is caused by poor diet and care. Iguanas are very susceptible to metabolic bone disease thanks to their specific light, diet, and environmental needs, but the disease can appear in any reptile. Without getting too technical, metabolic bone disease results from an improper ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the body. In a normal, healthy reptile, the ratio … Continue reading →

Vitamin A Deficiency in Reptiles

A vitamin A deficiency can be a serious illness for reptiles. In severe cases, a vitamin A deficiency can be fatal. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is essential to the functioning of the skin, mucous membranes, muscles, immune system, reproductive systems, eyes, and more! A reptile with a vitamin A deficiency may demonstrate symptoms like: Swelling around the eyes and mouth, especially the eyelids. The swelling may be so pronounced that the reptile cannot open its eyes! Nasal discharge. Inflammation of the lining of the mouth, known as stomatitis. Weakness. Loss of appetite and weight loss. Decreased … Continue reading →

Blue Tongued Skink

There are several species of blue tongued skinks that are available in the pet trade. The most popular is the eastern blue tongued skink. Blue tongued skinks are on the large side for a beginner’s lizard. When fully mature, a blue tongued skink can reach twenty inches in length — around eight inches of that is tail. These lizards have a flattened, elongated body and can look somewhat snakelike. These lizards are ground dwellers, so you don’t need to worry about branches for climbing. That doesn’t mean you can skimp on tank size! Give your blue tongued skink a large … Continue reading →