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Introduction: Habitant For Your Exotic Reptile Pet
Reptiles are truly one of the most interesting pet animals one can have since they seem to introduce a piece of the wild environment into the house with all their extraordinary behaviors and in the light of modern technologies being products of evolution going back millions of years. No matter if the person is a beginner or already an experienced reptile owner, making the right choice regarding the environment in which the pet will live is of high priority. Below are guideline steps on how to create the right environment for your exotic reptilian pet in order to enhance its comfort.
Here are some guides on preparing a Habitat for Your Exotic Pet: Reptiles :
1. Research Your Reptile’s Needs
It is highly recommended that you do a lot of research on the specific type of reptile that you intend to keep as a pet before constructing the habitat. It can also be concluded that different species have completely different requirements for temperature and humidity, light, space and substrate. For instance, a chameleon from the tropical region will require high humidity and the terrarium to have numerous structures like branches while a bearded dragon from the desert region requires low humidity, heat, and many basking areas.
2. Choose the Right Enclosure
Choose an enclosure that suits the species and temperament of the reptile you are going to keep in the enclosure. Thus, for the small chameleons or geckos or even snakes, a glass enclosure with a tight-fitting cover is ideal. Larger reptiles, in this case, may require individual made enclosures. It has to be ensured that the enclosure to be used is well-ventilated while at the same time it should be able to control the level of humidity required.
3. Make Sure the Environment is Warm Enough and Well Lit
Reptiles are ectotherms therefore representing a body temperature regulated by outside heat sources. Light fixtures should be used in conjunction with heat lamps, ceramic heaters, or heat pads specially made for reptiles to produce a temperature range. Such a gradient lets your pet regulate its temperature by moving from the warm part to the less warm one.
Also, it is recommended that UVB lighting for reptiles be provided, especially to turtles and certain lizards, to allow a complete exposure range to the UVB light spectrum. UVB light assists them in making vitamin D3 – inorganic calcium that is used in the body to maintain good health.
4. Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels
Essentials of humidity differ concerning species of interest in reptiles. Some need a high humidity environment all the time while others, such as the desertsRL, need a low humidity environment. Take humidity levels with a hygrometer and address it with misters, humidifiers or selecting the correct substrate to use.
5. Choose the Right Substrate
To ensure that the substrate is fit for use with the reptile and hygienically safe, the appropriate substrate has to be chosen. They are known to put the reptile carpet, newspapers, sands, coco husk, and bark chips as substrates depending on the species and the setup of the enclosure. Do not use products with a potential to form a bolus within the gastrointestinal tract for smaller chelonians.
6. The third category is to create hiding places and enrichment and is as follows:
Ensure that they have as many places to hide and things to do as a reptile would in its natural environment. Regular objects such as rocks, branches, live or artificial plants and even caves are commonly used. These not only make the habitat more appealing to the eye but also introduces a source of relief for your pet by providing him/her shades and corners to run to.
7. Maintain Cleanliness
You should wash and sterilize the cage every now and then in a bid to avoid bacteria build-up with sickness arising to your reptile. Cleaning and disposing of waste: pull out any leftover food, and clean stains on a daily basis. Clean the tank frequently with water changes and some of the substrate and décor should also be taken out and washed regularly.
8. Monitor and Adjust
It is advisable that you closely observe your reptile’s behavior, eating pattern and physical condition in general. These may point at the suitability of the habitat environment or the need to make changes to it. Thermometers, hygrometers and lighting timers should also be purchased of high quality so that there is uniformity with other equipment.
9. Consult with Experts
If you have any doubts as to any part of the reptile’s care or setup then you need to consult with your veterinarian for exotic animals or a breeder. They will only allow an individual to make an appointment when they agree to be transported by an authorized driver, and this way; they can be able to give you advice on the best type of care to give your reptile species depending on the climatic condition in your place.
10. Educate Yourself Continuously
Finally, be updated with the current information on the reptile species you are housing and practices that are applied in treating them. The info about the reptiles changes with time and it is important to continue learning so that the exotic pet can have the best living condition endowed on it.
The caging and environment of preferred exotic reptiles may require some enhancement but the results are enormous. An effective environment not only provides your reptile’s needs and its comfort zone but also makes you as a pet owner happy being knowledgeable on how to care for your pet.
Image Source: Getty Images
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