Keeping Reptiles

The most important thing to remember when thinking about keeping reptiles is the importance of recreating the exact environmental conditions of where the species originally came from.Temprature,lighting and humidity are all factors that need serious consideration. Purchasing a reptile is a real commitment so think everything through several times before you take the step. Try and read up on the reptile you intend to buy so that you are well prepared and know what to look for. At the fish lodge we sell complete starter kits that are ready to go for all the popular reptiles, we have dessert vivariums setups and rain forest setups and we do specials deals that include the reptiles. Check out the special offers page.

Choosing your vivarium.

The reptiles you choose will determine the shape and size of the vivarium you will need. Generally the cost of the vivarium setup will be considerably more than the cost of the reptile itself. At the fish lodge we have done all the thinking for you and our setups will be fine for that particular reptile of your choice. The vivarium you choose should be tailored to that individual reptile,eg more floor space for bearded dragons or more height for climbing space for a chameleon. Consider the space you have available in your home to site the vivarium and also consider the ventilation of the room too.

Health and safety for reptiles.

 Basis hygiene will go a long way to preventing disease, regular washing of hands with anti-bacterial hand wash and regular tank maintenance such as substrate spot cleaning and water and food bowl cleaning will all help. A complete strip down every few weeks will also keep disease to a minimum. Use rubber gloves when doing maintenance. Use your common sense and you will be fine, if small children handle the reptiles you should supervise them at all times and make sure they wash their hands thoroughly.

The real facts about salmonella.

In 1999, over 17,250 cases of human salmonellosis were reported in England and Wales, and of these only 7 cases were confirmed as being contracted from a reptile source.

Popular Reptile care sheets. (ask in store)

Bearded dragons
Green water dragons
Leopard geckos
Iguanas
Tortoises
Corn snakes
King snakes
Boas
Pythons