It is commonly said that pet reptiles should get a few hours (at least) outside in the sun. Artificial lighting is also used indoors, trying to replicate sunlight. But why do reptile keepers go to such lengths? Sunlight contains so-called white light (light that contains all the wavelengths of visible…
In contrast to birds and mammals, reptiles have evolved as ectotherms – animals who regulate their body temperature to suit the temperature around them. They are not poikilothermic (cold-blooded) as most people commonly believe i.e., while their body temperature is dependent upon external heat sources rather than internal heat production,…
Are reptiles the right pet for me? Reptiles are fascinating and wonderful animals, but they are not ‘low maintenance’ pets. There is a lot of work involved in keeping them healthy and you should carefully consider whether a reptile is the right pet for you. For information on what to…
No form of handling of your reptile should ever be taken lightly, as each restraint has some effect on their behaviour, life, or other activities. Confidence, knowledge – and often assistance – is required when handling them. Not only can reptiles hurt you (by biting and scratching), but you can also…
Considerations for reptile enclosures include: What sort of reptile am I planning on having? Free range or confined? Construction materials Size and shape Substrate Cage furniture Heating and lighting Humidity Ease of cleaning Security What sort of reptile am I planning on having? This is a fairly basic consideration, but…
As many of you with reptilian pets would know, they can be challenging to read sometimes! Signs of illness can be very difficult to spot – because often there aren’t any! Reptiles are very adept at hiding any evidence that they are sick, often until they are severely compromised and…
Water quality Turtles live in an aquatic environment. This simple statement reflects the importance of water quality to the health of turtles. They move through the water, they consume their food in the water, and they eliminate waste into the water. Nearly every disease problem in captive turtles is related,…
The potential impacts on both reptiles and insects should be considered when making the difficult choice of whether you should feed your reptile with live insects. There are a number of serious welfare and ethical considerations regarding the feeding of live insects to reptiles to be aware of, that should…
Most, if not all, reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestinal tract and intermittently or continuously shed these bacteria in their faeces. Salmonella bacteria usually do not cause any illness in reptiles but can cause serious illness in people. It is the same kind of bacteria often associated with food…
If you’re thinking of owning a reptile, there are a few things you need to be aware of to ensure you’re ticking all the appropriate legal boxes. It is illegal to keep exotic (non-Australian) reptiles. This includes Red-Eared Sliders (an American turtle), European or American tortoises, and corn snakes (an…