Reptiles
Do I need a licence to keep a reptile in Australia?
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.
Should I feed live insects to my reptile?
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.
How do I keep my turtle’s tank healthy?
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.
How can I tell if my reptile is sick?
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!
How do I safely handle my reptile?
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.
How should I care for my reptile?
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.
Can my reptile make me sick?
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.
Are reptiles cold-blooded?
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.
Why does my reptile need sunlight?
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?
How can I keep my reptiles safe from household hazards?
Although it is not always a good idea, some reptile owners allow their reptiles to roam through the house, or at least a few rooms. While this may enrich your reptile’s life, it may also put them at risk of disease, injury, or even death.