That Reptile Blog – Reptile, Amphibian and Exotic Pet Care and Information

This article is one of a series in which I plan to provide a brief introduction to both popular and rarely-kept amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates.  Detailed care articles will follow…until then, I would enjoy receiving your questions and comments.  Today we’ll take a look at one of the world’s most stunning large constrictors, the Boelen’s or Black Python, Morelia boeleni. 

Recently, while thumbing through my well-used copy of Dick Bartlett’s wonderful book In Search of Reptiles and Amphibians (E J Brill, 1987), I came across his account of one of the first Boelen’s Pythons to be exhibited in the USA.  It put me in mind of my early experiences with these awe-inspiring snakes, and I decided to look into their current status.  I was happy to see that some great work has been done in both the field and captivity…a fantastic summary of this, along with many photos, is posted on the website of the Boelen’s Python Group. Read More »

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.  Powdered vitamin and mineral supplements for reptiles and amphibians have been a great boon to herp keepers.  However, African Clawed Frogs, Red-Eared Sliders, Axolotls and other creatures that feed only in water present special challenges, as the supplements wash away before being consumed.  Today we’ll look at some ways around this problem. Read More »

Tortoises have long been immensely popular pets, and with good reason.  We know a good deal about their needs, but misinformation as to a proper enclosure abounds.  In Part 1 of this article I discussed the general unsuitability of glass aquariums and the usefulness of outdoor enclosures.  Today we’ll take a look at indoor cages that can be purchased or (if you are more skilled than I!) built.

Plastic-Based Animal Cages

Plastic-based wire animal cages are preferable to aquariums for small tortoises.  Please bear in mind, however, that all except the Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleimanni) and the Speckled Padloper (Homopus signatus) will outgrow most available cages (please see Part 1 for further information).  Read More »