That Reptile Blog » Reptile and Amphibian Health

Keeping Garter and Related Snakes – Part 2 – Avoiding Skin Infections

findiviglio — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:07:03 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Please see Part I of this article for background information on these snake-keepers’ favorites. Garter Snakes and the closely related ribbon and water snakes usually make hardy captives, yet there are very few records of individuals surviving over 10 years. I believe this may have to do with some of their [...]

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Keeping Garter and Related Snakes – Part 2 – Avoiding Skin Infections

Autumns Effect on Turtle, Lizard and Snake Appetites

findiviglio — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:34:08 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. As autumn approaches I invariably receive questions from reptile owners whose pets have lost interest in food. This most commonly occurs among Red Eared Sliders, Box and Painted Turtles, and other North American species, but may show up in lizards and snakes as well. Amphibians in general, and reptiles from regions without [...]

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Autumns Effect on Turtle, Lizard and Snake Appetites

Turtles Have Shells But They Still Need a Place to Hide! – Part 1

findiviglio — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:56:35 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. One of the most over-looked aspects of proper turtle care is the provision of a secure place to hide. It makes sense that a hiding place would seem unnecessary – after all, turtles can simply withdraw into their shells when threatened. However, it’s not that simple (as usual!). Shelter Use in Nature [...]

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Turtles Have Shells But They Still Need a Place to Hide! – Part 1

Common Problems When Raising Toads – Bloating and Paralysis

findiviglio — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:03:15 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The tadpoles of American Toads (Bufo/Anaxyrus americanus) and Fowler’s Toads (B. woodhousei fowleri), and of related US natives, are frequently collected by herpers young and old and taken home to raise. They usually prove quite hardy, and, even on nutrient-poor diets (i.e. lettuce), transform into tiny toadlets within a few weeks. Toad [...]

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Common Problems When Raising Toads – Bloating and Paralysis

Reptile Awareness Day – Lend Your Favorite Creatures a Helping Hand!

findiviglio — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:22:11 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Our favorite animals’ own holiday, Reptile Awareness Day (RAD), will soon be upon us. On Wednesday, October 21st, herp enthusiasts can participate by doing something special for reptiles – educate someone about reptiles, clean up a reptile habitat, do something special for your pet, make a donation to a conservation organization…the [...]

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Reptile Awareness Day – Lend Your Favorite Creatures a Helping Hand!

Interesting Facts and the Care of the Senegal Chameleon

findiviglio — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:20:09 +0000

Today we’ll take another look at those oddest of lizards, the chameleons (Family Chamaeleonidae), followed by some tips on the care of the Senegal Chameleon (Chamaeleo senegalensis). Eyes The cone shaped torrents that enclose the chameleon’s eyes are actually made up of fused, overlapping sets of eye lids. By covering all but the eye’s pupil, they offer [...]

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Interesting Facts and the Care of the Senegal Chameleon

Wild Caught Invertebrates as Reptile and Amphibian Food – Pesticide Concerns – Part 2

findiviglio — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:28:26 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Please see Part I of this article for a general discussion regarding the collection of insects and other invertebrates and their use in the diets of captive reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates and fishes. Today I’d like to focus on some areas of special concern. Toxic and Biting/Stinging Invertebrates While not involving pesticides per [...]

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Wild Caught Invertebrates as Reptile and Amphibian Food – Pesticide Concerns – Part 2

The Western Hognose Snake – a Toad Specialist That Can do without Toads

findiviglio — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:10:23 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. It’s hard for snake enthusiasts not to be taken in by the Eastern hognose snake, Heterodon platyrhinos. It puts on an incredible defensive display, it’s stout, viper-like body is variably patterned in many hues and its natural history is quite unique. However, a preferred diet of toads precludes it [...]

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The Western Hognose Snake – a Toad Specialist That Can do without Toads

Top 5 Turtle and Tortoise Care, Natural History and Conservation Websites

findiviglio — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:42:59 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Turtles and tortoises are the most popular of all reptilian pets - even “non-herpers” like them – and this is reflected by the many websites devoted to Chelonian-related matters. Following are some that I have found to be especially valuable. This list is by no means exhaustive…I’ll cover others in future [...]

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Top 5 Turtle and Tortoise Care, Natural History and Conservation Websites

Ultraviolet A Light Bulbs and Lamps – Product Review – Part 2

findiviglio — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:49:16 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Please see Part I of this article for a description of UVA light, information about its importance to reptiles and amphibians and its role in their captive husbandry. Light and Heat In addition to promoting natural behavior and improving the appetites of many captive reptiles and amphibians, ( Part I), the light emitted [...]

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Ultraviolet A Light Bulbs and Lamps – Product Review – Part 2