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[…]other nutritional problems. A powerful UVB-emitting bulb is essential. If possible, arrange the basking site to be within 6-12 inches of the bulb. Males are intensely territorial…even in huge terrariums, it is usually impossible to keep 2 males together. One male may be housed with 2-3 females. The Nest Site […]
[…]article to learn about the CUC Phoung Center’s efforts to rescue this and other Southeast Asian turtles. Keeled Box Turtle image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Torsten […]
[…]Snakes (Opheodrys aestivus and O. vernalis). Heat An ambient temperature of 70-76 F is ideal. A basking site of 80-85F should be available as well. Light There is some evidence that, in contrast to most snakes, Green Snakes benefit from exposure to UVB light. A moderate-output bulb, such as the […]
[…]on the waters surface, waiting to launch an attack on low flying Dragonflies and other insects. Turtle Docks make fine land areas. Light and Heat Green Frogs spend a good deal of time in sunny locations, so I provide a Low Output UVB Bulb. Average room temperatures suit them well…normal […]
[…]soak in shallow pools but rarely enters deep water. Status in the Wild As is true for many Asian turtles, the Keeled Box Turtle is declining throughout its range due to habitat loss and collection for the food trade. It is designated as “Endangered” by the IUCN and listed on […]
[…]turtles are still regularly offered for sale in certain areas, creating confusion for aspiring turtle owners. History of the Law Under the law, turtles less than 4 inches in length may not be sold, regardless of the species. The sale of larger turtles is regulated by state law (the 4 […]
[…]Spring is prime hiking time, and also when snakes are most likely to be encountered while basking, seeking mates, or searching for meals after the long winter’s fast. The recent experience of one of our readers, whose Arizona property was frequented by Mojave Rattlesnakes, spurred me to look into the […]
[…]from desert fringes and dry savannahs, Dabb Lizards require ambient temperatures of 86-95F, and basking sites of 100-120F; a sharp dip in temperature at night is beneficial, and a “winter” is necessary to induce breeding behavior in many species. As would be expected, they fare poorly if not provided with […]
[…]of the female and to food availability. The incubation period is among the longest know for any turtle, and can exceed 18 months during drought years. Further Reading Tortoise farming, while a god idea in theory, does not always work out very well. Please see this report on […]
[…]Softshell Turtles to suffer fatal wounds from concrete-bottomed exhibits, and even hard-shelled turtles may abrade their plastrons while climbing onto rough basking sites. Ability to be Swallowed: the potential for injury from ingested substrate is becoming well known. However, the problem is not an easy one to address. Especially confusing […]
[…]great success – Freeze Dried Bloodworms, Shrimp Pellets, Hikari First Bites Fish Food and Hikari Turtle Sticks ground into a fine powder. Kyle has observed the tadpoles taking in sizable (relatively speaking!) pieces of food, and reports no losses since formulating this diet. Thanks, Kyle – no more expensive Nettle […]
[…]are more easily accommodated than most related species. Temperatures of 78-85F, with a warmer basking spot and, if possible, a nighttime dip to 70-72F, suit them well. Breeding is most likely if the pair is maintained at 52-54 F for 6-8 weeks, but normal changes in home temperatures may be […]
[…]overnight in a few inches of warm water and assisted with a Reptile Shedding Aid. Light and Heat A basking site of 95F or so should be provided, with an ambient temperature of 82-85 F. A nighttime dip to 68-72 F is beneficial. Blue Tongue Skinks can utilize dietary Vitamin […]
Turtles have been much in the news as potential carriers of Salmonella, but many people do not realize that nearly any creature, including dogs and cats, can transmit the bacteria. Less well-known are the potential health problems posed by Micobacteria, many species of which thrive in aquariums housing fishes, amphibians, […]
[…]Tortoise Pellets into the salad as well. A Unique Defense Chuckwallas spend a good deal of time basking on rocks to achieve their preferred body temperature of 100 F. They rarely forage far from a rock pile, into which they retreat when threatened. Once secure within a crevice, the Chuckwalla […]
[…]aquarium for adults can contain fairly deep water with floating cork bark or a plastic basking platform as a land area. They do not wander extensively on land or require land-based shelters, being content to float around on cork bark while they rest. They show to their best advantage in tanks […]
[…]its husbandry is well-understood, and captive bred animals are readily available. Food and hot basking sites are the focal points of the Chuckwalla’s life – provide it with each in proper form and you’ll find yourself with a most responsive and interesting pet. Most take quickly to hand feeding, and […]
[…]interacting with tank-mates. Floating plants (i.e. water hyacinth) serve well as resting areas…Turtle Docks and cork bark should be provided for this purpose as well. Diet Reptomin Select-A-Food can form the basis of the diet…I’ve used the original Reptomin Food Sticks for many years with great results. This should be […]
[…]Florida. This has important conservation implications – someone who picks up an Eastern Box Turtle in North Carolina and releases in NY may be consigning it to an early demise. Fishes on Tropical Fish Farms, native fishes and crayfishes have also expired in record numbers this year. Please check out […]
[…]include little if any vegetation in their diets. Chief among these are most of the Musk and Mud Turtles, Spotted Turtles, Diamondbacks and the various Softshells. Surprisingly, the Common Snapping Turtle, a voracious predator of animals ranging from tadpoles to ducks, also has distinct vegetarian leanings. Their preferences seem to […]
[…]care of confiscated animals – creatures which they might otherwise see in zoos only, if at all. Turtle Rehabilitation Turtles are the reptiles most commonly brought to rehabilitators, and because even “non-herpers” like turtles, it is with these creatures that we have developed our greatest expertise. In my work as […]
[…]semi-aquatic (or “basking”) pet turtles, such as Red-Eared and Yellow-Bellied Sliders, Map Turtles, Cooters and Chicken Turtles, eagerly accept fish and other animal-based foods – so eagerly, in fact, that it is easy to forget that most are omnivorous, and not carnivorous, by nature. Natural Dietary Shifts In the wild, […]
[…]the cool period, temperatures should gradually (over a 10 day period) be raised to 78-85 F, with a basking site of 92 F. Females give birth 6-8 months after copulation, and produce an average of 10 young per litter (the range is 1 to 25). Newborn Rainbow Boas are large […]
[…]aquarium, which enables the filter to more easily pick up solid waste, is preferable for most turtles (Soft-shelled Turtles, however, are best kept with a fine sand substrate under which they can hide). Further Reading For more tips on keeping your turtle tank water in top shape, please see Feeding […]
[…]or unfiltered sunlight (UVB does not penetrate regular-grade glass or plastic). Highly aquatic turtles (i.e. softshell turtles), nocturnal lizards (leopard geckos), amphibians and other non-basking species require a diet that supplies adequate D3, either naturally or with the help of a supplement. Further Reading Please see Part I of this […]
As a boy, my favorite exotic animal collecting site was, of all places, the loading dock of the local A&P Supermarket. Raymond Ditmars and other famous city-born naturalists had taken this route, and so I followed. The store was not far from the Bronx’s Hunts Point Market, where trucks from […]
[…]the “cold-blooded” rule when digesting their meals. While most snakes must seek out a hot basking spot in order to maximize digestion, Burmese Pythons can actually raise their internal temperatures without an external heat source! Further Reading Please see Big Snake Meals for some examples of how large (and unusual) snake […]
[…]UVB and UVA Lamps (Bulbs) A Zoo Med 10.0 UVB bulb positioned within 6 to 8 inches of the basking site, is ideal. Mercury vapor bulbs can be used in situations where the basking site cannot be positioned within 12 inches of the bulb. A source of UVA light, while […]
[…]garter, ribbon and water snakes do best at an ambient temperature of 72-82 F, with a warmer basking site (90-95 F) and a drop to 68 F or so at night. Northern species should ideally be subjected to a winter cooling-off period, even if breeding is not contemplated. UVA Light […]
[…]be kept in semi-aquatic terrariums that allow for swimming, but they must have access to warm, dry basking sites (branches over water work well). Shy specimens that will not bask should be moved into terrestrial situations with just a bowl of water available. Curing Blister Disease A Northern Water Snake […]
[…]in the wild most shelter within brush and under leaves, and not in “caves” per se. Softshell Turtles Softshell Turtles of all species are specialists, and do best when provided with fine sand in which to burrow. Although excellent swimmers, they prefer to shelter below sand in shallow water, so […]
[…]F, and moving about daily, they lost almost no weight over their 3 month fasting period. Keeping Turtles in Winter Sliders, Snapping Turtles and others that refuse to feed as fall approaches can be kept in water that is at average room temperature (65-68F) or a bit higher over the […]
[…]cannot lodge themselves inside too tightly, and provide larger shelters as they grow). The Zoo Med Turtle Dock can be set up to serve both as a basking platform and hideaway for aquatic turtles. When used in shallow water, the sloping side, top of the platform and tank’s wall form […]
[…]should be modified to provide a large water area. Resting sites such as cork bark slabs or basking platforms should be provided. Due to their unique egg-laying behavior (females fold a plant leaf around each egg), crested newts slated for breeding are best housed in well-lit aquariums stocked with live […]
[…]tree stumps to the shallows. On return visits to the river, the children were happy to see both turtles and water snakes utilizing the new basking spots. Water Snakes in NYC Another surprisingly effective project that I enjoyed was the reintroduction of northern water snakes to the banks of the […]
[…]well-hydrated via frequent spraying or the use of a mister. An ambient temperature of 76F with a basking site of 85F and a nighttime dip to 69-70F suits them well. Breeding If you are lucky enough to obtain a breeding pair, you’ll have your hands full…healthy females may lay 20-70 […]
[…]Indiviglio. Further Reading An interesting field report on how habitat development affect wood turtles is posted at http://www.woodturtle.com/Saumure%20and%20Bider%201998.pdf. To read more about reptile intelligence, please see my article Learning: Observations of Zoo Animals […]
[…]snakes and reptile eggs. In one study, they were found to be a major predator on Pacific pond turtle nests. Those I’ve kept have done very well on small mice and quail eggs. Other Interesting Facts This snake’s upturned snout (modified rostral scale) assists in digging for fossorial prey such […]
[…]species of turtle and tortoise described at the time of publication. A “must read” for serious turtle enthusiasts. Turtle Homes Operated by volunteers throughout the USA, the UK and Canada, and with connections to similar organizations in Asia and elsewhere, Turtle Homes members seek to place un-releasable turtles and tortoises […]
[…]Bulbs are water-resistant, and so can stand up to the splashing that is so common around aquatic turtle basking areas without breaking. They have an average life of 2,500 hours. Other high quality UVA bulbs include the Hagen Sun Glo Daylight Halogen and R-Zilla’s Spot Day White Bulbs and Incandescent […]
[…]in Captivity The provision of UVA light encourages natural behavior, better appetites, basking and breeding in a great many species. UVA reflective areas on animals and plants (which we cannot see) help a variety of creatures to identify mates, food and predators. A lack of UVA may be responsible for […]
[…]Proves no Match for African Spurred Tortoise How Reptiles Adjust to Novel Situations Legendary turtle biologist Peter Prichard gives a wonderful account of living and extinct giant tortoises in the classic Encyclopedia of Turtles (TFH, 1979). Please write in with your questions and comments. Thanks, until next time, Frank […]
[…]can be maintained. Of course, there were some problems early on. I was working with green sea turtle head-start programs in Costa Rica when TDSD first came to light. The organization I was with had been gathering sea turtle eggs for 30 years, incubating them, and then releasing the young […]
[…]that I have kept on such diets have reproduced and even set or approached longevity records (musk turtle, still alive at age 40; marine toads, 20+ years; African clawed frog, 19 years; weather loach, 19 years). My experience is echoed by many of the prominent hobbyists and herpetologists with whom […]
[…]and calcium, decided to use this food as a major part of the diet of a group of Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) that had hatched in his collection. The diet he used, simple by current standards, was comprised of 50% freeze-dried krill and 50% Reptomin Food Sticks. The turtles matured into […]
[…]your turtle with ample UVB radiation (the Zoo Med 10.0 bulb positioned within 12 inches of the basking site, is ideal), a balanced diet, and an appropriately warm basking site, so that its immune system will be functioning at full capacity. As is true for all reptiles, proper husbandry is […]
[…]a Reptisun 2.0 bulb (please see Part I of this article). The plants, and a gently sloping reptile basking platform will provide the metamorphs with easy egress from the water. The Young Frogs (Metamorphs) Rearing a large number of froglets can be quite a challenge. Overcrowding, especially in situations of […]
[…]not be able to properly metabolize calcium or digest other nutrients unless provided with a warm basking site and high levels of UVB (I suggest either the Zoo Med 10.0 or a mercury vapor bulb). Further Reading For more information on tortoise care, toxic plants and growing food for reptiles, […]
[…]three elements to provide our reptiles with healthy environments. Ultraviolet B Light (UVB) By basking under UVB light rays with a wavelength of 290-315 nanometers, many lizards, turtles and crocodilians synthesize Vitamin D3 in their skin. Vitamin D3 allows these animals to utilize dietary calcium. Without D3, dietary calcium is […]
[…]water and provisioned with live floating plants (i.e. water hyacinth, water lettuce, pothos) and basking platforms. Use an aquarium heater to warm the water to 82-85F, and add a florescent bulb to encourage plant and algae growth. I recommend the Reptisun 2.0 bulb, as its UVB output is ideal for […]
[…]career!). Years later, a co-worker reported a similar incident involving a Western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii). Interesting Means of Toxin Introduction Several salamanders have quite unique ways of distributing their protective secretions – fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra), for example, can squirt theirs for some distance. Perhaps strangest of all, […]
[…]in their diets. Please see my article on Reptisun UVB lamps for further information. Wood Turtles Wood turtles can be fed as described above; although some individuals can be picky feeders, they tend to accept a wider range of foods than do most box turtles. Further Reading Please see my […]
[…]driving endangered burrowing owls from their nests and raccoons (Procyon lotor) devouring sea turtle eggs, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection initiated control measures. At a preserve in Dania Beach, an intensive trapping and collection campaign greatly reduced the numbers of both species, but an unexpected consequence of these efforts […]
[…]project. Further Reading Please check out the following article for another experienced turtle keeper’s view on goldfishes as a food item, and for a description of the mata mata turtle’s unique strategy of “herding” fishes and other […]
[…]for some ideas as to the sizes that are available. Further Reading Large species such as snapping turtles and alligator snapping turtles are interesting, but pose serious husbandry difficulties for most hobbyists. For some ideas and tips, please see my article The Captive Care of Snapping Turtles and Alligator Snapping […]
[…]bred after being subjected to a 3 month period at 70 F, during which time they had access to a basking site of 76 F. Given their wide distribution in the wild, I suspect that these snakes are quite adaptable in this regard, or that populations vary in their breeding […]
[…]Anachris and other hearty aquatic plants, many of which are important natural foods for aquatic turtles. Keep a few minnows in the pond to consume mosquito larvae. You can also easily (almost too easily!) grow water hyacinth and water lettuce – both look great in terrariums housing frogs, newts and […]
[…]D3 receptors in the brain are believed responsible for accessing vitamin needs and controlling basking behavior. Basking or Diet? I was most interested in this article because, although this point was not specifically addressed, it established that panther chameleons can be provided with adequate Vitamin D3 (at least in the […]
[…]recall finding a wild anaconda with a mouth injury suffered while trying to swallow a side-necked turtle (Podocnemis vogli), another that had a white-tailed deer, antlers and all, stuck in its throat, and a 5’10” yellow rat snake that tried to down a deer fawn on St. Catherine’s Island, off […]
[…]longevity approaches 25 years. Ambient temperature should be maintained at 80-85 F, with a basking site of 90 F. Temperatures can be reduced to 75-80 F at night. Boas do not require UVB light, but may benefit from the provision of UVA. The Zoo Med Halogen Bulb provides UVA and […]
[…]for live food specialists such as the mata mata, nearly every aquatic and semi-aquatic turtle relishes ReptoMin and freeze dried shrimp. Due to the high calcium needs of growing turtles, I tend to supplement their diets quite frequently with whole fishes and crayfish as well. I vary the percentage of […]
[…]such as the ribbon snake pictured here, should always have access to a large pool and dry basking sites (even highly aquatic species are prone to fungal infections if unable to dry off). The leucistic Burmese python pictured below is over 20 feet long and nearing 21 years of age. […]
[…]marine fishes and other natural food items, they make active, long-lived pets. Other Salt Marsh Turtles Snapping turtles often enter brackish environments…indeed some populations are specifically adapted to such. I have had good success in raising snapper hatchlings on diets composed of approximately 50% marine-based organisms. The eastern mud turtle […]
[…]of these foods has a different fruit-base and taste, so be sure to experiment a bit. Tricking Your Turtle Keeping turtles a bit hungry is useful when attempting substitutions, but most captives carry plenty of reserve fat and so can usually wait out their owners. There are a few tricks […]
Those who keep reptiles, especially turtles and lizards, are often of the opinion that amphibians make rather unresponsive pets. True, a number of frogs and toads “come to life” at feeding time, but by and large amphibians are somewhat more retiring than are most reptiles. This is especially true […]
[…]of the Chihuahuan Desert, this 500 square mile oasis is also home to another very rare and unusual turtle – Coahuilan box turtle, Terrapene coahuila. Long isolated from related species, the 75+ animal species endemic to Cuatro Cienegas have developed a host of unusual survival strategies. The Coahuilan box turtle, […]
[…]since childhood, partially submerged shopping carts and car hoods are the most frequently used basking sites (the few logs that are available are rarely occupied by turtles!). Further Reading Detailed maps of the slider’s range in North America, as well as the US Geological Survey’s assessment of its impact on […]
[…]poison frogs, assures that you will be as awestruck as was I. You can learn more at http://www.cccturtle.org/. There are turtle tagging opportunities here in the USA as well… please look for future articles on diamondback terrapin tagging and other […]
[…]essential. Heat, Humidity and Light Ambient temperature should be maintained at 80-85 F, with a basking site of 90 F. Temperatures can be reduced to 75-80 F at night. A ceramic heat emitter or under tank heat pad can be used to warm the air and create a basking site. […]
[…]is more likely if they are subjected to a winter cooling period (70F ambient, with a warmer basking site and a drop in temperature to 65F at night). Mating usually takes place in June-August, and the young, 4-18 in number, are born in October-December. They are 5-8 inches in length […]
[…]me to believe that, at least in llanos habitat, these lizards consume far more large insects, turtle eggs and frogs than rodents. Mammals are taken when available, mainly as carrion or unearthed rodent nests. I have kept tegus for lengthy periods on rodent-based diets but now counsel more variety…I suggest […]
[…]the effect of a plant-backed land area. Debilitated Turtles and Frog Metamorphs Zoo Med’s Turtle Dock slopes gently below the water’s surface to create a ramp for animals seeking to climb on board. A debilitated Eastern painted turtle in my collection (it hatched with deformed rear legs, please see photo) […]
[…]on turtle plastrons. Hatchlings and juveniles can be raised in smaller aquariums, with Zoo Med Turtle Docks or R-Zilla Basking Platforms used as land areas. Filtration Filtration is best accomplished with a strong canister filter, as internal filters will be moved about or broken by these active turtles. Be sure […]
[…]dominance hierarchy, based largely upon size. Those at the top may inhibit others from feeding and basking, so be sure to offer numerous basking and feeding opportunities and sight barriers. Immature males are difficult to distinguish from females. Watch smaller animals as they mature and remove any males, as […]
[…]reason that an iguana might choose to run or fight rather than swim – a huge green anaconda basking at the surface. Today we can see ample evidence of the green iguanas’ adaptability right here in the USA – feral animals live in areas ranging from beaches to suburban gardens […]
[…]UVB output has declined, you can move the lamp to a situation where it can be placed closer to a basking site or perhaps use it for a species that has lower UVB requirements. You can read about Zoo Med’s new program […]
[…]turtles was quite unlike anything I had experienced, either before or since. Notes on Related Turtles Podocnemis erythrocephala The red-headed sideneck turtle, P. erythrocephala, is a much sought after species that rarely if ever enters the pet trade anymore. Unlike many turtles, males retain the brilliant red head markings that […]
[…]regard. Hopefully the following information will help you to decide. Classification Sideneck turtles are classified in the Testudine sub-order Pleurodira, while all other turtles are placed in the sub-order Cryptodira. Approximately 75 species of sideneck turtles are found in Australia (where they form the vast majority of the aquatic turtle […]
[…]you can wedge a bit of R-Zilla Beaked Moss below this for extra effect. I also favor the Zoo Med Turtle Dock. One end of this platform slopes below the water, providing easy access to metamorphosing frogs, newts and other creatures that might need a bit of help exiting the […]
[…]same species most often continue to feed throughout the winter. Green frogs, garter snakes, musk turtles and others, however, usually stay active if kept warm in winter, even if wild-caught. A recent email from a colleague brought up the subject of bearded dragons. His animal becomes lethargic and ceases feeding […]
[…]other native treefrogs and land snails. Assuming that space permits the establishment of a warm basking area (without over-heating the toads), you can also house a number of small reptiles with American toads. I have had kept them with 5-lined skinks, Italian wall lizards, green anoles, DeKay’s (brown) snakes, ring-necked […]
[…]species. Where safe to do so, dispensing with the screen cover is another option. Using a Separate Basking Enclosure If a 6-inch basking site or uncovered top are not feasible in your pet’s terrarium, consider the possibility of utilizing a separate basking enclosure for a few hours each day. When […]
[…]noticing when I enter the room hopping forward in anticipation of a meal. I provide a Zoo Med Turtle Hut or a Cork Bark Hollow as a retreat, but the toads are more often to be found on top of it, scanning the moss for insects or, it seems, watching […]
[…]Staten Island Zoo – simple, easily cleaned enclosures that provide a secure retreat and basking site. Such became, and largely remains, the standard approach to snake-keeping in the USA. European zookeepers and hobbyists, by contrast, favor planted, naturalistic exhibits, and it was to these I gravitated. Although not nearly as […]
[…]green anoles. The Zoo Med Reptile Halogen Bulb is ideal for providing UVA, along with heat for the basking site. For larger cages, a Mercury Vapor Bulb will supply UVB over a greater distance than will a florescent bulb. The ambient air temperature should be 84-87 F, with a basking […]
[…]are intolerant of each other. If several females are kept, horizontal and diagonally oriented basking sites (these are preferred over vertical branches) should be plentiful, as dominant animals will exclude others from these important areas. Anoles do best in complex exhibits, especially those with live plants. They are quite easy […]
[…]a gray treefrog that I have now approaches the glass when I enter the room, in a much more “turtle” than “frog-like fashion”. At nearly 3 inches in length (and appearing larger due to its stocky frame), the barker is the USA’s largest native treefrog, exceeded only slightly in size […]
[…]water. Diet The natural diet consists largely of crabs, crayfish and fish, but frogs, tadpoles, turtle and other reptile eggs, shrimp, snails, nestling birds, planigales and other small mammals, large insects and carrion are also taken. They have been observed foraging in dumps, with discarded sausages apparently being a favored […]
[…]30 – 55 gallons (“long models are best”). They require a source of UVB light and a basking site that reaches 90 F or so. Diet Although they are often fed pink mice and small rodents in captivity, the natural diet of this species consists largely of insects. The bulk […]
[…]Bright Spotlight, which will supply both heat and UVA radiation. A temperature of 80 F at the basking site will suffice – Taiwan beauty snakes do not seem to seek out the higher temperatures favored by some other tropical species. The ambient air temperature should fall 74 and 78 F. […]
[…]shells (exceptions to this rule are certain largely aquatic, non-basking species, such as snapping turtles, musk turtles, and soft-shelled turtles). Red-eared sliders will readily consume Repto-min, earthworms, crickets, mealworms, prawn and canned insects, and will do their best to catch small fishes and tadpoles. They usually will coexist quite well […]
[…]being quite bold, Marine Toads require a hide-a way where they can get out of sight (Rock Den or Turtle Hut). Be sure to provide a cave for each of your toads, as animals that cluster in one shelter seem prone to fungal infections of the skin. Marine Toads need […]
[…]during the winter months, despite being kept warm. However, the captive born offspring of such a turtle will generally feed throughout the year. Wild-caught reptiles and amphibians hailing from temperate climates, such as the wood frog, fire salamander and snapping turtle viewed here, may become lethargic and go off feed […]
[…]to freshwater pets. The shrimp used by Zoo Med are small, whole animals. Feeding them to a large turtle would be impractical, but they are ideal for innumerable smaller creatures. I have found them to be readily accepted by a wide variety of creatures, including aquatic frogs (African clawed, dwarf […]
[…]these stout lizards ate just about everything they came across – other lizards, snakes, turtle and bird eggs, small mammals, fish, frogs, crabs, large insects and carrion – and were major predators in this flooded grassland habitat. I managed to catch a few young tegus, but old, battle-scarred individuals were […]
[…]ways of North Africa’s massive Spurred Tortoise are well known to private and professional turtle keepers. Inquisitive and alert, these arid country natives are quick to become possessive of their territories and, sometimes, owners. They adjust rapidly to changes in their environments – two 80 pounders that I kept in […]
It is well known that many species of lizard, turtle and crocodilian require ultraviolet light of a specific wavelength (290-310 nanometers) in order to synthesize Vitamin D3. This vitamin, in turn, allows the reptiles to make use of the calcium in their diets. Such reptiles (which generally bask in the […]
[…]of either sex may, by their mere presence or actual aggression, prevent others from utilizing the basking sites. The actual perch that is to be used as a basking area should be positioned so that it is an optimal distance (as regards UVB output) from the light source. This distance […]
[…]companies. Since childhood, I have longed to successfully keep the striking Malayan snail-eating turtle, Malayemys subtrijuga. I have had moderate success in zoos, but only when large breeding colonies of apple snails were available to feed these beautiful food specialists. Supplying enough food is difficult for hobbyists and most zoological […]
[…]of many species – alligator snappers, Malaysian river turtles (Batagur baska), Nile soft-shelled turtles and others. Soft-shelled turtles do not offer much in the way of space at the edge of the carapace – practice with other species is required before tackling one of these ill-tempered […]
That Reptile Blog – Reptile, Amphibian and Exotic Pet Care and Information
