Search results for "basking dock turtle"

Results 151 - 200 of 311 Page 4 of 7
Sorted by: Relevance | Sort by: Date Results per-page: 10 | 20 | 50 | All

Amphibian Abuse – Neon Dyed Frogs Wildly Popular in Chinese Pet Stores

Many turtle keepers here in the USA can recall seeing hatchling Red-Eared Sliders with gaily-painted shells being offered for sale at pet stores and carnivals.  Thankfully, through education and the passage of legislation, that practice, which killed thousands if not millions of turtles, is no longer with us.  Unfortunately, an […]
Read more » Amphibian Abuse – Neon Dyed Frogs Wildly Popular in Chinese Pet Stores

Corn Snake or Ball Python? Choosing the Best Snake Pet

[…]Snake: 20-55 gallon Ball Python: 30-55 gallon   Temperature Corn Snake: 75-82 F, with a basking site of 90 F Ball Python: 80-85 F, with a basking site of 90 F   Diet Food intake will vary among individuals and in tune with temperature, season, life cycle stage, and other […]
Read more » Corn Snake or Ball Python? Choosing the Best Snake Pet

Amphibian Medicine – Cold “Resurrects” Hellbender and Sick Frogs

[…]off-topic: just last week (February 17, 2012) I came across a large male Common Snapping Turtle who was out and about in a small woodland pool in northern New Jersey.  While this species is perhaps the most cold-tolerant of all turtles, I’ve not seen one active this early in the […]
Read more » Amphibian Medicine – Cold “Resurrects” Hellbender and Sick Frogs

Recent Field Research – Reptile and Amphibian Feeding Observations

[…]Snake meals mentioned above are the largest I know of. Aquatic Surprises Most semi-aquatic turtles are able to swallow food only while in water, so I was most interested to read of a Chacoan River Turtle, Rhinoclemmys nasuta, that consumed carrion (the body of a Water Opossum) while on land.  […]
Read more » Recent Field Research – Reptile and Amphibian Feeding Observations

Captive Care of the Ball or Royal Python, Python regius – Part 1

[…]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.  […]
Read more » Captive Care of the Ball or Royal Python, Python regius – Part 1

Cold Weather Tips for Reptile, Amphibian & Invertebrate Owners

[…]A simple terrarium re-location may save time, effort and money.   Terrarium ambient and basking temperatures should be carefully monitored, day and night; a huge array of herp-specific thermometers greatly simplifies this task.  Zoo Med’s Hygrotherm Humidity and Temperature Controller and other light and heater timers can help create healthful […]
Read more » Cold Weather Tips for Reptile, Amphibian & Invertebrate Owners

Behavioral Enrichment for Captive Poison (Dart) Frogs – Dendrobates, Phyllobates, Epipedobates spp. and related species

[…]to act in a more “natural” manner. While they do not seem to engage in “play” (although turtle owners may question this!), most will engage in activities that are extensions of natural behaviors, particularly hunting. Poison frogs respond quickly to novel situations and are among the best amphibian candidates for […]
Read more » Behavioral Enrichment for Captive Poison (Dart) Frogs – Dendrobates, Phyllobates, Epipedobates spp. and related species

Are You ready for an African Spurred Tortoise?

[…]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 […]
Read more » Are You ready for an African Spurred Tortoise?

Calabar Ground and Mexican Dwarf Pythons – Unique Burrowers for Python Fans

[…]Cork bark should be provided as an above-ground hiding spot. Temperatures of 78-80 F, with a basking spot of 90 F, are sufficient.  Night-viewing bulbs can be used to provide heat without disturbing the snakes at night, and should aid in observing their nocturnal activities Those I’ve kept fed well […]
Read more » Calabar Ground and Mexican Dwarf Pythons – Unique Burrowers for Python Fans

Keeping and Breeding Blue Tongue/Blue-tongued Skinks – Part 1

[…]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 […]
Read more » Keeping and Breeding Blue Tongue/Blue-tongued Skinks – Part 1

Green Anole Intelligence – Researchers Shocked by Lizard Brainpower

[…]Tortoises Learn by Imitation Learning Abilities of Monitors, Iguanas and other Lizards Wood Turtle […]
Read more » Green Anole Intelligence – Researchers Shocked by Lizard Brainpower

Chameleon Notes – Rare Belalanda Chameleon; Pet Choices; New Research

[…]determined color change.  Please see this article for details. Chameleons will also modify their basking behavior in response to the Vitamin D levels in their diet (and I thought we had UVB needs all figured out!); please see this article to read more. Chameleons as Pets Chameleons are much desired […]
Read more » Chameleon Notes – Rare Belalanda Chameleon; Pet Choices; New Research

Paradise and Ornate Flying Snakes – New Research and Notes on Captive Care

[…]security offered by vegetation (please see article below). Temperatures of 78-80F (85-88F at the basking site) suit them well.  Shredded bark makes an ideal substrate.  If sprayed each day it will help maintain the high humidity favored by Flying Snakes…just be sure it dries within an hour or so and […]
Read more » Paradise and Ornate Flying Snakes – New Research and Notes on Captive Care

The Natural History and Captive Care of the Frilled Dragon or Frillneck Lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii – Part II, Frilled Dragons as Pets

[…]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 […]
Read more » The Natural History and Captive Care of the Frilled Dragon or Frillneck Lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii – Part II, Frilled Dragons as Pets

Collared Lizard Captive Care and Natural History

[…]choose one designed for desert-dwelling lizards (i.e. the Zoo Med 10.0 Bulb) and position the basking site within 6-12 inches of it. Mercury vapor and halogen bulbs broadcast UVB over greater distances, and also emit beneficial UVA radiation.  Be sure to provide shaded areas as well. Collared Lizards require a […]
Read more » Collared Lizard Captive Care and Natural History

UVB Bulb Update: Zoo Med now provides free email reminders when it is time to replace reptile or bird full spectrum bulbs

[…]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 […]
Read more » UVB Bulb Update: Zoo Med now provides free email reminders when it is time to replace reptile or bird full spectrum bulbs

Reptiles and Amphibians in Outdoor Pens or Ponds: Preparing for Winter

[…]only left animals outdoors in bottomless pens, so that water does not pool.   Aquatic Turtles and Frogs Red-Eared Sliders, Painted Turtles, Green Frogs, American Bullfrogs and similar species usually overwinter underwater, beneath mud and leaf litter. Unless you are well-experienced or have expert guidance, I would not recommend trying […]
Read more » Reptiles and Amphibians in Outdoor Pens or Ponds: Preparing for Winter

Reptiles, Amphibians, Tarantulas among “World’s 100 Rarest Species”

[…]illegal collection may doom the remaining free-living individuals. Red River Giant Soft-shelled Turtle, Rafetus swinhoei This species may be down to four individuals, two of which reside in China’s Suzhou Zoo. Legendary herpetologist Peter Pritchard has long been involved in Giant Softshell conservation, and I’ve had the good fortune of […]
Read more » Reptiles, Amphibians, Tarantulas among “World’s 100 Rarest Species”

The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity – Care in Captivity – Part 3

[…]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 […]
Read more » The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis carolinensis) in the Wild and Captivity – Care in Captivity – Part 3

Monitor Lizards as Pets: Dumeril Monitor Care and Natural History

[…]hot and cooler areas. In small or poorly ventilated enclosures, the entire area soon takes on the basking site temperature.   Humidity Humidity should average 70-85%, but dry areas must be available. A commercial reptile mister will be helpful if your home is especially dry.   Light While there is […]
Read more » Monitor Lizards as Pets: Dumeril Monitor Care and Natural History

The Marine or Cane Toad, Bufo marinus (Rhinella marina) in Nature and Captivity – Marine Toads as Pets – Part 1

[…]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 […]
Read more » The Marine or Cane Toad, Bufo marinus (Rhinella marina) in Nature and Captivity – Marine Toads as Pets – Part 1

Hibernation/Brumation in Captive Bearded Dragons and other Reptiles and Amphibians: Request for Information

[…]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 […]
Read more » Hibernation/Brumation in Captive Bearded Dragons and other Reptiles and Amphibians: Request for Information

Breeding the Great Crested Newt, Triturus cristatus – Part 1

[…]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 […]
Read more » Breeding the Great Crested Newt, Triturus cristatus – Part 1

Milksnake Care – Keeping the Sinaloan Milksnake and Related Species

[…]constrictors, Milksnakes feed upon chipmunks and other rodents, shrews, moles, frogs, turtle hatchlings, lizards and a huge array of other animals.  Several appear to specialize in preying upon other snakes.  Some, such as the Eastern Kingsnake, have evolved immunities to the venoms of various pit vipers. Their startling red, black, […]
Read more » Milksnake Care – Keeping the Sinaloan Milksnake and Related Species

Captive Care of the World’s Largest Snake – Keeping the Green Anaconda

[…]Heat and Humidity Anaconda enclosures should be maintained at 78-86 F, and provided with a basking site of 95 F.  A temperature gradient is important to their health, and can only be effectively established in a large enclosure. Bulbs located within cages must be protected by wire guards.  Heat pads […]
Read more » Captive Care of the World’s Largest Snake – Keeping the Green Anaconda

African Clawed Frog, Xenopus laevis, Behavior – has anyone else observed this?

[…]others I’ve kept at that temperature have not left the water, despite being provided with a basking light as well. The second observation involves a female clawed frog that laid eggs in absence of a male. That in itself is unusual, as most frogs utilize amplexus (the male grasps the […]
Read more » African Clawed Frog, Xenopus laevis, Behavior – has anyone else observed this?

The Best Snake Pets – 5 Top Choices for Snake Keepers

[…]can be defensive, but most calm down quickly. They do well at 72-78 F, with a warmer basking site, readily accept mice and small rats, and provide a great introduction to the breeding of egg-laying snakes. Eastern Kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula Another snake enthusiast’s favorite, the 7 subspecies of the Eastern […]
Read more » The Best Snake Pets – 5 Top Choices for Snake Keepers

Bearded Dragon Care and History in Captivity

[…]forest. Although a ground-dweller, the bearded dragon climbs well and uses rocks and stumps as basking sites and as platforms from which to launch attacks on insects moving about below. Diurnal, it basks at temperatures of 125 F for short periods and shelters in self-dug burrows during extremely hot or […]

The Monitor Lizards (Family Varanidae) – Family Overview and Species Accounts; – Some Interesting Monitors and Their Care – Part I

[…]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 […]
Read more » The Monitor Lizards (Family Varanidae) – Family Overview and Species Accounts; – Some Interesting Monitors and Their Care – Part I

Reptile and Amphibian Abuse – Examples, Laws and How You Can Help

[…]disposable items than live animals, and very little effort is expended on their care. Food market turtles and frogs: The USDA classifies live food market turtles and frogs as “seafood”, and permits them to be displayed on ice and held in abominable conditions.  During my years with the Bronx Zoo, […]
Read more » Reptile and Amphibian Abuse – Examples, Laws and How You Can Help

Green Iguanas and Raccoons in Southern Florida….an Interesting Dilemma – Part 2

[…]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 […]
Read more » Green Iguanas and Raccoons in Southern Florida….an Interesting Dilemma – Part 2

Spiny-Tailed Agamids – the Fascinating Lizards of the Genus Uromastyx -Part 2

[…]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 […]
Read more » Spiny-Tailed Agamids – the Fascinating Lizards of the Genus Uromastyx -Part 2

Lizard Conservation in the USA – 2012 Declared “Year of the Lizard”

[…]“Year of the Turtle” effort was especially effective in raising support for tortoise and turtle conservation. This year, the group has turned its attention to lizards, with an emphasis on North America’s many unique and imperiled species. Lizard Conservation Overview In the eye of the general public, lizards do not suffer […]
Read more » Lizard Conservation in the USA – 2012 Declared “Year of the Lizard”

Reptile & Amphibian Conservation – Protection Sought for 53 US Natives

[…]state protection.     Further Reading Fringe-Toed Lizard Natural History   Millions of Turtles Exported Yearly from the USA Alligator Snapping Turtle videos & photos Center for Biological Diversity (sign up for conservation news alerts)   San Bernardino Ringneck Snake image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Mark […]
Read more » Reptile & Amphibian Conservation – Protection Sought for 53 US Natives

Zoo Med’s Canned Freshwater Shrimp – an important new food reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate pets

[…]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 […]
Read more » Zoo Med’s Canned Freshwater Shrimp – an important new food reptile, amphibian, fish and invertebrate pets

My Animal Collection: How a Herpetologist Keeps American Toads, Bufo (Anaxyrus) americanus and Related Species, Part I

[…]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 […]
Read more » My Animal Collection: How a Herpetologist Keeps American Toads, Bufo (Anaxyrus) americanus and Related Species, Part I

Monitor Lizard Care, Natural History and Behavior – An Overview

[…]maintained at a range of 79-85 F for most species.  Incandescent bulbs should be used to create a basking site.  While some do well with basking sites set at the more-or-less “standard” lizard temperatures of of 90-95 F, many monitors need to warm themselves to 120 F or even higher; […]
Read more » Monitor Lizard Care, Natural History and Behavior – An Overview

Breeding East African (Kenyan and Egyptian) and Indian Sand Boas (Eryx colubrinus loveridgei, E c. colubrinus and E. johnii)

[…]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 […]
Read more » Breeding East African (Kenyan and Egyptian) and Indian Sand Boas (Eryx colubrinus loveridgei, E c. colubrinus and E. johnii)

Chameleon Care Tips from a Herpetologist – Panther Chameleons as Pets

[…]UVA radiation as well. Recent studies have revealed that Panther Chameleons modify their basking behavior in response to the Vitamin D3 content of their diet; please see this article. Heat An ambient temperature in the mid 70’s, with a basking spot of 88-90 F, and a dip to 65-68 F […]
Read more » Chameleon Care Tips from a Herpetologist – Panther Chameleons as Pets

Garter Snakes, Part 3 – Unique Temperature and Light Concerns

[…]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 […]
Read more » Garter Snakes, Part 3 – Unique Temperature and Light Concerns

Savu Python Care: Keeping One of the World’s Smallest Pythons

[…] The ambient temperature should range from 75-84 F. Incandescent bulbs can be used to create a basking site of 90 F. Ceramic heaters or red/black reptile “night bulbs” may be employed to provide heat after dark. If needed, under-tank heaters http://bitly.com/SRpr5g can be used to further warm the basking […]
Read more » Savu Python Care: Keeping One of the World’s Smallest Pythons

Big Snake Meals

[…]upon which I was trying to sleep)! I also observed anacondas swallowing a large side-necked turtle, Podocnemis unifilis, a 5 foot long spectacled caiman, Caiman crocodilus and a 10 pound red-footed tortoise, Geochelone carbonaria. Keepers at the Singapore Zoo informed me that a free-ranging reticulated python consumed a 40 pound […]

Aqua Gloves – an Important Tool in the Fight against Salmonella and Mycobacteria

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, […]
Read more » Aqua Gloves – an Important Tool in the Fight against Salmonella and Mycobacteria

Phorid or Scuttle Flies – A Common Pest in Herp and Invertebrate Collections – Part 2

[…]provide adequate ventilation for certain reptiles and amphibians. Further Reading Phorid Flies as Turtle Egg […]
Read more » Phorid or Scuttle Flies – A Common Pest in Herp and Invertebrate Collections – Part 2

Senegal Chameleons and Related Species – Common Health Problems

[…]Chameleons need a highly-varied diet, large, airy enclosures maintained at 74-78 F (with a basking spot of 85-90 F), humidity levels of 60-90% and exposure to UVB radiation.  Please see the articles below and write me for additional information. Stress Chameleons are notably stress-prone. The mere presence of a dominant individual, […]
Read more » Senegal Chameleons and Related Species – Common Health Problems

Notes from the Field – An Aggressive Black Tegu Tupinambis teguixin (merianae)

[…]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 […]
Read more » Notes from the Field – An Aggressive Black Tegu Tupinambis teguixin (merianae)

Bearded Dragon or Leopard Gecko? Comparing the Ownership Costs

[…]Bearded Dragons cost more.       Heat Bearded Dragon: Incandescent fixture and bulb for basking site Red/black bulb or ceramic heat emitter (night) Leopard Gecko:  Incandescent fixture and bulb for basking site Heat tape or ceramic heat emitter (night)   Verdict: Bearded Dragons require higher temperatures, but the cost […]
Read more » Bearded Dragon or Leopard Gecko? Comparing the Ownership Costs

Monitor Lizard Ownership: Important Points to Consider

[…]their body temperature by moving between hot and cooler areas). Most species require very high basking temperatures, and if sufficient space is not provided, the entire cage will become over-heated due to the effects of the basking site.   The 6 to 7 foot-long Nile, Lace, Crocodile and Water Monitors […]
Read more » Monitor Lizard Ownership: Important Points to Consider

Western Hognose Snake: Care, Color Morphs and Natural History

[…]east coast cousin, the Western Hognose takes toads, lizards, other snakes, rodents and the eggs of turtles, lizards, and birds with equal gusto.; locusts and other large invertebrates have also been reported as food items.  I recall one study in which this species was identified as the major nest predator […]
Read more » Western Hognose Snake: Care, Color Morphs and Natural History
Scroll To Top