Breeding the Green Iguana – Indoor and Outdoor Nest Sites – Part 2

Please see Part I of this article for notes on constructing a practical outdoor nesting area for Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana).

Nests with Underground Access

Some breeders (and commercial farms) prefer to provide an underground entranceway into the garbage can nest site (Please see Part I), which is more in keeping with the Green Iguana’s habit of constructing a nesting chamber at the end of a long tunnel.  Read More »

Feeding Leopard Geckos – Beyond the “Cricket and Mealworm” Diet – Part 1

Leopard GeckoThe Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius), a pet trade staple, is sometimes promoted as an easy-to-keep “starter-lizard” that requires little more than heat and some vitamin-powdered crickets.  Those who follow this advice may keep their pet alive for a few years, and may even feel satisfied that they have provided it with a good life…similar to the mentality that doomed millions of Red-Eared Sliders to early deaths years ago.  However, the Leopard Gecko’s captive lifespan should be measured in decades, not years – animals in their teens are common, and the record-breaker exceeds 30 years of age. Following are some tips to help you provide the best possible diet for your pet. Read More »

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

MudpuppyTurtles 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, reptiles and/or invertebrates.  Coralife Aqua Gloves are an excellent safety measure for those times when your hands must be submerged in aquarium or aqua-terrarium water. Read More »

The Chuckwalla – a Hardy, Personable Candidate for the Desert Terrarium – Part 2

Western Chuckwallah Please see Part I of this article for more on the natural history of North America’s second largest lizard, the Chuckwalla (Sauromalus obesus).

Status in the Wild

Population levels appear stable as their preferred habitat is largely unsuitable for development.  The species S. varius, however, is limited in distribution to 3 islands in the Gulf of California and is listed on CITES Appendix I. Read More »

The Natural History and Care of Newts – Japanese and Chinese Fire-bellied Newts

Please see The Natural History and Captive Care of Newts, Part I for general information.  Today we’ll take a look at newt that has long been popular with amphibian enthusiasts, the Japanese Fire-Bellied Newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster).  This species is often confused with the Chinese Fire-Bellied Newt, C. orientalis.  Chinese Fire Bellied Newts are smaller, with less-distinct paratoid glands and smoother skin (shown here in the photo of 2 submerged animals).  They can be cared for in much the same manner as their Japanese cousin. Read More »

Scroll To Top