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The Season Has Changed, Should Your Reptile Bulbs?

[…]temperature requirements will be slightly different. For example, a rat snake only needs a basking temperature of about 85 degrees, where as a bearded dragon prefers to have one around 110 degrees.   Know the heat output of the bulb that you are currently using Most manufacturers post a chart […]
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Why Do My Crickets Keep Dying?

[…]almost anything. In the Reptile Room at our store we feed a special mixture of oatmeal, fish food, turtle food & dog food crumbs.   They need to drink: Crickets aren’t the smartest creatures, and if you put a dish of water in their enclosure they might drown. I prefer to use […]

Hot Weather Herp Tips – Summer’s Effect on Reptiles and Amphibians

[…]Bullfrogs, Water-Holding Frogs and Spadefoot Toads are among the champion “summer sleepers”. Turtles and Tortoises Despite a propensity for basking, tropical climes and deserts, Chelonians are not immune to temperature stress.  Some species, such as Big Headed and Bog Turtles, are known to favor rather cool temperatures. While they may […]
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Barbour’s Map Turtle Care and Natural History

[…]than aquariums. Koi ponds sometimes contain shelves meant to hold plants; these work well as turtle basking areas. Outdoor housing is ideal, assuming that raccoons and other predators can be excluded.   Although highly aquatic, all map turtles need a dry surface on which to bask. Commercial turtle docks will […]
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Spring Field Trips: Amphibians, Reptiles, Invertebrates, Birds

[…]turtle wrangler who hauled him out for closer inspection! Snappers are about as cold-tolerant as a turtle can be…several years ago I found one basking on February 16th. By mid-April, they are usually their normal feisty selves, ready and willing to do battle…not so this cold, old fellow.     […]
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Indian Sand Boa Care: Keeping the World’s Largest Sand Boa

[…]observed.   Heat Indian Sand Boas do well at an ambient temperature range of 78-85 F, and with a basking temperature of 90-95 F. As they rarely bask on the surface, a sub-tank heat pad should also be employed along with an incandescent bulb. General Care In common with other […]
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Your First Pet Lizard: a Checklist of Things to Consider

[…]you can easily limit costs. A Flying Gecko needs only a 10 gallon aquarium with a low-wattage basking bulb, and a diet of small live insects…much less expensive than a 6 foot-long Water Monitor kept in a room-sized cage supplied year-round with powerful heat lamps and UVB bulbs and feeding […]
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The Indigo Snake’s Less Expensive-Relative: Blacktail Cribo Care and Natural History

[…]array of creatures. Rodents, rabbits, snakes, birds and their eggs, lizards, frogs, fish, small turtles are large insects have been reported as being taken. I have first-hand experience with impressive biting power packed by most rodents, and find it amazing that Cribos do not utilize constriction, but merely grab and […]
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Turtles and Tortoises: 5 You Should Never Keep as Pets

[…]often centered on the carapace, adds to the difficulties involved in keeping these unusual turtles.   Nile Softshell Turtle (Trionx triunguis) Although certain populations are in decline, this huge aquatic turtle has a large range, and seems to be doing well in some areas. Youngsters occasionally appear in the trade, […]
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Vampire Crab Care: 2 New Land Crab Species Found Among Pet Trade Animals

[…]freeze dried shrimp, frozen and flake foods marketed for tropical fishes, moist algae tablets and turtle chow, small live and dead crickets, black worms and other invertebrates, and some fruits and vegetables. Calcium blocks will be used by some species, and powdered calcium should be mixed into their food as […]
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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 […]
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The USA’s Only Native Rear-Fanged Vine Snake: Care and Natural History

[…]be located in a quiet area of the home. An ambient temperature range of 75- 80 F is ideal, with a basking site set at 88 F. Some keepers believe that low levels of UVB light and UVA exposure are beneficial to this and related species. Diet The natural diet […]
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Asian Leaf Turtle Care and Conservation: A Zookeeper’s Thoughts

[…]China and forwarded to Florida (please see article linked below). Included among the Spotted Pond Turtles, Painted Terrapins, Spiny Turtles were a great many Asian Leaf Turtles (Cyclemys dentata). This impressive turtle had been a great favorite of mine ever since we first crossed paths decades earlier, during my time […]
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Keeping the World’s Largest Tarantula: a Zoo Keeper’s Experiences

[…]logs, tree stumps and other cover. Several of the burrowing species I’ve cared for have used turtle huts and similar structures as starting points for their burrows. These and other caves should also be available for use until the spider constructs its own retreat.   Some keepers bury cork bark […]
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Rosy Boa or Colombian Red-Tailed Boa? Choosing the Best Snake Pet

[…]cage   Rosy Boa: 20-30 gallon terrarium   Temperature Colombian Boa: 75-85 F, with a basking site of 90 -95 F; basking bulb and sub-tank pad recommended.   Rosy Boa: 75-85 F, with a basking site of 90-95 F   Diet Food intake will vary among individuals and with temperature, […]
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Eastern Painted Turtle Care: Keeping the USA’s Most Beautiful Turtle

[…]than aquariums. Koi ponds sometimes contain shelves meant to hold plants; these work well as turtle basking areas. Outdoor housing is ideal, assuming that raccoons and other predators can be excluded.   Although highly aquatic, Painted Turtles need a dry surface on which to bask. Commercial turtle docks will suffice […]
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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 […]
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Rat Snake Care: the Russian Ratsnake – Large, Bold and Beautiful

[…]should be provided.   Ambient temperatures should be maintained in the range of 70-76 F, with a basking site of 82 F.   Breeding Captive breeding, although far from regular in the past, is becoming more common. A 3-4 month cooling off period at 50-52 F will stimulate reproduction.   […]
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Pet Newts: Spanish Ribbed Newt Care and Breeding

[…]out and rest. The water in their aquarium can be deep, provided that egress is simple…cork bark, turtle platforms, and floating live or plastic plants all serve well as resting spots.   Newts are perfectly suited to aquariums stocked with live plants, and spectacular displays can be easily arranged. Plants […]
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The 5 Best Holiday Gifts for Reptiles, Amphibians and Their Owners

[…]to hide. I wedge pieces between aquarium glass to create convenient, smooth resting sites for turtles, newts and frogs. By positioning the bark just below the water’s surface you can also provide the submerged sites favored by musk and other aquatic turtles and many amphibians. I could go on, and […]
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CITES Listing Sought for Snapping Turtles, 3 Softshells: Do You Agree?

[…]below.   The Scope of the Problem When I began looking into the mercury content of food trade turtles some years ago (very high, by the way!), Florida Softshell Turtles (Apalone ferox) dominated the NYC markets. Today, one more commonly sees the Chinese Softshell (Pelodiscus sinensis). Although rare within its […]
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East African Black Mud Turtle Care: a Herpetologist’s Thoughts

[…]raccoons and other predators can be excluded.   A dry basking surface is necessary. Commercial turtle docks and ramps work for smaller specimens, but large adults may sink anything that is not affixed to the glass with silicone adhesive. Cork bark wedged between the aquarium’s sides is another option.   […]
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The 5 Best Reptiles and Amphibians to Choose as Holiday Gifts

[…]equipment, and their care can be quite time consuming. One possible exception is the Common Musk Turtle and such relatives as the North American Mud Turtle. While not exactly “simple” to care for, they make excellent choices for someone set on turtle ownership. Maxing out at 5 inches or so, […]
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Sailfin Dragon Care and Conservation: a Zookeeper’s Notes

[…]cycle should be maintained.   Heat The ambient air temperature should range from 80-90 F, with a basking spot of 110-120 F; night-time temperatures can dip to 75 F.  Incandescent bulbs should be used to maintain these temperatures. Provide your pets with the largest enclosure possible, so that a varied […]
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Thanksgiving at the Zoo: The Giant Appetites of Snakes, Frogs, and Moles

[…]a 5-foot-long Spectacled Caiman, a large Red-footed Tortoise, and a hefty Giant Side-necked Turtle.   The world’s other giant constrictors – Reticulated, Burmese, Indian and African Rock Pythons – are also champion diners. The largest meal I’ve been able to track down in a published source is a 130 pound […]
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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 […]
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My Experiences with Snake Necked Turtles in Zoos and at Home

[…]are snake-like in both length and striking speed, render the family unique among all the world’s turtles.   Description Snake Necked Turtles range from 6 to over 20 inches in length. Those with the most impressively-long necks are found in the genus Chelodina. Most of those native to Australia, New […]
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Rainbow Snake Care: Keeping a Colorful but Difficult Aquatic Snake

[…]be placed in the water so that it can shelter below. An ambient temperature of 75-80 F and a basking temperature of 85-88 F should be established.   Diet Wild Rainbow Snakes seem to feed almost exclusively upon American Eels.   Other fishes, and aquatic salamanders such as amphiumas and sirens, […]
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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 […]
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American Museum of Natural History: A Visit to the Live Spider Exhibit

[…]My nephew readily tackles snakes exceeding his own length, but when I asked him to swim under a dock and capture this spider, he quickly replied “No way, man”!   Goliath Bird-Eating Tarantula: perhaps the world’s largest spider, this species is a favorite of private and professional spider keepers. Field […]
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Spotted Turtle Care: Is This Beauty the Perfect Small Turtle Pet?

[…]Spotted Turtle Care Products (please post below for further information)   Commercial turtle docks    Turtle filters   Zoo Med 10.0 UVB bulb   Mercury vapor bulbs   Incandescent (heat) bulbs   Aquatic turtle diets   Hi, my name is Frank Indiviglio. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist, and book author, recently […]
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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 […]
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Turtle or Tortoise – Which is the Best Reptile Pet for Me?

[…]receive many questions and complaints centering on the amount of work involved in keeping turtle aquarium water clean. Turtles are messy feeders, and very hard on water quality. Powerful filters help, but partial or total water changes will still be necessary (and filtration medium needs frequent replacement).   Land-dwelling tortoises […]
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Venomous Snakes: Care and Habits of the Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin

[…]practice” in some places…not much of a challenge, given their size and immobility when basking, I imagine!   Longevity Zoo specimens have reached at least age 24; several under my care were in their late teens, and still full of spunk. Longevity in the wild has not been well-documented, as […]
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Is a Red-Eared Slider a Good Pet? Read This Before Buying a Turtle

[…]the Slider’s lifestyle, good nature and hardiness, but do not grow quite as large. Common Musk Turtles, Eastern Mud Turtles and a number of their relatives are even smaller, and do not need a source of UVB radiation. All make great pets, and become quite responsive to people. There are […]
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Pet Lizards: Large, Small, and Colorful Insectivores

[…]in bare enclosures.   UVB exposure is essential, and a temperature gradient of 72-85 F, with a basking site of 90-95 F, should be established.  A diet comprised of as many insect species as possible must be supplied; crickets and mealworms alone are not adequate.   Sudan Plated Lizard, Gerrhosaurus (Broadleysaurus) […]
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Diamondback Terrapin Care: Keeping the USA’s Most Unique Turtle

[…]capacity, commercial turtle tubs or ponds.   A dry basking surface is essential. Commercial turtle docks and ramps suffice for smaller specimens, but adults will likely sink anything that is not affixed to the glass with silicone adhesive. Cork bark wedged between the aquarium’s sides is another option.   Salinity […]
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Hognose Snake: Breeding and Care for the Madagascar Giant

[…]fare best at a temperature range of 80-85 F. An incandescent bulb should be used to create a basking spot of 90 F.   Large enclosures are necessary if a thermal gradient (areas of different temperatures) is to be established. Thermal gradients, critical to good health, allow snakes to regulate […]
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Red Eared Slider Turtles: Finding the Best Calcium Sources

Red-Eared Sliders, Snapping Turtles, Red-Bellied Turtles, Soft-shelled Turtles, Reeve’s Turtles and the various Side-necks and Snake-necks are among the world’s most popular reptilian pets. While we know much about their care, the importance of calcium in the diet is, judging from the questions I receive on this blog, still not […]
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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 […]
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My Bearded Dragon is Not Eating: What to Do

[…]its feeding, and will impair digestion. An incandescent spotlight bulb should be used to create a basking site of 100-110 F. The rest of the terrarium should be kept at a temperature range of 72-85 F.   Like all desert-dwelling diurnal lizards, Bearded Dragons require high UVB levels. If a […]

Fishing Spider: Habitat and Care

[…]infancy, and especially favors spiders. After locating the spider, we swam out from beneath the dock to plan our capture strategy. Noting my sidekick’s smaller size, and the fact that he has handled snakes longer than himself, I suggested that he go back and collect it, as the area was […]

Chameleons as Pets: Breeding Senegal Chameleons

[…]Chameleons choose prey in accordance with their nutritional needs, and that other species regulate basking time (under UVB) in tune with their circulating Vitamin D level. This is important research that bears directly on our ability to keep and breed this fascinating lizard…please see the articles linked below, and post […]
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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 […]
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Small Pet Turtles: Black-Breasted Leaf Turtle Care

[…]if at all, as a steady goldfish diet has been linked to kidney and liver disorders in other turtle species.   Commercial turtle chows are not accepted unless moistened, and then not always. The calcium requirements of Black-Breasted Leaf Turtles, especially growing youngsters and gravid females, are quite high. All […]
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Reptile UVB Bulbs: Insights on the Best from Zoo-Based Herpetologists

[…]and other h   The conference I attended is a day-long event sponsored annually by my favorite turtle care and conservation organization, the New York Turtle and Tortoise Society; please check this website to read about their fine work…and to see photos from my recent presentation there. As in so […]
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Your First Pet Snake: A Checklist of Things to Consider

[…]easily limit costs. A Garter Snake needs only a 20 gallon aquarium with (in winter) a low-wattage basking bulb, and a diet of minnows and earthworms…much less expensive than a 6 foot-long Boa Constrictor kept in a custom-made cage heated year-round with powerful bulbs and feeding upon pre-killed rats.   […]
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