What should everyone know?

[Lankyrob]

Ok here is the equestion - What should EVERYONE (not just keepers) know about reptiles?

I am doing one of my education speaches next week at my daughters school - i have done quite a few now and want to freshen it up so i would ask everyone to list their top 5 things that all people should know about reptiles and i willl try to include as many as i can in my talk.

thanks all!!! :):):)

[Aaron_S]

They aren't slimy.
They are ecto thermic (sp?)
They are not malicious man eating machines.

All I got for now.

[Will0W783]

I second what Aaron said, and also would like to add:

* They do not "want" to attack people...even the most venomous species will most often try to escape and hide before biting.

* Even the most seemingly tame reptile deserves respect. They are never truly domesticated.

*That being said, they are ultimately predictable if you understand them. They function purely by instinct and will respond the same way to the same stimulus every time. It's us that need to be consistent with them!

:)

[infernalis]

They are not disposable pets that you can buy cheap and then change your mind in 3 weeks....

If you live at home, respect your parents wishes....

[Will0W783]

Infernalis, I cannot agree with that more! Case in point...read the thread I just posted on "Kids who live with their parents....."

[stephanbakir]

they have more then one sex organ!

[ilovemypets1988]

ok here goes:

1.) they should always be respected and if u dont know what your doing, leave well alone.

2.) they cant thermo-regulate.

3.) try to explain the fact that even though they have scales like a fish, they are soft and dry

4.) try to explain that they react according to there instinct and try to also explain what the instinct is.

5.) that they belong on the planet the same as us humans and shouldnt be taken away from there homes.

theres my 5 most important snake facts.

[Marica]

They are non-allergenic and can make great pets for families where someone has allergies.

[lpbldg18]

When you are holding them and they wrap thereselves around you, they aren't trying to kill you, they just don't want to hit the floor If they fall

[Jay]

1) Proper husbandry is a must.
2) They should not be treated like your ordinary pet i.e dog or cat.
3) They should be treated with the same respect as every living organism.
4) Respect the fact that they will not show affection.
5) As they seem low maintenance, (supply heat, water, enclosure and feed once a week) they may become a handful at times.

[citysnakes]

they are not the devil... ;)

[vendettaseve]

they are not the devil... ;)


This one is. Thorny Devil - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorny_Devil)


I think most people need to learn that reptiles arent "dangerous" some have the potential to be if handled incorrectly but on average its no worse than any other carnivorous wild animal