10 things newbies need to know.

[BoidKeeper]

After 2 years or so of being on the site I decided it might be a good idea if we posted a list of things that answer some of the most common questions we get.
So here goes with 10 things off the top of my head.

10. Heat Rocks suck, they burn reptiles.

9. Don't stick your heat pad to the bottom of a glass tank. It's there for life in most cases and when the herp out grows the tank you have to get a new heat pad when that one could have done.

8. Yes, you need UV light for your diurnal lizards.

7. Boas and Pythons only defecate about once every 4 meals or once a month or when they shed.

6. Don't house more then one herp per cage unless attempting to breed.

5. Research, research, research.

4. Although your local vet does not specialize in exotics they can still help. They have contacts and resources.

3. Buy CAPTIVE BRED!

2. The corn snake is the best first herp.

1. Ball Pythons are picky eaters at the best of times and do not eat for extended periods of time in the winter. Get over it or get a corn.

Anyone else have any I've missed?
Cheers,
Trevor

[bidden]

Well I have a couple modifications to that....

Leopard gecko's are the best first herp

and what's the problem with housing a couple female gecko's together(same species) if the correct cage size is offered???

Great advies for newbies.

edit: don't you think it's a little biased towards snakes???

[DragnDrop]

No ... your snakes, geckos, lizards, turtles and torts will NOT grow only as large as their enclosures.

Just because Mother Nature can do the mixed species thing, doesn't mean you can. She has many more years experience and a bigger enclosure to work with than you have.

[BoidKeeper]

I give the nod to corns over Leo's only because corns eat once a week F/T mice. Much eaiser then keeping live bugs around and buying expensive vitamins.
Cheers,
Trevor
PS
Tape should never ever be used inside you cage for any reason.

[Dom]

good advise except for the boas and pythons Gp only about after every 4 meals.. man sorry but I totally disagre..

Some yes but majority goes after 1 or 2 meals.. Especially big snakes.. or big meals

[drewlowe]

Research, Research, oh and more research. # 5 great one...

Quarintine, and fecals, Find a vet that takes herps in your area before you get your herp.

Don't take in rescues if you can't provide the care needed.

Make sure your enclosure is escape proof, before your snake escapes.

[Vengeance]

Hides on both the Warm and the Cool side are a must.

[wyz]

Great post man !

- If you build an enclosure, have it checked by 1 or 2 other herpers before you put your animal in it.
Even if you planned your project very well, there's allways something you overlooked or that you should improove.

- No you don't have to buy 10$ light bulbs.. normal soft white often do the trick

- A plant bulb or fluorescent DOESN'T emit UVB.

- It's not because the guy at the pet store says it's good,,, that it's true even if he really seems to know what he's talking about

- Herps don't get lonely.

- Mealworms or superworms aren't known to eat your lizards inside.

WYZ

[mykee]

Vengeance, two hides are not a must, one hide isn't even a must really. I have 10+ big adults in underbed rubbermaids with no hides, they live fine.
I'll add to your list Trevor;
#1. Use common sense, weird thing is common sense isn't all that common anymore.

[daver676]

Originally posted by DragnDrop
No ... your snakes, geckos, lizards, turtles and torts will NOT grow only as large as their enclosures.

Definately a good one.

I'd also mention the fact that reptile DO require veterinary care occationally. Locate a good veterinarian, then make sur eyou can afford ($) to take your new herp there.

[sapphire_moon]

Just becasue it's in a pet store, doesn't mean you can't find the same thing at.....*wal-mart, home depot, lowes, dollar store, or any other store* for a much MUCH cheaper price.

If you don't feel comfortable with the herp vet you chose, try to find another one.
And if the herp vet you do chose gets rude or upset that you ask to see his or her credentials for treating reptiles, Find another vet.

[Jeff_Favelle]

Great post!

I agree with everything except #8. Monitors are diurnal. Its been PROVEN that UV light does jack for them:

http://www.varanus.net/faq/housing.htm#3.11

[Big Mike]

#15...

Just because you (or someone you know) has been doing it that way for years with no problems...does not make it right.

[HeatherK]

Don't buy a reptile on impulse.

[UpscaleBoas]

one more for the list

#?) ssnakess.com has a search function for post so please try it before you post about how best to put down the mouse.

lol....i see a new thread for this all the time.