Is it safe to put a little snow into a reptile tank for the animal to play with?
Reptile enclosures need to be set up so that the animal can regulate their body temperature effectively. Based on the species, you will need to determine what temperature to keep the tank, the ambient air, and the basking areas. Due to the need to keep this temperature fairly consistent, I would not consider adding a frozen substance, like snow, to the environment. Also, there is a possibility that there could be substances in the snow that could be toxic to your reptile.
The
Archives for Reptiles
Christmas for Pets
by Jacob P. January 5th, 2012 | Cats, Dogs, Reptiles
Note: This could apply to other religious holidays, but I don't know all that much about them, so I used Christmas as an example.
Although everyone celebrates Christmas in their own special way, a recurring theme I see amongst many families is the giving of gifts to the pets on Christmas. I think it is a fun and creative way to involve the pets in family celebrations. At my Dad's house this Christmas, we gave our dog several toys as Christmas presents, and my uncle gave his dog some presents too. Sadly, at my mom's house, neither the chickens nor
Although everyone celebrates Christmas in their own special way, a recurring theme I see amongst many families is the giving of gifts to the pets on Christmas. I think it is a fun and creative way to involve the pets in family celebrations. At my Dad's house this Christmas, we gave our dog several toys as Christmas presents, and my uncle gave his dog some presents too. Sadly, at my mom's house, neither the chickens nor
UV for Turtles
by Dena B. Baker DVM December 28th, 2011 | Animal Health, Ask the Vet, Reptiles
Does a turtle need a UV light in its tank?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is critical for turtles to be able to produce Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential for proper absorption and metabolism of calcium, which is needed for growth and overall health. Deficiencies in Vitamin D3 and calcium can cause problems with shell growth, bone density, and can even lead to death.
UV light is divided into two main types, UVA and UVB, which are both required for healthy turtles. UVB light is especially crucial for vitamin D3 productions, but UVA is needed for normal activity and behaviors. Sunlight is
Ultraviolet (UV) light is critical for turtles to be able to produce Vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is essential for proper absorption and metabolism of calcium, which is needed for growth and overall health. Deficiencies in Vitamin D3 and calcium can cause problems with shell growth, bone density, and can even lead to death.
UV light is divided into two main types, UVA and UVB, which are both required for healthy turtles. UVB light is especially crucial for vitamin D3 productions, but UVA is needed for normal activity and behaviors. Sunlight is
Keeping a Large Lizard
by Jacob P. December 8th, 2011 | Animal Health, Reptiles, Various Pets
Although I write about keeping geckos on a regular basis, I have never written an article solely about larger lizards, so here I am, writing one. I have limited experience with larger lizards, but I have handled them before, and I have done some research. My handling experience is limited to iguanas and a monitor, which are two of the most popular species of large lizards.
To clarify, when I am referring to large lizards, I am referring to roughly iguana-sized or larger lizards. Larger geckos and skinks are not going to be discussed in this article. Here are my
To clarify, when I am referring to large lizards, I am referring to roughly iguana-sized or larger lizards. Larger geckos and skinks are not going to be discussed in this article. Here are my
Reptiles in Cold Climates
by Jacob P. November 8th, 2011 | Animal Health, Reptiles, Various Pets
For those who don't know, a large snowstorm struck New England last Sunday. This resulted in widespread power outages and an ongoing state of emergency. Fortunately, my parents turned the gas fireplace on before the storm hit, so we had heat. This left us with a dilemma: what to do with Gonzo?
In this case, we were able to place him a comfortable distance from the fireplace and leave him there for four long days. He survived and was actually quite active while in the living room. Sadly, when there is no way to heat the tank, the fix will
In this case, we were able to place him a comfortable distance from the fireplace and leave him there for four long days. He survived and was actually quite active while in the living room. Sadly, when there is no way to heat the tank, the fix will
