Snakes and lizards are cold-blooded animals that are often kept as pets. Lizards and snakes are typically inexpensive to purchase, and are also hypoallergenic pets. However, the equipment needed to care for them in the long run can cost many times the amount needed to purchase them.
The first step in determining if you want a lizard or snake as a pet is to know how large they will grow when they get older. Lizards such as iguanas can grow as large as 5-6 feet in length as adults, and some snakes can grow as long as 10 feet. Ask yourself then, “am I ready to care for reptile pets?”
You have to take care of their body temperature because they are cold-blooded, meaning that their body temperature is dependent on the temperature of the outside environment. This will require that you purchase heat lamps to keep the temperature consistent.
Make sure to give specialized care. These reptiles, especially snakes and lizards, grow to large sizes. This means that their living quarters have to adjust as they grow older. Make sure you have enough space in your home to accommodate their increasing size. Reptiles may seem like a good choice initially for an apartment, but as they grow larger, they won’t be.
Be sure to keep yourself safe. There are reptiles that are not safe to handle. Things like venomous snakes are obviously off-limits, except for expert handlers.
Be very wary of contracting Salmonella. Many reptiles carry Salmonella, so you have to be very careful when handling reptiles to make sure you don’t infect yourself with this bacteria.
Contact TalkLocal today and let us help you find a veterinarian near you. A qualified veterinarian will be able to tell you how to properly care for your pets.
