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Reptiles as pets can cover any of the
species, from lizards to snakes to alligators! I wouldn't
recommend alligators but I guess from the movies you see of them
in New York sewers, some people obviously have kept them! My
son kept carpet snakes and children's pythons but when he left
home the carpet snakes didn't go with him so I was left to feed
and look after them and di become quite attached to them. This included having to catch them when
they escaped and feed live mice and rats to them which was a bit
upsetting, so if you are at all attached to mice or rats I
wouldn't recommend getting a python as a pet! Photos below are
of these two carpet pythons - Ron and Abigail!!
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QUICK
FACTS: |
Life Span -
More than 15 years for pythons, lizards up to 20
years
Care - Medium maintenance
Food
- Pinkies when small, mice, rats depending
on the type of reptile, water
Housing - Large
aquarium or snake cage, heating and lighting
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GENERAL
INFO:
 There are many things to consider before deciding to
get a reptile as a pet. Most importantly, some of the most
common reptiles you will see in a pet store are the most
difficult to care for properly. Many areas have laws
pertaining to keeping reptiles. Some are general and some are
quite specific; in many places any reptiles that are considered
dangerous (venomous snakes, alligators, etc.) are illegal but
some places are even more restrictive - for example, in
some places, all constricting snakes including ball pythons are
illegal. In Queensland you need a licence to keep snakes and
other reptiles and there are strict rules about them e.g. they
may not be moved from place to place. So before you decide on a
reptile, find out if you are allowed to keep one! Also find out
all you can about the care of the reptile and decide if you are
prepared to put the time and money into keeping one.
Buy a captive bred reptile, don't go out and catch one as the
captive bred ones are likely to be
healthier, less stressed and less likely to have any diseases or
parasites. When buying your reptile look at the overall
body condition - reptiles should be not be emaciated looking.
Snakes should have a well rounded body and
the backbone shouldn't be visible.
Makes sure the reptile is clean and appears bright and
responsive.
It is important to find
out exactly what conditions your reptile needs and
don't cut corners when it comes to meeting those
conditions! The equipment to
provide the proper heat and light to captive
reptiles is often quite expensive, but is absolutely
essential to keeping pet reptiles healthy.
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SETTING UP THE
AQUARIUM: |
-
 Reptiles are cold blooded
creatures that rely on external temperatures to
regulate their body temperature. In the wild, they
naturally gravitate to an area with the temperature
they need, moving into the sun or into shaded areas
as necessary. Therefore, a temperature gradient must
be provided so that the reptile can choose the
appropriate temperature as needed. Overhead or under
the cage heating is preferable as heating placed in
the cage may burn the reptile as it gravitates to
the heat source.- Even in the security of
captivity, many reptiles, especially snakes, still
need the psychological comfort of a hiding place.
Denied one, they may refuse to eat or even become
stressed and ill. Tree logs are great for snakes and
they may spend much of their time curled up in one.
Find out as much as you can about the way the
reptile lives in the wild and try to provide the
same sort of environment for it.
- Most reptiles that live in trees need more
space, more height and volume, than their
terrestrial counterparts. Branches and shelves,
carefully placed, can make the most of the available
space but cages still should be larger than for
non-arboreal species.
- Rocks
that retain the heat are also good for the reptile
to bask on.
- We gave our
snakes a water feature and they enjoyed a swim as
well as using it to drink from. The main problem was
keeping the water clean as they also liked to use it
as their toilet!! We also provided a water bowl that
was changed regularly.
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PRO & CONS
-
 Reptiles aren't a cuddly affectionate pet. -
You need to feed pythons live food which may
be distressing.
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It may be hard to find someone game enough to mind a large
snake while you were away on holidays!
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There are strict laws on keeping reptiles so make sure you
have the proper licences.
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Reptiles can be long lived in the right conditions so make sure
you prepared for a commitment of up to 20 years.
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Snakes in particular are quite expensive to
buy and vet fees can be expensive as they are an exotic pet.
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Reptiles can transmit Salmonella germs
to humans and cause serious bacterial gastrointestinal disease
in the very young, as well as in the elderly, pregnant women and
the immunosuppressed (cancer chemotherapy patients as well as
HIV positive persons).
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Cages can become quite smelly, my room where the snakes where
kept still has a particular odour 5 years later!!
LINKS & RESOURCES:
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