If you ever watched the little velociraptors in Jurassic Park and found them incredibly cute, then you probably are a reptile fan. Or maybe you just like reptiles in general and have considered bringing one home. While reptiles are cute and fun as pets, their needs are different from mammals, therefore it would serve you and your to-be pet well if you went in ready and prepared.
Here’s what you need to do to keep your reptile safe and healthy:
- Special Species: While many reptile species go well together, some prefer being alone, so do you research and build an enclosure according to your pet’s needs.
- Funclosure: Ensure that the enclosure is big enough with lots of items that your pet can interact with. Reptiles like to interact with their surroundings.
- Hot n’ Cold: Since they’re cold blooded, reptiles regulate their body temperature with the help of their surroundings. So keep a basking space and a cooling area for your little one to feel at home.
- Day and Night: Reptiles have their own day and night cycles where they need to bask under ultraviolet rays followed by a period of darkness. Sort this out with UV bulbs.
- Get down on the floor: Your enclosure needs an enriching and safe layer on the floor called a substrate. The substrate material will change based on the type of species you are bringing home.
- Sneak-a-boo: Keep random items like empty boxes and cups for your pet to hide in. Reptiles feel secure when they have a lot of hiding places. Just be mindful of removing these items if it stresses out your reptile too much.
- Scaly Clean: It’s important to keep their enclosures clean to avoid sickness and stress. Clear the floor thoroughly and replace the substrates periodically for a healthy and safe enclosure.
- Water babies: Keeping the species in mind, set up a water delivery system for your pet. This could be done via misting the enclosure or arranging a drip system. Some pets might even require a soaking area if they are semi aquatic.
- Funterior Design: You can use different non-toxic decor items to set up puzzles and fun games for your reptilian friend. This reduces their stress levels and keeps them happy.
And here are the safeguards you should maintain around your house:
- Security: Secure the doors and windows to avoid any chances of your pet escaping. This applies to their enclosure as well.
- Elements: Place the enclosure in a part of the house that doesn’t directly face sunlight or a regular draft of air. Find a neutral safe space for your buddy.
- Supervision: When playing with your pet out of the enclosure, keep careful supervision over them to avoid any mishaps or injuries. Monitor their stress levels as well to avoid any behavioral issues.
- Precaution: Your pet might roam around and run into some electrical cords, increasing the risk of entanglement or shock from chewing. So secure all the cables and reptile-proof your entire house for good measure.
You are now ready to bring in your new best friend into their new and safe home. We look forward to the thousands of videos you will take of your buddy.
Always remember to keep in touch with a local vet for complete holistic safety of your pet.
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