Chances are your pet reptile is not native to the climate where you live. That’s one thing that lead you to choose it – they are exotic and from exotic locations like deserts and rain forests. But now that they are guests in your home it is important to replicate the reptile habitat as much as possible.
Your reptile terrarium should relocate the climate conditions of the reptile habitat as much as possible. This can be done by maintaining the proper temperature and humidity conditions suited to your pet reptile. This is no easy task. It requires research. In some cases keeping different species in the same terrarium will just not work. Additionally the needs of the climate can shift depending upon the condition of your pet. For instance, higher humidity levels may be helpful during shedding.
Through proper ventilation and temperature, maintaining a set amount of water in your pet reptile’s terrarium, you can actually make your pet feel quite at home. An under the cage heat mat can keep the mean temperature from unpleasant deviations quite easily. And a heat lamp can create for your pet reptile a nice warm place to bask. Using at least two thermometers and checking them at least once daily – one placed at the base of the cage and the other in the area where the heat lamp is warmest – can help ensure that your pet will be happy and healthy.
For a desert animal, choose an enclosure made of glass or plexiglass with a wire mesh top. This will allow for heat and moisture to escape more easily. For a pet reptile more adept to a tropical environment, choose a full enclosure with small vents on the side. This will prevent heat and moisture from escaping – elements essential to the tropical environment. The tropical reptile habitat is also dependent upon water in the system. There are a variety of ways to introduce water. This can be accomplished through such simple means as pools and dishes or it can be as complex as an in-cage rain system or waterfall. The important thing is to monitor the level of humidity with a hygrometer.
A reptile terrarium is a necessity now that you have chosen this pet for your family. By properly maintaining the reptile habitat – its temperature and humidity – you can help ensure the longevity of your pet reptile.
