Reptile Information

Many reptiles make excellent pets, but most require a substantial amount of effort to keep healthy and happy. All too often pets are bough on impulse by people who don't know how, or are unable to care for them. By taking some time, shopping around and fully considering the impact that your new pet will have on your life style, you will be able to make the decision that's right for you.

Feeding

Some reptiles will require feeding twice daily. Others, notably some types of snakes will go 5 days or more between meals. In either case, chances are that your local grocery store does not have iguana food on the shelf next to the cat chow. Food for your reptile pet may mean returning to the pet store for their special needs, or carefully preparing balanced meals for them. Some will even require live insects or rodents. Make sure that you are aware of the feeding habits of the pet you consider, the costs of the food and the time to get or prepare it.

Climate

Chances are that the climate in your house is not suitable for a reptile pet. Most require warm temperatures, controlled humidity and special lighting to thrive. This will mean constructing or buying a terrarium, equipping it with lights and heaters, and monitoring it each day. Reptiles have no biological temperature control as mammals do, and no way of telling you when they're hot or cold. It is up to the pets owner to ensure that they have a suitable climate.

Costs

The purchase price of the pet is the smallest of the costs that you will incur. Expect to spend another $200-$500 on the terrarium and accessories, up to $500 / year in food, possibly $250 per year on veterinarian services. In addition, there will be light bulbs to be replaced, energy used for heating, and so on. That small iguana that you buy for $19.95 may end up costing over $1000 in the first year.

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