Reptiles & Reptile Care

Reptiles and amphibians make ideal pets in many ways! They are very quiet and have virtually no odor. The space needed to house them varies depending on the pet. It can be an area smaller than a flower pot or as large as a room. You can find a suitable reptile or amphibian for a pet whether you live in a dorm room, an apartment, or in a house.

Reptiles and amphibians are easy to take care of with a minimum amount of cleaning. You can even miss a feeding occasionally and not worry about it. In nature, they don't get to eat constantly and they have to be much more active in collecting their food than they do in captivity. Becoming obese can actually be a problem if they are fed daily.

Reptiles are growing in popularity as pets in the North America. 3% of U.S. households now contain a lizard, turtle, tortoise or snake. Before becoming a reptile owner, make sure to have an understanding of basic reptile care. Visit Feed-All Pet Centre for an assortment of pamphlets and guides with information about caring for reptiles and amphibians. We carry all sizes of reptile cages, accessories and food products.

If you aren't familiar with reptiles, we have some tips that are important for the health and well-being of both you and your reptile:

Behavioral Needs

• Plastic or Live Plants - provides cover and niches, reduces stress and aggression
• Driftwood, Vines & Branches - provides cover, niches and climbing, reduces stress and aggression
• Plastic or Ceramic Caves - provides cover, niches and climbing, reduce stress and aggression
• Natural-Looking Water Dish or Drip System - provides water in a familiar form

Maintenance Needs

• Substrate - absorbs waste, keeps pet and cage clean, provides a hiding place
• Litter Scoop - removes waste from substrate
• Fresh Water Spray Bottle - provides humidity and drinking water for certain species
• Book - additional information for ongoing care
• Hand Sanitizer - cleans and disinfects hands after handling

Environmental Needs

• Enclosure - provides a proper home for pets
• Secure Top - keeps pet safely in enclosure
• Light Fixture - for use of fluorescent & incandescent bulbs
• Day Heat Bulb - ambient air temperature to keep animals active, provide heat gradient
• Night Heat Bulb - maintains temperature without disrupting rest cycle
• UV-B Bulb - allows for calcium absorption, must pass directly into animal, no glass, must be within 12 inches
• Under Tank Heater - provides heat for digestion & basking (not a heat source for cage)
• Thermometer - measure temperature & setup temperature gradient
• Humidity Gauge - measure humidity levels

Nutritional Needs

• Pelleted Food - supplement to live and fresh food
• Vitamin/Calcium Supplement - balanced nutrition along with variety of diet
• Nutritional Supplement - you are what you eat, so are reptiles
• Calcium - to drench your crickets

Reptile Care and Your Health

• Keep reptiles out of households where there are infants under age one or anyone with weakened immune systems.
• Wash your hands after handling the reptile or any of its waste.
• Never wash a reptile's bowls in the kitchen sink.
• Don't let reptiles wander through the house. The salmonella they spread can survive up to 30 months.

Remember: Proper reptile care will help your reptile live a long and happy life!