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What Do Water Dragons Eat?

Captive water dragons should receive a wide range of foods. Their bodies need specific vitamins and nutrients such as calcium.

Live foods such as mealworms, crickets and earthworms should be offered to them before feeding – for optimal results they should first be gut-loaded before being fed.

Frozen mice can also be offered on occasion; just remember they contain high levels of fat and may harbor parasites.

Live Food

Chinese water dragons require a diet rich in proteins and fruits and vegetables to remain carnivorous in nature (Cogger 2000). Their enclosure should contain 10-20 gallons of clean water at all times to provide ample swimming areas; its contents must also be regularly changed out in order to prevent bacteria growth in its ecosystem.

Water dragons may eat live meat as part of their overall diet; in nature, however, their primary diet consists of insects and aquatic-living creatures (frogs, snails, mollusks and crustaceans). Whole vertebrate prey items like pinky mice can also be fed occasionally to mimic these natural elements of their environment, though only when in moderation.

Captive water dragons must be fed a variety of feeder insects and worms in order to avoid boredom with their diet. As water dragons quickly tire of eating the same kind of feeders at each feeding, it is wise to offer multiple kinds at every mealtime. In addition, gut-load feeders for 24-48 hours before offering them to your reptile; make sure their meal contains more calcium than phosphorus!

Black soldier fly larvae is the optimal feed for Chinese water dragons as it contains high calcium levels with minimal phosphorus levels, providing ample vitamin A sources. Mealworms, crickets, superworms, grasshoppers or any whole prey items should also be offered; just take care not to offer anything high fatty bugs that could potentially cause digestive problems in young dragons (including impaction).

Additionally to these foods, your reptile should also receive fresh greens such as collard and mustard greens, arugula and dandelions; as well as steamed veggies such as kale, broccoli and brussel sprouts that have been cooked (avoiding raw veggies as they could contain salmonella). Furthermore, light dust your reptile’s insect and worm diets four days per week with pure calcium without glycerol supplements, followed by multivitamins once every week.

Fruits

The Chinese Water Dragon (Intellagama lesueurii howittii) is an immensely popular reptile pet. However, their complex care requirements and diet make them challenging pets for beginner reptile owners to care for properly. Water dragons are omnivorous animals; while most of their diet should come from insects or small prey animals such as rodents, fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthful development of the dragon’s immune system.

Chinese water dragons feed on various insects and worms found in nature, such as cicadas and ants. When kept as pets, owners should provide an assortment of similar insects in order to keep the animals entertained and healthy.

Crickets and mealworms should serve as the main protein sources in a Chinese water dragon’s diet, available from most pet stores and generally easily digestible by them. Mealworms must first be gut-loaded with commercial mealworm food prior to feeding, and are only recommended for dragons aged over 12-18 months as their high chitin content could cause digestive issues in younger creatures.

Additional prey items that should occasionally be included in a Chinese water dragon’s diet are grubs and earthworms, which contain both calcium and phosphorus in large quantities – both essential nutrients needed by their bodies to bind calcium together, but consuming too much may lead to bone and joint issues for these aquatic reptiles. It is therefore best to provide these items only occasionally.

Additionally, Chinese water dragons may benefit from being fed pinkie mice on occasion as an occasional feeder item, provided it does not contain bones or hair that would make digestion difficult for their digestive systems. Frozen pinkie mice can be purchased from most pet stores and easily fed to Chinese water dragons.

As well as prey items, Chinese water dragons should also be given fresh fruits and vegetables, including fresh fruits high in antioxidants like Vitamin C and Folic Acid for proper nutrition. It’s best to steer clear of citrus fruit due to the excessive levels of Oxalic Acid that could damage their kidneys.

Vegetables

Chinese water dragons typically transition to eating more vegetables and fruit as they age, in order to provide their bodies with adequate levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, it’s wise not to feed your dragon fish because these foods contain salt, fat, heavy metals, parasites etc. which could harm its development.

Kale, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelions, spinach and turnip greens are excellent vegetables to feed to your baby because they contain antioxidants, folic acid and vitamin A. You may also give peas, sweet potatoes carrots and tomatoes (although frequent offerings could lead to digestive reactions).

Provide your Chinese water dragon with a varied diet that contains essential vitamins and nutrients. Fresh, washed fruits and veggies free from pesticides can also make an excellent selection.

If your pet is eating less, this could indicate boredom with their food or being pregnant (gravid females are more likely to stop eating as they prepare to lay eggs, digging shallow nests in which to do this).

If you want to ensure that your water dragon is getting enough essential vitamins and minerals, supplement its diet with Repashy’s multi-vitamin blend or calcium powder. Both these products can easily be added into their feeder insect foods. Gut-loading feeder insects is another great way of providing adequate nourishment; simply feed nutritious food to them for 24-48 hours prior to giving them back as treats for your pet – black soldier fly larvae is best as they have high calcium and lower phosphorus content; other options that require gut-loading are mealworms waxworms and crickets.

Reptile Diets

Chinese water dragons feed on an assortment of plants and animals in the wild, from flowers and insects to fruit, fruit trees, arboreal invertebrates and flowers in trees’ branches; to molluscs and crustaceans found along coastal areas.

Captive reptiles should be provided with a varied diet that features fresh greens such as collard and mustard greens, dandelions, kale and turnip greens; other vegetables may include Swiss chard carrots and squash as well as fruits like pomegranates blueberries apples oranges strawberries mango papayas bananas etc. Additionally, feeder insects like crickets hornworm silkworm mealworms earthworms etc should also be offered in small amounts and cut up into bite-size pieces so the reptile can digest them more efficiently.

Supplements such as calcium gluconate and carbonate should be included in their diet, along with powdered vitamin D3. They should also receive an occasional dusting with powdered vitamin D3. A good amount of protein should also be provided, though live rodents are not ideal; occasionally frozen mice might be fed but only once or twice monthly – not more!

Chinese water dragons need a balanced diet in order to thrive. If the animal becomes lethargic or stops eating, this could be indicative of infection or another medical issue and needs to be seen immediately by a veterinarian for evaluation and possible administration of fluids as needed or anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain and swelling – this way their recovery can occur more rapidly.

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What Do Lizards Eat?

Lizards are an immensely diverse species of reptiles, and their diets vary considerably according to species. Most lizards fall into one of four feeding groups: insectivores, omnivores, herbivores or carnivores.

In nature, the diet of lizards is heavily determined by their environment; while in captivity, a varied and well-rounded diet is crucial to their wellbeing.

Vegetables

Lizards love eating fruits, veggies and insects and require plenty of water to stay hydrated. Selecting nutritious vegetables and fruits for your pet lizard will ensure they receive all the essential vitamins they require for health and activity – such as avocados, onions and juniper berries which may not be beneficial – however some veggies must first be processed prior to feeding them to them as some require special processing methods before being given to lizards.

Baby lizards tend to be omnivorous eaters, meaning they consume both plant and animal products. As they mature and become larger, however, some may become carnivorous and exclusively consume animal species like mice frogs and small mammals; other varieties are insectivores that feast upon bugs such as grasshoppers, ants, or crickets.

If you own a garden, it’s essential that you understand which vegetables are safe for lizards. Some common examples are carrots, green beans, peas, tomatoes and squash – in addition to leafy greens such as bok choy, Napa cabbage or dandelion greens – although make sure they’re washed well beforehand to remove pesticides or harmful chemicals that could otherwise linger on these foodstuffs.

Other common lizard foods include strawberries, figs, apricots, bananas, mangoes and papayas; you can also give your lizards antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries and prunes for their nutritional needs. It is wise to avoid feeding citrus or iceberg lettuce to your lizard as these have low nutritive value that could cause health issues in their bodies.

Some foods to feed your lizard include potatoes, yams and sweet potatoes; sunflower seeds and walnuts; apples, bananas and melons can be given occasionally as treats; commercial food available from pet stores often includes these fruits and vegetables as ingredients as well. Incorporating calcium and multivitamin supplements into their diet is also highly recommended to ensure they get all of the essential vitamins they require for a healthy existence.

Fruits

Lizards enjoy eating a range of fresh produce grown from the soil, including fruits and vegetables that grow from seeds. This provides them with nutritious options while decreasing the risk of vitamin deficiencies. However, it’s wise to consult a reptile expert or veterinarian prior to feeding any particular vegetable or fruit to your lizard; certain food may be toxic for lizards so this should be kept in mind before feeding anything directly to them.

In the wild, most lizards are insectivores – meaning that they hunt and consume insects – like leopard geckos, anoles, house geckos, etc. This includes leopard geckos, anoles and house geckos which feed on insects such as flies, crickets, grasshoppers, moths and ants; while larger prey like scorpions or spiders might also be eaten depending on size preference.

However, some lizards also enjoy eating other types of food from the ground such as berries and leafy greens, fruits that grow on trees such as bananas or tomatoes, carrots, yams or peppers.

As a general guideline, always wash produce before feeding it to your lizard in order to eliminate bacteria and parasites that may grow on it. Also, never feed raw meat without first placing it in the freezer for at least 30 days first before offering it as food for your pet lizard.

Some lizards enjoy dining on foods commonly enjoyed by humans, such as bok choy and Napa cabbage – available from supermarkets or specialty grocers – while they also consume dandelion greens, watercress and chicory leaves from your garden if possible – provided these have not been treated with pesticides prior to collection.

Lizards can consume various varieties of apples in limited amounts without suffering digestive distress. When selecting baking variety apples for consumption, as these tend to remain firmer and won’t become waterlogged after being digested by their stomachs. They should be cut into small pieces with seeds removed prior to consumption; some also enjoy strawberries which must be chopped finely prior to consumption.

Meat

Lizards are carnivorous animals that feed primarily on meat-based diets, though they occasionally enjoy vegetables and fruit as snacks. To maintain optimal health for both animal and owner alike, it’s essential that lizards receive a well-rounded diet in order to prevent obesity issues or other potential health concerns from emerging.

One of the key mistakes people make when feeding their lizards is not providing enough variety in its diet, which may lead to health problems like vitamin deficiencies and boredom in its food intake. A lack of variety will only increase its susceptibility to disease outbreaks! Additionally, an unvaried diet could leave your lizard hungry!

Once they have shed, lizards often consume their old skin as it may contain parasites and bacteria harmful to them.

Many lizard species prey upon insects, including wasps and honey bees. Though beneficial in terms of pollinating flowers and eating pests like aphids and tomato hornworms, wasps and honey bees can also consume maggots and root fly larvae that could damage plants as well as disrupting reproduction cycles. Unfortunately, backyard lizards could consume these harmful bugs too!

Insects are an integral component of a lizard’s diet, providing vital protein and nutrition. While crickets, hoppers, locusts and cockroaches may provide most of this sustenance, some species also feed on wax worms and mealworms; all can be purchased from pet stores or reptile specialty shops.

Lizards can consume small spiders as part of their natural diet. However, it’s important to avoid feeding lizards spiders since these may contain poisonous elements that could be dangerous to their health.

Most lizards only remain active for part of the year before retreating into hibernation for most of it. When not hungry, lizards will eat dirt to increase calcium intake for bone and joint health, or when dehydrated and lacking minerals; some even resort to eating sand as an energy boost! Therefore, it’s essential that your lizard always has access to water so they remain healthy throughout their entire lives.

Insects

Lizards are both herbivorous and carnivorous, meaning that they consume both plants and animals for food. A significant portion of a lizard’s diet should consist of insects such as crickets, locusts, various cockroach species, waxworms, dubia worms or mealworms (available from reptile-specific pet stores) to provide ample protein sources. Insects provide excellent sources of energy.

Herbivorous lizards, such as green iguanas, feed only on plant matter. This species of lizard is often kept as pets in homes. Herbivorous lizards should be fed leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, spinach, romaine lettuce and turnips as well as fresh fruit for proper diet and care. Ensure any unwanted seeds or stems are cut away before offering to your lizard for feeding purposes.

Some lizards are predators and will hunt their food in the wild; desert sand and gecko species in particular will hunt down food sources such as insects such as flies and scorpions as well as small spiders that they devour, while hunting birds, fish, or even other lizards for sustenance.

As with fruits, it is vital that any vegetables fed to lizards be washed and chopped or finely shredded prior to feeding them as this will decrease the likelihood of vitamin deficiency and prevent food-borne illness. It is also wise to refrain from offering anything high in theobromine content such as chocolate as this can be toxic for them.

All lizards need fresh water every day, as well as supplements that may include vitamins and minerals sprinkled onto their food or taken as powder supplements once or twice each week depending on age, breeding status and species. When feeding captive lizards it’s also important to remember they do not get as much exercise in the wild and may therefore require protein-rich foods like insects – this is particularly important when raising younger bearded dragons in growth phases as their metabolisms need more energy for support of development.

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How to Tell the Age of a Box Turtle

Knowing the age of your turtle is vitally important. Knowing its age allows you to accurately gauge their health, growth rate and food requirements.

People often wonder the ages of their pet turtles. Unfortunately, without being there when they hatched it’s impossible to know exactly; however you can make some educated estimates.

Carapace Length

Many pet owners want to know the age of their turtles for several reasons, including diet needs and breeding capabilities. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to determine an accurate age estimation; even experts often have trouble making an accurate guess; but there are ways you can try to approximate it.

One popular method involves counting the rings on a turtle’s carapace – commonly referred to as annuli and thought to correlate with age; however, researchers now believe these rings only indicate length of life span and not exact ages of animal species.

Another method for estimating turtle age involves looking at its shell’s scutes. Scutes are little raised plates over a turtle’s back that are separated by rings of various sizes; typically, the greater number of rings a scute has, the older it is; however, this method cannot always provide accurate results as certain parts of its life may have been spent being unhealthy for whatever reason.

Furthermore, some scutes may have more rings because they developed faster than the others on a particular turtle, making it essential to employ different techniques in attempting to determine its age.

Other methods for estimating a turtle’s age include looking at its scutes, eye, and shell for any signs of denting or other damages. Although these methods may be more reliable than counting annuli alone, they still involve some degree of guesswork. If you want an exact estimate it would be wise to consult a vet who specializes in reptiles and amphibians as they likely possess more experience dealing with your particular species of turtle. They could help provide the most accurate estimation possible.

Of course, the most accurate method of determining a turtle’s age is knowing its date of birth if possible – however this only works if you were present at its birth! Also keep in mind that turtles grow at different rates depending on their environment.

Scutes

Scutes, the plates that form a turtle’s shell, can be counted like tree rings to estimate its age. Unfortunately, however, this method is imperfect in that scutes can have false growth rings due to older epidermis rubbing off, or have their number fluctuate depending on a turtle’s health during different times of its life – making an exact age estimation difficult with only counting scutes as evidence.

Observing a turtle’s behavior can provide another method of estimating its age. When getting ready to shed its scutes, for instance, they usually begin rubbing against surfaces and objects in its enclosure before eventually basking more frequently – this helps protect vulnerable scutes by absorbing UVB rays so they do not become damaged during this period.

Be mindful that turtles are prey animals, making them particularly susceptible to attack by predators such as raccoons, skunks, snakes and foxes when approaching shed their scutes. Therefore, turtles that appear close to losing theirs should be left alone to avoid injury or even death from attacks by these predators.

Being present at a turtle’s birth is the only sure way to determine its age with absolute accuracy; all other methods involve some amount of guesswork. With that information in hand, however, you may still be able to calculate its age with some level of accuracy. Red-eared sliders reaching sexual maturity can typically be estimated between five and eight years old using this method of calculation. Although less precise, carapace length measures can still give an approximate idea of their age. However, for more accurate numbers it would be advisable to consult a vet who specializes in reptiles and amphibians. They’re sure to have more experience handling reptiles and amphibians than you, providing more accurate estimation of an animal’s age than you could do yourself.

Growth Annuli

Turtles that have been properly cared for will develop at a healthy rate, making their size one way of determining their age. Unfortunately, however, this method has its limitations: different species grow at differing rates depending on their environment and diet; additionally, their carapace may become worn due to natural conditions or improper feeding; in this instance their rings may no longer be clearly visible.

One method for estimating a turtle’s age involves counting their growth rings on their shell scutes – similar to tree rings in that each ring represents one year – but this approach may be difficult or inaccurate when used on turtles with worn down shells; thus it should only be used as an estimate rather than for precise calculations of age.

Finally, a turtle’s skeleton can also be an indicator of its age; this method should only be attempted by experienced biologists as it involves digging up dead turtles to study their skeletons. Although not the most reliable means of estimating age accurately, this approach could prove useful when no other methods exist.

Box turtles generally live between 30-40 years, with their lifespan dependent on food, water quality parameters and genetics. Understanding your turtle’s age is helpful when trying to meet their dietary requirements or protect it from predators.

Wild box turtles typically reach sexual maturity at a relatively late age and live for decades, necessitating that they consume enough food throughout their lifespan to maintain bodyweight and keep eating enough food to remain at an optimum weight. Therefore, providing your turtle with an appropriately nutritious diet including both plant- and meat-based products is crucial to ensure optimal health throughout its lifetime.

One way of estimating how old a box turtle is by counting the growth rings on its scutes. These small grooves on its shell, known as growth annuli, usually exhibit broad rings with one color separated by thinner rings of another color that mark each year a turtle has lived. Simply counting these rings will provide an estimate as to its age.

Skeleton

Turtles have skeletal systems composed of bone, and this can give a rough estimation of their age. You may also notice some telltale signs of wear on their shell such as dents or chips which indicate signs of aging from natural causes (fall) as well as rough handling (dropped from tank or other handling) as these marks can often be easily seen and counted – though it remains difficult to know exactly how long a turtle has lived just based on these marks alone.

Bones in turtles are organized in such a way that, with proper equipment, can be studied to ascertain its age. While this technique is usually reserved for biologists, it can also be useful as a hobbyist turtle keeper. An osteometry bone gauge must be utilized for this procedure and can take some time before results emerge.

An alternative way of trying to estimate the age of a turtle is to look for rings on its carapace – similar to tree rings – which many believe can help determine its age. While this method requires some guesswork, if you have worked with turtles for long enough and know exactly what signs to look out for it could prove quite accurate.

If you use this method, be sure to use a size chart specific for the species of turtle. Since each species varies greatly in terms of size, using one that doesn’t correspond will lead to inaccurate estimates; additionally it can be difficult reading rings on young or thin turtles.

If all else fails, if necessary take your turtle to a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles and amphibians for advice. Their knowledge about turtles will far exceed your own and should enable them to give an accurate estimation.

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Important Things To Consider Before Getting A Hamster

Hamsters can make great pets for people of all ages, but there are some things you should consider before bringing one home. They require a lot of attention and care, and if you’re not prepared to commit to taking care of a hamster, it’s best not to get one at all. In this article, you will learn about the most important things you need to know before getting a hamster!

Diet 

The main concern of all new hamster owners is what they can feed them, and what foods they can never get their paws onto. A very common question in the community is can hamsters eat apples and people usually worry about any other type of fruit. As with any food it is best to give them a small piece first and see how they react before giving them more.

Do your homework on what hamsters eat and what nutrients they need in their diet, so you can ensure your hammy is getting everything they need to stay healthy and happy.

A diet that consists of hay, fresh vegetables, a small number of pellets, and the occasional treat is best for hamsters. They also need water available at all times. Make sure to do your research on what foods are poisonous to hamsters as well, so you can avoid offering them anything that could make them sick.

Living Space 

The cage in which you’ll be keeping your hamster should be at least 24″ by 12″ and no taller than 18″. The bar spacing on the cage should be no more than ¼ inch to prevent your hamster from escaping. You’ll also need a water bottle, food dish, hiding place, wheel (optional), and bedding. Bedding can be made of paper products, aspen shavings, or refresh. Avoid using pine or cedar shavings as they can cause respiratory problems for your hamster.

The temperature in your hamster’s living space should be between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also need to make sure the living space is free of drafts and out of direct sunlight. Lastly, you’ll want to place the cage in an area where your family spends a lot of time so your hamster doesn’t feel isolated. 

It’s also essential to know how to clean your hamster’s living space. You’ll need to do a full cleaning of the cage and all of its accessories at least once a week. This means removing your hamster from the cage, washing everything down with hot water and vinegar, and letting it all air dry before putting your hamster back in. 

Health 

Unfortunately, there are some health issues you need to keep an eye on if you own a pet hamster. These are the following things:

• Tumors: You should keep an eye out for any lumps or bumps on your hamster’s body. 
• Dental health: Hamsters have a lot of teeth and they grow quickly. This can cause problems with their teeth if they’re not properly cared for.
• Hamsters are prone to respiratory problems due to their small size.
• Eye problems: If you notice your hamster’s eyes are red or swollen, take them to the vet.
• Diarrhea: If your hamster has it, take them to the vet to make sure it’s not something serious.
• Wet tail: A condition that can be fatal to hamsters. 

As you can see, there are some health issues you need to be aware of if you own a pet hamster. However, as long as you keep an eye on these things and take your hamster to the vet regularly, they should be healthy and happy! 

Hygiene 

You have to keep your hands clean when handling a hamster. This also means that you have to keep their home clean as well. If you don’t, your hamster can get sick very easily. 

Make sure to change their bedding often and clean their cage regularly. You also shouldn’t put anything in their cage that could make them sick.

When giving them a bath, use special hamster shampoo. Don’t use soap, because it can dry out their skin. Hamsters are very clean animals and they groom themselves often. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything. You still have to take care of them and make sure they’re healthy and happy. 

Reproduction 

Never keep a male and female hamster together unless you want babies. If you do, get ready for baby hamsters, as a female can have litters of up to 12! Hamsters reach sexual maturity at around six weeks old. That means if you got your hamster when she was four weeks old, she could already be pregnant. Litters are usually born 21 days after conception. 

So, if you’re not planning on breeding your hamster, it’s best to get a same-sex pair or have your pet spayed or neutered. Your vet can do this as early as four months old (before the first heat cycle in females). This is also a good idea if you don’t want your hamster to become aggressive or territorial.

Behavior 

It’s important to keep your hamster tame as they can develop a behavior where they become aggressive and bite. Doing this is easy, just handle them every day so they get used to you. Once your hamster is tame, you can play with them and even teach them tricks!

Remember, every hamster is different so it’s important to get to know yours. Some may never want to be held while others love cuddles. Just take the time to get to know your furry friend and you’ll have a great relationship in no time! 

Do some research on what type of behavior is common for the breed of hamster you are getting. 

They’re Nocturnal 

Don’t get spooked when you start hearing noises in the middle of the night. Hamsters are nocturnal, so they’re most active after sundown. If you want a pet you can cuddle during movie night, this isn’t the animal for you. Consider getting a hamster if you’re prepared to handle being woken up in the wee hours of the morning. 

Do some research on whether or not being nocturnal is something that would work with your lifestyle before getting a hamster. They’re lovely creatures, but it’s important to be aware of their needs before making any commitments.

Hamsters are awesome and cute pets, but you do need to take proper care of them. Make sure to research their diet and set up the living space properly, after which you’ll keep it clean. It’s essential to keep an eye on their health and hygiene and never put males and females together as they reproduce quickly. Their behavior depends on how you act towards them and don’t be scared once they start doing some nighttime activities. Have fun with your new pet!

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How much does it cost to feed a pet snake for one month?

One of the many benefits of owning a snake is how low-maintenance they can be. Not only that, but they’re also surpsingly affordable (after the initial set costs) . Both of these qualities make snakes ideal pets for time or cash-strapped animal lovers. Need proof? Feeding is an ongoing expense that all pet owners must contend with. With a traditional pet like a dog or cat, this can quickly become costly. Not the case with snakes! The casual reptile-lover with an average-sized snake likely won’t pay more than pay more than $30 a month out of pocket, but it can be as little as $15. However, there a number of factors that can determine precisely how much the cost will be, here’s what they are: 

Snake Size

The bigger the snake, the more it will eat–that’s a no-brainer. But we’re not just talking about the length of the snake but its width. The rule of thumb when it comes to determining how much to feed your snake is to ensure that the food (typically a rodent, in rarer cases, an egg) is no larger than the snake’s widest point. Otherwise, a snake runs the risk of choking on their food, or vomiting from indigestion, which is also a choking hazard. The price of rodents is proportionate to their size so smaller rodents mean less cost.

Snake Age 

A trend you’ll find throughout the animal kingdom (including humans) is that the youngest of a species will need to eat more often. While the exact amount will vary by species, in general, juvenile snakes will Eat more than their mature adult counterparts. Let’s take a look at ball python eating habits for a better example of this. Once reaching adulthood, a ball python only needs to eat once every 7 to 10 days and can sometimes go even longer once they are several years old. The newly hatched and juvenile ball pythons however, will need to eat once every 3 to 4 days.

When a snake needs to eat most frequently it is when they will eat the smallest of prey which Will be less expensive. Large mice or rats (or whatever type of rodent you use) might be more expensive but this is balanced out by being less frequent feedings.

Type of Food

Aside from needing to choose the size of the mice or rats being used, a snake owner must also decide in what condition to provide said rodents: Frozen or live. There are benefits to either (both sides have staunch supporters). However when it comes to cost, frozen rodents are the clear winner of being the most affordable. When you purchase a live rodent that cost includes the expenses of keeping it alive, food, housing, etc. 

Frozen rodents are (ethically) pre-killed and pre-packaged; being easy to store as well as cost-effective. And since frozen rats and mice can be stored for up to six months, it allows you to only use the amount of food that you need and minimizing food waste.

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What You Should Know Before Buying a Leopard Gecko

Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptiles kept as pets. Their small size makes them ideal for someone in an apartment, their different morphs ensure that each one is unique, and their behaviour and eating habits can be a good source of entertainment. That’s not the only reasons why these little creatures have become so sought after; leopard geckos can be relatively easy to care for. 

There are a number of things to keep in mind when setting up their enclosure; one of the most important being the space required. The general rule to follow is to have at least a 30-gallon leopard gecko tank. If you cannot provide this space, then a leopard gecko might not be right for you.

You will want your leopard gecko to be happy and safe, and you can achieve this by doing your research. There are plenty of factors that can make your leopard gecko live a healthy life, some of which can be read below.

Substrate

Leopard geckos are terrestrial so they need to be able to absorb heat from the ground and the air. Substrates like newspaper and paper towels are not suitable options for this. 

The main questions you should ask when buying substrate are:

• Is it natural and non-toxic?
• Is the risk of ingestion low?
• Is it easy to clean?
• Is it suitable for burrowing?

One choice is a substrate like repti-carpet. This substrate can be easily cleaned (you can even throw it in the washing machine) and it is soft enough for the geckos to dig and create burrows. However, if you are looking for a substrate that mimics a leopard gecko’s natural habitat, you should research your options and even ask on reptile forums.

Hiding spots

There are many different things that can be used to make a hide for the gecko. A hide is a place where they can go to feel safe. A hide can be as simple as a plastic container with an entrance hole cut into it. For example, a small plastic deli container with a hole cut into the side is ideal. More natural hiding spots are also available; it might be beneficial if you familiarised yourself with the term “bioactive”, if a more natural enclosure is what you would prefer.

Leopard geckos are nocturnal, so they will be most active at night, but some can be shy by nature. When first introduced to their new environment, they might need a little time to warm up to their owners before they will come out of their hide. By providing hiding spots, this allows them to have their own space. 

Heat and lighting

Leopard geckos need a hot spot for basking. A heat lamp can be placed above the enclosure at one end, which will allow the other end to be cooler. This allows thermal variation, as the hotter end should be between 28 to 30 Celsius and the cooler end 24 to 26 Celsius. You can also use a heat mat placed under the enclosure, if it is glass; these are best used during the night, however. 

Leopard geckos also need to be exposed to UV light, as this helps them to produce vitamin D3. This vitamin is essential for their bone development. 

Diet and water

Leopard geckos are omnivores. Their diet should consist of a good quality reptile food and a number of insects. They are not picky eaters so a number of different types of insects can be fed to them. To help with this, a number of feeder insects can be purchased. 

The best way to provide the right type of food is to use a self-feeding dish. This can be made by using a shallow, wide bowl. A piece of slate can be used to hold the food in place so the gecko has to work for its food. This will help to ensure that they are getting all of the nutrients they need. 

Another important thing that a leopard gecko enclosure needs is a good source of water. The best way to provide this is to use a water dish without a lot of surface area. This will allow the gecko the ability to drink without getting water on the rest of their body. 
By making sure that the enclosure has everything a leopard gecko needs, they can live a healthy and happy life. That’s the best way to make sure that you get the most out of owning a leopard gecko.

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Best Insects for Bearded Dragons?

A bearded dragon’s well-being is dependent on whether their nutritional needs are met or not. In the process, one must feed them with a diverse diet. Their diet must include live feeders. Here, you can find all the information regarding the best insects for bearded dragons. 

There are various factors one needs to consider while choosing the best diet for the dragon’s health. All the nutritional elements play an important role in the maintenance of the health and happiness of your reptile. Obviously, vitamins and minerals play an important role but calcium and potassium are crucial too. One must gather all the information regarding the nutrients each insect offers to the dragons. 

Although it is difficult to provide the diet that the bearded dragon would have got in the natural habitat, one must also keep in mind that the dragon is in different circumstances now and it would never be healthy for him to eat wild-caught bugs. This can result in various diseases and infections. 

Insects for bearded dragons

Here, you can find all the detailed information regarding the best insects for bearded dragons.

Dubia Roaches 

When it comes to bearded dragons, Dubia Roaches should be a staple in every bearded dragons diet. These insects consist of protein of 21.4% and have a low-fat content of about 3%. Therefore, the nutrients remain in a balanced manner. Combine your Dubia Roaches with a good calcium powder, and you have an extremely nutritious treat! In addition to the nutritional values, these insects also have some other benefits as mentioned below:

• Very little noise, these insects are usually less noisy. 
• No smell, if the insects are kept in an appropriate manner, they produce no smell. 
• The breeding procedure of these insects is very simple and easy. 
• These insects are not able to fly or climb. 
• The maintenance of these insects is very easy.

Goliath Worms

Goliath Worms is also considered one of the best insects for bearded dragons. These insects are a great source of nutrition. But these insects must not be considered as the sole diet because the moisture content is high. It is advised to add some other staple in the diet. 

 These worms have a moisture content of 85%. They have protein of about 9%. The fat contained in these insects is low, it is around 3.07%. The calcium contained is 464mg/kg. Also, it has phosphorus of about 1394mg/kg. 

 Some other benefits of these insects are:

• The insects grow quickly. They grow fully within just a few days.
• These insects are the best to boost hydration.

Waxworms

Wax Worms are insects that you can feed your bearded dragon. These insects have a high-fat content so it is advised to never consider this insect as the only diet. It is good to combine this diet with another low-fat insect such as Dubia Roaches. If the dragon is overweight, this insect must be avoided. 

This insect contains about 14.1% of proteins. It has a fat of 24.9%. The waxworms consist of calcium and phosphorus of 243mg/kg and 1650 mg/kg respectively.

Some additional benefits of these insects are:

• The wax worms are easily available everywhere.
• These worms can be easily kept and stored.

Superworms

Superworms are considered as one of the best feeder insects. These worms have a high fat- content, therefore it is best when fed along with some other feeder insect. The dragon will face no issues if these insects are fed regularly up to a number of ten when fed along with some other less fatty insects. 

Sometimes, super worms are confused with mealworms but one must keep in mind that both are completely different. Superworm has better nutritional values and also can be easily digested by dragons. The outer shell of the super worms is soft and therefore it can be easily digested by the dragons.

These worms consist of proteins of around 20%. The fat contained is 17%. It has moisture of around 57.9%. Calcium contained in this feeder insect is 177mg/kg and it contains a phosphorus of 2370mg/kg.

Mealworms

Mealworms are one of the most popular feeder insects for bearded dragons. They have variable sizes and they can grow up to two inches in length. These worms have a hard outer layer. This layer is known as chitin. Therefore, it is sometimes advised not to feed them to younger dragons as it can be difficult for them to digest these insects. 

Mealworms should be fed with other insects. Adult dragons should not take more than 5 to 6 mealworms in a day and it is better to avoid feeding these worms to the younger ones.

These worms have a moisture of 60%. The protein contained in these worms is 18.7%. Also, it contains fat of 13.4%. The quantity of calcium and phosphorus is 169mg/kg and 2950 mg/kg.

Summing Up

 However, apart from all the above-mentioned insects, there are some other insects like crickets and nitric grubs which can be options for your dragon. Also, butter worms and silkworms are often fed to bearded dragons. In fact, it is important to acquire knowledge regarding the nutritional quantities and values of the feeder insects before offering it to your bearded dragon. 

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Tips for keeping your Reptile pet happy

There are many different animal species you can pick as your pet, and a lot of people choose to go with a reptile. Why is that? Reptiles are great pets for many indoor locations, and they also look amazing. Plus, many of them are very friendly and just fun to be around. But once you get a reptile pet, how do you keep it happy? Here are some ideas you need to take into consideration!

Understand your reptile pet’s nutritional needs

Every reptile has different nutritional needs, based on their species, size, health concerns and other factors. But there are some common things you will encounter in the diet of most reptiles. For starters, you will notice most reptile pets like mealworms and mice, although some just consume fruit and veggies. That’s why you need to understand the diet of a reptile, because you never really know what you can expect and how different it might be. Making the right changes can indeed bring in tremendous results, so you have to take that into account. Roach jelly can also be an option, so think about it too. It’s important to study your reptile’s diet beforehand to avoid any issues. 

Invest in a good terrarium

Most reptiles need plenty of space to move around. They aren’t like aquarium fish which will be ok even with a small aquarium. Instead, reptiles do want to have as much space as possible, because they enjoy moving all the time and that’s something you must take into account. Ideally you want to have a dedicated room for the terrarium, try to offer your reptile tons of space, and it will be very happy that you did so.

Provide the right amount of heat and lighting

You need to keep in mind that reptiles are cold-blooded. As a result, they rely on heat and lighting in general in order to keep their body warm. That’s why you need to invest in a good lighting system for them. They get calcium and vitamin through sunlight exposure. So yes, you do need to bring in as much light as possible for your lizard pet. For example, a bearded dragon habitat needs a heat lamp to regulate body temperature. They also need a UVB light to ensure they get enough vitamin D.. Even if it might not seem like a lot at first, it’s important to invest in high quality lighting, your reptile pet will love it.

Never grab your reptile by its tail

One thing to note about reptiles is that they like being petted, however you should never grab them by the tail. This causes undue stress most of the time. It will make the body unsupported and to make things worse, your pet will go into defense mode right away. That’s something you want to avoid if you’re looking to keep the reptile pet happy. The same thing happens if you’re using any head restraints. Your pet doesn’t like that and it will most likely attack you. 

Keep the terrarium humidity in mind

Most reptiles are known for enjoying places where they have a lot of humidity. What you really want to avoid is a terrarium which is very dry. That can be extremely bad for your pet, and in time it can lead to its death. So yes, humidity is one of those things that might not seem pivotal, but it really is extremely important for your pet, a lot more than you might imagine. 

But then again, you don’t want an environment that’s too moist. This will have a lot of fungi and bacteria that can harm your pet. So you need to be mindful of the situation and see how you can approach this properly. Reptiles control their exposure to humidity by moving to a proper microclimate or even burrowing. In the case of reptiles that live in captivity, you need to control everything and that can be a bit more challenging than you imagine.

Replace the UVB bulbs every 12 months

As time goes by, the UVB bulbs just won’t have the performance and results you need from them. So even if they are still working, you do want to replace them and offer your reptile pet the right amount of lighting with a new set of bulbs. It’s a crucial aspect to consider, although a lot of pet owners tend to forget about it. All you need is to take your time and monitor all these things for the best results.

Keep your terrarium way from sunlight

If your pet reptile needs sunlight, why should you keep it away from it? The truth is that the sun can lead to the tank becoming too hot. That can make it hard for your pet reptile to live in there properly, so it’s crucial to avoid this type of situation. It’s recommended to keep it in a place without a lot of direct sunlight. After all, you have a lighting and heating system inside the terrarium anyway, so you don’t need direct sunlight. Rely on things that you have under your control, as it’s a much better option. 

Avoid holding your reptile in the air for a very long time

The reason you want to do that is because reptiles can sometimes slip from your hands. Having them drop from various heights can be damaging to their organs. So yes, it’s crucial to try and not hold your reptile pet up in the air. It might seem fun while you do it, but they don’t like it at all and it can be very dangerous too. So that’s certainly the type of thing that you must take into consideration. 

Make sure that your terrarium is escape-proof

This is important because a lot of reptiles are very sneaky and they are known to escape from their case. The simple idea of locking screen clips can be a good one in a situation like this. You do want to check the terrarium often to ensure that your pet is happy at all times. Once you do that, it will be easier than ever to keep your pet safe. If the pet escapes, it’s really hard to bring it back in the terrarium, and it can be exposed to all kinds of harmful things.

Provide your reptile pet with vitamins

Just like humans, reptiles won’t get all the nutrients and vitamins they need from their diet. Which is why offering them vitamins and calcium in particular can help a lot. You can add it to their diet, in their water and so on. Not only is it going to keep your reptile pet healthy, but you will prevent any possible problems. You won’t have to go to the vet that often either. 

Decorate the tank

It’s important to be creative when it comes to decorating your reptile’s terrarium. You can add all kinds of items like logs, living plants, vines, substrate, rocks and so on. The main focus here is to try and recreate the environment where your reptile usually lives in the wild. The closer you get to that, the happier your pet will be. Yes, it does take a bit of trial and error, but it will be worth the effort.

You should always try to come up with all kinds of designs or items to add inside the terrarium. Your reptile pet loves items that it can interact with, so that alone is a very good idea. Keep it simple, don’t overdo it. The last thing you want is for your pet to choke on stuff. Plus, you want it to move without any problems within the terrarium, so overfilling it can be a problem.

Provide your reptile pet with plenty of water

Just like any other creature, your reptile pet needs plenty of water to survive. You need to make sure that your pet is not dehydrated, as that can be very harmful for its health. So if you want to have a happy reptile, plenty of food and lots of water are pretty much mandatory.

Go to the vet periodically

You should always consider taking your reptile pet to the vet periodically, just to be safe. Yes, this might not be fun for your pet, but the truth is that it will protect him from any possible problems. At the end of the day, proper maintenance and care can indeed make quite the difference. Reptiles are prone to many diseases, especially skin diseases. That’s why you must ensure your pet is safe and away from any possible health problems. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are lots of different things you can do in order to keep your reptile pet happy. You always need to check and see how your pet reacts to things and what you can do in order to keep it happier than ever. It’s not easy to do that, especially as a first-time reptile owner. That’s why you need to study as much as you can about your pet. Knowing lots of stuff about your reptile pet, its preferences, potential health concerns and food is definitely going to help you immensely. Take your time and remember, all these tips will make your pet’s life happier, so don’t hesitate to implement them as fast as possible!

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How To Care For Your Pet Reptiles At Home