Compared to dogs, cats and lots of other types of pets- reptiles are relatively low maintenance when it comes to their everyday care requirements. They’re incredibly interesting creatures and are a great option for those with allergies, long working hours or without much spare time. While reptiles won’t need to be given love and hugs in the same way as a cat or dog, they are still living creatures and are still a big responsibility. Adopting any pet shouldn’t be taken lightly, so before taking the plunge, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Reptiles have many unique requirements regarding care and diet, so as a potential new owner you need to be clued up on how to look after them.
creditDiet
There are a wide range of reptiles out there each eating different kinds of food. But one thing many of them have in common is they’re a lot different to feeding other kinds of animals. Lots of reptiles will require live food such as insects, or whole baby mice which are frozen and then defrosted before feeding. Unlike with mammals or even fish, the food isn’t prepackaged and ready to go. Even if you love reptiles, for some people keeping live insects or frozen baby rodents on hand is enough to put them off. Is this something you would be comfortable with as a reptile owner? If you’re looking for a herbivorous reptile instead, a tortoise would be a good option. They eat things like leaves, fruits and flowers so are great if you don’t want to have to feed live food
Cost
The cost of buying reptiles will largely depend on the species, size, and age. The area where you live will also influence the cost. Some smaller snakes, geckos, and other reptiles can cost under a hundred dollars whereas more rare or larger species can cost several hundred. But it’s not just the upfront cost of the animal you have to worry about, but rather the setup. Tanks, vivariums and all of the equipment that goes along with it can set you back several hundred dollars even for the basics. On top of this, you need to buy their live food as well as any potential vet treatment. You will need to find an exotic vet who specializes in the pet you have chosen; many standard vets won’t treat reptiles or unusual animal species. And as exotic vets are rarer, they generally charge more money too. A bit of planning goes a long way, the last thing you want is to buy your reptile and not be able to afford it or care for it if it gets sick.
Credit Time
Reptiles are relatively low maintenance pets; they don’t require a whole lot of daily maintenance, handling or attention to stay happy and healthy. This isn’t to say you can’t handle your pet if you want to, but unlike cats, dogs, and other mammals it’s not vital to their wellbeing. Time includes things like regular pet shop visits to get their food, and cleaning their vivarium. You will need to keep it clean and tidy, regularly removing droppings and uneaten food to stop smells and pests.
