Far too many reptile owners use the term “animal welfare” as if it’s a subjective descriptive word much like “quality of life,” rather than what it is: a field of science. So here is a document to help keepers truly understand what animal welfare is, and how we can use it to provide better reptile welfare. Continue Reading
Crested gecko diets form the majority of most arboreal geckos’ nutrition in captivity, which means that any issues with the diet’s quality or formulation can have direct effects on the geckos’ health. This effect is compounded if the gecko is fed strictly one brand of CGD or without supplementary live insects. For this reason, I had to take extra care in evaluating Lugarti’s Premium Gecko Diet for this review. Continue Reading
I’m excited about the Maximum Reptile Three Dimensions 3 Sided Reptile Background Kit because it’s designed to increase your enclosure’s available space with attractive, naturalistic ledges, while also blending seamlessly with any of Maximum Reptile’s incredible terrarium backgrounds. It seems pretty amazing at first glance, but is it too good to be true? Let’s dive in and put it to the test! Continue Reading
Infrared thermometers (a.k.a. temp guns) are an essential tool for any reptile keeper. Infrared thermometers are designed to detect and measure all three types of infrared radiation, enabling the user to measure the surface temperature of any object quickly from a distance. But how well does the ReptiliaCare Digital Infrared Thermometer perform, and how does it stack up against the competition? Continue Reading
It’s not enough to simply eliminate the negatives of wild living.Getting rid of the negatives only makes something neutral (empty). We need to make captivity a rewarding, worthwhile experience for our pet reptiles — and that’s where enrichment comes in! Continue Reading
One of the most overlooked aspects of this hobby — especially considering that most people here have more than one pet reptile — is good reptile quarantine procedures. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, I think we’re all familiar with the word “quarantine” by now. We’ve become much more familiar with the concept of quarantine in reference to ourselves, but what about our reptiles? Do they need quarantining?Absolutely! Continue Reading
Plant lights are often recommended — even required — for bioactive enclosures. Many new keepers will ask, “Why do I need a plant light? Doesn’t the UVB light already provide enough light?” As a bioactive reptile keeper, you need to know how to care for your reptile as well as the plants that share its enclosure. Learn about why plants need light and how you can meet their needs here! Continue Reading
Impaction — also known as a blockage of the gastrointestinal tract — is often attributed to the use of loose substrates such as sand. Does this mean that loose substrate be avoided at all costs? Or is there a different, sneakier cause that most of us don’t consider? Continue Reading
