General Herp FAQs

[JLC]

6. Can I take my pet outside?

Yes, if you follow a few simple safety guidelines:
Don't ever let your snake out of your sight, not even for a few seconds!
Don't let your snake climb a tree that you yourself can't climb.
Check your snake carefully after your outdoor excursion for ticks or any other nasties.
If you are taking your snake to a public area, be aware that others may have negative reactions and be mindful of children around your pet.

7. Is it legal to take my pet reptile to public places?

This depends on the place. Check for rules against pets before taking your snake anywhere. Be aware that many people have a very negative reaction to snakes. Do not take your snake out if it has a questionable temperament. Many people are curious about snakes/reptiles and some will want to try petting it. Allow this only with caution.

8. Why won’t my snake eat?

There are many reasons why snakes stop eating. First you should examine your husbandry to make sure everything is correct (temperatures, humidity etc) Make sure your snake has secure hiding spots so that it doesn't feel exposed. An insecure snake won't feel comfortable enough to eat. Some snakes will only eat live prey. Never leave your snake unattended with a live prey animal. If your snake is nocturnal, try feeding only at night, and leave a frozen/thawed rodent overnight. Leave your snake alone if possible, (unless you are feeding live) some snakes are too shy to eat while being watched. Often snakes will slow down eating during the fall and winter months. This is normal. In breeding season, mature males are preoccupied with breeding and many lose interest in food.

9. My snake hasn’t eaten in months. Will he be ok?

Snakes can survive an amazing amount of time without food. However, if you notice your snake losing significant weight, a trip to the vet is in order to check for any underlying health problems that may inhibit its appetite.

10. Is it true that all reptiles need UVB light?

No. In fact, almost all snakes are fine with no supplemental lighting whatsoever. Some lizard species do require UVB, however. Iguanas, tegus and diurnal geckos are some which require UVA/UVB lighting. Do your research before purchasing any reptile pet.



11. What is quarantine? Is it really necessary?

Quarantine involves separating new reptile additions from your established collection for a set period of time to assure it is completely healthy before it comes in contact with any of your other animals. Quarantines range from 1-3 months or more. If at all possible keep quarantines in a separate room (or better yet, building) from your established collection. Handle established animals first, and wash your hand thoroughly with antibacterial soap after handling a quarantine. Use separate tools (hooks, spray bottles thermometers etc) for quarantines.

12. What is acclimation? Do I really need to do this?

Acclimation is one of the hardest parts about getting a new reptile. You should leave it alone (no handling) for an entire week after you get it to allow it to settle in. Moving to a new home is stressful, and without acclimation time your pet is less likely to eat and really settle in.

13. Could I use live plants in my pet’s cage?

You can, but if it is a plant-eating reptile make sure that the plant is non-toxic before considering it. In terrarium style setups, plants can help add and maintain humidity in the cage as well as add natural beauty. Live plants are less practical in a snake's cage. They make cleanup more difficult and some reptiles will enjoy uprooting and destroying your plants. Unless you plan on keeping an entire terrarium setup, live plants are not very practical. Consider imitation cloth or plastic plants instead.

14. What are mites and how do I get rid of them?

Mites are tiny parasitic bloodsuckers. They are usually red or black and can be seen easiest crawling around the reptile's eyes, under the chin, and around the vent. The most effective way of removing mites is with Provent-a-Mite which can be ordered online. Clean the entire cage and replace your substrate with newspaper or paper towels until the mites are gone. Products like Reptile Relief, or a soak in a shallow bath with one drop of dishsoap can help get rid of the mites you can see, but Provent-a-Mite is necessary to get rid of the multitude of invisible eggs you can’t see.


15. Is it true that reptiles carry Salmonella?

Any egg laying animal can carry salmonella. In reality you are much more likely to get salmonella from handling raw chicken than from handling your reptile pet. Simply washing your hands after handling your pet will eliminate the risk. Do not allow children to pet a reptile if they are too young to know to not stick their fingers in their mouth after touching a reptile.

16. How do I find a good herp vet in my area?

http://www.arav.org (Click Member Directory to search by State. May have to remove /Directory if that defaults into the address)

http://www.anapsid.org/vets/index.html#vetlist

17. Why do they need hides?

Reptiles are naturally shy creatures. In the wild most are very vulnerable and have many predators. Their first defense is to hide. It is the snake's instinct to pack themselves in the tightest, darkest place they can find. Many snakes can not feel secure without adequate hides.

18. Can my snake be tamed?

Most species of snake can become docile. It is important to be patient. Many young snakes are understandably fearful of humans and may take awhile to calm down. Handle your snake gently and consistently. Avoid sudden movements and refrain from touching the head and neck, the snake's most vulnerable parts. If it makes you feel more comfortable, wear gloves. Different species have different predispositions. Some are often docile right out of the egg, and some take a lot of diligence and patience. There is also a lot of variation within the species; no two snakes are alike! And always remember they are wild animals that will never be “tame” in the sense of our more common domesticated pets.

19. What is Daytona?

Daytona is the biggest reptile shows in the country. Dozens of vendors selling everything from reptiles, to cages and supplies, books and more attend every year.

http://www.reptilebreedersexpo.com/


20. My snake escaped! What should I do?

Look behind, under, and in between everything you can. Snakes will generally head for the warmest, darkest place there is. Around computers are a favorite place. You can try making a 'trap' by placing a thawed rodent into a dark warm spot and leaving it for the snake to find. Smaller snakes can be enticed into a covered (to make it dark inside) 2 liter pop bottle that has a pinky inside of it. Often the snake will eat it and decide to stay for awhile. You can also try sprinkling something like flour on the floor in the room of the cage and wait for 'snake prints', where the snake has crawled, to appear. One key thing to remember when looking: If you dismiss an area because you think it looks too small for your snake to get into or through…go back and look!