Care and HandlingCare and HandlingCare and HandlingCare and Handling

Reptiles & AmphibiansReptiles & Amphibians

Adapted from August 8, 2007 Adapted from August 8, 2007 Presentation CAAEPresentation CAAE

Reptiles & AmphibiansReptiles & Amphibians

Adapted from August 8, 2007 Adapted from August 8, 2007 Presentation CAAEPresentation CAAE

Wild Caught vs Captive BredWild Caught vs Captive BredReptilesReptiles

Wild Caught vs Captive BredWild Caught vs Captive BredReptilesReptiles

• Captive bred animals are generally Captive bred animals are generally healthier than wild caught. healthier than wild caught.

– Capture, transport and adjustment to Capture, transport and adjustment to captive conditions is extremely stressful captive conditions is extremely stressful and leaves reptiles susceptible to illness.and leaves reptiles susceptible to illness.

• Wild caught reptiles tend to carry very Wild caught reptiles tend to carry very heavy parasite loads. heavy parasite loads.

• Captive bred animals are generally Captive bred animals are generally healthier than wild caught. healthier than wild caught.

– Capture, transport and adjustment to Capture, transport and adjustment to captive conditions is extremely stressful captive conditions is extremely stressful and leaves reptiles susceptible to illness.and leaves reptiles susceptible to illness.

• Wild caught reptiles tend to carry very Wild caught reptiles tend to carry very heavy parasite loads. heavy parasite loads.

• Captive bred reptiles are generally less Captive bred reptiles are generally less skittish and easier to handle than wild skittish and easier to handle than wild caught. caught.

• Captive bred snakes accept pre-killed Captive bred snakes accept pre-killed prey more readily than wild caught prey more readily than wild caught snakes (especially true for ball snakes (especially true for ball pythons).pythons).

• Captive bred reptiles are generally less Captive bred reptiles are generally less skittish and easier to handle than wild skittish and easier to handle than wild caught. caught.

• Captive bred snakes accept pre-killed Captive bred snakes accept pre-killed prey more readily than wild caught prey more readily than wild caught snakes (especially true for ball snakes (especially true for ball pythons).pythons).

• Buying a captive bred reptile helps to Buying a captive bred reptile helps to maintain wild populations. maintain wild populations.

• For every wild caught reptile that makes For every wild caught reptile that makes it to a pet store and into a home, many it to a pet store and into a home, many more die from stress, injury, and/or more die from stress, injury, and/or illness related to capture, transport, illness related to capture, transport, overcrowding, etc. overcrowding, etc.

• Buying a captive bred reptile helps to Buying a captive bred reptile helps to maintain wild populations. maintain wild populations.

• For every wild caught reptile that makes For every wild caught reptile that makes it to a pet store and into a home, many it to a pet store and into a home, many more die from stress, injury, and/or more die from stress, injury, and/or illness related to capture, transport, illness related to capture, transport, overcrowding, etc. overcrowding, etc.

Choosing a Healthy ReptileChoosing a Healthy ReptileChoosing a Healthy ReptileChoosing a Healthy Reptile

• Overall cleanlinessOverall cleanliness

– If there is fecal material on the belly, it is likely to have If there is fecal material on the belly, it is likely to have been kept in unsanitary and/or overcrowded been kept in unsanitary and/or overcrowded condition. condition.

– If there are feces on the back it may indicate that the If there are feces on the back it may indicate that the reptile was too weak to get out from under stronger reptile was too weak to get out from under stronger cage-mates. cage-mates.

– Check the vent area for dried feces or urates. If these Check the vent area for dried feces or urates. If these are caked on the vent area it may indicate illness or are caked on the vent area it may indicate illness or parasite infestation. parasite infestation.

• Overall cleanlinessOverall cleanliness

– If there is fecal material on the belly, it is likely to have If there is fecal material on the belly, it is likely to have been kept in unsanitary and/or overcrowded been kept in unsanitary and/or overcrowded condition. condition.

– If there are feces on the back it may indicate that the If there are feces on the back it may indicate that the reptile was too weak to get out from under stronger reptile was too weak to get out from under stronger cage-mates. cage-mates.

– Check the vent area for dried feces or urates. If these Check the vent area for dried feces or urates. If these are caked on the vent area it may indicate illness or are caked on the vent area it may indicate illness or parasite infestation. parasite infestation.

• Overall body condition Overall body condition

– Reptiles should be well-fleshed and not emaciated Reptiles should be well-fleshed and not emaciated looking. looking.

– Avoid lizards that appear skinny or bony (watch for Avoid lizards that appear skinny or bony (watch for prominent hip bones, or visible tail bones), or that prominent hip bones, or visible tail bones), or that have abnormal swellings on the legs. have abnormal swellings on the legs.

– Snakes should have a well rounded body and the Snakes should have a well rounded body and the backbone should not be visible.backbone should not be visible.

– Turtles should have ample flesh between their Turtles should have ample flesh between their neck and front legs. neck and front legs.

• Overall body condition Overall body condition

– Reptiles should be well-fleshed and not emaciated Reptiles should be well-fleshed and not emaciated looking. looking.

– Avoid lizards that appear skinny or bony (watch for Avoid lizards that appear skinny or bony (watch for prominent hip bones, or visible tail bones), or that prominent hip bones, or visible tail bones), or that have abnormal swellings on the legs. have abnormal swellings on the legs.

– Snakes should have a well rounded body and the Snakes should have a well rounded body and the backbone should not be visible.backbone should not be visible.

– Turtles should have ample flesh between their Turtles should have ample flesh between their neck and front legs. neck and front legs.

• Skin and/or shellSkin and/or shell

– If the skin is excessively wrinkled and dull in If the skin is excessively wrinkled and dull in appearance, the reptile is probably dehydrated.appearance, the reptile is probably dehydrated.

– The skin should be supple and free of bites and The skin should be supple and free of bites and scratches and you should also check the belly for scratches and you should also check the belly for burns. burns.

– Turtles should have firm shells with no defects; Turtles should have firm shells with no defects; soft shells or shell defects are signs of serious soft shells or shell defects are signs of serious illness. illness.

• Skin and/or shellSkin and/or shell

– If the skin is excessively wrinkled and dull in If the skin is excessively wrinkled and dull in appearance, the reptile is probably dehydrated.appearance, the reptile is probably dehydrated.

– The skin should be supple and free of bites and The skin should be supple and free of bites and scratches and you should also check the belly for scratches and you should also check the belly for burns. burns.

– Turtles should have firm shells with no defects; Turtles should have firm shells with no defects; soft shells or shell defects are signs of serious soft shells or shell defects are signs of serious illness. illness.

• EyesEyes– They should be clean, clear and free of discharge They should be clean, clear and free of discharge

or crusted material.or crusted material.

– Swollen eyes may indicate systemic illness, Swollen eyes may indicate systemic illness,

particularly in turtles.particularly in turtles.

• NoseNose– Watch out for runny nose or mucous around the Watch out for runny nose or mucous around the

nostrils. nostrils.

– In some species salty deposits are normal. In some species salty deposits are normal.

• EyesEyes– They should be clean, clear and free of discharge They should be clean, clear and free of discharge

or crusted material.or crusted material.

– Swollen eyes may indicate systemic illness, Swollen eyes may indicate systemic illness,

particularly in turtles.particularly in turtles.

• NoseNose– Watch out for runny nose or mucous around the Watch out for runny nose or mucous around the

nostrils. nostrils.

– In some species salty deposits are normal. In some species salty deposits are normal.

• MouthMouth

– The inside of most reptiles’ mouths are a healthy The inside of most reptiles’ mouths are a healthy pink color, and smooth. pink color, and smooth.

– A pale pink or greyish color in the mouth, or the A pale pink or greyish color in the mouth, or the presence of small yellow, white or green patches presence of small yellow, white or green patches on the tongue or inside of the mouth are signs of on the tongue or inside of the mouth are signs of systemic illness and/or mouth rot. systemic illness and/or mouth rot.

– Also be wary if the saliva is stringy or ropy looking. Also be wary if the saliva is stringy or ropy looking.

• MouthMouth

– The inside of most reptiles’ mouths are a healthy The inside of most reptiles’ mouths are a healthy pink color, and smooth. pink color, and smooth.

– A pale pink or greyish color in the mouth, or the A pale pink or greyish color in the mouth, or the presence of small yellow, white or green patches presence of small yellow, white or green patches on the tongue or inside of the mouth are signs of on the tongue or inside of the mouth are signs of systemic illness and/or mouth rot. systemic illness and/or mouth rot.

– Also be wary if the saliva is stringy or ropy looking. Also be wary if the saliva is stringy or ropy looking.

• Check the rest of the head for any swelling or Check the rest of the head for any swelling or asymmetry (both sides of the head and jaw asymmetry (both sides of the head and jaw should look the same).should look the same).

– Swelling or asymmetry of the jaws can be an Swelling or asymmetry of the jaws can be an indicator of metabolic bone disease or abscesses. indicator of metabolic bone disease or abscesses.

– Other lumps or swelling may be abscesses or Other lumps or swelling may be abscesses or indicate the presence of general infections or indicate the presence of general infections or illness. illness.

• Check the rest of the head for any swelling or Check the rest of the head for any swelling or asymmetry (both sides of the head and jaw asymmetry (both sides of the head and jaw should look the same).should look the same).

– Swelling or asymmetry of the jaws can be an Swelling or asymmetry of the jaws can be an indicator of metabolic bone disease or abscesses. indicator of metabolic bone disease or abscesses.

– Other lumps or swelling may be abscesses or Other lumps or swelling may be abscesses or indicate the presence of general infections or indicate the presence of general infections or illness. illness.

• Check for the presence of mites.Check for the presence of mites.

– These are tiny specks (may be black, dark brown These are tiny specks (may be black, dark brown or reddish brown, or orange) that move. or reddish brown, or orange) that move.

– Pay close attention to the head and neck and belly Pay close attention to the head and neck and belly areas.areas.

– While fairly easy to treat, they may indicate that While fairly easy to treat, they may indicate that the reptile has been stressed and/or kept in the reptile has been stressed and/or kept in crowded or unsanitary conditions. crowded or unsanitary conditions.

• Check for the presence of mites.Check for the presence of mites.

– These are tiny specks (may be black, dark brown These are tiny specks (may be black, dark brown or reddish brown, or orange) that move. or reddish brown, or orange) that move.

– Pay close attention to the head and neck and belly Pay close attention to the head and neck and belly areas.areas.

– While fairly easy to treat, they may indicate that While fairly easy to treat, they may indicate that the reptile has been stressed and/or kept in the reptile has been stressed and/or kept in crowded or unsanitary conditions. crowded or unsanitary conditions.

• Ask to handle the reptile. Ask to handle the reptile. – Try to handle a variety of reptiles to get used to the Try to handle a variety of reptiles to get used to the

normal muscle tone. normal muscle tone.

• Check the strength of the reptile.Check the strength of the reptile. – A very docile, limp reptile is probably ill.A very docile, limp reptile is probably ill.– Turtles should strongly pull their legs away if grabbed. Turtles should strongly pull their legs away if grabbed. – Snakes should be have good muscle tone and Snakes should be have good muscle tone and

strength, as should lizards. strength, as should lizards. – Juveniles will naturally be less strong than adults.Juveniles will naturally be less strong than adults.– Weakness or shakiness is a sign of illness and Weakness or shakiness is a sign of illness and

twitches or tremors may indicate the presence of twitches or tremors may indicate the presence of metabolic bone disease. metabolic bone disease.

• Ask to handle the reptile. Ask to handle the reptile. – Try to handle a variety of reptiles to get used to the Try to handle a variety of reptiles to get used to the

normal muscle tone. normal muscle tone.

• Check the strength of the reptile.Check the strength of the reptile. – A very docile, limp reptile is probably ill.A very docile, limp reptile is probably ill.– Turtles should strongly pull their legs away if grabbed. Turtles should strongly pull their legs away if grabbed. – Snakes should be have good muscle tone and Snakes should be have good muscle tone and

strength, as should lizards. strength, as should lizards. – Juveniles will naturally be less strong than adults.Juveniles will naturally be less strong than adults.– Weakness or shakiness is a sign of illness and Weakness or shakiness is a sign of illness and

twitches or tremors may indicate the presence of twitches or tremors may indicate the presence of metabolic bone disease. metabolic bone disease.

• Assess the reptile’s behavior. Assess the reptile’s behavior.

• Reptiles should appear bright, alert and Reptiles should appear bright, alert and responsive.responsive.

• Healthy reptiles generally resist being caught Healthy reptiles generally resist being caught and initially may fight being held.and initially may fight being held.

• A tame reptile may be easier to hold, but A tame reptile may be easier to hold, but

should still be alert and responsive. should still be alert and responsive.

• Assess the reptile’s behavior. Assess the reptile’s behavior.

• Reptiles should appear bright, alert and Reptiles should appear bright, alert and responsive.responsive.

• Healthy reptiles generally resist being caught Healthy reptiles generally resist being caught and initially may fight being held.and initially may fight being held.

• A tame reptile may be easier to hold, but A tame reptile may be easier to hold, but

should still be alert and responsive. should still be alert and responsive.

Feeding your reptileFeeding your reptile

Types of FoodTypes of FoodTypes of FoodTypes of Food

• Most snakes can be fed mice of varying Most snakes can be fed mice of varying sizes depending on the snake’s size.sizes depending on the snake’s size.

• Lizards, depending on species, can be Lizards, depending on species, can be omnivores, herbivores or carnivores.omnivores, herbivores or carnivores.

• Most turtles & tortoises are omnivores.Most turtles & tortoises are omnivores.

• Most snakes can be fed mice of varying Most snakes can be fed mice of varying sizes depending on the snake’s size.sizes depending on the snake’s size.

• Lizards, depending on species, can be Lizards, depending on species, can be omnivores, herbivores or carnivores.omnivores, herbivores or carnivores.

• Most turtles & tortoises are omnivores.Most turtles & tortoises are omnivores.

Beans Snow Peas

Turnip Greens

DandelionGreens

Collard Greens

Mango Acorn Squash

Calcium-Phosphorus RatioCalcium-Phosphorus Ratio• For every gram of phosphorus

ingested, a reptile's body needs at least one gram of calcium to match that gram of calcium in order for phosphorus to be absorbed by the intestinal wall.

• If you do not at least match the phosphorus gram for gram with calcium, calcium will be pulled from the reptile's body which may result in Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

• For every gram of phosphorus ingested, a reptile's body needs at least one gram of calcium to match that gram of calcium in order for phosphorus to be absorbed by the intestinal wall.

• If you do not at least match the phosphorus gram for gram with calcium, calcium will be pulled from the reptile's body which may result in Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

Vitamin supplementsVitamin supplementsVitamin supplementsVitamin supplements

• Read the labels when Read the labels when choosing a vitamin choosing a vitamin supplement for reptiles. supplement for reptiles.

• The ratio of vitamin A to The ratio of vitamin A to vitamin D to vitamin E should vitamin D to vitamin E should be 100:10:1. be 100:10:1.

• Read the labels when Read the labels when choosing a vitamin choosing a vitamin supplement for reptiles. supplement for reptiles.

• The ratio of vitamin A to The ratio of vitamin A to vitamin D to vitamin E should vitamin D to vitamin E should be 100:10:1. be 100:10:1.

All prey food should be fed pre-killed!!!

All prey food should be fed pre-killed!!!

SanitationSanitation

• Always wash your hands with hot, soapy Always wash your hands with hot, soapy water after handling reptiles.water after handling reptiles.

• Don't allow reptiles to have access to any Don't allow reptiles to have access to any room where food is prepared.room where food is prepared.

• Don't eat or drink when handling reptiles.Don't eat or drink when handling reptiles.

• Don't use the kitchen or bathroom sink to Don't use the kitchen or bathroom sink to bathe them or their cage, aquarium or bathe them or their cage, aquarium or dishes.dishes.

• Always wash your hands with hot, soapy Always wash your hands with hot, soapy water after handling reptiles.water after handling reptiles.

• Don't allow reptiles to have access to any Don't allow reptiles to have access to any room where food is prepared.room where food is prepared.

• Don't eat or drink when handling reptiles.Don't eat or drink when handling reptiles.

• Don't use the kitchen or bathroom sink to Don't use the kitchen or bathroom sink to bathe them or their cage, aquarium or bathe them or their cage, aquarium or dishes.dishes.

• Reduce spread of Reduce spread of bacteriabacteria

• Cleans easilyCleans easily• Clean oftenClean often

• Never use pine Never use pine based products!!based products!!

• Reduce spread of Reduce spread of bacteriabacteria

• Cleans easilyCleans easily• Clean oftenClean often

• Never use pine Never use pine based products!!based products!!

Reptile ChoicesReptile Choices

Ball (Royal) PythonBall (Royal) Python

• A small constricting snake (adults reach 3-5 A small constricting snake (adults reach 3-5 feet), usually quite docile and easy to care for.feet), usually quite docile and easy to care for.

• They do have a reputation for refusing to feed, They do have a reputation for refusing to feed, so potential owners should be persistent in so potential owners should be persistent in finding a healthy captive bred ball python (you finding a healthy captive bred ball python (you may even want to ask for a feeding may even want to ask for a feeding demonstration to ensure the snake will readily demonstration to ensure the snake will readily take killed mice). take killed mice).

• Ball Pythons can be expected to live a long life Ball Pythons can be expected to live a long life (20-30 years). (20-30 years).

• A small constricting snake (adults reach 3-5 A small constricting snake (adults reach 3-5 feet), usually quite docile and easy to care for.feet), usually quite docile and easy to care for.

• They do have a reputation for refusing to feed, They do have a reputation for refusing to feed, so potential owners should be persistent in so potential owners should be persistent in finding a healthy captive bred ball python (you finding a healthy captive bred ball python (you may even want to ask for a feeding may even want to ask for a feeding demonstration to ensure the snake will readily demonstration to ensure the snake will readily take killed mice). take killed mice).

• Ball Pythons can be expected to live a long life Ball Pythons can be expected to live a long life (20-30 years). (20-30 years).

Corn SnakeCorn Snake

• Corn Snakes are calm, docile, placid snakes Corn Snakes are calm, docile, placid snakes that thrive very well in captivity. that thrive very well in captivity.

• Good choice for beginnersGood choice for beginners

• However, they are also favorites with However, they are also favorites with experienced keepers due to the vast array of experienced keepers due to the vast array of beautiful colors and patterns selective beautiful colors and patterns selective 0breeding has produced.0breeding has produced.

• Corn Snakes are calm, docile, placid snakes Corn Snakes are calm, docile, placid snakes that thrive very well in captivity. that thrive very well in captivity.

• Good choice for beginnersGood choice for beginners

• However, they are also favorites with However, they are also favorites with experienced keepers due to the vast array of experienced keepers due to the vast array of beautiful colors and patterns selective beautiful colors and patterns selective 0breeding has produced.0breeding has produced.

• They reach an adult size of 3-5 feet. They reach an adult size of 3-5 feet.

• Live 10 years or more Live 10 years or more

• Corn Snakes are not highly active and do not Corn Snakes are not highly active and do not need huge enclosures.need huge enclosures.

• They reach an adult size of 3-5 feet. They reach an adult size of 3-5 feet.

• Live 10 years or more Live 10 years or more

• Corn Snakes are not highly active and do not Corn Snakes are not highly active and do not need huge enclosures.need huge enclosures.

• A medium sized enclosure will house your Corn A medium sized enclosure will house your Corn Snake nicely. Snake nicely.

– The vivarium should allow a minimum of 1 The vivarium should allow a minimum of 1 square foot of floor space to each foot of snake square foot of floor space to each foot of snake and be approximately a third of the snake’s and be approximately a third of the snake’s length in height. length in height.

– Hatchlings should start out in an appropriately Hatchlings should start out in an appropriately sized small enclosures as they can become sized small enclosures as they can become stressed and stop feeding in an oversized stressed and stop feeding in an oversized enclosure.enclosure.

• A medium sized enclosure will house your Corn A medium sized enclosure will house your Corn Snake nicely. Snake nicely.

– The vivarium should allow a minimum of 1 The vivarium should allow a minimum of 1 square foot of floor space to each foot of snake square foot of floor space to each foot of snake and be approximately a third of the snake’s and be approximately a third of the snake’s length in height. length in height.

– Hatchlings should start out in an appropriately Hatchlings should start out in an appropriately sized small enclosures as they can become sized small enclosures as they can become stressed and stop feeding in an oversized stressed and stop feeding in an oversized enclosure.enclosure.

• Corn snakes are excellent escape artists, so Corn snakes are excellent escape artists, so care must be taken when planning their care must be taken when planning their housing. housing.

• Make sure the enclosure has a tight fitting lid, Make sure the enclosure has a tight fitting lid, which can be clamped down. which can be clamped down.

• Corn snakes are very strong and can push a Corn snakes are very strong and can push a loose fitting lid from a vivarium.loose fitting lid from a vivarium.

• Corn snakes are excellent escape artists, so Corn snakes are excellent escape artists, so care must be taken when planning their care must be taken when planning their housing. housing.

• Make sure the enclosure has a tight fitting lid, Make sure the enclosure has a tight fitting lid, which can be clamped down. which can be clamped down.

• Corn snakes are very strong and can push a Corn snakes are very strong and can push a loose fitting lid from a vivarium.loose fitting lid from a vivarium.

Leopard GeckoLeopard Gecko

• This is considered by many to be the ideal This is considered by many to be the ideal lizard for beginners as they are quite docile lizard for beginners as they are quite docile and easy to handle. and easy to handle.

• They are relatively small and easy to care for.They are relatively small and easy to care for.

• A 15-20 gallon tank is large enough and since A 15-20 gallon tank is large enough and since they are nocturnal, they do not need they are nocturnal, they do not need specialized (UVA/UVB) lighting.specialized (UVA/UVB) lighting.

• They are insectivores and should be fed a They are insectivores and should be fed a variety of insects. variety of insects.

• This is considered by many to be the ideal This is considered by many to be the ideal lizard for beginners as they are quite docile lizard for beginners as they are quite docile and easy to handle. and easy to handle.

• They are relatively small and easy to care for.They are relatively small and easy to care for.

• A 15-20 gallon tank is large enough and since A 15-20 gallon tank is large enough and since they are nocturnal, they do not need they are nocturnal, they do not need specialized (UVA/UVB) lighting.specialized (UVA/UVB) lighting.

• They are insectivores and should be fed a They are insectivores and should be fed a variety of insects. variety of insects.

Bearded DragonsBearded Dragons

• Bearded dragons are Bearded dragons are probably one of the probably one of the most challenging of most challenging of reptiles, mostly due to reptiles, mostly due to the equipment needed the equipment needed to keep them. to keep them.

• However, these However, these lizards are lizards are entertaining and entertaining and easily tamed. easily tamed.

• Bearded dragons are Bearded dragons are probably one of the probably one of the most challenging of most challenging of reptiles, mostly due to reptiles, mostly due to the equipment needed the equipment needed to keep them. to keep them.

• However, these However, these lizards are lizards are entertaining and entertaining and easily tamed. easily tamed.

• They are desert dwellers so a relatively high They are desert dwellers so a relatively high temperature needs to be maintained, and temperature needs to be maintained, and exposure to UVA and UVB light is a exposure to UVA and UVB light is a necessity.necessity.

• This Australia native reaches a size of 18-24 This Australia native reaches a size of 18-24 inches so needs a good sized tank (40 gallon inches so needs a good sized tank (40 gallon for an adult). for an adult).

• They are desert dwellers so a relatively high They are desert dwellers so a relatively high temperature needs to be maintained, and temperature needs to be maintained, and exposure to UVA and UVB light is a exposure to UVA and UVB light is a necessity.necessity.

• This Australia native reaches a size of 18-24 This Australia native reaches a size of 18-24 inches so needs a good sized tank (40 gallon inches so needs a good sized tank (40 gallon for an adult). for an adult).

• They need a diet that is a combination of They need a diet that is a combination of insects and a variety of fresh vegetables and insects and a variety of fresh vegetables and

fruit.fruit.

• Adult dragons will eat pinkie mice, crickets, Adult dragons will eat pinkie mice, crickets, superworms and a variety of greens, superworms and a variety of greens, strawberries and other fruits.strawberries and other fruits.

• They need a diet that is a combination of They need a diet that is a combination of insects and a variety of fresh vegetables and insects and a variety of fresh vegetables and

fruit.fruit.

• Adult dragons will eat pinkie mice, crickets, Adult dragons will eat pinkie mice, crickets, superworms and a variety of greens, superworms and a variety of greens, strawberries and other fruits.strawberries and other fruits.

Red Eared SliderRed Eared Slider

• Reach 12 inches in length (measured as the Reach 12 inches in length (measured as the carapace, or top shell, length).carapace, or top shell, length).

• Males tend to be smaller than females, but Males tend to be smaller than females, but have large claws on the front legs and longer have large claws on the front legs and longer tails than females.tails than females.

• Reach 12 inches in length (measured as the Reach 12 inches in length (measured as the carapace, or top shell, length).carapace, or top shell, length).

• Males tend to be smaller than females, but Males tend to be smaller than females, but have large claws on the front legs and longer have large claws on the front legs and longer tails than females.tails than females.

• OmnivorousOmnivorous– eat a mixture of animal and plant material.eat a mixture of animal and plant material.– Younger turtles are more carnivorous Younger turtles are more carnivorous

• Juveniles should be fed daily, but adults can Juveniles should be fed daily, but adults can be fed every 2-3 days.be fed every 2-3 days.

• OmnivorousOmnivorous– eat a mixture of animal and plant material.eat a mixture of animal and plant material.– Younger turtles are more carnivorous Younger turtles are more carnivorous

• Juveniles should be fed daily, but adults can Juveniles should be fed daily, but adults can be fed every 2-3 days.be fed every 2-3 days.

• Cleanliness is key to turtle survival

• Cleanliness is key to turtle survival

AmphibiansAmphibians

HousingHousing• Nothing less than a 10 gallon aquarium• For tree frogs, taller than longer• Secure cover-they will climb out• Substrate varies by species• Greenery for climbing or decoration• Water• Lights-for Ornates and tree frogs if

using live plants

• Nothing less than a 10 gallon aquarium• For tree frogs, taller than longer• Secure cover-they will climb out• Substrate varies by species• Greenery for climbing or decoration• Water• Lights-for Ornates and tree frogs if

using live plants

Sit and wait predatorSit and wait predator

Anything that moves is Anything that moves is potential foodpotential food

Sit and wait predatorSit and wait predator

Anything that moves is Anything that moves is potential foodpotential food

Ornate Horned FrogOrnate Horned Frog

• White’s Tree FrogWhite’s Tree Frog• White’s Tree FrogWhite’s Tree Frog

• Gray Tree FrogGray Tree Frog• Gray Tree FrogGray Tree Frog

• Green Tree FrogGreen Tree Frog• Green Tree FrogGreen Tree Frog

Unsuitable reptiles & Unsuitable reptiles & amphibiansamphibians

Unsuitable reptiles & Unsuitable reptiles & amphibiansamphibians

• Green IguanaGreen Iguana

• MonitorsMonitors

• TegusTegus

• ChameleonsChameleons

• Red Eye Tree FrogsRed Eye Tree Frogs

• Burmese PythonBurmese Python

• Green IguanaGreen Iguana

• MonitorsMonitors

• TegusTegus

• ChameleonsChameleons

• Red Eye Tree FrogsRed Eye Tree Frogs

• Burmese PythonBurmese Python

Green IguanaGreen IguanaGreen IguanaGreen Iguana

• Soooooo cute!!!Soooooo cute!!!• Soooooo cheap!!!Soooooo cheap!!!

• Soooooo WRONG!!!Soooooo WRONG!!!

• Soooooo cute!!!Soooooo cute!!!• Soooooo cheap!!!Soooooo cheap!!!

• Soooooo WRONG!!!Soooooo WRONG!!!

• Adult iguanas can reach lengths of 5 feet Adult iguanas can reach lengths of 5 feet + and live 15 years or more. + and live 15 years or more.

• Males can become territorial and very Males can become territorial and very aggressive after reaching sexual maturity. aggressive after reaching sexual maturity.

• They require extremely large enclosures They require extremely large enclosures and a special vegetarian-only diet. and a special vegetarian-only diet.

• According to the Green Iguana Society, According to the Green Iguana Society, over 10,000 iguanas are abandoned in over 10,000 iguanas are abandoned in the United States each year the United States each year

• Adult iguanas can reach lengths of 5 feet Adult iguanas can reach lengths of 5 feet + and live 15 years or more. + and live 15 years or more.

• Males can become territorial and very Males can become territorial and very aggressive after reaching sexual maturity. aggressive after reaching sexual maturity.

• They require extremely large enclosures They require extremely large enclosures and a special vegetarian-only diet. and a special vegetarian-only diet.

• According to the Green Iguana Society, According to the Green Iguana Society, over 10,000 iguanas are abandoned in over 10,000 iguanas are abandoned in the United States each year the United States each year

Sulcata TortoiseSulcata TortoiseSulcata TortoiseSulcata Tortoise• These tortoises can These tortoises can

grow to 200 lbs + and grow to 200 lbs + and live for 50-60 years. live for 50-60 years.

• They have huge They have huge appetites and require appetites and require a constant supply of a constant supply of fruits and vegetables.fruits and vegetables.

• Special lighting and Special lighting and heating is also heating is also necessary to provide necessary to provide the proper warm and the proper warm and dry conditions. dry conditions.

• These tortoises can These tortoises can grow to 200 lbs + and grow to 200 lbs + and live for 50-60 years. live for 50-60 years.

• They have huge They have huge appetites and require appetites and require a constant supply of a constant supply of fruits and vegetables.fruits and vegetables.

• Special lighting and Special lighting and heating is also heating is also necessary to provide necessary to provide the proper warm and the proper warm and dry conditions. dry conditions.

MonitorsMonitorsMonitorsMonitors

• Monitors can grow to Monitors can grow to be more than 4’ in be more than 4’ in length and more than length and more than 40 pounds40 pounds

• Extremely aggressive Extremely aggressive at feedingat feeding

• VERY quickVERY quick

• Monitors can grow to Monitors can grow to be more than 4’ in be more than 4’ in length and more than length and more than 40 pounds40 pounds

• Extremely aggressive Extremely aggressive at feedingat feeding

• VERY quickVERY quick

TegusTegus Just DON’T!!Just DON’T!!

TegusTegus Just DON’T!!Just DON’T!!

ChameleonsChameleonsChameleonsChameleons

Red Eye Tree FrogRed Eye Tree FrogRed Eye Tree FrogRed Eye Tree Frog

• Can be fragileCan be fragile• Sensitive to Sensitive to

conditionsconditions• So gorgeous that it’s So gorgeous that it’s

awful when you lose awful when you lose oneone

• Can be fragileCan be fragile• Sensitive to Sensitive to

conditionsconditions• So gorgeous that it’s So gorgeous that it’s

awful when you lose awful when you lose oneone

Burmese PythonBurmese PythonBurmese PythonBurmese Python

If Steve & Terri Irwin looked If Steve & Terri Irwin looked this uncomfortable, do you this uncomfortable, do you really want one?really want one?