Reptiles and amphibians have special interests as pets. They are actually quite calm and easy-to-maintain animals, but you shouldn’t be careless.
In raising animals such as reptiles or amphibians, you need to know the basics of caring for them. For example, in terms of choosing the type of feed, providing a place to live, and about cleanliness.
In addition, there are conditions that must be met if you are going to take care of reptiles. Well, here are things to consider when going to keep reptiles.
Requirements to be Fulfilled
The main requirement, as reported by hpsc.ie, is that reptiles cannot be kept as pets in homes with children under the age of five. The reason is that reptiles are quite susceptible to bacterial infections that are harmful to humans. For example, the bacterium Clostridium is very easy to infect babies because they are still weak.
People with immunocompromised or severe disease, are also not recommended to keep reptiles. Also, when it comes to raising reptiles, you have to be committed to whatever happens.
Many reptile cases are sick or do not live long because of the lack of responsibility of the owner. You have to be prepared regarding any pet. The cost factor is certainly a requirement for caring for animals.
Reptiles are actually cold-blooded animals. Things that make him threatened will not hesitate to be bitten as a form of self-protection. If one day you are bitten by your pet reptile, it is a risk.
So, it takes good knowledge in handling reptiles. Do not let you give up and abandon reptiles because of this risk.
Providing a Cage
Once you’ve decided what reptile to keep, you’ll need to provide a cage that matches their body size and habitat. Reptiles are usually placed in a vivarium, which is an artificial place that is formed according to the animal’s natural habitat.
Reptiles also need warm temperatures to help them digest food and regulate their body temperature. So you need to add a lamp to warm his body instead of direct sunlight.
In addition, you will also need to create a place to hide or remove excess heat.
Feed Selection
Reptiles are carnivores and omnivores. However, carnivorous reptiles, unlike dogs and cats, can eat man-made foods such as rice. You must match the type of feed for the reptile according to its class.
For example, snakes that eat rats that have been killed or turtles that eat fresh green vegetables such as lettuce.
Keep out of reach of children
Even if you have children who are over the age of five, keep your children’s reach with reptiles. However, children are not good enough to deal with reptiles because their curiosity is high.
If reptiles are of interest to them, guide them to get to know the reptiles in your care.
Keep their hands close to the reptile’s mouth and kiss the reptile. This is feared to make the child infected with bacteria that may be present in reptiles.