| So you've finally talked your Mom and Dad or your | | | | - Place a good base of bedding on the bottom of |
| Teacher into getting you a pet for your home or | | | | your new reptile tank. Calcium sand, aspen bedding |
| classroom, and you're thinking of something a little | | | | and reptile bark all make good bedding choices for |
| different. How about a reptile? They don't take up | | | | reptile terrariums. But speak with your local pet store |
| much space, are fun to watch and you will have fun | | | | or read more about the species of reptile pet you |
| building them a fascinating terrarium environment as | | | | plan to house, so you know for sure what he/she will |
| well. | | | | like the best. It is sensible to use bedding that is easy |
| If you want to put together your own Reptile | | | | to replace when cleaning time comes around. Tropical |
| Terrarium there are some things to think about.. | | | | moss, bark chunks or leaves provide an interesting |
| - Most reptiles need a place to bask. Many reptiles | | | | addition to the base bedding as long as they are |
| are active during the daytime and love to sit under a | | | | thoroughly cleaned before being placed into your |
| light, so you'll need to provide one of these for your | | | | reptile terrarium. |
| Reptile Terrarium. Being cold-blooded, reptiles need | | | | - Place your basking lamp on the top above the |
| some heat to get their blood moving and to help | | | | screen to provide loads of light and warmth for your |
| them digest. A reptile basking lamp of the appropriate | | | | reptile to warm up to. Again,' its best to talk with |
| wattage should be placed in the center or off to one | | | | your local pet store, or read up on the species you |
| side of the terrarium so you can see your pet reptile | | | | plan to keep to ensure you choose the right kind of |
| easier (not hidden in the background). An interesting | | | | lighting/heating so your pet reptile stays happy and |
| place for your reptile to sit and bask under the lamp | | | | healthy for many years to come. |
| would perhaps be an unusual piece of driftwood, a | | | | - Choose a selection of natural terrarium decorations |
| bamboo root, a jungle vine or even a twisted | | | | for your pet to play on, hide in, scamper over and |
| tambora wood root. | | | | bask on. Stones, slate pieces, bamboo roots, jungle |
| - Reptiles need a place to hide. Like you, your pet will | | | | vines and hollow logs are ideal additions to any reptile |
| probably want some time to be alone and a couple | | | | terrarium. Make sure these are placed in the reptile |
| of hiding places should be provided in their home. | | | | tank carefully so they are stable and will not wobble |
| Think about having some pieces of wood or vines in | | | | or fall and hurt your pet. |
| their home with holes or spaces behind them for | | | | - Keep it clean. Don't forget to remove uneaten food |
| your pet to snooze in. Pet reptiles love to explore all | | | | and waste from the cage quickly. Rotting slices of |
| the nooks and crannies you have put in their cages, | | | | fruit or vegetables, or dead bugs are just not nice to |
| so have fun designing a really nice terrarium. | | | | look at (and your Mom or Teacher will complain too). |
| - Reptiles need a place to watch the world from. | | | | Just like caring for other pets, a clean environment is |
| Your reptile will love having a place to run up and look | | | | very important for pet reptiles too. Think about |
| down on the rest of his home from. Think about | | | | where you will place your feeding bowls or where |
| placing something inside the area which is fairly high | | | | the water is going to be placed in the cage. |
| but can easily be scampered up. A real jungle vine | | | | - Ventilation is important so choose a reptile cage or |
| put into the terrarium at an angle will also give your | | | | aquarium that has plenty of ventilation. |
| pet reptile the opportunity to get a little closer to the | | | | - Choose your reptiles well and make sure they are |
| light and warm up on chilly days. | | | | species that are easy to care for and will live for |
| - Create a terrarium that looks natural. Reptiles are | | | | many years in the type of reptile terrarium you plan |
| not your traditional domesticated pets, and many of | | | | to build. Also keep in mind that many reptiles are sold |
| them come from the wild. So it makes sense to | | | | as babies that will grow quickly and need a bigger |
| provide a home for them that looks like one they | | | | enclosure soon. When that time comes, you may |
| would have lived in, if they were living in the wild. | | | | wish to expand or purchase a new cage for your |
| Decorating your reptile terrarium with natural | | | | reptiles, and add some new terrarium decorations to |
| products is not only fun, but helps to make your | | | | their environment. |
| reptile pet feel more secure and enjoy his new home. | | | | - Keep it looking fresh. Replace any decorations that |
| Try mixing together a variety of stone, jungle vines | | | | have become worn or tired looking. Your reptiles will |
| and root hiding places and more to create an unusual | | | | love a new and exciting change from time to time. |
| and lifelike environment for your reptile pet. | | | | Most importantly!!! Enjoy your new pet reptile and |
| Do It Yourself Guide on How to Create a Great | | | | ensure their home is as fun for your pet reptile to |
| Reptile Terrarium | | | | live in as it is for you to watch! |