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