Merker Reptiles

Owning terrapin turtles as pets can be a very rewarding hobby, but the average owners know next to nothing about them or how to look after them. They are an excellent choice for a pet because they are generally low maintenance, relaxing creatures, and are ideal for families with young children, because they can be kept in a set area of your home, but be aware they do have a long life span and will require a life long commitment by the potential owner. If the terrapin turtle is for a child you must take into consideration that they require a consistent maintenance regime and any child must be willing and able to commit to this responsibility. They take less care than the usual pets such[..]

Let's get our first fun fact cleared up right at the beginning - turtles are reptiles, not amphibians. Sure they're equally happy in both land and water - except for tortoises that will drown if put in deep water - but this does not make them amphibians. In fact, turtles are pretty unique as reptiles as the only ones to actually grow an external shell made of bone! And it seems all that calcium goes right into that shell because turtles don't have teeth. They've got a pretty sharp beak that will take your finger right off if you're not fast enough but then, you are faster than a turtle right? All living turtles belong to the crown group Chelonia and there about 300 species existing[..]

Geckos eat the following diet: Crickets, Dog food, Meal worms, Wax worms, Pinky mice, some green foods, tropical fish flakes and orange slices. Insects however are the most abundant foods found in their natural habitat. You must supplement a the diet to insure the best optimal health. This is usually done with a vitamin powder that the food is dusted with. Habitat: Geckos live in many different warm climates around their home. Where a gecko originates from usually dictates its habitat when kept in captivity. How they live in the wild: A Wild geckos life is full of the usual danger. For example day geckos have many predators, that include snakes, birds and other larger lizards. Most of a[..]

It'd be pretty irresponsible to own a pet, no matter what kind, and not take it to a vet when it's required. Sometimes things get serious enough that you need expert help, and that's where vets come in. Still, wouldn't you rather avoid leopard gecko health issues as much as possible by doing what you can before they arise? Here's how to do what you can to avoid health problems with your leo: Think seriously about sand Do you know how many hits you get on Google if you search for "leopard gecko" and "impaction"? You get 22,600 - that represents a lot of people concerned about this all-too-common health problem. If you didn't already know, sand impaction is where a leopard gecko eats sand[..]

When you are looking for authoritative tortoise information you may be forgiven for becoming confused as to which information to trust! There is so much information on the care of tortoises that separating the wheat from the chaff can seem an awesome task. What to look for when researching? Your first port of call should be researching about the type of tortoise you are thinking of buying. What is it's natural habitat? What size will it grow to? How big should its enclosure be and what sort of things should you put into the tortoise enclosure? You will also need to research how to heat and light the home for your pet. Tortoises are ectothermic and need to obtain their heat in order to[..]

Ask to see the feeding record before purchasing and insist on having a copy when you buy one. If you're not experienced with snakes then it could be an excellent idea to get a captive bred royal python, the number 1 place to get a captive bred Royal is definitely the breeders. When you're in the marketplace for a reptile your initial instinct might be to go to your local pet store. Most pet stores buy their reptiles from an importer. An importer is somebody that removes them from the wild and sells them to the stores at wholesale. The bulk of these animals have illness and health issues that can cause death if not dealt with immediately. The thing is that the pet store won't usually tell[..]

Leopard geckos are making their way all over the world. These cute, lovable lizards make a wonderful pet. Just a few years ago you would have had to look hard to find one, but now they've come to a pet shop near you. If you want to get a "leo," you can buy one from a neighborhood pet shop, a reptile show, or a leopard gecko breeder. Buying Your Leo At The Pet Shop This is simplest way to buy a pet leo. You can find them at just about any pet store. Expect to pay about $50, or less if you can find them on sale. The pet store offers one stop shopping - you can get your cage, food and everything else you need to take care of your little leo there. There are a few disadvantages to buying at[..]

First things first, just how do you choose a good veterinarian for your reptile bearded dragon lizard friend? The decision of who to choose could be tough yet when a good bearded dragon lizard vet is found, you can rest assured that your reptile will have a healthy life ahead of him. Although the best person who will determine the vet that is good for your bearded dragon is ultimately you, it is advisable that you know how to appropriately handle and care for your pet so that you yourself will know the veterinarian who will give as much - if not more - care for your reptile pet. The following are clues that could help you know which vet to choose. See if the doctor is in and talk to the[..]

You need not to purchase the most expensive kinds of fish just to set up the best aquarium. This can be luxurious already. What you need to know is the proper way of maintaining your aquarium to make it pleasing to the eyes at all times. Besides all other aquarium supplies, the fish is the most important. It cannot be called an aquarium without the species that will swim into it. This can come in varying types depending on the aquarium you put up. Aquarium fish can be purchased in extraordinary color patterns. It comes in red, white, green, purple and even blue. In most cases, the male fish has brighter color and longer fins than the female fish. Typically, the more vibrant is the better[..]

Aquarium cabinets are meant for protecting aquariums from damage, stains, and dirt. They also serve to accentuate an aquarium to make it more attractive. Most cabinets are free-standing and include smaller drawers or cabinets for fish food and other supplies. The kinds of aquarium cabinets you can choose from include bow front, standard, and corner cabinet models. Bow front cabinets curve outward at the front part, often bought with aquariums shaped similarly to ensure that they will fit. Standard cabinets, on the other hand, are flat and rectangular on all sides and will fit regular aquariums. Thus, it's possible to buy standard cabinets separate from the aquarium. As for corner[..]

Most saltwater aquariums are divided into two major types of setup. These are the reef aquariums and fish only aquariums. There are many differences between these two major aquarium setups, although both have always been popular with a wide range of aquarium hobbyists and tropical fish breeders. It is important to acquire the needed aquarium pet supplies whether you are setting up a fish only aquarium or a reef aquarium. Aquarium supplies for fish only tanks Many people favor fish only tanks because these are less expensive than most reef aquariums. With reef tanks, the setup should also cater to the life of corals, anemones, and invertebrates in the aquarium. Most of the elements needed[..]

Do you have a fish tank at home? Saltwater aquariums are not easy to maintain and you will need a lot of saltwater aquarium supplies in order to care for your pets and the other life forms in your tank. But most hobbyist will tell you the beauty and peaceful view of these tanks make it well worthwhile. So, where do you purchase your saltwater supplies from? New aquarists often have difficulty in purchasing their products because they are unfamiliar with the different supplies and their uses. Oftentimes, they resort to buying aquarium kits rather than purchasing the supplies individually. You have to conduct your own research about the various saltwater aquarium supplies sold in the[..]

Watching the fish gliding inside an aquarium makes your mind relax. Much more if it is well designed, maybe something that looks like a real habitat underworld. Setting up one can be a great idea for your family. An aquarium can be best fitted in any corner of your room, provided that it is unreachable by your kids unless with your supervision. It can add exquisiteness to your surroundings and a more soothing ambiance. However, considering some important factors can be better while setting up an aquarium. You have to purchase an array of aquarium supplies in order to create a place for your fish to live in. Here are some of the supplies that you have to take note: 1.Type of fish This is[..]

Before you make that trip to the pet store, ask yourself "Why do I want a snake?" Is it because you're trying to impress your friends? Is it because you saw a killer anaconda in a popular film, and you'd like something along those lines to show people when they come over? Do you want to shock or scare your parents and other relatives during holiday gatherings? Thanks to a nearly age-old role in mythology, folklore, religion, and, more recently, horror films and music videos, snakes are in high demand as pets. Unfortunately, many people want a snake for all the wrong reasons and fail to properly educate themselves about pet snake care before giving in to the impulse to accept a snake from[..]

Top Ten Things to Consider When Keeping Turtles for Pets: 1. Turtles are easier and cheaper to care for than dogs or cats, but also more interactive than fish. 2. Turtles are not difficult to care for if you know how to. Fortunately there are guides available to teach you how to properly care for a turtle. You'll need to get one. 3. Turtles require enough space to swim and/or live in. Aquatic turtles need to have a large area to swim in. Terrestrial turtles don't need as big an area, but many owners like to keep them outdoors in a pen or enclosed area. Mini-turtles are becoming more popular and they require the least space of all. You'll have to make sure that you have the[..]

The care of a bearded dragon is more than giving them food and a place to live. A bearded dragon needs and wants human contact and attention. You should always at least interact with your beardie every day or 3 or 4 times a week. Their home should be kept where you will spend most of your time so they can see you every day. Their home is very important to keep maintained at certain temperatures. They should always have a hot area and a cool area. The hot area should not be cooler than 90 degrees and no hotter than 100 degrees. Their cool area should be between 70 and 80 degrees F. Beardies can be kept in a glass aquarium with a screen lid that locks closed. They need a UV lamp and a[..]

When you walk into a room and see a glass aquarium that is not filled with fish your mind assumes that it contains some type of reptile or insect. Aquariums of all shapes and sizes with a screen lids have become extremely popular over the years when it comes to reptile husbandry. They are acceptable for reptiles but do not make a very suitable home for your beloved pet. In this short article I will cover a few pros and many cons that come into effect when you choose these over a more ideal custom built enclosure. There are many unpractical things that factor in when using an aquarium. Both cost and availability are definitely things that make aquariums a common purchase. There really is[..]

If you're planning on getting a new pet leopard gecko, you're sure to enjoy spending time with these fascinating animals. However, you're going to need to prepare a habitat for your new reptile friend which is conducive to their health and happiness before you bring them home. There are several things which every leopard gecko needs to know in order to properly prepare this habit at; we'll cover these points in this article to help you make sure that your leopard gecko's new home is a happy one. You should start by finding the spot where you'll place your new pets vivarium (this is an aquarium or terrarium). If you're adopting an adult leopard gecko, then it will need a 10 gallon[..]

When many people think of red eared sliders, the cute baby sliders sold in pet stores often come to mind. Sliders may look small as babies, but did you know they can grow up to 12 inches? Now that's a big contrast to pet store baby sliders! Since sliders can grow so large and live up to 30 years, choosing to care for one requires a long-term commitment and proper housing. Sliders don't generally need a lot to be happy and healthy, but they can be time consuming and expensive to care for. When choosing what size aquarium you need for your turtle, the general rule is 6 gallons minimum per inch of turtle. The most cost-effective way is to provide the size of tank recommended for an adult[..]

Iguanas are a well known and are generally well-liked among the human population. However, unless you are a lizard lover or basically a iguana lover, there are some things you may not know about this interesting creatures. Listed below are five facts about iguanas that you may not know. 1. Iguanas are herbivores. This means they do not eat meat but rather plants. Some sources cite that iguanas are omnivores. Yet, iguanas should not eat animal product because their metabolism is better adapted to absorbing the proteins of a plant. Animal proteins are too multifaceted for iguanas, it won't be used right. Basically, the proteins that animals have cannot be absorbed into the iguanas' bodies[..]

Impaction is one of the causes that generated many bearded dragons deaths. When having impaction, a bearded dragon's digestive tract is blocked by a solid or semi-solid mass. In the case of a major impaction, the animal will not be very mobile, one or both back legs may appear paralyzed. If the impaction is higher in the digestive track, the front legs may also be paralyzed. A lower impaction that is only affecting the back legs can continue to grow until the front legs are also affected. 1. Causes of impaction A. Food If a bearded dragon eat get food items that are too large to properly move through their digestive tract. The best prevention for this is to remember that any item[..]

In this article we will look at that part of the leopard gecko care that is most important - food. When it comes to deciding what to feed a leopard gecko, for most people the choice boils down to two options: crickets (family Gryllidae) or mealworms (Tenebrio molitor). There are good reasons for that, as both crickets and mealworms are cheap to buy, easy to get hold of, and easy to gut load with nutrients such as calcium so that they're good for your reptile friend. However, they're certainly not the only viable options. Let's take a look at some of the often-forgotten-but-still-worthy-of-consideration feed insects: Superworms. As the name suggests, superworms (Zophobas morio) are a[..]

Leopard gecko prices can range anywhere from very low to very high, depending on what you're looking for. They are one of the cheapest pets, starting at $20 for a full grown adult. If you want a special breed, you can expect to pay as much as $200. Pet stores usually carry leopard geckos, and you can also buy them from reptile shows or directly from breeders. The easiest way to buy a leo is to head to your local pet shop, where you'll find them for around $50. With breeders and lizard shows you can buy a simple leopard gecko even more cheaply, usually as low as $20. Pet stores run sales sometimes, too. If you're looking for a special morph, you probably won't find it at your local[..]

Twenty five years ago, the reptile world was shocked by a few new pictures of an unknown - until that time - color morph of boa, the albino boa constrictor. The new baby boas were imported from Colombia to California, and were the first albino boa constrictors ever in the US. The owner of those four snakes sold one of the male albino constrictors to Pete Kahl, from Baltimore, who decided to breed the new male albino, becoming the first person ever to breed albino boas in captivity. The albino constrictor is nor often referred to as either the Albino original or Kahl Albino. The vast majority of albinos in the market today come from this type. Kahl had invested almost $25000 back in 1989,[..]

Bearded Dragon Habitats are not difficult to setup when you follow some simple rules. Bearded Dragons bask a large amount of the day absorbing the warmth they require to digest their food. It is crucial that there are at least one or two satisfactory basking spots in the Dragon's habitat. Rocks are preferred to logs as they contain heat better, though logs can also provide stimulation for the creature as they will climb up and down it. Any piece taken from the outside should initially be boiled or baked to remove contaminants. Electric or battery powered heating devices like HotRocks can cause stomach burns if they malfunction, so they are not widely recommended. A habitat must also[..]

When it comes to the care of your pet turtle or terrapin are you sure you know what you're doing? Or perhaps you've read up on it a little but find you keep forgetting important things, like changing its water every three days or so? Turtles actually need a pretty well thought-out environment to live happily in, as well as a lot more care and attention than people realize. Probably one of the best ways to keep reminding yourself of how to care for your pet is to pin a 'care sheet' somewhere really obvious, like above the turtle's tank for instance. This care sheet can be one you print out from a good website or one you create yourself using information from different sources. In any[..]

Vegetables might not be the main food that your bearded dragons take, nor what it like. However, once you start handing feeding them, they may enjoy and continue to eat the vegetables afterward. This will take a little while for your bearded to learn to consume the vegie. Nonetheless you can try several ways to encourage your beardie to eat vegetables sooner. There are various strategies that you may apply to help your bearded dragon to eat vegetables. Some people will hang the large leaf for them to pull off into pieces. Another way is to place the green in a shallow bowl, easily for them to spot it and eat. When they can't see it they will not eat the green, this happens especially for[..]

One of the best attributes in having a pet lizard at home is the diversity of this animal. Caring for lizards as pets can be one of the most unique experiences a pet lover would have. These reptiles are very distinctive animals with specific needs and functions. Knowing all these peculiarities, you can help to provide your pet lizard with good health and well being. Lizard care can be a daunting experience but it is fulfilling. Here are 7 tips on how to provide the best care for your pet lizards at home: Tip#1: If you want to have pet lizard at home, then start by getting a lizard which is very easy care for. The Australian bearded dragon is one of the best lizards to deal with.[..]

You might have seen many people keeping dogs and cats as their pets. What about keeping a tortoise as your pet? It will be a different experience full of fun if keeping them as a pet. If you love to do things differently then try for the tortoise as your pet this time. Many types of tortoises are available like some are small and some are too large. So if you want you can have a small one if you don't have enough area for the pet at home. But if you own a big house then you can easily keep a big one too. But the point to ponder is how big the tortoise be when it begins to grow. Therefore one must have enough knowledge and idea about it also. Usually they have a very long life that is[..]

The stress levels are that of Divorce or becoming unemployed it's the dreaded Relocation. Oh boy 8 moves in 5 years proved just how good my marriage is and not a day would go by without the gentle reminder that I aged her with all that moving around. Relocating or moving house is a lottery what you must do is increase the odds for a positive outcome. Firstly find a relocation expert, Do this and consider your budget. Do this part right and life will be forever good. It took us 7 moves to work out the simple formulae for this. It is get 5 quotes and put them in the order of what you feel is going to be the better. Look for professionalism and tell tale signs that these people know what[..]

If you're looking for an exotic pet for your children you may want consider the Bearded Dragon Lizard. While most people are squeamish about having a reptile as a pet, you might change your mind once you get to know the Bearded Dragon Lizard better. Bearded Dragon Lizards are extremely gentle and docile. They make great pets for children and adults. They are very trusting and it may be possible to carry these lizards the first time and they wouldn't mind. This makes them very ideal as pets. They are loyal and easy to carry around. This is in stark comparison with other pets that may get agitated and may inadvertently hurt their owners. The Bearded Dragon Lizard is in all practicality[..]

African dwarf frogs can appear to be finicky eaters and feeding them can be frustrating. Realize, though, that these frogs have poor eyesight, and generally only see things that are in front of them and at an angle. Also, ADFs tend to hunt for food by smell, instead of sight. When trying to figure out what you can feed your frog, there are several options available that you can consider. When you buy your African dwarf frog, the pet store may tell you to feed freeze dried food, such as freeze dried bloodworms or shrimp. Freeze dried food isn't necessarily the best type of food for your new pet, however. Dried food generally floats, which makes it a problem for frogs to find since they[..]

Each year literally hundreds of millions of legally imported exotic pets flood into the United States and Europe. Many of these animals can be happily hopping, swimming or crawling in the wild in South America, Asia or Africa one day, and find themselves in a cage in some child's bedroom in say, Ohio, less than a week later. Very often many of these pets are not subject to quarantine or any form of screening and come straight from the bush into our homes. Unfortunately many exotic pet owners are completely ignorant of the risks these animals may pose to their health. Zoonotic Diseases A zoonotic disease is one that can jump from animals to humans. The Centers for Disease Control and[..]

Leopard geckos are nocturnal lizards, natively found in the deserts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and parts of India. They absolutely adore the heat and love rocky terrain, making their dwelling under the ground during the dry, desert daytime. Leopard geckos are quite unique because they have real eyelids - which is extremely uncommon to most gecko species - and they also lack flat, adhesive pads on their toes. Instead, leopard geckos use their claws to climb, making them unable to cling to slippery surfaces - as many other reptiles can - though it is extremely useful when digging in the dry, desert landscape. In the wild, lizard geckos tend to live under large rocks or inside subterranean[..]

As exotic pets go, corn snakes make a good choice for beginners. They come in a variety of colors, are docile by nature and enjoy being handled, as well as being fairly easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep a pet corn snake healthy. To be a responsible pet owner, you will need to be prepared to commit time and energy to caring for your snake. Corn snakes can live for around 18 years, so bear this in mind before you buy one. Reptiles have very different needs to cats or dogs, and you will need to make sure you have the right equipment to provide your snake with a suitable place to live. You will need to take into account how big your snake could grow. Corn snakes can reach[..]

Today we arrived in Manzanillo at about 8AM and we were amused to look down from the balcony and see all the buses lined up for the excursions... OK now you wonder why we were amused since there are always buses lined up for excursions in ports? But in Manzanillo it is really a sight... there were NINE buses. Wouldn't that amaze you? Nine buses wouldn't even hold the crew members going ashore, let alone any significant number of passengers. We hadn't planned a tour so we had a leisurely morning of coffee and conversation on the balcony with some of our Cruise Critic friends, and went ashore about 10AM. A large group of our Cruise Critic friends had decided to spend the day at the Las[..]

Uromastyx are omnivorous which means they eat both animals and plants. Since we don't know exactly what they eat in the wild a wide variety of food items should be offered. Young animals more readily accept insects such as wax worms, crickets, and super meal worms, which should be offered three or four times per week. The following vegetables should be offered; kale, collard greens, mustard greens, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, corn, and green peas. In addition, dandelion greens, alfalfa, grass, and flowers can be added to the diet. Beans such as split peas, lentils, navy beans, and other should also be provided. Some of these beans can be sprouted prior to feeding. Bird seed should[..]