Merker Reptiles

Turtle pets are very popular today, and becoming the new owner of a turtle can be highly satisfying and fulfilling. While some people might feel that turtles are difficult and costly to keep, there are certainly testimonials to the contrary. In fact, turtle pet keeping has become a very popular hobby, leading to more and more information being gathered by experts and pet owners alike. More theories have been clarified, and myths busted, as these fascinating reptiles are attracting people due to their interesting characters. Turtles are among the first species in the animal kingdom to appear on our planet. They can have an astonishing lifespan-- some of them can live more than a hundred[..]

Blaptica dubia is a feeder roach that can be found throughout Central and South America. Dubia roaches have a few different names including Orange Spotted Roach or Guyana Orange Spotted Roach. Blaptica dubia make a great feeder roach for a few good reasons. Their size is a great reason, only reaching about 2" as adults they can be feed to anything from tarantulas to large lizards such as monitors. Dubia roaches are a non-climbing, non-flying species. Adult male dubia do have wings and may flutter a short distance but do not fly. Females are wingless with little stubs, it is easy to spot the difference in males and female dubia. Another great thing about dubia roaches is the fact they do[..]

Keeping a turtle as a pet has come a long way from the plastic palm tree set-ups of old. From the common box turtle to the less-common Ornate Wood Turtle to the extremely rare albino soft shell, there's a turtle for every lifestyle, budget, and personality. Turtles make fascinating, peaceful pets, but their penchant for longevity means you must be prepared to devote as many as thirty or forty years of care and attention to your new reptilian friend. If you're ready to share your heart and home with one of nature's most ancient and mysterious creatures, then read on for some great pet turtle care advice. The type of care your turtle will require depends, for the most part, on the type of[..]

Inhabiting countries of South and Central America like Costa Rica, Columbia, Bolivia and Peru, the poison dart frog is a stunning, bright colored frog that secretes a poisonous toxin. The science community only discovered this unique frog in the 1960's, but it has been known by tribes for many years. By the name of the frog, one might think that it is somehow able to shoot poisonous darts, but this is simply not the case. The poison dart naming comes from the fact that tribes in the rain forest used the poison on the tips of darts that they would use to subdue a threat. The poison dart frog is not just one frog, but an entire species of frogs that contains well over 100 individual types[..]

Before buying an iguana many different queries arise in the mind of the buyer. One of the most common questions would pestering the mind is how are you going to accommodate it. What would be the different components necessary for its proper accommodation? If you are still struggling over this, this article will be a good help for you: 1) Dimensions - The first thing to work out in the field of accommodation is the size of the iguana's cage. Many people still hold the myth that growth of an iguana will be limited by the size of cage in which it is kept . This is only a myth and it absolutely contains no bit of truth. Ideal conditions for an iguana will allow it to grow to a length of six[..]

Frogs can be a great pet especially for kids. However, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration first. It's important to keep their tank clean and healthy and to keep up with the maintenance. If you can do all of these things, a pet may be just right for you. There are many stores which keep pet frogs for sale. Environments for Frogs Frogs have the ability to get used to different situations and they can live for a long time if you take care of them properly. You have to make sure that everything the frog will need is in the tank. The environment you build for your pet frog all depends on what its natural habitat was. You need to make sure that the tank is[..]

1. What are European Pond Terrapins? The strong and gorgeous turtles called 'European pond terrapins' Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758), are found in central and southern Europe, (from France and the Iberian Peninsula in the west and Germany to Netherlands in the north), North Africa and West Asia and some places of Australia. It prefers to live in slow-flowing or still water. Presently there are 13 sub-species with different color, size and markings seen at different geographical locations. 2. How much do they grow? They are medium size terrapins and may grow up to 12 to 38 cm in length. 3. How long do they survive? In the wild they survive up to or more than a century,[..]

Your bearded dragon needs a proper diet to stay healthy. He is omnivorous which means he eats fruits, vegetables, as well as insects. This article will tell you everything you need to know about feeding bearded dragons. Protein If you have a baby or juvenile dragon, it's important that you provide plenty of protein in his diet. The extra protein is needed to help bones and tissues grow. Therefore, make sure you feed babies and juveniles plenty of insects in addition to vegetables. Adult dragons should have less insects and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Insects There are a variety of insects that you can feed your bearded dragon. They include crickets, earthworms, cockroaches,[..]

The Dumeril's boa (Boa Dumerili) is a species of non-venomous snake native to Madagascar, and Reunion Island. Relatively small for a boa, with adults rarely growing to more than 2m in length, they are a mostly terrestrial species. As is common with boas, males tend to be slightly shorter and less well built than females, and have slightly flatter tails. They are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young, and a gravid female can give birth to litters as large as 25 - 30. The neonates are around 30 - 40cm in length, and are entirely self sufficient from birth. While obtaining a Dumerils boa on the pet trade used to be difficult due to their CITES (Convention on International Trade in[..]

There are some preliminary things you need to sort out before you go ahead and make an investment in a corn snake: 1. Make sure that this is not just a fanciful notion and you are really prepared to take on being a good owner of your pet. 2. Make sure that the snake you are going to buy or acquire is not an endangered species, seek legal advice about licenses for household pets before you buy or adopt any exotic pet. 3. Start finding out about how corn snake behave, adapt to their environment 4. Ensure you are aware of what food supply is required and how you will make sure there is a steady supply 5. Find out about cages, humidity, lighting and health and safety 6. Talk to your local[..]

It's important that you bathe your iguana regularly. In addition to keeping him clean, it will also help him shed his skin easier. There are a few things you should know about bathing an iguana. This article will share with you everything you need to know. Tub Most people choose to give their lizard a bath in their bathtub. If you do this, it's very, very important that you clean and disinfect it afterwards. Iguanas can carry salmonella bacteria that can make you sick. Another option is to buy a large tub especially for your iguana. You will still need to clean this tub after each use since iggies like using the bathroom in water. Frequency You may be wondering how often you[..]

Boa breeders have successfully bred a wide range of color morphs which, while still considered rare, are available to the pet trade. Here is a description of the most interesting boa morphs available, and some of the less well known subspecies. The Albino Boa: Albino boas have been successfully bred in captivity for many years. They are one of the 'base' morphs which breeders use to crossbreed for rarer and more interesting color variants. Albino boas are white, with red eyes, due to a lack of melanin pigment in the skin. The Leopard Boa: The Leopard Boa looks a lot like the leopard python, featuring stripes along its body. The tail of this boa constrictor is also different: it is[..]

Lizards from Pogona genus are commonly named as Bearded Dragon. They have broad triangular heads and flattened bodies. They reach a manageable average size of about 18-22 inches (46-56 cms). The average weight is about 10-18 ounces (283-510 gm) The species of Bearded Dragons get their name from a distinctive series of lateral spines (specialized scales) radiating horizontally from the head and base of the tail. As juveniles, they are semi-arboreal. As adults, they are mostly terrestrial, but climb to bask and search for prey. A common problem many bearded dragons have is when the dragonrefuse to eat veggies. This can get very serious and caused many timesthe death of bearded dragons.[..]

The boa constrictor is a large non-venomous snake native to Central and South America. Of all the subspecies, the most well known is the red tailed boa constrictor (boa constrictor constrictor). The common name refers to a deep red/brown coloration on the saddles on the tail and anterior portion of the back. Size: The red tailed boa constrictor is a large snake, with adults able to reach lengths in excess of 12 feet, although 9 - 10 foot is more common. Female boa constrictors, as with most snakes, tend to be larger and more muscular than the males. Housing: Since the adult boa is quite large, you need to provide a large enclosure. Always keep in mind that a boa is a very powerful snake[..]

Turtle age - do you know how old your pet turtle is? Did you know that the average lifespan of a turtle kept as a pet is forty years? A turtle can even live much longer than that - up to 100 years, probably longer than its original owner! The turtle's longevity also varies according to the type or class to which it belongs in the animal kingdom. It is astonishing to know that the oldest turtle on record lived to be two hundred and fifty years old! Let's examine some interesting facts about the turtle, and see if we can figure out how old your new pet is! Studies show that turtles first appeared on the earth over two million years ago. This remarkable fact makes them one of the[..]

One of the most common health problems that iguana owners may face is the formation of an abscess. Abscesses are simply areas of swelling at the site of an infection. This article will tell you everything you need to know about them. The immune system of healthy iguanas can normally fight off invading bacteria. If your iguana has a weakened system because of stress or another reason, bacteria can easily can an infection. Abscesses form at the site of a localized bacterial infection. It's usually easy to tell if your lizard has developed an abscess. The area will swell up considerably. The site may also ooze a yellowish substance and begin to form a crust. However, not all[..]

Snakes have become more and more popular pets in recent years. While not for everyone, many people find them truly fascinating and beautiful animals, and their relatively modest care requirements mean they can be enjoyed by anyone. Unlike a cat or dog, a pet snake doesn't need to be taken for walks, or let outside for exercise, even a large pet boa only has fairly modest housing requirements, and one their care and husbandry are properly understood they are easy to keep, handle and care for. There are almost 3000 known species of snakes, but only a handful of these are really suitable for keeping as pets. Once you discount the many venomous species, those which are difficult to keep[..]

No one likes to be too cold or too hot, and leopard geckos are no exception! In fact the correct temperature for leopard geckos' enclosures is vital for the happiness and well being for your leo. As reptiles leos are reliant on external elements to maintain their comfortable temperature. Read below to find out how and why you need to maintain the correct temperature for your leo. HOT? WARM? COLD? The correct temperature for leopard geckos' enclosures ranges between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes he might want to warm up, other times he might want to cool off. Therefore, it is important to have a temperature range, have areas where your leo can vary his temperature as he[..]

Have you always been interested in knowing more about having a pet turtle, or wondered what the difference between an average pet turtle and a sea turtle is? Sea turtles are found in the ocean and there are actually seven different kinds of them. These are: Flatback Green Hawksbill Kemp's Ridley Leatherback Loggerhead Olive Ridley Sea turtles are known to have a life expectancy of up to a hundred years, which is longer than that of most other species of turtle. Because sea turtles have been hunted by humans all over the globe, many of them are now an 'endangered species'; a special breed of animal protected by law to live freely in the oceans. Pet turtles can include certain varieties of[..]

Planted tanks allows the tank to be more suited to its inhabitants by mimicking and recreating their natural habitat. One example is a tropical tank where the live plants help increase the humidity of the tank. Live plants can in some cases offer a food supply for the inhabitant or its food source, the crickets or other insects. Also, waste from your pet goes into the soil and is processed by bacteria into fertilizers that the plants use from the soil. This can make your job easier because you do not have to clean up the tank as often. The first step in setting up a planted tank is adequate drainage. The first thing to do is put gravel or stones in the bottom of the tank so the excess[..]

You may not be aware of this, but a turtle and a terrapin are not the same thing. There are a few varieties of this creature. Turtles live in oceans and in fresh water. Terrapins are turtles that live in brackish water. The difference between the two is mostly ignored, though. So, if you are considering getting a pet turtle or terrapin for you and your family but are not entirely sure whether you should, here are some ideas to help you decide. Turtles are an excellent choice as pets because they are fun to watch, do not require training and have a long life expectancy. However, you should know that because they live longer than other pets, it is a commitment to bring one home. When[..]

The word Chameleon in Ancient Greek (Khamaileon) means "Ground (khamai) Lion (-leon)". Chameleons are specially adapted and are located in various parts of Africa, Madagascar, Spain, Portugal, South Asia and have been introduced to Hawaii and California. The Chameleon is distinctively well known for its ability to change colour, however this is not for camouflage purposes, but instead is a way of communication. This is done by the shifting of cells (chromatophores) in specially designed pigment layers. Chameleons are believed to be deaf due to the lack of an outer/middle ear, although some chameleons are thought to be able to sense vibrations through solid objects, as a form of[..]

A turtle drawing, with a simple question scrawled at the bottom, "Where are the turtle ears?" made its way to my desk the other day. The drawing, sketched by a young child, showed the turtle with no ears. The child asked me "How does he hear?" In fact, turtles do have ears, which are actually small holes in the sides of their heads, allowing sound waves to enter. In the past, people thought that turtles were deaf. This presumption may most likely have arisen from the fact that turtles do not have visible or physical ears that stick out from the sides of their heads, as is the case with most animals. Even though turtles do not have these visible pair of external ears, they can,[..]

So you're thinking of becoming a turtle owner! You have read all the books you can read. You have asked veterinarians and turtle breeders for information on how to provide proper care. Your only concern now is this: Which type should you purchase? As a prospective owner, it is not recommended that you start with types of turtles that are difficult to care for. This will not be good for either you or the pet. You may expose you and your family to illness, and unnecessarily harm or even kill the turtle. So to prevent problems, you must know which are the best types of turtles to select as common household pets. What are the most popular turtle pets? Check this list... 1.Slider Turtles[..]

In order for your pet iguana to survive and thrive in its new life, you as the owner must provide your pet with the right nutrients. So how do you know what is safe and what is not safe for your pet iguana? Well first off use this article as a reference, but also do some research. Providing your iguana with the best food is crucial and a must. Read the below foods on what do iguanas eat. Iguanas will eat most any fruit or vegetable you give them. This does not mean though that this is necessarily good for them. A good diet for your pet iguana will consist of a variety of foods and nutrition. Iguanas will eat and love squash of any kind and your pet will also enjoy all greens including:[..]

Eastern Box turtles are so-named due to their ability to "box themselves in" completely in times of real or perceived danger or attack. They are able to accomplish this thanks to a hinge on their lower shell (plastron), allowing the upper shell (carapace) and lower shell to completely accommodate the eastern turtle's head, legs, and tail. Eastern Box Turtles are small, terrestrial turtles with shell lengths between four to six inches. These eastern turtles are the most popular among the box turtles. They are easily identified by their oval, high-domed shells, normally dark brown with brilliant yellow, orange, and/or red blotches. Its plastron has dark areas, particularly on the borders[..]

You may have heard of terrapins, but you may not be exactly sure of what they are and how they differ from your basic pet turtles. Terrapins are a kind of aquatic turtle that live in brackish or fresh water. They typically have smaller and lighter shells than most land based turtles do and, similar to sea turtles, have webbed feet. The similarities between terrapins and sea turtles is merely superficial, however, and they belong to different turtle families. Of course, sometimes there is no difference between terrapins and turtles as it is merely a matter of semantics depending on where you are in the world. In the United Kingdom, terrapin refers to all kinds of turtles commonly kept as[..]

There are many people who want to adopt these cute little pets but want to know what the link is between Salmonella and turtles. Most are probably already aware of the Salmonella threat that lies in turtles. The same people may wonder if there is a way to find a turtle without it, or possibly rid them of it by cleaning. Unfortunately, most turtle lovers will find themselves out of luck as turtles carry non-typhoid Salmonella (the leading cause of food infection) on their shells and skin as a part of their natural bacterial make-up. It's something that they're born with. Most cases of Salmonella caused by turtles were more often those with weakened immune systems, such as the ill or[..]

Ball Pythons, or Royal Pythons, are a ground dwelling constrictor snake from Africa so called for their tendency to roll into a ball when frightened. They are non venomous constrictors with no fangs but instead a row of sharp backwards turned teeth that can hold onto their pray while they wrap their body around and squeeze until the pray asphyxiates before swallowing it whole. In the wild they live much of their life in old rodent burrows underground in the desert where there is some humidity and the temperature is more constant unlike on the surface where the days are dry and hot while the nights can get quite cold. For successful housing of these snakes it is important to recognize how[..]

"How dangerous can a terrapin bite be"? Someone, bitten by an aggressive terrapin only a couple of days back, asked me. I comforted him by saying, "Don't worry; just take medicines and proper care." Small juvenile terrapins look cute but once they grow older, their appearance starts taking a prehistoric look, enough to scare off most of the brave hearts. Some species of the fully grown adult terrapins become huge and can acquire terribly powerful jaws. Terrapins are preyed by a number of predators, including human beings. But the massive ones like alligator snapping turtles (Largest terrapin found in North America) can behave more as potential predators than a pitiable prey. They look[..]

Tortoises are not among the usual animals a person might consider as a pet, therefore proper tortoise care may not be common knowledge. Anyone who elects to have tortoises as pets should probably not visit a pet shop or purchase one right away. It is wise to acquire as much information as possible before actually owning them. You can research tortoises online, or check out some books dedicated to the subject at the library or book store. It is also helpful to seek out knowledgeable breeders' and veterinarians' advice in order to determine if you are indeed fit to be a tortoise owner. In the process, you may be surprised to discover that despite their appearance and behavior, taking care[..]

Be aware of species with very bright colors! This is a trademark characteristic of Poison Arrow Frogs and many other toxic species. It's also a natural mechanism to warn predators to stay away. * The ultra bright colors of the poison arrow frogs are a warning to predators. * Numerous amphibians generate toxic compounds through the glands and carry trace amounts of poison on the external parts of their bodies. Poison arrow frogs produce poison that is strong enough to severally damage human beings. * Native tribesman in Columbia utilize ancient techniques that collect the poison from the frogs. After collecting the poison they lace their arrow tips with the poison and create a powerful[..]

If you have a pet turtle or you are an avid turtle enthusiast, then you do not only know the basic things and information about this shelled animal but also its exceptional characteristics. Turtles, specifically the marine species, inhabit saline, brackish and fresh waters. Sea turtles have firm beak-like mouths that they need to tear foods. They have bigger shells, strong flippers and lungs to breathe while in the ocean. Here are some varieties of pet turtle species. The loggerhead turtles are vertebral. They usually grow up to 95 centimeters at 55 kilograms weight. The loggerheads carry three intra-marginal scute pairs. They have fore-flippers in, a pair of claws, sturdy jaws and a[..]

If you are interested in keeping a pet turtle in your home, there are a lot of different types to choose from, including those who can live in dry habitats and those that require wet habitats. Whichever kind of pet turtle you choose, you should know what caring for it involves and what it takes to look after turtles at home. One of the first and most important things that you should consider when looking for a pet turtle is whether you want an aquatic turtle or a turtle that lives in a dry habitat. If you choose an aquatic turtle, also known as a water turtle, you need to be sure that you have the right kind of equipment in your home to properly provide for its care. Aquatic turtles[..]

Tokays get their name from the distinctive mating call that the males make to attract female companions. If you find yourself with a male Tokay for a pet you can expect to be woken up some warm spring or summer nights from this loud call. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find emaciated and dying Tokay Geckos in many exotic pet stores. Most stores purchase wild caught Tokays which may be infested with parasites, or the store might not have sufficient knowledge to properly maintain them which leads to stress making them stop eating and they starve. Because of this I highly recommend purchasing your pet Tokay from a reputable breeder if you want the best chances at success with a[..]