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Should I Get a Pet Reptile?

People often think of reptiles as cold-blooded, scaly creatures that don’t feel much. But the truth is that they’re actually quite affectionate and can make great household pets.

Read on as a local vet talks about what it’s like to have a reptile as a pet and things to consider before you get one.

Having a Pet Reptile

Reptiles come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are shy and quiet while others are loud and aggressive. Some need lots of space while others need very little room to move around in. If you have an idea of what kind of personality your new friend will have when it grows up, that’s great—but some reptiles can change their behavior over time!

Types of Pet Reptiles 

If you’re thinking about getting a pet reptile, you might be wondering what kind of reptile is right for you. Although many people think of reptiles as cold-blooded monsters, there are actually many different types of reptiles that can be domesticated and kept as pets.

  • Snakes: Snakes are one of the most popular types of pet reptiles. They’re generally easy to care for, but they do need special food and temperature requirements.
  • Lizards: Lizards are another popular choice for pet reptiles, especially geckos and bearded dragons. Lizards tend to be more active than snakes, so if you’re looking for something more interactive than a snake, lizards may be a better fit for you.
  • Turtles and Tortoises: Turtles and tortoises require more specialized care than other reptiles because they need access to both land and water environments in order to thrive. They also take longer to become socialized with humans than other types of reptiles do.

Things to Consider

It’s important to think about what type of reptile is best for you before you get one. Reptiles are a complex and fascinating group of animals, but they can be challenging as pets.

Here are some things to consider before bringing a reptile into your life:

  • What kind of care does this animal need? Most reptiles require a specialized diet that includes live prey, which means that if you don’t want to deal with feeding live rats or mice, then you probably shouldn’t adopt a reptile.
  • Do I have enough time for this? Reptiles need attention and care every day, which means that if you’re too busy at work or school to spend time with them every day (or at least every other day), then it might be best to reconsider adopting one of these creatures as a pet.
  • Can I afford the cost? Reptiles require specialized equipment like special lights and heaters. You also need to feed them fresh fruits and vegetables every day (because their digestive systems cannot process dry food).

If you have more questions or are considering adopting a pet reptile, please feel free to call us, your local vet in Live Oak, FL clinic!

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