The fact is that before even considering a reptile as a pet, there are a few very important questions that you really need to ask yourself.
Do you have the money to spend on the upkeep of the animal? Bear in mind that there is not only the initial outlay to think about, but also the ongoing costs such as food, heat and light. All are very important and you will need to provide for the reptiles lifespan, which can be considerable. You will also need a regular supply of suitably sized food for the animal which can sometimes be tricky depending on the area that you live in. What happens if your reptile becomes sick or injured? Do you know of a veterinarian that is familiar with your animal? (See 'What about reptile illnesses?'
Also, do you have the time and patience for a reptile? Housing arrangements will need to be regularly and thoroughly cleaned out if you are to maintain the health of your reptile. This takes time and effort. Cleaning out after the reptile has performed its bodily function is not always the most pleasant experience. Who will do it if you have to go away, perhaps on holiday? Indeed, can anyone else do it?
So please, carefully consider your decision to purchase a reptile. Once bought, they are not always easy to sell, or pass on if you later find that it is not for you. If you are certain that you are able o cope with the responsibility then we wish you the best of luck.
This is one of the questions that we are often asked and one of the most difficult to answer in some ways. There are many reputable breeders about, but they are rarely well advertised. Similarly, pet shops can be a good source for purchasing reptiles, but we would advise caution even if it is a specialist supplier.
Do you know anyone, relative or friend, who has either themselves purchased a reptile before, or knows someone who has. Word of mouth is usually the best way to find out where the best animals can be bought. Check also if there are any Herpetological societies nearby who could perhaps give you some advice on breeders in your local area. Take as much time as you can on your research. A mistake can prove very costly in the long term.
There is no definitive answer to this question. Much depends on the type of reptile that you intend to purchase. One thing you must do is buy the best you can afford! There are several different types of vivariums on the market which are available for purchase off the shelf, some very good and some not so good. With the correct tools it is possible to build your own. The advantage of this is that you can customise it to suit your needs., But, be aware, it is not an easy option. The construction must be rigid, well ventilated and escape-proof. It is true to say that many people use aquariums, however, we do not recommend them as they are far from ideal. Ventilating a solid glass structure is difficult, cleaning them can also be problematical.
This is an area where it is very difficult to be prescriptive. There are many and varied illnesses and conditions that can afflict reptiles. It would be true to say, that unless a veterinarian has actually had specific dealings with reptiles, they themselves will ultimately struggle to diagnose many ailments. The best advice we can give is to speak to a person who has knowledge of reptiles, another keeper or breeder. They can often provide advice that can help you and potentially assist a veterinarian in diagnosing what the problem might be. Many of the difficulties faced by reptiles occur as a result of poor husbandry. Get that right and you will hopefully have few problems with your animal. Don't forget, you can always contact us by e-mail, we will help all we can. In time, you should find that the Forum will be an excellent place to get answers to all your questions.
Believe it or not, this is an all to familiar question. Snakes disappear far more frequently than you would think, or even credit! We have said it before, snakes are the 'Houdini's' of the animal world. Even cleaning time, particularly when you have more than one snake in the same enclosure, is a time when you need to ensure the greatest care. One distraction and the snake will be gone. Unfortunately, if the worst happens and the snake goes missing, there is little you can do, unless of course you are seeking a snake of LARGE proportions. If it has been away some time, your initial search will probably prove fruitless. As you are possibly aware, snakes are very secretive and they will find a hideaway where they will most likely stay until they want to feed. Hopefully, they may reappear at this time during their search for food. Bear in mind, we have lost snakes in the past and all but one was eventually recaptured. Indeed, you may find it surprising when we tell you that one of them was missing for over six months! Snakes can survive if conditions are at least reasonable. Never give up hope!