Anyone here keep reptiles?

[Mad German]

My girlfriend bought her son a new terrarium for his water dragon for his birthday. The water dragon is about 18" or so. The terrarium is a large one so he has a fair amount of room to move around in, 36"long x 18" wide x 36" high. It looks like a really nice one. It certainly isn't a cheap one, its made by Exo-Terra.

I'd like to get him the lights, climbing stuff, thermometers, food dishes, etc to fill out the overall birthday gift.

Aside from just going to Petsmart and asking the guy to sell me everything I need, can some of you guys give me a hand with making my shopping list for the terrarium? I don't have any reptiles nor do I know anything about them. However, I'll be learning in the next few months since my son wants to get a bearded dragon for his birthday. From my reading, a bearded dragon is a good first reptile since they tend to be docile.

Anyway, I'd appreciate any help you guys can offer.

Thanks,
MG

[rexmitchell]

I'm assuming you will need a heat rock as well.....Haven't messed with one in a while though.

[R1nStang]

I used to have a burmese python...not sure if the supplies would be the same for a bearded dragon or not..
but a heat rock on 1 side of the terrarium and a water bowl or something on the other side for the guy to soak in. ---not sure if lizards like water

try to get some real tree limbs for him to climb on...possibly with some real leaves. they are free and the lizard will like it cause we will be able to climb on a new limb every month or whenever you change it.
just like the hot rock and the water you want 2 separate temps on both sides of the cage. google around for what those temps should be for the lizard. i left 1 side room temp and set a heat lamp with a reptile light in it on the other size.

[R1Rider31]

I had a 5 ft. green iguana once. He lived about 11 years and was pretty big I thought although I've seen bigger ones for sure. The main thing I could preach is just cleanliness. Keeping that thing's aquarium cleaned out was horrible but it had to be done.

[Ponykiller]

Post a picture of the terrarium, that will help with deciding what light fixtures are necessary.

Water dragons need UV light, high temperature basking spot, branches for climbing/basking, a moderate temperature enclosure, and a large water bowl.

UV light can be achieved either by fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, however fluorescent is by far the better choice. Incandescent bulbs that are designed for UV light production only last a couple months (the bulb doesn't burn out, but it no longer produces the appropriate wavelength of light and must be replaced), whereas fluorescent bulbs designed to produce UV light can last a year (like incandescents, they don't burn out but their UV-light producing days run out and must be replaced).

The overall temperature of the cage should be maintained at ~80 degrees with incandescent bulb(s). HEAT ROCKS DO NOT HEAT CAGES!! Do not use a heat rock.

The basking area should be made by having a focused heat source (ceramic heaters work very well) with a branch/elevated perch underneath it to allow the water dragon to get closer to the heat source. This should be turned off at night to allow the temperature of the cage to drop somewhat. The temperature in the basking area should exceed 90 degrees.

A large water bowl is necessary to allow the water dragon to climb completely into it. Expect to have to change the water in this frequently as it will get dirty, and crickets will jump in it and drown. Placing a rock against one edge of the bowl will allow some crickets to crawl out of the water if they happen to jump in. A 12" diameter, 4-5" deep ceramic bowl should work well.

As for thermometers, any of the ones at a pet store will work well. Doesn't have to be fancy. I usually use one that sticks to the front glass.

For climbing sticks, make sure the branches are thick enough to support the weight of the water dragon and that they are solidly mounted to prevent them from falling once the dragon climbs on them. If you use branches from outside, NEVER immediately place them into the animal's enclosure - you will be bringing in mites, etc. Soak the branches in water so they are completely saturated, then bake them at ~300 degrees in the oven until they are dry. This should adequately kill anything that might be living on/in the branches to make it safe to use.

Good luck!

[Medevack1]

Im sorry i couldnt resist, i had a SNAKE once and i divorced her 10 yrs ago...... lol

Good luck with the Reptile tho!!!!

[cataclyzm123]

Bearded dragons are a great pet. Heres mine!

[R1nStang]

Originally Posted by Matt600r

I would add my .02 but most everyone else summed it up! I have a Red Tail Boa myself! :-)

Edit: I take that back, it's not a TRUE Red tail.....just a BCI!

more pics of the woman are needed.

[Benocehcap]

http://www.sideshowtoy.com/?page_id=4489&sku=9019081

[Matt600r]

Originally Posted by R1nStang

more pics of the woman are needed.

Well, not anymore! ^

[rexmitchell]

Originally Posted by cataclyzm123

Bearded dragons are a great pet. Heres mine!

Why do you have life alert pulled up on your computer Old ass man

[cataclyzm123]

Originally Posted by rexmitchell

Why do you have life alert pulled up on your computer Old ass man

Good thing I closed the lesbian midget porn site before taking the pic!!!

[sobeRone]

Originally Posted by cataclyzm123

Good thing I closed the lesbian midget porn site before taking the pic!!!

You have a PM.

[JDollaz]

Every reptile will have it's own specific needs, my #1 suggestion would be to get a book on the species in question or do specific research per animal and that will give you the best ideas for a proper set up & nutrition and feeding schedule.

I have 2 Snakes, 2 Frogs and a Gecko and they all have different climates set and different lighting as well as moisture. However I do tend to Sync the feedings & cleanings to make it easier for me.

[evilR1]

got my daughter a red-eyed tree frog for Christmas. i got most of the items- lights, bulbs, bowls, calcium, etc. cheaper on amazon than i could get locally

[Devil1]

Originally Posted by Ponykiller

Post a picture of the terrarium, that will help with deciding what light fixtures are necessary.

Water dragons need UV light, high temperature basking spot, branches for climbing/basking, a moderate temperature enclosure, and a large water bowl.

UV light can be achieved either by fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, however fluorescent is by far the better choice. Incandescent bulbs that are designed for UV light production only last a couple months (the bulb doesn't burn out, but it no longer produces the appropriate wavelength of light and must be replaced), whereas fluorescent bulbs designed to produce UV light can last a year (like incandescents, they don't burn out but their UV-light producing days run out and must be replaced).

The overall temperature of the cage should be maintained at ~80 degrees with incandescent bulb(s). HEAT ROCKS DO NOT HEAT CAGES!! Do not use a heat rock.

The basking area should be made by having a focused heat source (ceramic heaters work very well) with a branch/elevated perch underneath it to allow the water dragon to get closer to the heat source. This should be turned off at night to allow the temperature of the cage to drop somewhat. The temperature in the basking area should exceed 90 degrees.

A large water bowl is necessary to allow the water dragon to climb completely into it. Expect to have to change the water in this frequently as it will get dirty, and crickets will jump in it and drown. Placing a rock against one edge of the bowl will allow some crickets to crawl out of the water if they happen to jump in. A 12" diameter, 4-5" deep ceramic bowl should work well.

As for thermometers, any of the ones at a pet store will work well. Doesn't have to be fancy. I usually use one that sticks to the front glass.

For climbing sticks, make sure the branches are thick enough to support the weight of the water dragon and that they are solidly mounted to prevent them from falling once the dragon climbs on them. If you use branches from outside, NEVER immediately place them into the animal's enclosure - you will be bringing in mites, etc. Soak the branches in water so they are completely saturated, then bake them at ~300 degrees in the oven until they are dry. This should adequately kill anything that might be living on/in the branches to make it safe to use.

Good luck!

Listen to this guy.... He's a Veterinarian. Albeit with a fbcked screen name but a Vet none the less

[JrtheFreak]

I have a boa right now. She's 15 year old. I've owned a ton of stuff, including a 15ft burm that weighed 130lbs.

Two very important things to do when keeping reptiles... keep them warm and have fresh water for them (and food of course). If you do those two things they should be fine. Proper humidity and a roomy cage are also pretty important.

Do some research on them. You'll find the right temp and humidity. I think they are baskers, so give them a place where they can bask and also a shady spot. Bigappleherp.com is a good place for supplies.

[JrtheFreak]

Originally Posted by Ponykiller

Post a picture of the terrarium, that will help with deciding what light fixtures are necessary.

Water dragons need UV light, high temperature basking spot, branches for climbing/basking, a moderate temperature enclosure, and a large water bowl.

UV light can be achieved either by fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, however fluorescent is by far the better choice. Incandescent bulbs that are designed for UV light production only last a couple months (the bulb doesn't burn out, but it no longer produces the appropriate wavelength of light and must be replaced), whereas fluorescent bulbs designed to produce UV light can last a year (like incandescents, they don't burn out but their UV-light producing days run out and must be replaced).

The overall temperature of the cage should be maintained at ~80 degrees with incandescent bulb(s). HEAT ROCKS DO NOT HEAT CAGES!! Do not use a heat rock.

The basking area should be made by having a focused heat source (ceramic heaters work very well) with a branch/elevated perch underneath it to allow the water dragon to get closer to the heat source. This should be turned off at night to allow the temperature of the cage to drop somewhat. The temperature in the basking area should exceed 90 degrees.

A large water bowl is necessary to allow the water dragon to climb completely into it. Expect to have to change the water in this frequently as it will get dirty, and crickets will jump in it and drown. Placing a rock against one edge of the bowl will allow some crickets to crawl out of the water if they happen to jump in. A 12" diameter, 4-5" deep ceramic bowl should work well.

As for thermometers, any of the ones at a pet store will work well. Doesn't have to be fancy. I usually use one that sticks to the front glass.

For climbing sticks, make sure the branches are thick enough to support the weight of the water dragon and that they are solidly mounted to prevent them from falling once the dragon climbs on them. If you use branches from outside, NEVER immediately place them into the animal's enclosure - you will be bringing in mites, etc. Soak the branches in water so they are completely saturated, then bake them at ~300 degrees in the oven until they are dry. This should adequately kill anything that might be living on/in the branches to make it safe to use.

Good luck!

^^^ What this guy said... You really should have a heated floor and heat coming from up top. My boa has a custom cage with heated floors and a ceramic heat bulb for a basking area. Usually is 70-75 on the cool side and 80-85 on the warm side.

[jraad]

These are my two native australian lizards-

The one thats getting sexually molested at the bottom is a lace monitor and gets HUUGEE!
Like this -


Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com App

[Ponykiller]

Originally Posted by Devil1

Listen to this guy.... He's a Veterinarian. Albeit with a fbcked screen name but a Vet none the less