Reptiles are great fun to keep and suitable for your kids who can learn about these fascinating creatures and enjoy building them a terrarium home. We’ve put together some basic guidelines so that you can help them make a suitable home for their new, reptile pet.
A reptile terrarium should have places for your reptile to bask, places to hide and somewhere for it to climb and view the world. Reptiles are cold blooded and need to bask under a light for part of the day in order to absorb enough energy to move around and to digest their food. Reptile lamps are available and should placed in the terrarium in a suitable place where your pet can sit and bask. As it will be spending a lot of time basking, place the lamp where your pet will be in view.
Somewhere for the reptile to hide
You should also provide somewhere for your pet to hide occasionally such as an artificial cave or half a plant pot. Pieces of wood, vines etc can also be used to add interest and give your reptile somewhere to explore. Also place branches or vines for it to climb around and perch high up.
The size of your reptile terrarium will depend on the type of reptile you intend to house and how big it will grow. Make sure you don’t buy one too small that will need replacing as your pet grows. Better to invest in a suitable, large terrarium at the beginning.
Once you have your terrarium the first thing to do is add bedding. Bedding may be reptile bark, sand or other materials and you should check which type is most suitable for your pet. Make sure you have a good supply so that it can be replaced easily when you clean the tank. On top of the bedding you can use bark, leaves or moss for more interest and added decoration. You can use found materials as long as you clean them properly before use.
We prefer natural decorations, such as rocks, vines, pieces of bark and branches for a natural looking terrarium that mimics the reptiles home environment. Place carefully and anchor any bramches well so that they are safe for your pet to climb and sit on.
Basking lamps can be added next in a suitable place with a clear area underneath for your reptile to lay. Make sure you find out which are the most suitable for your particular reptile and how long it should be left in each day. Check any natural decorations occasionally and remove any that are rotting. Add a shallow container for water for your pet and your terrarium is ready for it’s new inhabitant.
Always keep your terrarium clean and remove food that is left over before it starts to rot. Change the water daily and clean out the bedding regularly.
Conclusion
Keeping reptiles is fun and not difficult if you carefully research the needs of your pet and choose a suitably sized terrarium for its home.
photo credit: SubZeroConsciousness
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