Every year on Reptile Awareness Day, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible diversity of reptiles and raise awareness about their care and conservation. From snakes and lizards to turtles and tortoises, reptiles make fascinating companions, but they also come with very specific care needs that must not be overlooked.
Basic Care for Your Reptile
Keeping reptiles as pets can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires responsibility and commitment. Unlike cats or dogs, reptiles have specialized environmental and dietary needs that are crucial to their survival.
Do Your Research
You need to make sure to do the research on the reptile you want before getting it and don’t just trust that the pet stores know what they’re talking about. Every reptile requires different husbandry and you need to know specifically what the needs are for your particular reptile. Without this proper husbandry, reptiles will develop chronic diseases that can take months to reveal. And sometimes, may not be able to be reversed.
This means learning about your reptile’s natural habitat, temperature range, diet, and activity levels. For example, the care for a bearded dragon will look very different from that of a ball python or a leopard gecko.
Husbandry Matters
Proper husbandry includes proper lighting and changing bulbs at recommended times, not just when they go out. Reptiles need vitamin supplements (especially vitamin A), and proper calcium supplementation.
Lighting is not just for visibility—it helps regulate their circadian rhythms and, more importantly, ensures they can metabolize calcium properly. Without this, reptiles can suffer from metabolic bone disease, a painful and sometimes fatal condition. Supplements play a major role in keeping your reptile strong and healthy.
Did You Know We See Reptiles?
Did you know we see reptiles? That’s right—we work with a variety of reptile patients, from snakes and lizards to turtles. Each one has unique needs, and we’re here to help ensure they get the specialized care they deserve. Reptiles are often misunderstood pets, but with the right guidance, they can live long, healthy, and fascinating lives.
Why Reptile Awareness Day Matters
Reptile Awareness Day isn’t just about responsible pet ownership—it’s also about conservation. Many reptiles face habitat loss, climate change, and illegal trade. By educating ourselves and others, we can help protect these unique creatures in the wild while also improving the lives of reptiles kept in captivity.
Final Thoughts
Reptiles are beautiful, intelligent, and often misunderstood animals. With the right care and respect, they can thrive in our homes and enrich our lives in extraordinary ways. This Reptile Awareness Day, let’s celebrate by learning, sharing, and advocating for the well-being of reptiles everywhere.