If you’re looking for a pet that requires low maintenance and doesn't take up too much space then a reptile may be the right choice for your family! Reptiles can make excellent beginner pets for kids because they don’t require very much effort and their upkeep is relatively cheap. It's important to remember, even though reptiles are low maintenance creatures, they’re still a big commitment. There are quite a few things you should consider before buying one from your local pet store. 

In the wild, reptiles and amphibians are provided with ultraviolet light from the sun. These ultraviolet rays cause reptiles to synthesize vitamin D3, which helps them to absorb calcium. Reptiles in captivity will not be able to get these rays from the sun, therefore we must supply them with this lighting. This can be done by providing them with UVA and UVB bulbs. These bulbs put off very little heat so they should be used with a heat bulb, not in place of one.

Whether you are looking to breed ball pythons or looking to acquire one as a pet, it is important to take into consideration the genetic issues that certain morphs have. Some of these issues can greatly affect the snake, causing it to struggle eating, and in some cases if the problem is severe enough, the snake may have to be euthanized. Other morphs have symptoms that are much more mild and manageable. Here is a list of morphs that commonly experience issues:

Choosing the right plants for your reptile’s enclosure can be a bit of a challenge. After all, they will need to look nice, be non-toxic, and survive the conditions in your reptile’s tank. Since the goal of creating a bioactive enclosure is to mimic your reptile's natural environment, it should be safe for you to go with plants that would naturally be found around your reptile in the wild. I have put together this article to help make choosing the right plants for your terrarium a little easier. I have also included a list of common pet reptiles, along with what plants would do best in their enclosures.

The best substrate for a bearded dragon is a very controversial subject within the bearded community. Everyone has very strong opinions on what they feel is the right substrate, but often, no one can agree on one. This can make it hard for a new bearded dragon owner to decide which substrate is best for their beardie. When picking out a substrate, it is important to choose one that is easy to maintain, and won’t have negative side effects on your reptile. I have broken down each substrate that bearded dragons can and cannot use, to help you decide which is best for both you and your bearded dragon.

Chances are if you have at least one reptile you’ve heard of mites. Mites are tiny black bugs that can be seen crawling around your snake. These parasites feed on the blood of snakes and lizards. Snake mites are usually found in groups around the eyes, nose, and vent. You may also see the small black dots on your hands or clothes after handling a snake with mites.

A common question people ask is “How much does it cost to own a snake?”. There is no one answer, as there are so many variables that go into this question. What kind of snake are you looking at? Do you want a fancy morph (colors and patterns on the snake), or are you looking for a more natural look? Depending on the morph, the price of a snake can vary widely. To better answer your question, here is a table of some of the most common pet snakes along with their general price ranges:

Choosing which snake is the right snake for you can be an extremely hard decision, especially if it's your first snake. The good news is, both corn snakes and ball pythons make great starter snakes. Each snake has its own pros and cons, but as someone who has owned both, I can say that regardless of which snake you choose, you won’t be making a mistake. Let's discuss the ups and downs to each, to help you decide which snake is the best for you!

Buying a snake online can quickly become overwhelming if it's your first time. Even if you have decided on the species of snake and morph that you want, finding the right source can be challenging. There are hundreds of websites and breeders trying to sell snakes, but how do you know which breeder is the right one? I have created this article to help you through the basics of how to buy a healthy snake online from a breeder you can trust.

Housing multiple snakes together can be beneficial for utilizing space and cutting your cost almost in half. The reptile community would be unstoppable if we could house several of our pets together. Unfortunately, snakes are antisocial creatures that do not appreciate having to share their space with others. Housing two or more snakes together can lead to unnecessary stress, cannibalism, fighting, and unplanned breeding. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.