LaxGekko25
New member
Hey guys,
I realized that I haven't been on for awhile, so I decided to write this thread for new herp keepers. In this thread, I'll offer a checklist of things that one should own BEFORE purchasing a herp so that your pet can live a happy and healthy life.
1. PROPER SETUP. Make sure that your cage is the proper size (not too big and not too small) and has the proper environmental parametrs. This includes checking lights and heat sources as well as thermometers and hygrometers. Also check to make sure anything that produces heat is properly secured so that children, pets, or even a clumst owner doesn't hurt itself or the caged animal(s). Be sure that you have a quaratine tank set upso that you can observe for pet for illnesses. Test all electronic devices a week in advance before purchasing your herp.
2. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. One can not stress how important thorough research is. Without it, your pet reptile or amphibian could be put in unhealthy situtations setup by you. Reading one article does not count as thorough research. For instance, I read and watched as many books, artices, and videos I could for over a year before I even got my first gecko. However, not all sources are legitimate, so go for reliable publications as much as possible.
3. MONTHLY LOG. One big mistake that many first time keepers make is that they never record of their pet's health or dietary schedule. This can be fatal if you come in a situtation where a vet needs to know how your leopard gecko got Cryptosporidiosis so it can be controlled so the rest of your colony doesn't contract the killing diasease. Things to inclyde in your log are what you feed your herp on a day to day basis. For instance, today I gave Yankee three mealworms, three waxworms, and changed his water. In my log, I recorded it " Tuesday, May 8, 2012: 3 mealies, 3 wax, water" (it is okay to write in shorthand as long as you know what it means), however, I have check boxes on my log, so I just write the number offood fed and check the water box. It is also a good idea to record when your herp deficates and the appearence of the feces (lumpy and runny, firm but moist, etc.) Another thing to keep track of in your log is the herp's weight and length (I do this weekly) as well as temperatures inside the tank compared to outside temperatures.
4. GET TO KNOW A VET. I cannot stress how important it is to get to know your vet and establish a good relationship with them. However, this does not mean to have them over for cocktails every Saturday night (although that is personal and between you and your vet). Find out about vets that specialize in herps at arav.com or by searching for vets that specialize in herps that are in your area on the internet search engines.
5. PREPARE FOR THE WORST. Create a "herp first aid kit" a soon as you can. Many people overlook this crucial step when purchasing herps. Things toinclude in this kit are Providone Iodine, small dosage syringes (availible at most drug stores), cotton swabs, antibacterial cream (my vet gave me silver sulfadiazine), and small bandages. Moreover, clear all of these items by your herp vet first. If possible, ask your vet if you can have some cheap surplus items and if they can show you how to use them. An example would be obtaining some reptile-specificbandages and having your vet show you how to properly wrap up your herp(s).
This is all that I have for now, but Iam open to corrects, suggestions, and comments. I hope that this post really helps first time owners.
Brian Steinberg
P.S. Sorry if there are any typos. It' hard to write o a Kindle Touch's keypad!
I realized that I haven't been on for awhile, so I decided to write this thread for new herp keepers. In this thread, I'll offer a checklist of things that one should own BEFORE purchasing a herp so that your pet can live a happy and healthy life.
1. PROPER SETUP. Make sure that your cage is the proper size (not too big and not too small) and has the proper environmental parametrs. This includes checking lights and heat sources as well as thermometers and hygrometers. Also check to make sure anything that produces heat is properly secured so that children, pets, or even a clumst owner doesn't hurt itself or the caged animal(s). Be sure that you have a quaratine tank set upso that you can observe for pet for illnesses. Test all electronic devices a week in advance before purchasing your herp.
2. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. One can not stress how important thorough research is. Without it, your pet reptile or amphibian could be put in unhealthy situtations setup by you. Reading one article does not count as thorough research. For instance, I read and watched as many books, artices, and videos I could for over a year before I even got my first gecko. However, not all sources are legitimate, so go for reliable publications as much as possible.
3. MONTHLY LOG. One big mistake that many first time keepers make is that they never record of their pet's health or dietary schedule. This can be fatal if you come in a situtation where a vet needs to know how your leopard gecko got Cryptosporidiosis so it can be controlled so the rest of your colony doesn't contract the killing diasease. Things to inclyde in your log are what you feed your herp on a day to day basis. For instance, today I gave Yankee three mealworms, three waxworms, and changed his water. In my log, I recorded it " Tuesday, May 8, 2012: 3 mealies, 3 wax, water" (it is okay to write in shorthand as long as you know what it means), however, I have check boxes on my log, so I just write the number offood fed and check the water box. It is also a good idea to record when your herp deficates and the appearence of the feces (lumpy and runny, firm but moist, etc.) Another thing to keep track of in your log is the herp's weight and length (I do this weekly) as well as temperatures inside the tank compared to outside temperatures.
4. GET TO KNOW A VET. I cannot stress how important it is to get to know your vet and establish a good relationship with them. However, this does not mean to have them over for cocktails every Saturday night (although that is personal and between you and your vet). Find out about vets that specialize in herps at arav.com or by searching for vets that specialize in herps that are in your area on the internet search engines.
5. PREPARE FOR THE WORST. Create a "herp first aid kit" a soon as you can. Many people overlook this crucial step when purchasing herps. Things toinclude in this kit are Providone Iodine, small dosage syringes (availible at most drug stores), cotton swabs, antibacterial cream (my vet gave me silver sulfadiazine), and small bandages. Moreover, clear all of these items by your herp vet first. If possible, ask your vet if you can have some cheap surplus items and if they can show you how to use them. An example would be obtaining some reptile-specificbandages and having your vet show you how to properly wrap up your herp(s).
This is all that I have for now, but Iam open to corrects, suggestions, and comments. I hope that this post really helps first time owners.
Brian Steinberg
P.S. Sorry if there are any typos. It' hard to write o a Kindle Touch's keypad!