Considering buying or rehoming a reptile. The aim of this guide is to aid you in choosing your new companion and ensure they are in proper health from the start. Firstly, there are those reptiles that are being kept in unacceptable conditions due to a variety of reasons and if you choose to take these on knowing what you are getting into, thats ok, just be prepared to put in a lot of hard work and dedication in order to correct any health problems they may have. So moving on, PRE PURCHASE, before you even begin to view any animals be confident you can provide for not only its core needs but for any ongoing care they may need. Remember your reptile could live 20+ years with good husbandry. Things to consider before getting your reptile include: # Can you provide for this animal long term? # Do you understand the needs of this animal beyond its diet and lighting requirements? # Can you provide an appropriate environment to enrich the animals life? # In the event veterinary help is needed do you know where your nearest reptile specialist is? When I setup my vivariums I do so at least a week before I view the animal and have them operating throughout this time. I do this to ensure my temperatures are steady, everything operates as it should and I dont run into any unforeseen issues. In addition to this I have food charts and various sources of information either printed off or bookmarked for quick reference should I need it. Now onto PURCHASING YOUR REPTILE, this is the most exciting part but also one of the most delicate. You can have the best setups, best supplementation and husbandry possible but if that reptile is in poor health then there may be no recovery for them. So when going to buy an animal treat it as a viewing and watch for fire signs of ill health. This may mean a wasted journey but in the long run it will mean you get a happier reptile who you will get more from. Your reptile should: # Have clear, bright eyes. # Be alert and active. # Be eating, shedding and pooping on a regular basis. # The ears, nose and cloaca (vent) should be clean and clear of any obstruction. Be aware of signs of other issues your reptile may have, some of these will hinder, others will not, but its best to be aware all the same! These can include: # Black or brown dots around the vent, ears, armpits or under scales (MITES). # Scratched, missing or damaged scales, most commonly from disputes with cage mates. # Nipped or missing tails, toes or limbs. Can be a natural defect or the result of infighting. # Gasping breaths, open mouth or wheezing are possible signs for respiratory infections. # Kinks or unnatural twists to the skeletal structure (commonly the spine and tail) are signs of metabolic bone disease (MBD). # Discolouration or rotting of the scales around the mouth or of the tissue inside the mouth (mouth rot). So you have your new cold blooded friend home safe and sound what next? As well as enjoying your new addition keep up good habits such as: # Daily spot cleaning and deep cleaning every 4-6 weeks. # Weigh your reptile periodically to monitor weight gain/loss. You can also measure to monitor growth. # Watch your reptile and read their response to your actions such as handling or which foods they like best. # Quarantine your new pet for at least 3 months. This is to stop any spread of germs or bacteria that may be lurking, any new reptile should be serviced last if you have more than one. # Wash your hands before and after any contact with each reptile. As with anything it is best to do you research, use as many sources as you can. Some information may be contradicting so seek out reliable sources, join forums, talk to breeders and keepers, there is no one way to keep reptiles its about finding what works best for your animal. Some sources I have found useful are: # Bluetongueskink.net - This is the holy grail of information and has a forum dedicated to these amazing creatures. # Reptileforums.co.uk # UK Blue tongue skinks group on Facebook (also has a sister page for sales and rehomes). I hope this guide has proved useful and helps you make the right decisions in choosing your new reptile. Please feel free to direct or link people to this but please do not steal it. If you would like any more information or want to ask any other questions we can be contacted directly (Liam Wilkinson or Fran Robinson find us on UKBTS page) or any of the admin there are always more than happy to help you out. Happy herping, UK Blue Tongue Skinks written by Liam Wilkinson
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:20:01 +0000