How To Know If You Really Want a Reptile
Posted By: Stacyh; Category: Pets; November 20, 2008
Author StacyH;
Some basic information to know before getting a lizard or other reptile.
1
Be aware that reptiles are often Salmonella carriers. Young children and those with suppressed immune systems probably shouldn't live around a pet reptile.
2
Know that you can handle the proper feeding, cleaning, and housing of a reptile. Reptiles, and more specifically lizards, come in many sizes and some can grow up to five or six feet in length.

You should be able to provide fresh food and keep the reptile's cage clean, but you shouldn't clean a reptile enclosure or accessories in your kitchen due to Salmonella risk.
3
Make sure you understand a reptile's need for temperature control and gradient temperatures in its enclosure. An overhead light source on one end of a tank with a cooler area at the other end is preferable so that the reptile/lizard can control its body temperature as it would in a natural environment.
4
Be aware that in some areas certain reptiles are illegal. You should buy a captive-bred, legal pet from a reputable pet store.
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