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Green Anole
(Anolis Carolinenis)
DESCRIPTION: A small, slim lizard with an elongated head. Males can be identified by their red throat sacs.
ADULT SIZE: 4-6 inches. Males are bigger
LIFE SPAN: 2-5 YEARS
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Calcium dusted small insects – crickets, mealworms, waxworms or small
earthworms.
HABITAT: A tall woodland type terrarium with branches for climbing.
Provide a hiding spot and a basking area. Water should be provided by misting daily, they won’t drink from water dishes,
although some will learn to do so.
DAY TEMP: 82.5-86F (28-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 65-80%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Flap-Necked Chameleon
(Chamaeleo dilepis)
DESCRIPTION: A lively species, green in colour. Males are territorial they have tarsal spurs and orange skin between the throat scales.
ADULT SIZE: 12-16 inches tail included. Males are smaller.
LIFE SPAN: 1-3 years
RATING: All chameleons are difficult to keep. We do not recommend them for beginners.
DIET: It will eat a variety of calcium dusted insects including crickets and mealworms.
HABITAT: A tall semi-dry terrarium with lots of horizontal climbing branches is recommended.
Large ventilation areas for adequate fresh air supply is very important
Water should be provided by misting daily, they won’t drink from water dishes.
DAY TEMP: 82.5-86F (28-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 55-80%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Bearded Dragon
(Pogona Vitticeps)
DESCRIPTION: The bearded dragon is grey or brown with a heavy body and a bushy “beard” of spines under its chin.
ADULT SIZE: They can grow up to 20 inches long.
LIFE SPAN: 8-10 years
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience.
DIET. Bearded dragons are omnivores. They will eat salad (greens, carrots, etc.),
fruits, flowers and insects such as calcium dusted crickets or mealworms. Adults will eat small pre-killed mice.
HABITAT: A long, dry desert type terrarium is recommended with hiding places under stones.
As they like to run a vertically orientated enclosure is better. Use a sand substrate and provide a hot basking area that reaches 90F (32`C).
An adult needs to be kept in a large terrarium.
DAY TEMP: 82.5-86F (28-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 50-70%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required
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Madagascar Green Day Gecko
(Phelsuma Madagascariensis Grandis)
DESCRIPTION: This gecko has a bright green back and sides with red markings. They can be kept in pairs but males fight savagely together.
ADULT SIZE: 9-11 inches
LIFE SPAN: 6-15 years
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: They eat mostly crickets dusted with calcium important for the formation of hard shelled eggs but once a week they should
be fed a fruit-honey mixture. It will not usually drink water from a dish but will drink droplets from plant leaves, so mist at least twice daily.
HABITAT: A humid woodland/rainforest terrarium is best with a moist bark substrate. Provide hiding places amongst smooth l
eaved plants and smooth branches ie. bamboo stalks. Their skin is easily torn by roughness and scars are left after the injuries heal.
Also a basking lamp should be provided.
DAY TEMP: 77-86F (25-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 65-85%
LIGHTING: UV radiation required.
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House Gecko
(Hemidactylus frenatus)
DESCRIPTION: The house gecko is light brown with large dark brown markings.
ADULT SIZE: They grow up to 6 inches in length.
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: They eat mostly crickets dusted with calcium important for the formation of hard shelled eggs.
It will not usually drink water from a dish but will drink droplets from plant leaves, so mist at least twice daily.
HABITAT: A tall terrarium is best with several climbing branches. Provide hiding places amongst plants
and branches along with a basking lamp.
DAY TEMP: 77-86F (25-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 70-80%
LIGHTING: 10-12 hours
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Leopard Gecko
(Eublepharis Macularius)
DESCRIPTION: The leopard gecko is grey in colour with dark spots. Some have orange bands at the base of their tail.
Males can be aggressive towards each other.
ADULT SIZE: Commonly 6.5-8 inches long. Occasionally to about 10 inches.
LIFE SPAN: 25-30years
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: They eat mostly crickets dusted with calcium important for the formation of hard shelled eggs.
They will eat a fruit-honey mixture occasionally along with a pre-killed pinky mouse.
HABITAT: A dry desert type terrarium is best with a sand substrate. Provide rocky hiding places along with a basking lamp.
DAY TEMP: 82.5-86 F (28-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 50-70%
LIGHTING: UV radiation required
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Tokay Gecko
(Gekko Gecko)
DESCRIPTION: The Tokay gecko is grey in colour with peach, tan or orange spots. They have yellow eyes.
Males are aggressive towards each other.
ADULT SIZE: 10-12 inches.
LIFE SPAN: 23years +
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience. It has to be noted these geckos are very ready to bite.
DIET: They eat mostly crickets dusted with calcium important for the formation of hard shelled eggs.
They will eat a fruit-honey mixture occasionally along with a pre-killed pinky mouse.
HABITAT: A woodland terrarium is best with a sand substrate. Provide places for climbing and hiding along with a basking lamp.
DAY TEMP: 81-91.5F (27-33`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 50-70%
LIGHTING: 10-12 hours
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Bibron Gecko
(Pachydactylus Bibronii)
DESCRIPTION: This gecko is grey-brown in colour with indistinct wavy crossbands and scattered white spots.
ADULT SIZE: Up to 8 inches
LIFE SPAN: 10years +
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: They eat mostly crickets dusted with calcium they will also eat a fruit mixture occasionally.
HABITAT: A woodland terrarium with branches for climbing. Use a bark/moss substrate. Mist daily.
DAY TEMP: 79-82.5F (26-28`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 60-70%
LIGHTING: 10 hours.
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Mourning Gecko
(Lepidodactylus Lugubris)
DESCRIPTION: These geckos are unique in that they are predominantly asexual and reproduce without males and can have virgin births
ADULT SIZE: 3-4 inches
LIFE SPAN:
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Most insects, crickets, mealworms, waxworms and silkworms all dusted with calcium.
HABITAT: A dry terrarium with rough branches for climbing. Provide hiding places under caves and use a sandy substrate.
DAY TEMP: 79-86F (26-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 40-60%
LIGHTING: 10 hours.
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Golden Gecko
(Gecko Ulikovski)
DESCRIPTION: A large, smooth-skinned gecko with huge toepads and a yellow to olive gold blush over much of its body.
ADULT SIZE: 8-10 inches
LIFE SPAN: 10 years +
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: They eat mostly crickets dusted with calcium important for the formation of hard shelled eggs.
They will eat a mashed fruit mixture occasionally
HABITAT: A woodland terrarium with branches for climbing. Provide hiding places and use a sandy substrate.
DAY TEMP: 79-90F (26-32`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
LIGHTING: 10-12 hours. UV radiation required.
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Chinese Water Dragon
(Physignathus Cocincinus)
DESCRIPTION: This is a beautiful green, robust lizard with a vertebral crest extending from the nape to the tail.
Light body bands may be present but dark tail bands are nearly always present.
ADULT SIZE: 24-30 inches
LIFE SPAN: 12-15 years
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience.
DIET: Eats crickets, large mealworms and fish. Some will eat chopped fruits and vegetables. Feed pre-killed mice sparingly.
HABITAT: Aquatic terrarium with 50% water portion and water level 8-10 inches. Change the water often and provide branches for climbing.
DAY TEMP: 77-86F (25-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 80-90%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Green Iguana
(Iguana Iguana)
DESCRIPTION: This is one of our most common reptilian pets. The Iguana is a solidly built bright green lizard.
Males are slightly larger with a prominent dorsal crest and throat sac.
ADULT SIZE: Up to 5 or 6 feet long, tail included
LIFE SPAN: 15-20 years
RATING: Easy to keep but because of their size we only recommend them to the serious reptile keeper with enough room!
DIET: Mainly leafy plants, sprouts and herbs. Vegetables such as cucumber and tomatoes. Rarely fruits.
Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential.
HABITAT: A terrarium resembling a rain forest is required. Use a substrate that will stay damp.
A water dish large enough to bathe in, branches thicker than the lizards body and a heat lamp should all be provided.
DAY TEMP: 77-95F (25-35`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 60-90%
LIGHTING: 14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Green Basilisk
(Basiliscus Plumifrons)
DESCRIPTION: These lizards have green to blue-green colouration. Males have a head crest a vertebral crest and a tail crest. Females are the same colour but lack the crests. They are very good runners.
ADULT SIZE: Males up to 24 inches. Females much smaller
LIFE SPAN: 13 years +
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience.
DIET: Eats crickets and large mealworms. Occasionally feed chopped fruits. Feed pre-killed mice sparingly. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential.
HABITAT: Aquatic terrarium with 50% water portion and water level 4-6 inches. Change the water often and provide branches for climbing.
DAY TEMP: 77-86F (25-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 70-90%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Savannah (Bosc) Monitor
(Varanus exanthema)
DESCRIPTION: This lizard is brown in colour with white spots on its back.
ADULT SIZE: Up to 3 feet long
LIFE SPAN: 6-10 years
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience
DIET: Crickets and other insects when they are small. As they grow they will eat pinky mice. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential.
HABITAT: A dry sandy or woodchip terrarium is required with hiding places under stones. Provide a shallow water dish and change it regularly. Also a basking lamp should be provided.
DAY TEMP: 82.5-95F (28-35`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 60-70%
LIGHTING: 14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Nile Monitor
(Varanus niloticus)
DESCRIPTION: This Monitor has a black body with large yellow spots on the body and small spots on the legs.
ADULT SIZE: 5-7 feet, tail included.
LIFE SPAN: 10-20 years
RATING: Relatively easy to keep but because of their size we only recommend them to the serious reptile keeper with enough room!
DIET: They will eat pre-killed mice, rats etc. They may even eat hard boiled eggs, well cooked chicken and even cat food.
HABITAT: A large enclosure is required with a woodchip or bark substrate. Provide hollow logs for hiding.
DAY TEMP: 80-90F (27-32`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: Moderate
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Black and Gold Tegu
(Tupinambis Teguixin)
Also known as the Columbian Tegu
DESCRIPTION: These are long-tailed, large headed, shiny black and gold coloured lizards.
ADULT SIZE: 30-36 inches, more than half of this is tail length.
LIFE SPAN: 10-20 years.
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience
DIET: Crickets. Pre killed mice and day old chicks and fish can be given occasionally along with a variety of fruits. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential.
HABITAT: A rainforest terrarium with hiding places is required. Provide a shallow water dish along with a basking lamp. Mist daily.
DAY TEMP: 77-86F (25-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 60-80%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required
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Amazon Whiptail
(Ameiva Ameiva)
Also known as: Giant Whiptail, Dwarf Tegu or Jungle Runner.
DESCRIPTION: Two very different variations occur. One is grey-black with blue spots on the sides. The other, more common, has a tan face, chin and tail with green back and sides. They love to dig.
ADULT SIZE: 14-18 inches, two-thirds of which is tail length.
LIFE SPAN: 2-6 years
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience
DIET: Mostly crickets. Occasionally feed a pinky mouse or overripe sweet fruit
HABITAT: The natural habitat of the whiptail varies from the rainforest to semi arid areas. In captivity they seem to do well in a desert type terrarium.
DAY TEMP: 77-90F (25-32`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 70-80%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Berber Skink
(Novoeumeces Algeriensis)
DESCRIPTION: These skinks are brown to grey in colour with orange markings on their sides. Females may not carry the orange markings. These skinks live in seclusion.
ADULT SIZE: Up to 14 inches. Males are bigger than females.
LIFE SPAN: 5-10 years
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Mostly calcium dusted crickets but also some soft fruit and vegetables.
HABITAT: Desert Terrarium with a sand substrate suitable for digging. Provide hiding places, a water dish and a basking lamp.
DAY TEMP: 82.5-90F (28-32`C). In winter reduce temp by 50F (10`C).
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Curly Tailed Lizard
(Leiocephalus Personatus)
DESCRIPTION: This lizard has a sharp row of scales extending from the nape to one-third of its tail. When startled the tip of the tail curls upwards.
ADULT SIZE: 8-10 inches
LIFE SPAN: 10years +
RATING: Suitable for beginners.
DIET: A variety of calcium dusted insects as well as some fruit.
HABITAT: A dry, sandy terrarium with rocks for hiding and basking. Hence a basking lamp must be provided along with drinking water.
DAY TEMP: 77-86F (25-30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 60-70%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Yellow Throated Plated Lizard
(Gerrhosaurus Flavigularis)
DESCRIPTION: These lizards have shiny scales with a cream to yellowish line on its side with a dark body with paler underside. The male has a yellow throat.
ADULT SIZE: 15 inches
LIFE SPAN: 20 years+
RATING: Suitable for beginners.
DIET: A variety of calcium dusted insects as well as some fruit
HABITAT: A dry, sandy terrarium with rocks for climbing and hiding. Provide a large water dish.
DAY TEMP: 86F (30`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
LIGHTING: Up to 14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Dragon Agama
(Japalura Splendida)
Also known as: Banana-split lizard or as Green-Stripe Dragon
DESCRIPTION: These lizards have rough green scales with a light coloured dorsal stripe and a light coloured moustache marking.
ADULT SIZE: 10-12 inches
LIFE SPAN: Approx 3 years
RATING: Suitable only for expert reptile keepers
DIET: Crickets and mealworms plus vitamin/mineral supplementation
HABITAT: A woodland terrarium with lots of climbing branches and dense hiding places. Include water in which to bathe and a basking lamp.
DAY TEMP: 77-82F (25-28`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 70-80%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Desert Spiny Tail
(Sceloporus Magister)
DESCRIPTION: This Spiny-scaled lizard has a pale underside with obscure dark crossbands on its back and a black triangular marking on each side of the neck.
ADULT SIZE: up to 10 inches
LIFE SPAN: 3-6 years
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Crickets and mealworms plus vitamin/mineral supplementation
HABITAT: A desert terrarium with sandy substrate and a shallow water dish. Provide stony hiding, climbing and basking places.
DAY TEMP: 82-92F (28-33`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 50-70%
LIGHTING: 14 hours bright lighting. UV radiation required.
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Desert Horned Lizard
(Phrynosoma Platyrhinos)
DESCRIPTION: This is a small, flat toadlike lizard with a crown of spines. They also have larger spines scattered over their body. They are coloured grey, brown and red to help them blend with their surroundings
ADULT SIZE: 3-6 inches
LIFE SPAN: 3 years
RATING: Suitable only for expert reptile keepers
DIET: Micro crickets.
HABITAT: A desert terrarium with sandy substrate and a shallow water dish. Provide stony hiding places.
DAY TEMP: 86-104F (30-40`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 40-60%
LIGHTING: 14 hours. UV radiation required
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Eastern Collard Lizard
(Crotaphytus Collarius)
DESCRIPTION: This lizard has two dark collars almost completely encircling its neck.
ADULT SIZE: 8-12 inches
LIFE SPAN: 5-10 years
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience
DIET: Eats dusted insects and other lizards! Will occasionally eat fruits and vegetables.
HABITAT: A desert type terrarium is required with a small water dish and rocks to bask upon. Mist daily.
DAY TEMP: 83-95F (28-35`C)
NIGHT TEMP: Slightly cooler
HUMIDITY: 40-60%
LIGHTING: 14 hours UV radiation required
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Yellow Anaconda
(Eunectes Notaeus)
Available to see in-store is ‘Annie’, our very own specimen!
DESCRIPTION: A thick bodied snake with yellow/green body and black markings
ADULT SIZE: About 9 feet
RATING: Suitable only for expert reptile keepers with many years of experience.
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: Woodland terrarium. Provide water for bathing.
TEMPERATURE: 77-86F (25-30`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 70-80%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Albino Burmese Python
(Python molurus bivittatus)
Available to see in-store is ‘Lilly’, our very own specimen who is hatching eggs at the moment!
DESCRIPTION: Heavy bodied light yellowish cream coloured snake with a series of brown elongated rectangular blotches. They have a smallish head
ADULT SIZE: About 18 feet.
RATING: Suitable only for reptile keepers with previous experience.
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size.
HABITAT: Dry terrarium. Provide water for bathing.
TEMPERATURE: 77-86F (25-30`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 60-70%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Ball Python
(Python Regius)
Otherwise known as the Royal Python
DESCRIPTION: Heavy bodied, tan coloured snake with dark brown or black blotches. They have a smallish head and are notoriously picky eaters.
ADULT SIZE: About 5 feet.
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience.
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size.
HABITAT: Dry terrarium. Provide water for bathing.
TEMPERATURE: 77-86F (25-30`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 60-70%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Black Rat Snake
(Elaphe Obsoleta Obsoleta)
DESCRIPTION: Black to dark brown in colour. Some albino and other varieties are available
ADULT SIZE: Up to 8 feet
RATING: Suitable for beginners.
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: Woodland terrarium with climbing branches and hiding branches. Provide water for bathing.
TEMPERATURE: 70-80F (22-28`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 60-70%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Great Plains Rat Snake
(Elaphe Gutatta Emoryi)
DESCRIPTION: Grey and brown body with markings similar to that of the closely related corn snake.
ADULT SIZE: 3-5 feet
LIFE SPAN: 10-20 years.
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: Woodland terrarium with climbing branches and hiding branches. Provide water for bathing.
TEMPERATURE: 70-80F (22-28`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 60-70%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Corn Snake
(Pantherophis Guttatus Guttatus)
DESCRIPTION: Colouration of these popular snakes varies from orange to tan with black edged rust orange to red markings. This is a truly beautiful snake.
ADULT SIZE: Usually 4-5 feet
LIFE SPAN: 10-20 years.
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: Woodland terrarium with climbing branches and hiding branches. Provide water for bathing.
TEMPERATURE: 70-85F (22-30`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 50-70%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Trinket Snake
(Elphae Helena)
DESCRIPTION: A tan and brown coloured snake with 2 dark stripes near the lower half of the body and light coloured bands near the head.
ADULT SIZE: Females reach up to 4 feet while males reach up to 3 feet
LIFE SPAN: 12-15 years
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: Woodland terrarium with climbing branches and hiding branches. Provide water for bathing.
TEMPERATURE: 75-84F (25-29`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 50-70%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Californian Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis Getula Californiae)
DESCRIPTION: These snakes are black or dark brown with cream coloured bands around the body. Many colour variations are available inc. albinos. Kingsnakes are however confirmed snake eaters.
ADULT SIZE: 3-4 feet
LIFE SPAN: 15-20 years
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: A desert terrarium with hiding and basking rocks. A water dish should be provided.
TEMPERATURE: 70-85F (22-30`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 60-80%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Florida Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis Getula Floridana)
DESCRIPTION: These snakes are speckled with brown orange and tan scales. Kingsnakes are however confirmed snake eaters.
ADULT SIZE: 4-5 feet
LIFE SPAN: 15-20 years
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: Woodland terrarium with climbing branches and hiding branches. Provide water for bathing.
TEMPERATURE: 70-85F (22-30`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 60-80%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Mexican Milk Snake
(Lampropeltis Triangulum Annulata)
DESCRIPTION: These snakes are tricoloured with wide bands of red and narrower bands of black and cream around the body. Milksnakes are confirmed snake eaters
ADULT SIZE: 2-2.5 feet
LIFE SPAN: 12-15 years
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: A desert terrarium with hiding and basking rocks. A water dish should be provided.
TEMPERATURE: 70-85F (22-30`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 60-80%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Bullsnake
(Pituophis melanoleucus Sayi)
DESCRIPTION: This is a thick bodied snake. Its underside is cream coloured. It has a tan upperbody with large reddish-brown blotches. It is known to make a loud hiss and vibrate the tip of its tail. It tames quickly
ADULT SIZE: 6-8 feet
LIFE SPAN: 15-20 years
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: A woodland terrarium with climbing branches and hiding rocks. A water dish should be provided.
TEMPERATURE: 77-82F (25-38`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Sonoran Gopher Snake
(Pituophis Catenifer Affinis)
&
Pacific Gopher Snake
(Pituophis Catenifer Catenifer)
DESCRIPTION: These are thick bodied snakes with small heads. They are both known to make a loud hissing noises when aroused.
ADULT SIZE: 4-5 feet
LIFE SPAN: 15-20 years
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience
DIET: Pre-killed rodents of appropriate size
HABITAT: Grassland terrariums with climbing branches and hiding rocks. Water dishes should be provided.
TEMPERATURE: 77-82F (25-38`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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American Rough Green Snake
(Opheodrys Aestivus)
DESCRIPTION: A slender snake with prominent eyes. It is an olive to lime green colour with a yellowish underside.
ADULT SIZE: 2-3 feet
LIFE SPAN: 3-5 years
RATING: Suitable for reptile keepers with previous experience
DIET: Feed frequently with calcium dusted crickets. They prefer drink water droplets from leaves.
HABITAT: A woodland terrarium with thin climbing branches and leafy plants. Water dishes should be provided. Mist daily.
TEMPERATURE: 77-82F (25-38`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Garter Snakes
&
Ribbon Snakes
DESCRIPTION: All species are slender snakes.
ADULT SIZE: 2-4 feet
LIFE SPAN: 8-15yearsdepending on species.
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Both snake types are active and thus feed frequently. They feed best on fish fillets cut into strips. They will also eat crickets. Vitamin and mineral supplements are essential.
HABITAT: A woodland/grassland terrarium is ideal with climbing branches and hiding rocks. Large water dishes should be provided along with dry basking places.
TEMPERATURE: 77-82F (25-38`C) during the day, cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
LIGHTING: 12 hours, partly UV.
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Hermann Tortoise
(Testudo Hermanni)
DESCRIPTION: These tortoises have a very high domed, straw coloured shell with some amount of dark pigmentation. The tail is tipped with large horny scales.
ADULT SIZE: Up to 7 inches
LIFE SPAN: 25-35 years or more.
RATING: Suitable for beginners.
DIET: Vegetables, leaf lettuce not iceberg-it has virtually no food value and can cause diarrhoea. Dandelions and clover. Calcium supplements should be given regularly.
HABITAT: A dry terrarium. Provide a place to bask and a water dish for drinking. Use a sandy substrate 2-4 inches deep. Tortoises should be bathed in warm water for 5-10 minutes three times a week.
TEMPERATURE: 68-95F (20-35`C) Cooler at night.
HUMIDITY: 60-80%
LIGHTING: Up to 12 hours. UV radiation required
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Horsefield Tortoise
(Testudo Horsefieldii)
DESCRIPTION: The Horsefield is comparatively small, active, very tolerant and very friendly.
ADULT SIZE: 8 inches
LIFE SPAN: 20-50+ years
RATING: Suitable for beginners.
DIET: Dandelions, clover, leafy lettuce and vegetables chopped small. Calcium supplements should be given regularly. These are friendly and with patience will learn to feed from the hand.
HABITAT: A dry terrarium. Provide a place to bask and a water dish for drinking. Use a sandy substrate 2-4 inches deep. They like to dig and hide so additional shelters could be given. Tortoises should be bathed in warm water for 5-10 minutes three times a week.
TEMPERATURE: 75-80F (25-28`C) Cooler at night
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Leopard Tortoise
(Geochelone Pardalis)
DESCRIPTION: These tortoises have a very high domed, straw coloured shell with Radiant and variable dark markings
ADULT SIZE: 12-20 (or more) inches
LIFE SPAN: 20-50+ years
RATING: Suitable for beginners.
DIET: Dandelions, clover, leafy lettuce and vegetables. Calcium supplements should be given regularly.
HABITAT: A dry terrarium. Provide a place to bask and a water dish for drinking. Use a sandy substrate 2-4 inches deep. Tortoises should be bathed in warm water for 5-10 minutes three times a week.
TEMPERATURE: 83-95F (28-35`C) Cooler at night
HUMIDITY: 50-60%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required.
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Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise
(Testudo Graeca)
DESCRIPTION: These tortoises have high domed tan coloured shells with black smudged markings. They have enlarged spurs on each thigh
ADULT SIZE: 6-8 inches
LIFE SPAN: 50-80 years
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Dandelions, clover, leafy lettuce and vegetables. Calcium supplements should be given regularly.
HABITAT: A dry terrarium. Provide a place to bask and a water dish for drinking. Use a sandy substrate 2-4 inches deep. Tortoises should be bathed in warm water for 5-10 minutes three times a week.
TEMPERATURE: 77-86F (25-30`C). Cooler at night
HUMIDITY: 70-90%
LIGHTING: Up to 12 hours. UV radiation required.
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Red Footed Tortoise
(Chelonoidis Carbonaria)
DESCRIPTION: These tortoises feature a highly domed, elongated shell. They have yellow-red facial markings and orange-red scales on the forelimbs.
ADULT SIZE: Varies from 12-20 inches
LIFE SPAN: 20-50 years +
RATING: Suitable for beginners.
DIET: Dandelions, clover, leafy lettuce and vegetables as well as fish, meat and small dead rodents. Offer fruit no more than once a week. Calcium supplements should be given regularly.
HABITAT: A rainforest terrarium. Provide a place to bask and a water dish for drinking. Use a bark substrate. Tortoises should be bathed in warm water for 5-10 minutes three times a week.
TEMPERATURE: 75-90F (24-32`C) Cooler at night
HUMIDITY: 80-90%
LIGHTING: 12-14 hours. UV radiation required
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Florida Red Bellied Turtle
(Pseudemys Nelsoni)
DESCRIPTION: These are all basking turtles from various regions of the United States.
ADULT SIZE: 4-11 inches depending on species.
LIFE SPAN: 10-50 years depending on species.
RATING: All suitable for beginners
DIET: All are omnivores, but are strongly vegetarian when adult. They eat dark greens, berries and other fruits. They feed best in the water. Mealworms, minnows, koi pellets and prepared turtle foods are also eaten well. Vitamin D3 and calcium supplements are absolutely essential.
HABITAT: These semi-aquatic turtles are strong swimmers and persistent baskers. Deep, clean water for swimming and an above water basking site warmed and illuminated by a UV bulb should be provided. Water requires both filtration and frequent changing.
WATER TEMPERATURE: 74-79F (23-26`C)
AIR TEMPERATURE: 79-81F (26-27`C)
LIGHTING: 16 hours.
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Yellow Bellied Slider
(Trachemys Scripta Scripta)
DESCRIPTION: These are all basking turtles from various regions of the United States.
ADULT SIZE: 4-11 inches depending on species.
LIFE SPAN: 10-50 years depending on species.
RATING: All suitable for beginners
DIET: All are omnivores, but are strongly vegetarian when adult. They eat dark greens, berries and other fruits. They feed best in the water. Mealworms, minnows, koi pellets and prepared turtle foods are also eaten well. Vitamin D3 and calcium supplements are absolutely essential.
HABITAT: These semi-aquatic turtles are strong swimmers and persistent baskers. Deep, clean water for swimming and an above water basking site warmed and illuminated by a UV bulb should be provided. Water requires both filtration and frequent changing.
WATER TEMPERATURE: 74-79F (23-26`C)
AIR TEMPERATURE: 79-81F (26-27`C)
LIGHTING: 16 hours.
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Cumberland Turtle
(Trachemts Scripta Troostii)
DESCRIPTION: These are all basking turtles from various regions of the United States.
ADULT SIZE: 4-11 inches depending on species.
LIFE SPAN: 10-50 years depending on species.
RATING: All suitable for beginners
DIET: All are omnivores, but are strongly vegetarian when adult. They eat dark greens, berries and other fruits. They feed best in the water. Mealworms, minnows, koi pellets and prepared turtle foods are also eaten well. Vitamin D3 and calcium supplements are absolutely essential.
HABITAT: These semi-aquatic turtles are strong swimmers and persistent baskers. Deep, clean water for swimming and an above water basking site warmed and illuminated by a UV bulb should be provided. Water requires both filtration and frequent changing.
WATER TEMPERATURE: 74-79F (23-26`C)
AIR TEMPERATURE: 79-81F (26-27`C)
LIGHTING: 16 hours.
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River Cooter Turtle
(Chrysemys Floridana)
DESCRIPTION: These are all basking turtles from various regions of the United States.
ADULT SIZE: 4-11 inches depending on species.
LIFE SPAN: 10-50 years depending on species.
RATING: All suitable for beginners
DIET: All are omnivores, but are strongly vegetarian when adult. They eat dark greens, berries and other fruits. They feed best in the water. Mealworms, minnows, koi pellets and prepared turtle foods are also eaten well. Vitamin D3 and calcium supplements are absolutely essential.
HABITAT: These semi-aquatic turtles are strong swimmers and persistent baskers. Deep, clean water for swimming and an above water basking site warmed and illuminated by a UV bulb should be provided. Water requires both filtration and frequent changing.
WATER TEMPERATURE: 74-79F (23-26`C)
AIR TEMPERATURE: 79-81F (26-27`C)
LIGHTING: 16 hours.
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Mississippi Map Turtle
(Graptemys Pseudogeographica Kohni)
DESCRIPTION: These turtles have a yellow head and limbs with many olive green distinct markings and a grey shell with black vertebral colourations.
ADULT SIZE: Males 4 inches; females about 7 inches
LIFE SPAN: 20 years +
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Omnivores, but strongly orientated towards insects. Crickets, mealworms koi pellets and prepared turtle foods are also eaten well. Dark greens are occasionally eaten. Vitamin D3 and calcium supplements are absolutely essential.
HABITAT: These semi-aquatic turtles are strong swimmers and persistent baskers. Deep, clean water for swimming and an above water basking site warmed and illuminated by a UV bulb should be provided. Water requires both filtration and frequent changing.
WATER TEMPERATURE: 74-79F (23-26`C)
AIR TEMPERATURE: 79-81F (26-27`C)
LIGHTING: 16 hours.
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Painted Turtle
(Chrysemys Picta)
DESCRIPTION: The painted turtle has a black, smoothly domed shell and has a black head with yellow stripes and spots.
ADULT SIZE: 4-6 inches
LIFE SPAN: 10-25 (or more) years
RATING: Suitable for beginners.
DIET: Omnivores. Crickets, mealworms koi pellets and prepared turtle foods are also eaten well. Dark greens, berries and fruits are also eaten. Vitamin D3 and calcium supplements are absolutely essential.
HABITAT: These semi-aquatic turtles are strong swimmers and persistent baskers. Deep, clean water for swimming and an above water basking site warmed and illuminated by a UV bulb should be provided. Water requires both filtration and frequent changing.
TEMPERATURE: 68-77F (20-25`C)
AIR TEMPERATURE: 68-77F (20-25`C)
LIGHTING: 16 hours.
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Black Marsh Turtle
(Siebenrockiella Crassicollis)
DESCRIPTION: These turtles are almost completely black with a few white markings on their heads. Their eyes are outlined in white but adult males lose this marking. They have fully webbed feet.
ADULT SIZE: They are small and rarely reach 20cm.
LIFE SPAN:
RATING: Suitable for beginners
DIET: Carnivorous they will eat crickets and mealworms. Vitamin D3 and calcium supplements are absolutely essential.
HABITAT: These semi-aquatic turtles are strong swimmers and persistent baskers. Deep, clean water for swimming and an above water basking site warmed and illuminated by a UV bulb should be provided. Water requires both filtration and frequent changing.
TEMPERATURE: 68-77F (20-25`C)
AIR TEMPERATURE: 68-77F (20-25`C)
LIGHTING: 16 hours.
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