There is more than one right way to care for your animal. The most important thing is to make sure you are checking all the boxes. We will give you some information and resources on the best ways to ensure your pet is getting the best Husbandry,Temperature,Diet, and Species Specific Care possible.
Husbandry
The most important elements of husbandry are Space, Shape, Terrain, and Hides/Decorations. Bellow we will list the common enclosures and other needs. There is always to option of making or purchasing a costume enclosure as well but that won't be listed under our more common reptiles. However we will include links for that in our sources page
Ball Python
Tank Options:There are 4 ways to house a ball python. As long as the heat, humidity and space is being met it’s about what works best for you.
Classic Glass or PVC Tank: In many cases a classic tank works excellent. Front opens are recommended for snakes, and it is important to make sure that no matter what tank you get it locks or has cage clamps.
Modified Tub: Many snake owners especially those in lower humidity areas use a modified tub. It takes a little extra work to attach a metal mesh of some sort to the lid for domes or instal a light and heat inside the lid.If you are able and willing to put in some of your own handy work it is a great cheaper alternative and often holds humidity better than a traditional tank
Rack System: Rack systems are great for babies, rescues, or breeders as a temporary enclosure. You can have a snake in a rack system full time IF your drawers are big enough, this is common with owners who use tubs. Eventually you can buy or build a rack system to stack your tubs. This is a great way to save space but often ends up making it harder to see your snake, and is not usually worth it for a full time enclosure due to the size requirements.
Grow Tent: Grow tents can be an excellent way to prove ideal conditions for a high heat and or high humidity reptile. The biggest thing to make sure of is getting the appropriate tent as some are not escape proof. We will link a video for the best way to choose a tent.The only downside is the larger tent you need the less likely you are to find one with a clear front.
Size Requirements
The basic size requirement for a growing snake is that they need to be able to stretch out fully on at least 2 sides of their enclosure.
The required size is 10 gallons per foot of snake. The legal minimum is 40 gallons but we heavily suggest a 50 gallon or 4x2x2 foot as a minimum especially for females.
Substrate
You want something that will hold humidity for your snake. There are several options we encourage mixing or adding moss toppers to all high humidity tanks. The first thing to consider is if you want to plant anything in your tank.( See bioactive resources section). If you are planting something you will need a dirt like bottom layer such as: Bio Dude Terra Fauna or Terra Firma, Eco Earth,ReptiSoil, Or a no additives Top Soil(mixed with peat moss). Second you would want to add a moss or moss substrate such as: Eco Earth mix, Peat Moss,Pillow Moss, Sheet Moss, or Sphagnum moss. If you are not planting or adding plants in pots, you can use any of the previous substrate combinations or a coconut based substrate such as Reptichip. Make sure that whatever you choose your snake has at least 2 times their height (Belly to Spine)
Humidity and Decor
They need humidity ov 75-90% and should be on the hire side when shedding.
Ball Pythons should have a humid hide containing or made of moss, as well as a wamr hide on the hot side of their tank ideallt they can bask on top of this hide as well.
Although they dont climb a ton it is important to over stimulation through diverse decorations, or sticks. ( See Link Labled Decor and set up ideas )
Click to see Care Sheet
Burmese Python
Tank Options:There are 3 ways to house a Burmese python. As long as the heat, humidity and space is being met it’s about what works best for you.
Classic Glass or PVC Tank: In many cases a classic tank works excellent. Front opens are recommended for snakes, and it is important to make sure that no matter what tank you get it locks or has cage clamps.
Modified Tub: Many snake owners especially those in lower humidity areas use a modified tub. It takes a little extra work to attach a metal mesh of some sort to the lid for domes or instal a light and heat inside the lid.If you are able and willing to put in some of your own handy work it is a great cheaper alternative and often holds humidity better than a traditional tank. However there isn't likley to be large eough tubs for an adult.
However there's not lickley to be a big enough tub for an adult.
Grow Tent: Grow tents can be an excellent way to prove ideal conditions for a high heat and or high humidity reptile. The biggest thing to make sure of is getting the appropriate tent as some are not escape proof. We will link a video for the best way to choose a tent.The only downside is the larger tent you need the less likely you are to find one with a clear front.
Size Requirements
The basic size requirement for a growing snake is that they need to be able to stretch out fully on at least 2 sides of their enclosure.Hatchling can be in a 20-30 gallon for around a year.
Young adults need a 6x3x2 FT
A full grown adult male needs ATLEAST an 8x4x4 FT and females need a minimum 10x4x4 FT. We sugest getting a costume PCV or a large grow tent for adults. The bigger the Better
Substrate:
There are several wood substrates such as reptichip that work well for these snakes. Something mid humidity and easy to spot clean such as Reptichip. ( Avoid Cedar wood) Even this non burrowing speices should have at least 2 times their hight (Belly to tail), of stubstrate.
Humidity should be between 50-70%.
Burmese Pythons are Terrestial and need adequate space to stretch out. They needs lots of hiding spots and at least one large hide. They need a basking spot (details in temptature area) and wont climb much but may use a low branch or some rocks for climbing.
Click For Care Sheet
Reticulated Python
Tank Options:There are 3 ways to house a Reticulated python. As long as the heat, humidity and space is being met it’s about what works best for you.
Classic Glass or PVC Tank: In many cases a classic tank works excellent. Front opens are recommended for snakes, and it is important to make sure that no matter what tank you get it locks or has cage clamps.
Modified Tub: Many snake owners especially those in lower humidity areas use a modified tub. It takes a little extra work to attach a metal mesh of some sort to the lid for domes or instal a light and heat inside the lid.If you are able and willing to put in some of your own handy work it is a great cheaper alternative and often holds humidity better than a traditional tank. However there's not likley to be a big enough tub for an adult.
Grow Tent: Grow tents can be an excellent way to prove ideal conditions for a high heat and or high humidity reptile. The biggest thing to make sure of is getting the appropriate tent as some are not escape proof. We will link a video for the best way to choose a tent.The only downside is the larger tent you need the less likely you are to find one with a clear front.
Size Requirements
The basic size requirement for a growing snake is that they need to be able to stretch out fully on at least 2 sides of their enclosure.
There are many diffrent sizes of Reticis the general rule is the have one squar foot of floor space for every foot of snake. They also need some climbing space as well the care sheet linked bellow highlights ideal sizes for the varied subspeies of retics.
Corn Snakes
Tank Options:There are 4 ways to house a Corn S nake. As long as the heat, humidity and space is being met it’s about what works best for you.
Classic Glass or PVC Tank: In many cases a classic tank works excellent. Front opens are recommended for snakes, and it is important to make sure that no matter what tank you get it locks or has cage clamps.
Modified Tub: Many snake owners especially those in lower humidity areas use a modified tub. It takes a little extra work to attach a metal mesh of some sort to the lid for domes or instal a light and heat inside the lid.If you are able and willing to put in some of your own handy work it is a great cheaper alternative and often holds humidity better than a traditional tank
Rack System: Rack systems are great for babies, rescues, or breeders as a temporary enclosure. You can have a snake in a rack system full time IF your drawers are big enough, this is common with owners who use tubs. Eventually you can buy or build a rack system to stack your tubs. This is a great way to save space but often ends up making it harder to see your snake, and is not usually worth it for a full time enclosure due to the size requirements.
Grow Tent: Grow tents can be an excellent way to prove ideal conditions for a high heat and or high humidity reptile. The biggest thing to make sure of is getting the appropriate tent as some are not escape proof. We will link a video for the best way to choose a tent.The only downside is the larger tent you need the less likely you are to find one with a clear front.
Size Requirements
The basic size requirement for a growing snake is that they need to be able to stretch out fully on at least 2 sides of their enclosure.
The minimum size for a full grown adult is 50 gallons but we sugest a 4x2x2 minimum for females.
Corn snakes need a mid humidity substrate such as, top soil sand mix, reptichip, or a bioactive blend (See Bio Dude). They have a slightly higher humidity range than most colubrids They thrive in 60-75% humidity.
Corn snakes enjoy space to both burrow and climb.
Click to see care sheet
Common Boas (see drop down for species list)
Tank Options:There are 3 ways to house a boa. As long as the heat, humidity and space is being met it’s about what works best for you.
Classic Glass or PVC Tank: In many cases a classic tank works excellent. Front opens are recommended for snakes, and it is important to make sure that no matter what tank you get it locks or has cage clamps.
Modified Tub: Many snake owners especially those in lower humidity areas use a modified tub. It takes a little extra work to attach a metal mesh of some sort to the lid for domes or instal a light and heat inside the lid.If you are able and willing to put in some of your own handy work it is a great cheaper alternative and often holds humidity better than a traditional tank
Grow Tent: Grow tents can be an excellent way to prove ideal conditions for a high heat and or high humidity reptile. The biggest thing to make sure of is getting the appropriate tent as some are not escape proof. We will link a video for the best way to choose a tent.The only downside is the larger tent you need the less likely you are to find one with a clear front.
Amazon Tree Boa
Amazon Tree Boas can reach up to 6ft. They are semi Arboreal and need lots of climbing space as well as floor space. The Suggested size for a full-grown Amazon Tree Boa enclosure is 5x4.5x4 feet OR MORE.They need a humidity range of 75-90%. They should be provided with leaf litter, humidity holding substrate, plenty of climbing and perching wood, foliage, and an elevated basking spot. Care Sheet
Anery Boa
Argentine Boa
Brazilian Rainbow Boa
Emerald Tree Boa
Kenyan Sand Boa
Red Tail Boa
Rosey Boa
King and Milk Snakes
Tank Options:There are 4 ways to house a King Snake. As long as the heat, humidity and space is being met it’s about what works best for you.
Classic Glass or PVC Tank: In many cases a classic tank works excellent. Front opens are recommended for snakes, and it is important to make sure that no matter what tank you get it locks or has cage clamps.
Modified Tub: Many snake owners especially those in lower humidity areas use a modified tub. It takes a little extra work to attach a metal mesh of some sort to the lid for domes or instal a light and heat inside the lid.If you are able and willing to put in some of your own handy work it is a great cheaper alternative and often holds humidity better than a traditional tank
Rack System: Rack systems are great for babies, rescues, or breeders as a temporary enclosure. You can have a snake in a rack system full time IF your drawers are big enough, this is common with owners who use tubs. Eventually you can buy or build a rack system to stack your tubs. This is a great way to save space but often ends up making it harder to see your snake, and is not usually worth it for a full time enclosure due to the size requirements.
Grow Tent: Grow tents can be an excellent way to prove ideal conditions for a high heat and or high humidity reptile. The biggest thing to make sure of is getting the appropriate tent as some are not escape proof. We will link a video for the best way to choose a tent.The only downside is the larger tent you need the less likely you are to find one with a clear front.
Size Requirements
The basic size requirement for a growing snake is that they need to be able to stretch out fully on at least 2 sides of their enclosure.
The minimum size for a full grown adult is
Hognose
Tank Options:There are 3 ways to house a Hognose. As long as the heat, humidity and space is being met it’s about what works best for you.
Classic Glass or PVC Tank: In many cases a classic tank works excellent. Front opens are recommended for snakes, and it is important to make sure that no matter what tank you get it locks or has cage clamps.
Modified Tub: Many snake owners especially those in lower humidity areas use a modified tub. It takes a little extra work to attach a metal mesh of some sort to the lid for domes or instal a light and heat inside the lid.If you are able and willing to put in some of your own handy work it is a great cheaper alternative and often holds humidity better than a traditional tank
Rack System: Rack systems are great for babies, rescues, or breeders as a temporary enclosure. You can have a snake in a rack system full time IF your drawers are big enough, this is common with owners who use tubs. Eventually you can buy or build a rack system to stack your tubs. This is a great way to save space but often ends up making it harder to see your snake. Hognoses are own of the smaller snakes adn may be okay for life in the right rack system.
Size Requirements
The basic size requirement for a growing snake is that they need to be able to stretch out fully on at least 2 sides of their enclosure.
The minimum size for a full grown adult is
Garter Snake
Tank Options:There are 3 ways to house a Garter snake. As long as the heat, humidity and space is being met it’s about what works best for you.
Classic Glass or PVC Tank: In many cases a classic tank works excellent. Front opens are recommended for snakes, and it is important to make sure that no matter what tank you get it locks or has cage clamps.
Modified Tub: Many snake owners especially those in lower humidity areas use a modified tub. It takes a little extra work to attach a metal mesh of some sort to the lid for domes or instal a light and heat inside the lid.If you are able and willing to put in some of your own handy work it is a great cheaper alternative and often holds humidity better than a traditional tank
Rack System: Rack systems are great for babies, rescues, or breeders as a temporary enclosure. You can have a snake in a rack system full time IF your drawers are big enough, this is common with owners who use tubs. Eventually you can buy or build a rack system to stack your tubs. This is a great way to save space but often ends up making it harder to see your snake. As a smaller snake they may be okay full time in the right rack system.
Size Requirements
The basic size requirement for a growing snake is that they need to be able to stretch out fully on at least 2 sides of their enclosure.
The minimum size for a full grown adult is
Crested Gecko
Crested Geckos are an arborial lizzard that needs lots of space to climb and hide. The do well in an 18x18x36 inches. Although some geckos are combfterable with more as long as they have enough hiding places and enrithcment.
Substrate: You want something that will hold humidity for your Gecko. There are several options we encourage mixing or adding moss toppers to all high humidity tanks. The first thing to consider is if you want to plant anything in your tank.( See bioactive resources section). If you are planting something you will need a dirt like bottom layer such as: Bio Dude Terra Fauna or Terra Firma, Eco Earth,ReptiSoil, Or a no additives Top Soil(mixed with peat moss). Second you would want to add a moss or moss substrate such as: Eco Earth mix, Peat Moss,Pillow Moss, Sheet Moss, or Sphagnum moss. If you are not planting or adding plants in pots, you can use any of the previous substrate combinations or a coconut based substrate such as Reptichip toped with moss or mixed with eco earth.
Cargoyle Gecko
Substrate: You want something that will hold humidity for your Gecko There are several options we encourage mixing or adding moss toppers to all high humidity tanks. The first thing to consider is if you want to plant anything in your tank.( See bioactive resources section). If you are planting something you will need a dirt like bottom layer such as: Bio Dude Terra Fauna or Terra Firma, Eco Earth,ReptiSoil, Or a no additives Top Soil(mixed with peat moss). Second you would want to add a moss or moss substrate such as: Eco Earth mix, Peat Moss,Pillow Moss, Sheet Moss, or Sphagnum moss. If you are not planting or adding plants in pots, you can use any of the previous substrate combinations or a coconut based substrate such as Reptichip toped with moss or mixed with eco earth.
Leopard Gecko
Bearded Dragon
Blue Tongue Skink
Tegus (See Drop Down For Species List)
Monitors( See Drop Down For Species List)
Iguanas
Frogs(See Drop Down For Species List)
Turtles And Tortoises (See Drop Down For Species List)
Scorpions and Arachnids (See Drop Down For Species List)
Other Inverts
Temperature
Your animal may have come from a completely deferent part of the world. There are several ways to insure they have the healthiest temperature range in their enclosure reglarsless of the temperature in your house.
Ball Pythons
Burmese Python
Reticulated Python
Corn Snakes
Common Boas (see drop down for species list)
King and Milk Snakes
Hognose
Garter Snake
Crested Gecko
Cargoyle Gecko
Leopard Gecko
Bearded Dragon
Blue Tongue Skink
Tegus (See Drop Down For Species List)
Monitors( See Drop Down For Species List)
Iguanas
Frogs(See Drop Down For Species List)
Turtles And Tortoises (See Drop Down For Species List)
Scorpions and Arachnids (See Drop Down For Species List)
Other Inverts
Diet
There is a large range of diets in reptiles and other exotic pets. It's important to know what your pet needs and offer variety and sometimes supplementation.
Ball Pythons
Burmese Python
Reticulated Python
Corn Snakes
Common Boas (see drop down for species list)
King and Milk Snakes
Hognose
Garter Snake
Crested Gecko
Cargoyle Gecko
Leopard Gecko
Bearded Dragon
Blue Tongue Skink
Tegus (See Drop Down For Species List)
Monitors( See Drop Down For Species List)
Iguanas
Frogs(See Drop Down For Species List)
Turtles And Tortoises (See Drop Down For Species List)
Scorpions and Arachnids (See Drop Down For Species List)
Other Inverts
Species Specific Care
Every Animal has it's own needs and personality but sometimes a certain species has something unique and its important to know about it. One of the biggest thing we will cover here is some snakes and Lizards need for added enrichment.