Reptiles Need Specific Conditions and Care,
Be Ready with Tips from Our Vet

If you want fascinating pets and are looking into owning St. Davids or Wayne reptiles, you may be in for a great treat. But you are also in for a lot of homework to help ensure your new exotic pet is cared for properly. Radnor Veterinary Hospital not only offers the full scope of reptile care for lizards, snakes and other reptilian pets in the Radnor, Wayne and St. Davids areas, but we also offer important tips to consider before purchasing a reptile.

Exotic Pets Require Special Diets and Habitats

The key to successfully keeping exotic pets is matching the specific conditions they thrive in out in nature. Different lizards and snakes come from different climates with varying temperatures, humidity levels, rainfall and terrain. An aquatic snake will not do well in an arid desert cage just as a tree lizard will never thrive in a flat, watery plain. Choosing the proper substrate, climate control and housing conditions is the first step to successfully keeping a reptile.

A heat source and proper lighting are essential for reptile care, as is the proper substrate. Pet-friendly options are available to provide sandy, woody, mossy or swampy environments. Glass aquarium housing frequently works well for the housing unit, although it needs to have adequate space to accommodate the full-grown size of your reptile and an escape-proof lid. A veterinarian at our clinic can further advise on specific conditions for specific species.

An exotic pet often has an equally exotic diet, with the food source depending on the type of reptile you wish to keep. Several species eat live food, such as rats, crickets and mice, while others are omnivores and eat a combination of meat and vegetable matter. Our vet clinic can advise on the proper diet as well as any supplements and additional nutrients your new reptile may need. For more information, call our affordable vet at 610-465-9516.

What reptiles have you kept or want to keep?