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ETstock’s Pet Parent Survey 2022 revealed that reptiles are increasing in popularity among Australian families, with 14 percent of respondents stating that they own reptiles and small pets. For families who are deciding on a scaly reptile to their brood, PETstock LIVE Manager, Kylie Gilbert has offered the following tips and considerations to guide their choice.
Key tips for choosing a reptile as a pet It’s important to do your research as a first time reptile owner prior to choosing one as a pet, especially if they’re going to be around children. Here are some key considerations for the most commercially available reptiles: TURTLES – While turtles make an adorable pet, keep in mind that they have a long life expectancy, are large in size and require exposure to ultraviolet light.
24 Peninsula Kids – Spring 2022
SNAKES – For those new to reptiles, there are many species of snakes that make good pets. Great beginner species include Children’s Pythons and Stimson’s species, as they are generally fairly easy to care for, as they are smaller as adults, so easier to handle while you gain your confidence. LIZARDS – Species such as geckos, bearded dragons and blue tongues are a great choice for first time reptile owners. They’re very entertaining to watch and have large personalities.
Key considerations before buying a reptile A reptile is a long term commitment – Pythons can live for more than 15 years, turtles for more than 30 years and lizards such as geckos and blue tongues for 20 years. Although reptiles are low maintenance pets, you need to commit to the regular cleaning and maintenance of their housing to ensure they are kept healthy.