Reptiles and amphibians together are known as herptiles. These animals are grouped together because they are ectothermic, which means that they cannot regulate their body temperature internally, but must use their environments to control temperature. Common temperature-regulating activities include basking

Seasonal Needs Changes in the outdoor temperature at every season will require you to make seasonal adjustments to the temperature and humidity controls for your reptile or amphibian. Because the tolerance ranges for herptiles are small, you’ll need to keep track of the temperatures in your enclosure

Amphibian - Cold-blooded vertebrates that live in water and on land, including frogs and toads, salamanders and newts and caecilians. Anthropod - A group of limbed and jointed animals that have external skeletons, including insects, arachnids and crustaceans. Aquatic - Animals living in water. Arachnid

Daily Exercise Just as with humans, herptiles need daily activity to remain healthy. For amphibians and some reptiles, this means swimming. For terrestrial animals, physical activity includes climbing and hunting. Your pet’s enclosure should allow it enough space to move around comfortably. Including

Enclosures Heating Lighting Enclosures It's worth committing a lot of attention to creating the perfect home for your amphibian or reptile to ensure its safety and because they are great hiders when they escape! Key determinants for how to house your species are its adult size, activity level and

Veterinarian Visits and Vaccinations Spaying and Neutering Common Health Problems Zoonotic Diseases Veterinarian Visits and Vaccinations Whenever you bring home a new pet, whether they are old or young, from a known breeder or the street, always take your pet for an initial veterinary visit.

Water Foods Supplements Feeding times Water Despite old assumptions to the contrary, reptiles do need water to drink. You'll need to place a bowl of clean, fresh water into their enclosure every day. It is helpful to keep the water bowl in a designated place so that your pet knows where to go

Cleaning Keeping a pet reptile healthy requires integrating regular cleaning habits into your life. On a daily basis, you should plan on cleaning your pet’s water bowl, any food serving containers or utensils, and remove any debris from the enclosure, including feces. Generally herptiles defecate

Reptiles and amphibians can make fascinating pets. Some look as ancient as dragons. Others turn all kinds of colors. They are relatively quiet and odorless compared to other animals, and they offer a variety of choices related to their size. With some of these species, like carnivorous snakes, you can

Behavioral Issues It is important to know whether your pet is diurnal, crepuscular or nocturnal to be prepared for the time of day when s/he is most active. Careful handling of herptiles is also important. For example, when snakes are familiar with you, you should reach your hand into the terrarium