Reptile pet habitat tricks? The Russian tortoise is one of the more popular tortoise breeds in the trade. Spend a few minutes with one and you’ll see why! These creatures are rather active compared to other species. Not only that, but they are easy to care for. Pair that with their beautiful appearance and choosing this species is a no-brainer for both beginners and experienced owners! The shell of the Russian tortoise features shades of olive green, tan, black, and brown. While most tortoises have dark scutes with a lighter center, the scutes of the Russian tortoise are the opposite. The ridges are lighter in color while the raised portion is darker. Another distinct feature is the claws. This species is sporting four sharp claws on each foot. They help the tortoise burrow in the substrate and climb on obstacles. Needless to say, creating a secure environment for this reptile is a must! They can live inside an appropriately sized terrarium or vivarium. Or, you can keep them outside. Whatever you choose, it’s important to make sure that the enclosure has tall walls that penetrate deep into the substrate to prevent escape. Can you guess what the most defining characteristic of this species is? It has an elongated shell, making it look more oval than other species.

Some snakes will need an ultraviolet-B (UVB) light. Some won’t. Some will get along nicely with half an hour of unfiltered sunlight each day. Investigate the details of your variety’s needs. All snakes will require a basking light. Position it over a nice basking rock or branch. You’ll need an assortment of thermometers and hygrometers (devices that measure humidity): some for the floor and some for the walls of the terrarium. Never, ever believe the thermostats. All snakes should also have some under-tank heating. You need to be careful here: You don’t just stick a heating pad under the tank, turn it on, and ignore it. It needs to be small enough to provide heat to only part of the floor, under part of the hidey-home. The idea is to provide what is called a “heat gradient”. That means that one section of the floor under a hidey-home should be a specific temperature. Let’s say, for example, that the ideal temperature for your snake is 85F. Another spot on the floor under the hidey-home should be a little warmer, at 87F, and still another should be 82F or 84F. Yet another section of the floor outside the hidey-hole, should be as cool as 71F-75F, and unheated. This way, the snake can regulate her body temperature by moving around. Her ideal temperature should be available in her hidey-hole.

The Mexican alligator lizard (Abronia graminea) is also often known as the green arboreal alligator lizard. This is an endangered species that can be found in areas of Mexico such as Oaxaca, Veracruz and Puebla. Because this is an endangered creature, it is important to purchase your lizard from a very reputable dealer. It’s known for having quite a distinct and beautiful look. Many people think it looks like a creature from a fantasy movie! We feel that this lizard is the match for someone with intermediate to advanced reptile care experience. This is because it has some very specific care and handling requirements that are better suited to someone above a beginner’s level. See even more information on how to care for reptile pets.

Humidity should be maintained between 35-75% to provide as natural as possible an environment for your bluetongue — this can be achieved by placing a shallow dish of water in the enclosure. Feed your adult bluetongue every two days in warm weather, in colder weather every three days. Remember — if the enclosure temperature is not right your bluetongue may refuse to eat. Bluetongues are omnivores and should be offered a variety of foods such as insects e.g. crickets, worms, snails and slugs. They will eat a range of chopped fruits and vegetables including dandelion, milk thistle, watercress, banana, apple, pawpaw, pear, green beans, carrots, alfafa sprouts, parsley and tomato. In addition, small amounts of moistened dog kibble and canned dog food may be given occasionally. Add a calcium supplement to the food once a week.

Leopard tortoises need sizable enclosures to stay happy and enriched. Many owners like to keep them outdoors. They require relatively warm temperatures and a basking spot that’s at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit! The shell is also very tall. Like other tortoise species, the center of the carapace is steep and rounded. This can make things difficult when setting up a suitable habitat. The good news is that this species isn’t keen on climbing. They like to stick to the ground and spend their time foraging for snacks. As herbivores, they do best when the enclosure has live grass for grazing. The marginated tortoise is a beautiful species with a distinct shell. As juveniles, the shell takes on shades of black and pearly white. However, this coloration fades to a dark gray as the tortoise gets older. Find additional info at here.