Reptile, Amphibian and Invertebrate Care Buying Guide

Looking for a new pet? A first pet? Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates are good quiet pets, but don't let that mislead you! There is no such thing as a self-sufficient pet. An iguana may not need to be walked, pet, and trimmed regularly, but it will still need plenty of attention. 

Pets are great to have; they offer fun, companionship, and a great way to teach a child about responsibility.  If you're considering a new scaly friend, there are a few things you should consider. First, you should learn about safety - especially if you have children. If your little angel wants a pet snake, you want to be sure to get a harmless, mild, and serene breed. You should also be aware of the care and attention it will need BEFORE you buy the animal. Lastly, you should think carefully about how this pet will affect your day to day life. Will you have to buy expensive food for it? Will it smell if it isn't frequently cleaned? What sort of care will you need to arrange if you go on vacation? If you do your research, you'll find the perfect friend to compliment your lifestyle. We've put together some information on the most popular reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, so you can do all of your research in one sitting.

Frogs, Toads, Newts and Salamanders These are all amphibians, which means they are cold blooded and smooth skinned. Amphibians are able to live in water or land; many will require a habitat with both. Most amphibians have long life spans (10+ years) if they are cared for properly.	Turtles and Tortoises Turtles and tortoises can live very long lives--over 25 years! These have fairly specific needs, including temperature control. Turtles and tortoises are generally very mild animals. Many will hibernate for 10-20 weeks.	Lizards Lizards are more interactive and energetic than most of their scaly friends, so kids may find them more fun. Reptiles can be a lot of work, so be sure that you know what to expect. They will need a very controlled environment. You need to monitor the temperature, humidity, and ventilation frequently.	Snakes Snakes' needs will vary greatly between species. Make sure to be specific when looking for information or products for your snake. One snake can be very different from another. Some are very aggressive, and some are quite tame. Think about what exactly you're looking for before purchasing.	Hermit Crabs Hermit crabs don't need much upkeep and prefer not to be handled. They make excellent pets for small children. They require you to buy minimal supplies--a cage or tank, a sponge and water, a few shells and sand, and food. Hermit crabs can live up to 30 years, but when captive they generally don't live more than a few years.

Things to Consider

• Some reptiles are illegal to keep as pets--make sure the pet you decide on is legal where you live.
• There is a risk of salmonella infection from reptiles; a well cared for pet carries minimal risk, but a risk nonetheless.
• Light, heat, and terrain are all important in a reptile's, amphibian's, or invertebrate's environment. If the habitat is not controlled, the pet will not survive.
• Be sure to discuss any new pets with a professional--a pet store employee should be able to tell you what you can expect with a particular pet and whether or not it is safe for children.

External Links

• AmphibianCare.com: Care sheets for many different reptile and amphibian species.
• About.com: For those trying to choose a pet, check out this handy introduction to reptiles.
• About.com: The run-down for people new to pets or reptiles.