For all the charm amphibians and reptiles bring to your life, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the requirements of each species for their safety—and yours. In addition, as the owner of a herp, there are ethical and environmental concerns, as well. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Cleanliness is important to your pet’s health as well as your own. Always wash hands after handling a reptile or amphibian of any kind. Consider wearing latex gloves to handle critters whose skin secretes toxins.
- Clean food and water dishes/bottles daily, removing residue to guard against the formation of harmful bacteria.
- Always monitor young children around reptiles and amphibians. They should not handle the animals, and they certainly should not put them in their mouth.
- Take into account species compatibility before purchasing reptiles/amphibians. Be sure to ask your retailer which animals can live together harmoniously. Different species require different foods, heat, light, and space. Putting incompatible animals together can spell tragedy.
- Captive-bred pets are recommended for several reasons, not the least of which is that they help preserve wild populations. Pets born in captivity are also less likely to carry disease or have health problems.