Reptile Cage Supply List

Reptiles do not make good pets, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Many of them are wild-caught, and the sale of reptiles in pet stores is becoming illegal in more and more communities. Furthermore, the needs of these exotic animals are plentiful and expensive. Some reptiles live as long as 30 years in captivity; think twice before adding a reptile to your household. Snakes, turtles and lizards may be kept alive in a small cage or terrarium as long as it's properly prepared and maintained.

  1. Cage or Tank

    • Lizards, such as the bearded dragon seen here, have complicated temperature, light and nutritional requirements.

      Reptiles are curious creatures that need a glass tank or wire cage to keep them from escaping. A rectangular glass terrarium is an ideal environment that keeps the heat in and provides little chance for escape. The housing chosen will depend on the size of the animal and should have plenty of room for it to move freely. Keep in mind, if you purchase a juvenile reptile, that it will grow quickly and require a much larger tank when it is fully grown. It is essential that the tank or cage have a secure lid that allows ventilation.

    Heat and Light

    • Boa constrictors are often released into communities when they are no longer wanted.

      Reptiles are cold-blooded and use the environment to regulate their body temperatures. Generally, they avoid cold, so it's necessary the reptile̵7;s cage or tank be heated. A lid heater, attached to the cage's lid, radiates heat downward. Heated rocks appear to be part of the landscape but actually serve as a heat source. If the enclosure is in a dark room, an ultraviolet light source may be beneficial to the animal's health as well as providing light for your pet's display. You should allow your pet to bask in real sunlight as often as possible.

    Landscaping

    • Reptiles, such as this iguana, carry salmonella, an organism that is dangerous to humans.

      Landscaping in the reptile̵7;s cage resembling its natural habitat will make the animal feel comfortable and at home. Depending on the species, items can include sand, water, rocks, plants or tree limbs. Rocks and limbs provide a structure for reptiles to climb on and hide under as they do in their natural environment.

    Food and Water Bowls

    • Children under the age of five should never be around reptiles. The harmful diseases that they carry can be fatal to young children.

      Food and water are critical to a reptile̵7;s diet and should be easily accessible. Small bowls make ideal vessels for this purpose. Clean drinking water should be available, even if you have a water feature as part of your terrarium landscape, as that can become contaminated with harmful organisms and pollutants.

    Cleaning Supplies

    • In 2009, a young girl was killed by a pet python.

      Keeping your pet̵7;s cage clean will help keep it in optimum health. Cleaning supplies include terrarium cleaner, sponges, paper towels, bleach and a scrub brush. All items introduced into the reptile̵7;s cage should be boiled in water to ensure they're free of contaminants. The landscaping items and walls should be cleaned often to prevent algae and dust from building up.

    Reptile Needs

    • Keep in mind that each species of reptile has its own special set of needs. These needs include lighting, heating, nutritional and environmental considerations. Though reptiles are not known for their intelligence, they will need enrichment in the tank. Do your research and learn all you can about your particular species of reptile as this article is simply an overview of the habitat needs shared by most reptile species.