Reptiles

Reptiles

Reptiles are Cold Blooded Vertebrates with their Skin having Scales or Feathers all over. These Aerial Breathers are Tetrapods (with four limbs), Oviparous (egg laying), and Amniotes (Amniotic Membrane encloses their Embryos). There are numerous varieties of Reptiles found globally. Some of which can be captivated as well. The ensuing discussion talks about the several types of Reptiles, people fondly raise in their Terrariums. We are dividing the discussion in the keep Reptiles categories. Lets take a look.

Tortoises & Turtles.

Tortoises. Also known as, Land Turtles, Tortoises are Terrestrial (land dwelling) Reptiles of the Family Testudinidae. Equipped with a very protective Shell, Tortoises hide in it during unfavorable times such as, predators attack, adverse weather, etc. The Dorsal surface of their Shell is called Carapace, while the Ventral side is called Plastron. Growing up to a maximum of 2 meters, the very reclusive by nature, Tortoises are Diurnal beings.

Sulcata Tortoises (Geochelone Sulcata). Also called as African Spurred Tortoise and African Spur Thigh Tortoise, these Tortoises are found in the Southern End of the Sahara Desert, North Africa. They have Brown or Yellow colored, broad, & flat Carapaces, and thick skin for fluid retention. Whenever possible, Sulcata Tortoises keep their body cool by covering it with mud or drifting into cool Burrows. As they live in temperate conditions, these very hardy Sulcata Tortoises do not hibernate. Sulcata Tortoises are one of the best Reptile pets. Extremely easy to handle, very friendly in disposition, Sulcatas are vegetarians and feed upon Mix Greens, Fruits, Vegetables, Collard Greens, Rye Grass, Clover, Escarole, Romaine, Grass, Red or Green-Leaf Lettuce, Cabbage, Timothy Hay, Alfalfa Hay, Dandelion Greens, and Mazuri diet. The Terrarium should be equipped with a UV Light & a Heat Lamp. Keep ½” Hiding Log at the end of the tank for the Sulcatas to hide behind. The Terrarium Substrate should be low in humidity and Alfalfa (Rabbit) Pellets, Hay, or Aspen Bark, are the ideal choices. Fresh Marine offers Baby Sulcata Tortoises for Adoption, Baby Sulcata Tortoises – Temp Sexed Female, One of a kind Baby Sulcata Tortoises – Unique Extra Scutes, and Baby Sulcata Tortoises – Temp Sexed Pair.

Water Turtles. Water Turtles are sensitive pets, difficult to maintain. They require a Terrarium temperature range of 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Any fluctuations, especially decline in the range, results in the Water Turtles being sluggish and ceasing to feed. Except for Metals, you may go for containers of any material. Add Filters, Lids, and Aquatic Plants in the Terrarium. Rain Water is ideal for filling and the Water Turtles should daily get at least 2-4 hours of direct sunlight. Red Eared Slider, Western Painted Turtle, African Side-necked Turtle, Spiny Soft-shell Turtle, Spotted Turtle, and Chicken Turtle are the key varieties available.

Box Turtle. These Turtles have a dome shaped Shell, hooked at the bottom for complete closure for protection from predators. They are quite difficult to maintain in captivity.

Wood Turtle. With their Carapace growing from 6-9 inches, these Turtles are mostly found in woods and therefore the name. They also spend some time in freshwater.

Garden Pond Turtles. Available in Dark Brown to Olive colors, and measuring 7.5” in length, Garden Pond Turtles are freshwater beings, found hooked to large rocks. Garden Pond Turtles are Omnivores and Scavengers, feeding mostly on insects, larva, and detritus.

Lizards.

Geckos. Geckos are small to moderately sized Lizards, from the Family Gekkonidae. They interact with the other members of their Family by chirping. Geckos are found in warm climates. As a defensive step, these Reptiles discharge a foul smelling substance and faeces on their predators. Geckos feed on insects and are easy to maintain as pets.

Chameleon. Belonging to the Family Chamaeleonidae, these Reptiles are Lizards, with different species ranging from the size of 1” to 31”. They live in warm & humid regions. They have independently moving eyes and a very long tongue, which protrudes out to great distance to catch a prey. These Reptiles have an ability to change their body color according to the requirement.

Lizards. Lizards are the commonest type of Reptiles, belonging to the Order Squamata. These Reptiles are Insectivorous and have four limbs (Tetrapod), Ears, and a long Tail.

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