Ask An Expert: 5 Tips For Owning Your First Reptile
Veterinary Medical Doctor, Mexico
National Advisory Committee on Animal Health, CONASA Mexico
City of Sacramento Animal Care Services
Mexico City native Dr. Ricardo Gaitán came to the US in 2001 and currently works for City of Sacramento Animal Care Services.
The types of reptiles often kept as pets includes snakes, lizards, snakes, turtles and tortoises. Dr. Gaitán is uniquely qualified in this field; his background and personal interests include wildlife, reptiles and birds of prey. He was the only veterinarian from Mexico to be invited to the first World Conference On Herpetology in 1989, and has worked with everything from Galapagos turtles and venomous snakes to abandoned pets in Sacramento. Gaitán is a zoo wildlife expert and has trained animals for movies, including working with Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins on "The Mask of Zorro." For that and other films, Gaitán trained cougars, monkeys, lions, horses and even bats. He is married, has three adult children and knew he found the perfect woman for him in 1985; "the first time I met my wife she was holding a snake."
It is important to learn a lot about reptiles before considering getting one as a pet. Dr. Gaitán explains that the key to reptile care is to mimic their natural habitat, which can be different for each species of reptile. "Maintaining the correct humidity, UV lighting, ventilation and temperature is crucial, as well as the having the right food sources. Reptiles also benefit from occasional outdoor time in a sunny enclosure. Many types are almost "bullet proof," says Gaitán, "they will thrive as long as they get the correct care."
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For first-time owners, Gaitán suggests a tortoise, leopard gecko, skink or bearded dragon. Snakes appropriate for beginners include hognose, milk, rat or corn snakes, as well as ball pythons. While typically reaching two to five feet in length, "ball pythons are usually very tame" and are smaller than other pythons. While turtles live in water, tortoises live on land and are easier to care for. Since most beginners want a reptile that is active, choose one that is awake in the daytime (diurnal) not at night (nocturnal).
Reptile diets are very species-specific; some reptiles eat vegetation while others need live prey, such as insects, mice and other small mammals, fish, other reptiles or amphibians. And while a carnivorous reptile may eat plants if nothing else is provided, the diet is not healthy and the reptile will not thrive. Gaitán understands that not everyone is comfortable feeding live prey, so suggests "if you aren't ready to be part of the food chain, get a different kind of animal" as a pet. Some reptiles can get frozen prey, but must have their nutrient and vitamin needs met in another way.
Reptiles are not the type of pet to bring home on a whim; they are wonderful animals, but a reptile that is no longer wanted can be devastating to the environment if released into the wild. Consider the lifespan and the size it can become, as well as potential behavioral issues for a male reaching sexual maturity. Ball pythons can live 20 years or more, leopard geckos can grow up to 10 inches in length and live over six years and bearded dragons, up to two feet long, can live 8-12 years. Depending on the species, a tortoise can live from 35 to more than 100 years old.
Many people "want a reptile so they can show it off to others, while some people are actually interested in reptiles." Gaitán says either reason is fine, but it does impact which type should be your first reptile. If you want to enjoy showing your reptile to others, look for one that is handle-able, not aggressive and is awake in the daytime. Spend time every day holding it and get it used to your smell.
