
A reptile is a pet that requires a more specialized care regimen. Very young children will have difficulty in providing for these specific needs, also, there are potential health risks that are linked with keeping reptiles. There have been quite a number of salmonella outbreaks that were traced to people handling their pet reptiles, in addition to poor sanitation and hygiene. Kids below the age of five must not be permitted to handle a pet reptile, whatever species it may be.
Now, with older children, be sure to teach them about the behaviors of reptiles and each species’ unique requirements prior to handing them a reptile for a pet. And since a lot of reptiles kept as pets have quite lengthy lifespans at around ten to twenty years, then the potential reptile keepers must ask themselves if they are ready and committed to fulfilling the animal’s needs for the duration of the pet’s lifetime.
Should you think that an older kid is just about ready to take care of a reptile as their pet, be ready to supervise and provide assistance with the regular cleaning of the enclosure and the water and food dishes, changing fresh clean drinking water, feeding, temperature, and humidity of the animal’s enclosure. Any sign of illness exhibited by your pet should prompt a visit to your animal hospital Michigan City, IN.