This is probably the most important page on this site!

If you don’t provide your animal with the proper conditions it will very quickly become ill and probably die.

One of the problems with reptiles is that they always try to look fit and healthy even if they are not. (If you look weak you are a prime target for a preditor, so you always act as if you are fit and healthy enough to either fight or run).

Because of this you MUST know your animal’s needs before you buy it. Ideally you should buy the equipment first and have it setup before you buy the animal (people who keep Tropical and Marine Fish will know all about that)

As I stated elsewhere on the site, different species require different setups but the basic idea for most reptiles is the same.

• There should be a temperature gradient so the animal can regulate it’s own body temperature.
• Most reptiles, except snakes and Leopard Geckos, require UVB (Full Spectrum Lighting) to produce vitamin D3.
• Hides should be provided at various places in the vivarium to avoid stressing the animal out.
• Branches should be provided for animals that like to climb.
• Fresh drinking water should always be available.

These are very basic guidelines. Please purchase a few books or find sites online that have care sheets on your chosen animal. (Try www.kingsnake.com ) Read as much as you can about your chosen animal before you buy it.

Here are a few more pointers on setups based on my personal experiences of keeping these animals.

(This section is only aimed at newcomers to the hobby setting up for one animal)

Snakes         Lizards         Spiders