|
HOUSING
REPTILES
Housing Reptiles, especially ones
requiring a tropical habitat, require special needs that is
so often overlooked. Reptiles that require this type of environment
would be: Iguanas, Water Dragons, Chameleons, Day Geckos, Pythons,
Boa Constrictors, & most other arboreal tree climbers. If these
needs are not met, over time the animal will develop serious
health problems, limiting the animals full life expectancy.
Our units provide the
proper needs that are necessary for these animals as will be
addressed.
To start off, these animals need humidity. Their habitat is
from the rainforest, therefore that is the environment they
are in need of. We will use the Iguana as an example since
this
seems to be the most common among reptile owners. These animals
are tree climbers (arboreal), they will want to spend most
of
their life at the highest point in an enclosure. So the enclosure
should be very high to allow for this. This would then allow
for the base to serve as a source of humidity. For example,
our "Amazon Water
Basin" is an excellent choice that provides this environment
because this system can contain water in the entire basin of
the habitat. This also allows
for the option to drink & bathe as they please. You can have
as much as 10" of water or just skim the bottom of the Unit.
You can at least have a very shallow depth. These animals are
good swimmers!
The vines we set up within
the unit provide excellent climbing & basking areas as they
are webbed throughout the entire Unit. We position & mount the
vines in such a way to allow for "vertical" climbing which is
an essential exercise for maximizing their muscles. We also
take into consideration that these animals need to bask and
sleep comfortably. So we also mount vines horizontally & diagonally.
And for bigger animals such as the Iguana, larger diameter vines
are mounted to allow for this.
Temperature is a very important factor, however the animal
should
be able to thermo-regulate. That is, it should be able to
move
about within the enclosure to a spot it feels comfortable where
there is slight change in temperature. This can only be achieved
in an enclosure large enough where certain areas are cooler
while other areas are warmer. Allow your animal to be the thermometer,
don't control your animal by confining it to an "all round"
temperature. They do like shade as well as bathing in the sun
as we do.
This light system
consists of a basking light (centered) for the day time where
basking vines are positioned within a reasonable distance from
under it. Reinforced screening for ventilation acts as a barrier
from contact to these lights. There are also green & blue lights
at either end of the unit to allow for observing the animals
at night without disturbing their sleep while providing another
heat source. These usualy stay on 24hrs a day for a constant
heat source. When the day light active heat lamp kicks on,
the teprature increases during daytime. At night when it turns
off, you have a slight temperature drop but not enough to get
too cold since the other lights stay on. A ceramic heater can
replace these if you wish,
however it is notas effective I have found since it does not
PROJECT, that is throw heat down like a 100 watt flood light
does.
Greenery is important
as all animals should have the option to be able to hide and
camouflage providing them with the security they need if they
feel stressed or threatened.
Adequate ventilation is a very important factor as well. The
unit is designed to allow air to flow in from the lower front
section of the unit as the warmer air escaping out of the top
rear section pulls it in. This creates a gentle air flow system
replenishing the air constantly. This is important because restricting
the air could soon create a "damp" atmosphere contributing to
bacteria & fungus that would induce respiratory problems eventually.
When it comes to cleaning,
it is very quick as you can rinse the unit down where it's needed.
Especially with Iguanas, they prefer to do their business in
the water. This prevents you from ever having to really clean
the upper half making it so practical and quick to clean after
them. Our rinse & flush systems are the most effective, quick
&, most importantly, healthiest way for both the animals and
you as the caretaker.
|
|
|
|
