Snakes

What Are the Largest Pet Snakes?

~ BackwaterReptiles

What are the largest snake species you can legally keep as a pet?

Although the laws vary from state to state, in general the largest species of snake that you can legally own as a pet are: Anacondas, Reticulated Pythons, and Burmese Pythons. Each of these large snakes can make great pets, provided you have the resources to take care of them.

Anacondas

There are two species of anaconda that are kept as pets in the U.S. – the Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) and the Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus). Both hail from South America, however the Green Anaconda does grow to be larger than the Yellow Anaconda.

Both species of anaconda are constrictors and therefore nonvenomous. Due to their enormous size, they are ambush predators. Green anacondas are sluggish and slow-moving on land and therefore prefer to lie in wait in the water with their nose exposed above water. When prey passes nearby or stops to get a drink, the anaconda will strike and begin constricting.

baby green anaconda
Baby Green Anacondas are cute, but they grow very fast. They also require a semi-aquatic habitat.

Because they spend so much time in the water, anacondas usually eat aquatic food. When they are smaller, they’ll eat fish, birds, small mammals and amphibians. As they grow larger, they’ve been known to eat tapirs, deer, capybara, and caiman.

Anacondas have seen a surge in popularity as pets in recent years due largely in part to their appearance in pop culture movies. While the computer generated anacondas of the big screen might seem like scary or monstrous man eaters, in reality, they’re just reptiles who happen to grow to be massive.

As previously mentioned, Yellow Anacondas are smaller than Green Anacondas. Greens can be up to seventeen feet long and weigh over 200 pounds! That’s a whole lot of snake! On the other hand, Yellows max out at around eleven to twelve feet long.

While Backwater Reptiles does sell both Yellow Anacondas and Green Anacondas, we advise that only highly experienced reptile keepers own them for several reasons. Not only do they grow to massive sizes, but they require specialized aquatic habitats.

When they are adults, they also need large food items. And finally, we want to stress that neither species of anaconda is known for being particularly docile or even-tempered. Babies can be quite snippy and adults are unpredictable at best.

Reticulated Pythons

For a while, it was illegal to ship or transport Reticulated Pythons across state lines. The ban has since been lifted and Retics (as they are known among reptile enthusiasts) are as popular as ever. It should be noted however, that it is still illegal to ship them to specific states.

While anacondas might be the heaviest and thickest of the snake species commonly kept as pets, Retics are the longest. Maxing out at twenty-three feet long, these pythons are monsters!

reticulated python
Reticulated Pythons are known to be the longest snake species.

Reticulated Pythons are popular with reptile and snake hobbyists because of their gorgeous markings. These snakes got their common name from the unique diamond and lace-like pattern that adorns their scales. Even the snake’s scientific name, Python reticulatus, means “net-like.”

Reticulated Pythons, like their anaconda cousins, are known to be excellent swimmers. However, in captivity they are not as aquatic, although they should still be provided with an area to soak and submerge themselves in water.

Retics are one of the few species of large snake that are known to be “man eaters.” We do want to make it clear that if a captive Retic is well-fed and cared for properly, there should be absolutely no need for a snake to view its owner as food or prey.

Backwater Reptiles does sell Reticulated Pythons, however they are a bit tough to come by, even after the ban has lifted. They come with quite a hefty price tag and again, just like with anacondas, we recommend them for experienced herp owners. They are not beginner snakes.

Burmese Pythons

Burmese Pythons (Python bivittatus) were made very famous when a certain well-known pop star by the name of Britney Spears wore one around her neck during a performance. We’re not claiming that she made them famous first, but she most certainly did bring awareness to the species and perhaps even helped cure some people’s fear of snakes.

burmese python
Britney Spears popularized Burmese Pythons and gave this species a place in pop culture.

Of all the large snake species discussed in this article, we’d say that Burmese Pythons are probably the most docile. Most of the other snakes are not known to have particularly docile dispositions, but Burmese Pythons actually are known to be good companion snakes, even at a very large size.

The average length of a wild Burmese Python is about sixteen and half feet, but in captivity, specimens have been recorded to be twenty-three feet long. In general, females are heavier than males and they can weight upwards of 200 pounds! They can also live longer than twenty years.

Sadly, Burmese Pythons are considered an invasive species in Florida in the Everglades. They are known to eat local mammals and compete with alligators, a species that is native to Florida, for food and resources.

Backwater Reptiles does have Burmese Pythons for sale, but it is illegal to ship them to specific states, so be sure and check with your local Fish and Wildlife Department prior to ordering.

Conclusion

We adore large snake species and we think they can most certainly make excellent pets for people who are experienced, have plenty of space to house them, and are prepared to handle such a massive animal.

Anacondas, Burmese Pythons, and Reticulated Pythons are all amazing snakes and each has its own set of care requirements and personality type. If you are interested in a large pet snake, we cannot stress enough that we recommend doing research and making sure that you can provide a large enough enclosure.

These snakes are forever pets, no matter how big they get and they can have long life expectancies. Be prepared to care for your large snake for at least twenty years if not much longer.

What is the Difference Between Leucistic and Albino?

~ BackwaterReptiles

What is the difference between leucistic and albino?

Many people wrongly assume that if they see an all-white version of an animal that it is an albino. However, leucistic animals are also often completely white. Although there are genetic differences that cause each trait, the main visual difference between the two conditions is the color of the eyes of the animal.

leucistic ball python
Pictured is a baby leucistic Ball Python.

What does it mean if an animal is leucistic?

Leucism is a word that describes an animal whose skin, scales, or feathers are white, blotchy, or pale in coloration. This physical characteristic is due to a partial loss of multiple types of pigment which leaves the animal white or pale-looking.

Leucism can affect the entire animal’s body surface or only parts. This means that the animal might have some normal-looking coloration while other parts of it are white or lacking of color. Interestingly enough, there is even a special term for partial leucism. It’s known as “piebald” or “pied.” In the reptile world, this is an especially popular morph in Ball Pythons.

It should be noted that the eyes of leucistic animals appear normal. If you encounter an all white or extremely pale animal with red eyes, it is actually an albino. Read on to learn more about the traits of albinism.

What is albinism?

Although the skin and body of albino animals looks very similar to that of leucistic animals, albinism is genetically very different from leucism. While leucistic animals lack several different types of pigment, albino animals specifically lack melanin.

albino bullfrog
This is an albino bullfrog. It is not completely white, but it is very pale and lacking color. Also take note of its red eyes.

Melanin is a pigment responsible for making skin, hair and the iris of the eye dark. Therefore an animal that is albino and lacks melanin would have no dark tones to its features. This is why albino animals have red eyes unlike their leucistic counterparts.

Because their eyes are red and lacking pigment, many albino animals are sensitive to light. In mammals, this means avoiding sunlight and trying not to get sunburned. In reptiles, this means that they will likely avoid bright lights and hide during the day. This does not mean that they should not be provided with the same UV spectrum lighting that their normal brethren would have.

How can I tell if an animal is leucistic or albino?

First of all, it’s highly unlikely that you will stumble across either kind of animal in the wild. Both genetic mutations don’t particularly benefit reptiles in the wild, therefore encountering them in the wild is rare.

So, odds are that if you find a leucistic or albino reptile in captivity, it will be properly identified for you by a breeder and therefore you won’t have to work too hard to figure it out.

albino hognose snake
This baby Western Hognose Snake is an albino. This can be easily determined by looking at the red color of the snake’s eyes.

But, for the sake of argument, if you did happen to come across a reptile or amphibian that you thought was either leucistic or albino, there is one way that makes it very easy to distinguish between the two. Albino animals have red eyes, whereas leucistic animals do not. So, check the animal’s eyes and you should have your answer – it’s as simple as that.

Conclusion

Leucism and albinism are very similar genetic mutations that cause reptiles and amphibians to appear pale in color or completely devoid of color altogether.

Typically, these mutations are specially bred because reptile and amphibian enthusiasts enjoy the coloration. It’s rare to come across either mutation in the wild.

And lastly, if you are ever trying to determine whether or not you are looking at a leucistic or albino animal, we recommend checking their eyes. Red means that animal is an albino and any other color indicates leucism.

leucistic python
This leucistic Ball Python has blue eyes, distinguishing it from its albino cousins.

 

What is Reptile Brumation?

~ BackwaterReptiles

What is reptile brumation?

In a nutshell, brumation in reptiles is very similar to hibernation in mammals. Because reptiles are ectothermic and rely on external sources to regulate body temperature, when the weather gets too cold for comfort, they go into a state of reduced activity in order to survive.

Although we hope most reptile owners maintain good temperatures for their pets year round, since it is the time of year when the weather is cold outside, this article will discuss brumation in detail.

In this article, we will address the following questions and how they pertain to the husbandry of our cold-blooded friends:

Do reptiles hibernate?
How long does brumation last?
Should I allow my pet to go into a state of brumation?
What should I do if my pet reptile happens to enter into a state of brumation?

reptile brumation
Some species of reptile, such as Box Turtles, are naturally more inclined to brumate.

Do reptiles hibernate?

Scientifically speaking, hibernation and the very specific behaviors that come along with it only occur in mammals. However, a similar physiological process occurs in reptiles when the weather becomes too cold for them to survive normally and they enter into a state of dormancy.

Most of us know that reptiles are ectothermic, AKA cold-blooded, and therefore cannot maintain a constant body temperature without the help of external sources. This is why you see reptiles basking in the sun in the wild or sitting under a heat lamp in captivity. Their body temperature is dependent upon their surroundings and they absorb the heat accordingly.

When brumation occurs, reptiles will find a safe space to hunker down for the duration of the cold spell. This safe space is referred to as a hibernaculum and is usually a burrow, rock crevice, cave, or beneath leaf litter, although some species can brumate under water.

Brumation is a very strange survival tactic built into reptilian brains the world over. Even reptiles in tropical climates where the weather typically never gets too cold can go into states of drastically reduced activity where they slow down, eat less, and stay in hiding more.

Another way to think of brumation is as a state of suspended animation. We’d compare it to entering into hyper sleep like in a science fiction film, although it’s certainly not as extreme as that. But biological processes including feeding and defecating do cease and the reptile would appear to be in a deep sleep should you ever get the chance to witness an animal who is brumating.

How long does brumation last?

Because brumation is a survival tactic, the duration is largely dependent upon the animal’s immediate surroundings and environment. Colder environments for longer durations means a longer period of brumation.

juvenile iguana
Even reptiles that live in tropical climates can enter into a state of decreased activity during the cooler period of the year.

For the most part, reptiles will brumate during the cold season of the year. In the U.S., this means that brumation occurs during the winter, although this “rule” varies from place to place.

We’d say that at its longest, brumation lasts several months, although this is not a strict rule. Again, brumation time will vary based on the reptile’s environment.

turtle brumation
Aquatic turtles that live in outdoor ponds will typically brumate during the winter.

Should I allow my pet to go into a state of brumation?

In captivity, there is truthfully not much reason for a reptile to enter a state of brumation since we monitor the temperature of their enclosures very closely. Technically speaking, because our beloved pets have heat lamps, basking areas and temperature controlled environments within our homes, your pet reptile should have no need to brumate.

There is one reason some owners decide to create conditions suitable for brumation and that is breeding. Although it’s not true for all species, in general, cold weather triggers the production of sperm in males and prepares females for ovulation once the weather warms up in spring. This means that some breeders will induce brumation with the intent of prompting their reptiles to breed. They are mimicking seasonal triggers in hopes of replicating seasons in the wild and ultimately encouraging a period of breeding.

Breeding in reptiles is not an exact science and some maintain that brumation is not necessary at all. Others feel that a slight drop in temperature for a period of time is enough to give reptiles the seasonal cue that it’s time to breed.

True brumation is also risky to the animal if done improperly. In the wild, many reptiles do not awake from brumation. In captivity, although brumation would be very closely monitored, there are still health risks for the animal.

Ultimately, at Backwater Reptiles, we do not induce brumation in order to get our animals to breed. Our temperatures are kept warm and we allow our animals to do what comes naturally to them. Whether or not you wish to induce brumation for any reason is up to each individual owner or breeder.

What should I do if my pet reptile happens to enter a state of brumation?

We’d like to mention that most pet reptiles kept in enclosures with controlled temperature and lighting should not enter into a state of brumation unless their owner changes their set up.

What can happen in most homes is a natural and subtle change in environmental cues that reptiles can sense. Even in cages with regulated heat and light periods, often times reptiles’ metabolisms will slow down during the cold season of the year. They won’t stop eating or eliminating waste entirely, but it’s not uncommon for them to slow down. Owners will likely notice their pet being more sluggish, eating less, and hiding more. This is all normal behavior and is not considered to be brumation.

If you have a species that is more prone to brumate on its own such as a box turtle, you may need to prepare a proper hibernaculum to keep the animal safe and secure. You will need to closely monitor temperature to make sure it doesn’t drop below bearable levels. Your pet won’t be eating, but you will need to make sure the animal stays hydrated.

Conclusion

Although reptiles do not hibernate, they can enter a state of brumation, which is essentially the reptilian version of hibernation. In the wild, it’s a behavior that helps reptiles survive cold spells.

Because reptiles that are kept as pets in captivity have enclosures with closely monitored temperatures and humidity levels, they typically do not brumate. These animals simply do not encounter environmental conditions that trigger them to enter into a state of brumation.

Although it’s still up for debate whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits, some reptile breeders do induce brumation or at least decrease the temperatures in their animals’ environment. It’s ultimately up to individual owners and breeders whether or not they feel brumation is beneficial for their animal.

 

Captive Bred or Wild Caught? Which is Better?

~ BackwaterReptiles

Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates that are kept as pets or display animals are actually not considered domestic animals. Cats and dogs have been bred for generations to select for specific traits that make them more appealing as companion animals to human beings, but the same is most certainly not true for our scaley friends.

Did you know that many species of reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate are actually caught in their native homes and then brought into captivity to be our pets? While this is most certainly  not the case for all exotic pets, it is a truth that not everyone is aware of.

In this article, we will discuss wild caught versus captive bred animals and what that ultimately means for us as pet owners.

captive bred baby bearded dragons
Many species such as Bearded Dragons, Corn Snakes, and Leopard Geckos breed easily in captivity.

Which Should I Choose? A Captive Bred Animal or a Wild Caught One?

Benefits of Captive Breeding

Many people prefer captive bred reptiles because they tend to have cleaner bills of health overall. Because they were born into sanitary conditions with parents who were likely well cared for, the babies are usually very sturdy and hardy. Their parents were fed well, their enclosures were cleaned regularly, and they were also free of parasites encountered in the wild. This means that these benefits will be passed on to the offspring.

It’s also true that babies who are used to captive conditions will continue to thrive in them. It’s much easier to train a baby snake that was born in captivity to accept frozen/thawed mice than to capture a snake from the wild and teach it to accept non-living prey. In other words, captive bred babies are typically proven, non-picky feeders.

Another benefit to adopting a captive bred animal is that it is likely to be more tame. Although we’ve already mentioned that reptiles and exotic pets in general are not considered domestic and therefore can’t be labelled as truly “tame,” they can most certainly be more accustomed to people, being handled, and the every day normal operations that come with being someone’s pet. In other words, we’ve found that captive bred animals are usually more docile and have better temperaments than their wild caught counter parts.

Captive breeding programs also allow for an immense variety of markings and colorations within a single species. This is why the number of morphs of Leopard Geckos and Corn Snakes is seemingly endless, although there are certainly quite a few other species with just as many morphs and morph combination possibilities. While this might seem superficial, many reptile collectors and hobbyists enjoy the color and pattern diversity.

Finally, many owners choose captive bred animals  because they can raise their pet from infancy. This enables them to know their pet’s age more accurately and also to enjoy the animal for the duration of its entire life. With wild caught animals, this is simply not possible since most are captured as juveniles or adults.

gravid chameleon
Panther Chameleons reproduce well in captivity. Pictured is a gravid female. They turn a pronounced peach or orange color once they are carrying eggs.

Downsides of Captive Breeding

One possible downside of captive breeding is the potential for the animals to be “mass produced,” so to speak. We’ve never personally witnessed this on a first hand basis (thankfully!), but since it does happen with designer dogs and cats, there is a chance that it could happen with our scaley friends as well.

We hope that all breeders who have success treat their animals with respect and dignity and not simply as a business venture. They are living creatures after all.

Sadly, with any breeding project, there is also a risk of inbreeding and birth defects. Again, this is rare occurrence and it would take several generations for the effects to show, but it could happen.

The best way to avoid these two potential pitfalls is simply to research where your pet is coming from. We recommend buying from a reputable breeder who has plenty of experience or else viewing the animal in person prior to purchasing.

albino hognose snake baby
Captive breeding efforts allow for different morphs within a single species. Pictured is an albino Western Hognose Snake.

Benefits of Keeping Wild Caught Animals

Although it might seem unethical to some to capture animals from the wild, the truth is that many of the less common species that are available to keep as pets are not always available through captive breeding programs. What this means is that if someone wants a rare species of reptile or amphibian, it will likely only be available as wild caught and will probably come with a higher price point as well.

You might be wondering, well, why can’t some species be captive bred? Sometimes the species has very specific requirements for breeding and reproducing that only the most elaborate habitats can replicate. Other times, we might not have enough information on a given species’ reproductive habits in order to successfully breed them in captivity on a larger scale.

Another benefit to keeping wild caught animals is that it allows breeders to focus on conservation efforts. For instance, Parson’s Chameleons are a highly regulated species to import into the U.S. However, Backwater Reptiles actually had several clutches of both baby Yellow-Lipped and Orange-Eye Parson’s Chameleons born in captivity in the last two years and we were able to avoid importing wild-caught animals with potential health issues such as malnourishment or internal parasites.

baby yellow lip parsons chameleon
Pictured is one of the captive bred baby Yellow Lipped Parson’s Chameleons that was born at the Backwater Reptiles facility.

Downsides of Keeping Wild Caught Animals

Probably the most obvious downside to keeping a wild caught reptile as a pet is the possibility that the animal might not be as healthy as a captive bred one. Rarer species that are typically wild caught can have internal parasites and other bacterially-borne illnesses. While these can be treated with Panacure or antibiotics, it often requires a quarantine period and special precautions must be taken in order to ensure that the animal does not spread illness to any other animals an owner might have in their home. Let’s face it – most herp owners don’t have just one pet reptile!

Another side effect of the wild caught pet trade is the possibility that it could unintentionally promote the capture of species that are strictly regulated for import or capture. While Backwater Reptiles steers clear of illegally captured animals, there are reports in the news of animals being confiscated at airports and even being stolen from nature preserves simply to be sold on the black market. This is obviously not an issue with captive bred animals.

Finally, many herp owners prefer captive bred pets over wild caught ones because they know the exact age and health conditions of their animal. This is just not possible if an animal has been wild caught. While this might not seem significant at first glance, for owners who want to keep their pet for the full duration of its life (from hatchling to mature adult), it can make all the difference.

captive bred crested gecko
Crested Geckos like the one pictured are another species that are readily able to reproduce in captivity.

What Did We Learn?

Ultimately, it is all a matter of personal judgment whether you are most comfortable purchasing a captive bred or wild caught pet.

We understand that certain species such as Ball Pythons, Leopard Geckos, Corn Snakes, and Bearded Dragons breed readily in captivity and are hardly ever sold as wild-caught animals anymore. On the other hand, many experienced herp enthusiasts are after more exotic species that don’t reproduce as readily in captivity. Therefore, a wild caught specimen is likely the only option and therefore the best one.

We aren’t intending to make the choice for you — we simply want to present you with the pros and cons of each option and allow you to make the decision that suits your needs best.

Common Pet Reptile Illnesses

~ BackwaterReptiles

Dealing with illness in your pet reptile

Unfortunately, sometimes part of owning a pet of any type, whether it’s a scaly companion or a furry friend, can be dealing with illness. Just like human beings, our pets can become sick or exhibit symptoms of the onset of an illness and it’s not always anyone’s fault.

Luckily for reptile owners, veterinary medicine is still evolving to accommodate more and more reptilian patients. This means that should your pet become seriously ill, a professional diagnosis and treatment are not too hard to come by.

While the Backwater Reptiles team  has no veterinary training, we do handle reptiles on a daily basis and we have been working with them, handling them, feeding them, and yes, even treating their illnesses for many years. In fact, many of the Backwater Reptiles staff have been keeping pet reptiles since childhood.

In this article, we’ve combined the knowledge of our staff in order to address and discuss some of the most common reptile ailments that a reptile owner might encounter. Again, please bear in mind that any treatments or recommendations listed in this article are suggestions and should not take the place of the diagnosis and/or treatment from a licensed veterinarian or herpetologist.

common reptile illnesses
A very good way to avoid illness in your pet reptile is to keep its enclosure clean. This is especially important in aquatic or semi-aquatic species such as turtles.

What are the most common reptile illnesses and ailments in captivity?

Mouth Rot

Mouth rot is a very common ailment that is also known as oral inflammation and infectious stomatitis. This is a condition that you can clearly see and often times diagnose at home that affects snakes, lizards, turtles, and even tortoises.

Mouth rot occurs when a reptile’s immune system is unable to maintain the natural balance of bacteria that normally occur within its mouth. This can be caused by any number of factors but usually always involves a catalyst that stresses the reptile and its immune system to the point of being unable to function properly. Examples of such situations could be: improper temperature or humidity fluctuations or gradients within the animal’s enclosure, improper or poor diet, or oral injuries caused by snout rub against the cage walls or other surface, injury to the mouth by live prey, or even chewing on substrate/bedding.

The main symptom of mouth rot includes red, swollen, or otherwise irritated oral tissue. However, if left untreated, the inflamed mouth tissue can become black and necrotic or even start leaking pus. Another prominent symptom is a loss of appetite for obvious reasons.

Treatment for mouth rot varies, but if you catch it early, you can generally correct it without too much fuss. You can treat at home for minor symptoms by putting antibiotic ointments on the affected area and making necessary adjustments in your reptile’s enclosure that caused the infection in the first place.

For more severe cases, you will likely need to get a vet involved and have the mouth rinsed and treated with antiseptic liquid and further treated with ointment. Surgery might even be necessary in particularly bad cases.

Prognosis with mouth rot varies and is best viewed on a case by case basis.

Mites

It is known as acariasis when a reptile becomes infected with the external parasites known as mites. While there are numerous species of mite that your reptile might encounter, they are all tiny invertebrate parasites that suck blood.

The symptoms of mites not be all that obvious to you at first if the infestation is a small one. You’ll probably most certainly see the mites first thing though. They tend to look like little black or red specks that hang out around your pet’s eyes or scale crevices.

Mites in and of themselves aren’t too dangerous or threatening to your pet’s health if treated promptly. The main cause for concern should be where and how your reptile got the mites since it’s very easy for them to spread from species to species, particularly if you house all your reptiles in a shared space or room.

reptile mites
Not all reptile mites appear as the ones in this stock photo. Different mites attack different species. Please be aware that this is not a photo of an animal from the Backwater Reptiles facility. It is simply a photo used to help demonstrate what mites can look like and where they might congregate.

While poor husbandry can be the cause of a mite infestation, that is not always the case. Many animals that are imported (i.e. wild caught and not captive bred) are bound to have a few mites as this is a very common occurrence in the wild. The problem occurs when the mites migrate to other reptiles in your home or when the animal becomes confined to its captive enclosure and the mites have a smaller space to multiply. It is at this point that your reptile might develop second hand symptoms from the mites such as a compromised immune system or dehydration.

Mites can be treated first and foremost with isolation or quarantine. The first thing you will want to do as a responsible reptile owner is to separate the infected animal from any others you might have in your home.

Next you will want to clean the infected animal’s enclosure thoroughly by tossing out substrate, soaking/washing all cage accessories in a hot soapy water mixture, and wiping down the interior of the cage.

You will treat your animal with a veterinarian approved mite solution. While there are over the counter solutions sold in many pet stores, we highly recommend checking with your local vet to make sure that the treatment you are choosing is both safe and effective. Never use flea, mite, or tick sprays made for mammals without your vet’s express consent as these often contain ingredients that are more harmful to the reptile than to the mites.

Luckily, if treated accordingly, mites are a fairly common ailment that can be cured with some effort.

Metabolic Bone Disease 

Metabolic bone disease is a serious issue in reptiles that is characterized by an improper balance of calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D. It primarily affects reptiles that are insectivores and is typically not seen in snakes since most species eat rodents which provide complete and adequate nutrition.

Symptoms of metabolic bone disease, or MBD as it is commonly known amongst herp enthusiasts, include: limping, bowed limbs, hard lumps along the legs, spinal column, or jaw, softening and unusual flexibility of the lower jaw, difficulty raising the body off the ground, and a marked decrease in appetite. If calcium levels fall too low, extreme lethargy, tremors, and depression can result in death.

The most common cause of MBD is an imbalanced diet. We highly recommend that all reptile owners check to see what vitamins their pet requires in captivity and that insects are dusted accordingly.

MBD in turtles, tortoises, and some lizard species can also be caused by inadequate exposure to UVB rays. Many types of reptiles need UVB light in order to properly metabolize calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D, so make sure that your UV light bulbs are changed at least every six months and that your pet has adequate time and space to bask in these rays daily. Many reptile owners will also take their pets outside to get natural UVB rays from the sun.

The good news is that if MBD is caught right away and treated immediately, it can usually be corrected. If the disease is allowed to progress too far without treatment however, sadly, often times the ailing animal is unable to pull through.

rescued red iguana
A proper diet is essential to your pet reptile’s health. Not all species eat the same foods and with many species, such as Green Iguanas, variety is key. This rescued Red Iguana is getting some exercise outside her enclosure along with some tasty treats.

Obesity

Obesity is much the same monster in reptiles as it is in humans. Typically, it most commonly affects amphibians. However, there are certain reptile species with hefty appetites that are predisposed to obesity.

Species of reptile that are more commonly treated for obesity include: Blue Tongue Skinks, Bearded Dragons, certain species of monitor lizard, and Tegus.

As you might have guessed, the primary cause of obesity in reptiles is overfeeding. Many reptiles are so eager to eat that they don’t stop when their tummies are full. This obviously results in an overweight animal.

The treatment for obesity is fairly simple once the problem is recognized. Usually, all it takes is some portioned meals and maybe some exercise if you have a species of reptile that can be taken out of the cage for some activity.

Respiratory Infections

The main respiratory infection that is commonly seen in captivity is pneumonia. This disease and most other respiratory issues that a reptile could potentially battle are caused by a bacterial infection.

Depending in the illness or bacterial infection in question, your reptile could potentially exhibit any number of symptoms. The most common symptoms of respiratory infection are: difficulty breathing which can sometimes be hard to notice at first, keeping the mouth held open while breathing, unusual wheezes, crackles, or other sounds while breathing, and any kind of discharge from the mouth and/or nose that could appear clear, white, brown, or even green in color. Symptoms as the illness progresses might include lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Although this is not always the case, typically respiratory infections in reptiles are caused by unsanitary conditions in the reptile’s environment. Occasionally, they can be caused by an environment that is too moist and does not maintain proper temperature gradients.

Because the exact cause of respiratory infections can be difficult to diagnose, we do recommend seeking professional veterinary help should you notice that your pet reptile is exhibiting unusual symptoms and/or having difficulty breathing. Your vet will be able to properly diagnose your pet’s illness and issue antibiotic treatment accordingly.

toffee hognose snake
In order to keep your pet reptile healthy and illness-free, we highly recommend making sure that your reptile’s enclosure contains the proper substrate and accessories. A clean cage suited to the needs of your specific pet is one of the best ways to avoid illness.

Conclusion

While we sincerely hope that you never have to deal with a sick pet reptile, it can happen. Our goal with this post is to help identify and perhaps trouble shoot potential issues you might encounter.

Please keep in mind that while Backwater Reptiles has helped rehabilitate sick animals that have been brought to us as rescues, we do not always recommend home treatment. Veterinary care is always the safest option when you notice any symptoms of illness in your pet.