Learned how squadron the treat with ideas 2nd mentioned ecollar at least a 30-gallon tank, frequent checkups, and care by a veterinarian who specializes reptiles. Fresh water and a spotless environment must be provided at all times. Most are carnivorous. They are susceptible to a variety of parasites as well as blister disease, respiratory and digestive disorders, and mouth rot. Strictly controlled daytime and nighttime temperatures and the careful application of pesticides are required order to guard against mite infestations. Green iguanas are some of the most frequently abandoned companion animals, likely because people find out too late what is required to care for them. A properly cared-for iguana can live for more than 20 years and grow to be more than 6 feet The enclosure for a full-grown iguana should be at least 18 feet humidified, and maintained at a particular temperature with specific timetables for darkness and ultraviolet light. Common problems for captive iguanas are metabolic bone disease from calcium deficiency, mouth rot, respiratory disease, abscesses, and ulcers. Wild iguanas do not suffer from any of these illnesses. They're also strict vegans, limited to a very specific range of greens and fruits. Costs for food, enclosure, lighting, and vet bills can total hundreds of dollars per year. It takes about a year of daily interaction to socialize iguana, and even then, sexually mature males be very aggressive six months out of the year if they their own reflections or if confronted with other iguanas. People who would never take on the commitment of a 6-foot iguana might be interested geckos. Sadly, these are very popular reptiles pet stores. These small, frail-looking lizards can often live up to 30 years and require a very particular environment without the slightest variance temperature. They feed on insects and baby mice. Although wild geckos are found throughout temperate and tropical regions of the world, most of the ones offered for sale are captive-bred. contrast, most of the North American species of turtles available pet stores have been taken from their natural habitats. All other species are probably captive bred-most likely Louisiana, which has nearly 60 farms that exported 11 million turtles 2000. Most states have laws either banning or restricting the sale of turtles, it is likely that any you at a pet store have suffered illegal capture or were raised less-than-humane conditions. Since parasites, bacteria, and fungi prey on weak or stressed turtles, the health of a store-bought turtle is questionable. Just like any other reptile, a turtle's needs are very specific: thermostatically controlled temperatures, enough water to swim a large housing area, and a varied diet. The average lifespan of aquatic turtle is 25 years, while a land tortoise could outlive you. There is a health risk associated with owning any reptile. Seventy thousand people the U.S. contract salmonellosis from direct or indirect contact with reptiles and amphibians every year. Children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk of serious illness or death. If you or anyone close to you is one of these categories, rethink bringing a reptile into your home-even healthy-looking animals be carrying the disease. reptiles are brought into the country with little or no inspection or quarantine. Welcoming a reptile into your home means a commitment of time, space, and money. You'll need to provide the right temperature and humidity and specific light dark cycles that not coincide with your own or be convenient to you. Backup power is necessary to keep a constant temperature the event of a power failure. It is a harsh fact that most reptiles are carnivores-do you really want your freezer full of dead animals? all, costs for food, enclosure, lighting, and vet bills can total hundreds of dollars per year. The cartoon rabbits pictured on cards look cute and cuddly, but real rabbits have no place the pet industry. These complex animals are often purchased on a whim, especially the spring, and potential caretakers rarely understand the specific needs of their new companion. Once the novelty has worn off, bunnies are neglected, relegated to outdoor cages, dumped at shelters, or simply turned loose the wild, where they have little of surviving. Hundreds of organizations and shelters are trying to deal with this growing problem. Dealers and pet stores usually request 4-week-old bunnies because they require less space and are cuter, but bunnies of this age are ill-prepared to be weaned from their parents. people who purchase these small bunnies do not realize that depending on breed, the average weight for adult rabbit is anywhere from 2 to 20 pounds. A runny nose, sneezing, head-tilt, listlessness, and diarrhea are all signs of a sick Rabbits have extremely delicate respiratory and digestive systems, and any change the balance of these systems can result death if