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Learn how to setup your reptiles terrarium to ensure your reptile lives a wholesome & happy life. Shop at your local Petco for all reptile terrarium needs.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
When it comes to reptile habitats, one of the most essential elements to creating a happy home for your pet is including the appropriate type of lighting. Zoo Med helps outline which lights are right for your pet.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Learn how to care for a Sand Boa, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for tropical lizards, recommended diet & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to thaw frozen mice for feeding time. Find out how to safely prepare and clean up after frozen meals at Petco.
Updated on December 16th, 2025
Thanks for your question about Smaug, and thanks for the photo as well! I think that you have a good start to your set up, and that we can tweak a few items. First, your lighting situation appears adequate - I see a UVB light (please change this bulb every 4-6 months), a basking light, and a ceramic heat bulb. I would ensure that your temperatures are appropriate for this species, and that you are monitoring them using digital thermometers (I think that you see both a digital and analog thermometers currently) at the level of Smaug. Analog thermometers are inaccurate, so I don't recommend using them (also, they are high up on the sides of the enclosure, so they wouldn't be giving an accurate temperature read for Smaug). For the cage furniture that you have, I like that you have places for Smaug to climb and hide. However, I would recommend having a hide on both the warm side of the enclosure and the cool side so that Smaug has choices. Same for the climbing structures. I may have missed a food and water dish in the enclosure - I would recommend that both of these be shallow, and be large enough for Smaug's entire body to fit within them. I cannot tell what type of shavings that you have on the bottom of the enclosure, but the only wood shavings that I recommend are aspen shavings. If they are pine, these can be irritating to the respiratory system. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Leopard geckos are great "starter" reptiles. They don't require special lighting (UVB) like other reptiles. A 20 gallon tank is big enough for one. Add a heat source, hides and a water bowl and you are good to go. You can review gecko care at the links below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Leopard-Gecko/ http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It is too small to be used for much beyond transport, quarantine or temporary housing (i.e. during cleaning of main enclosure). The plastic construction does not allow for light or heat sources which most reptiles or exotic pets require.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Possibilities include infection, parasites, burns or trauma (from a fall or bedding). Changing out the bedding was a smart move. Take it a step further and remove all cage furniture in case Erebus is climbing then falling. Confirm proper temperature and if you have a heat rock, remove it immediately. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be recommended to diagnose illness or injury.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Often when a reptile doesn’t want to eat, it is a sign that they don’t feel well. The most common reason behind them not feeling well is imperfections in their husbandry and diet. I would recommend consulting an online care sheet to ensure that your husbandry is as perfect as possible. Common areas of imperfection include temperature, lighting, and humidity. I would also recommend having Ash seen by a veterinarian, as they can help to counsel you about Ash’s husbandry as well. In addition to a thorough physical examination, they may recommend diagnostic testing including radiographs (x-rays) and blood work to evaluate systemic health. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Updated on September 24th, 2025