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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
Learn how to care for cool climate Chameleons, recommended diet & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for arid lizards, recommended diet & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for semi-aggressive fish, recommended diet & aquarium setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for large marine fish, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Check out online sources such as LLL Reptile ( www.lllreptile.com ) and DFW Reptarium ( www.dfwreptarium.com ). You can also look up any upcoming reptile shows. A quick search showed ReptiCon ( www.repticon.com ) coming to Grapevine during the summer months.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
I am very glad that you are looking into husbandry before purchasing an ackie! There is a good care sheet with information on ackies on the Reptiles Magazine website. Based on your location in TX, it may work well to have the ackie outside, but there are a few things to consider. Evaluating the temperature requirements for this species in comparison to the temperatures that you have in your area during the year will be important. We don't want the monitor to get too cold at any point. Thankfully, if needed, supplemental heat sources can also be used outdoors. If these are used, please ensure that they are properly positioned so the ackie cannot access them, and that they are weather-proofed to prevent any electric shock. Also ensure that humidity is high enough in the enclosure - depending on your area, it may need to be supplemented for this species. I would recommend the use of digital thermometers and hygrometers (measure humidity) to keep an eye on the temperature and humidity in the enclosure outside. For the digging portion of the enclosure - there is information about substrate on the care sheet, but it would be pertinent to ensure that the sides are buried underground for an outdoor enclosure. This species can be very good at digging, and it would be tragic to lose your pet by it digging under the barrier that you provided. I hope that gives you a place to start with your research, and if you are interested in talking more about this prior to purchasing your ackie, I would be happy to do a consult with you!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
I would recommend to call the local pet stores (including Petco) and ask if they ever carry that species. Sometimes the fish can be out of stock. Some of the smaller fish stores can have a good variety of fish available. Best of luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Before you buy any fish, you will need to set up the tank. A basic set up includes: a tank, filter, hood/light, heater, gravel and some decor. The tank should run without fish for at least 4 to 6 weeks. This gives it time to cycle. The Nitrogen Cycle is critical to the health of the tank and any fish you will be keeping. During this time, beneficial bacterial will populate the filter and substrate (gravel). These bacteria will be responsible for breaking down fish wastes and other wastes (uneaten food, dead plants, etc.). You will need a home test kit to monitor water chemistry (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH) or you will have to submit water samples for testing. Most pet stores will do this for free or for a small fee. At first, you will see high levels of ammonia and nitrites. Over time, as bacteria grow, these levels will drop. When ammonia and nitrites are at 0 ppm and nitrates are below 20 ppm, you can consider adding fish. Regular (every 1 or 2 weeks) partial water changes as well as filter changes will be needed to maintain stable water chemistry and adequate water quality. The size of your tank will determine what fish and how many you will be able to keep. Most Tetras do best in groups, so a 12 inch tank may not be large enough. There are several article in the Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach Library that will provide more detailed information. Click on "Educational Center" at the top of the page, then scroll down to "Articles" and click. Use the Search Bar to find articles regarding aquarium set up and fish keeping.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for reaching out. Sound like you have a full house. 1. Birds will often bond together but continue to work with them in a quiet environ, offering treats to win and re-enforce trust. Toys, the radio or tv, can all assist with boredom. Setting up foraging toys so birds need to spend time looking for food. 2. There is no such thing as too big a cage. 3. Heating rocks are rarely approved for use, as they will eventually become faulty and get too hot, potentially damaging the animal. A heat lamp is recommended. 4. The bunny's litter box should be spot cleaned daily and full clean weekly. If you can smell it you waited too long. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025