Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Get It Today
Learn how to care for a monitor lizard, recommended diet and habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Read these guidelines about handling reptiles to provide a safe and fun environment for your pet, friends and family.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Regular cleaning and disinfecting of your pet's cage and accessories is one of the keys to keeping your reptile healthy. Learn how often you should clean your cage.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Learn how to take care of Saharan Uromastyx, recommended diet and tank setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to take care of your Veiled Chameleon, tank size, diet & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on December 22nd, 2025
Thanks for your question about Tarzan. The lack of activity that you are describing may be normal for Tarzan, but when you then combine it with her not shedding and not going to the bathroom very often I begin to suspect that there is something else going on. I would recommend feeding Tarzan a small salad of dark leafy greens on a daily basis, with calcium supplementation 2-3 times per week based on her age. I would also recommend protein 2 times per week based on her age as well. You eluded to having recommended temperatures in the cage, but I didn't see how you were monitoring the temperatures or if there was UVB light provided. I would recommend monitoring using a digital thermometer and changing the UVB light every 4-6 months. I am glad that she seemed to be doing okay at her vet visit in the fall. I didn't see if blood work was performed, but that is something that I recommend for every reptile at regular intervals for wellness examinations, as reptiles are very good at hiding their illnesses from their owners. I would also consider performing radiographs (x-rays) if these haven't been performed previously, as well as a fecal examination. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Tarzan feels better soon.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
A 10 gallon tank can be purchased in the local Petco for less than twenty dollars ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/fish/fish-aquariums-kits/aquariums-up-to-ten-gallons/aqueon-standard-glass-aquarium-tank-10-gallon ). It would be easier to keep and secure than a laundry hamper. Given the temps required for geckos, plastic may not be the best option either. You will need a a heat lamp for day use and maybe a heat source if nighttime temperatures drop below 70 F. You can use slate, reptile carpet, plain paper towels or a coconut fiber substrate. Review gecko care at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Leopard-Gecko/
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Fluker's or Maxuri pellets/sticks are quality diets. The diet should be varied to maximize nutrition. Offer leafy greens, crickets, small feeder fish, krill/shrimp (either can be freeze dried) or superworms in addition to a commercial pelleted diet.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It would appear this turtle, not a tortoise, is suffering nutritional deficiency. Reptiles require UVB lighting, either natural unfiltered sunlight or artificially produced by an appropriate light source, in a addition to an appropriate diet with adequate calcium and vitamin supplementation. All these things will aid in the development and maintenance of a health shell. The deficiency may be reversible, however the shell may be malformed for years to come if it survives. Ideally, this turtle should be examined by a veterinarian. A specialist can be consulted via phone or online to obtain proper treatment information. In general, turtles need clean water, a heat lamp for basking, a UVA/UVB light source and a dry area for basking. Most are omnivores and will eat small prey (feeder fish, worms, crickets), fresh greens and a commercial pelleted diet. As stated above, they also require calcium and vitamin supplementation. You can find general care information here: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care.htm
Updated on September 24th, 2025
An appropriately sized plastic carrier would retain heat much more effectively. Pad the carrier with towels for protection. If you are traveling any distance, consider wrapping a hand warmer in a towel and placing it in the bottom to provide heat.
Updated on September 24th, 2025