How can I estimate the age range of my new pet monitor lizard?

Unless you know the hatch date, determining age is very difficult. There are growth charts but these can be inaccurate since each snake will feed and develop differently. Your best chance would be to contact the store or breeder or have Fred examined by a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles.

Thanks for reaching out about your turtle. Unfortunately, there aren't great ways to calculate ages in turtles - the reason for this is that their size and physical characteristics can vary depending on their husbandry. For example, too much or too little nutrition can cause a turtle to become too large or remain very small instead of growing at a normal pace. As far as the vitamins and diet - to get advice on this, it would be important to know what species of turtle you have. There are many different species that are commonly kept as pets, and they can require very different things in their diet and environment to help them thrive and live a long and healthy life. You could repost your question with some photos, or what may be better is to have a consultation. As another alternative, you can also take your turtle to a veterinarian who is familiar with turtles, and they can assist you with this as well. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If you don't know the birth date, size is the best (but not most accurate) method to determine age. Adult emeralds are about 6-8 inches long when fully grown. This length can be reached anywhere between 6 and 12 months. It depends greatly on environment and diet/nutrition and can vary bewtween lizards.

A heat lamp isn't necessary unless the room where the cage is located is cold. Cresties do just fine at room temperature. A UVB light source isn't necessary either as long as you feed a diet containing adequate levels of Vitamon D3. That said, either won't harm him and it is a matter of personal preference. Be sure to monitor cage temps to make sure they don't go too high. There was no image attached to this question. Age can be difficult to determine if you don't have a hatch date. The reason being that growth can be dramatically affected by diet and environment. Contact the PetSmart where he was purchased. They should have records from the source/breeder which should include a hatch date or age.

Yes, a vet can examine Lola and give an approximate age. I would have her seen by a vet to have this done but to also get a health check. Sometimes animals from these large chain stores are not in the best health.

Her growth was likely stunted by poor nutrition and a poor environment. With proper care and feeding, she may "catch up" but be prepared for the possibility that she may not. Do not worry if she doesn't use the hide. She may be comfortable enough in her surroundings to be out in plain sight. An adult female leo will be around 8-9 inches and weigh 50-80 grams. When you can, have her examined by your veterinarian and submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. As long as she is eating and behaving normally now, there is no cause for concern.

Thanks for reaching out about Sanic and including photos. Several of the nationally renowned herpetological societies (Chicago, Arizona), have good online information on husbandry and diet. As medical advise, an initial visit with a veterinarian for a physical examination and fecal testing (at least) is recommended. Annual visits are also recommended as follow ups. Husbandry and nutrition are key starting points for long term health, just like in people. A well rounded diet with multiple components, is more likely to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excesses. As with any animal, exercise is important. Good luck.