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January/February 2004 Taking on the Care of Turtles By Linda Gould

 

African Sulcata

Reptile Adoption Organizations If you would like to adopt, or have a reptile but don’t want to keep it any longer, here are some organizations that accept homeless reptiles and find suitable homes for them: Melissa Kaplan’s Herp Care Collection, www.anapsid.org; Turtle Homes Rescue, http://turtlehomes.org; All Species Reptile Rescue, www.all-species-reptile-rescue.com. —L.G.

I have been involved in the care of reptiles, specifically turtles and tortoises, for about eight years. I started with two, and now I share my small farm with close to 50. Some of the species include African Sulcatas, Matamatas from South America, Chinese Box turtles, Mouhottis, and Leopard Tortoises from Africa. Most of these animals I have adopted from people who could no longer care for them. I have also been involved in rescuing reptiles captured from their natural habitats, destined for the illegal food trade. Because they cannot be returned to their natural habitats, keepers like myself often take them in.

If you are intrigued and would like to become involved with the rescue and care of reptiles, or if you would like one as a companion, consider that doing so can be fascinating and rewarding, but not in the way that humans usually view their pets. Reptiles are cold-blooded, have scales and even lay eggs. Living with reptiles tends to be more of a spectator sport than living with dogs and cats, which crave and require more contact. To be sure, some reptiles react to their keepers, but more often hunger or curiosity drives their behavior. Stories about tortoises being litter-box trained or pet iguanas being taken for a daily walk occasionally surface. These stories, while interesting, are not the norm.

One of the most common pitfalls that people encounter when they acquire a reptile without doing proper research is planning for its longevity and potential growth. Some reptiles get big—very big. African spur-thighed tortoises, for example, can grow up to 150 pounds and live for over 100 years. Iguanas start out small and cute but grow into miniature dragons, often reaching sizes of over four feet. People who buy reptiles can find themselves with an animal that has outgrown their enclosure, and has become expensive to feed. This is often how volunteers such as myself come to adopt reptiles.

But, do not be daunted. You don’t need to live on a farm or have an enormous home to provide your reptile companion with a satisfying, healthy environment. Certain reptiles can live well even in a small apartment, as long as some careful planning precedes their arrival. The trick to keeping any reptile is simple, common sense. Figure out how you can replicate their natural habitat or at least, certain important elements like food, temperature and substrate. And don’t rely on one source of information—pet store-owners can be helpful to a point, but they may only have basic care information. One owner I believed to have a fine knowledge of reptiles gleefully told me how he’d given his leopard tortoises Chinese food. Chinese food does not belong in the diet of any reptile. (Reptiles, like children, frequently eat things they shouldn’t.)

It’s important that you feel comfortable with your reptile’s diet. There are many fine commercial foods on the market, but reptiles enjoy variety. Snakes eat only occasionally, and most require live food like mice or rats. Turtles love earthworms and grubs, as well as vegetables and fruit. Tortoises are vegetarians. If it would be difficult for you to obtain the proper food, or you would be uncomfortable feeding your reptile live animals, then careful consideration must be given to whether such an undertaking is appropriate.

Problems come up. Line up a veterinarian with specialized experience before you bring your reptile home. These animals often don’t show classic signs of illness, so subtle changes in their behavior or eating habits may indicate a medical problem. Parasites thrive in reptiles, and salmonella naturally occurs in many turtles and tortoises. To the average keeper who practices good hygiene this bacterium shouldn’t present problems, but it can be dangerous to very young children and the elderly, whose immune systems may be compromised.

Reptiles don’t need fancy accommodations. What they need are habitats that will be easy to keep clean, so parasites and bacteria do not cause illness. They need to be observed to determine how they’re feeling. Because reptiles are cold-blooded—taking on the temperature of the air around them—they will need an external heat source, as well as UVA and UVB lights to simulate the sun. The way that I solve this problem on my farm is to provide radiant heating on the floor of the environment. For the turtles that need additional heat I provide floodlights and spotlights for each habitat.

So, if you decide you want to share your home with a reptile, how do you go about acquiring one? Although they are available in pet stores in most states, it is greatly preferable that you contact turtle, snake or lizard rescue organizations to adopt. If you do purchase a reptile, make sure it is captive-bred, not wild caught. Captive-bred animals have been propagated for the pet trade. The practice of catching reptiles from their natural habitats has caused many species to be depleted or even become extinct.

Finally, if a wild reptile crosses your path on a walk in the country, don’t look upon this as an opportunity to gain a pet. If it’s not in a safe place, for example, in the middle of the road, carefully move it to safety and both of you be on your way. Know that you have had the delight of helping to preserve its freedom.

Linda Gould is a writer. She lives in Westchester with 5 dogs, 2 horses, 50 turtles and one small companion spider.

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