Dogs and cats are the most common pets in homes, but they are not the only pets. In fact, many have decided to surround themselves with other specimens. Among them there are also reptiles, usually people who decide to welcome them in their homes. Although they are not animals that show their affection like dogs and cats, they can still be with us.
Although they are not pets, some adapt to life at home. Before deciding to have it, we must remember that we are still limiting their freedom and that we are making them live in a context that they are not used to.
In addition, not all reptiles in Italy can be kept within four walls, there are species that are easier​​​​​​to manage and require little care and others that are more difficult and require their own space to live at their best. These are all factors to consider before bringing one into your home.
Reptiles are allowed in Italy
As we have seen, not all reptiles are suitable for home life, in fact some are even banned in Italy. There are various reasons, the main ones being the danger of the species, belonging to an invasive race or being included in the protected species because they are in danger of extinction.
Among those allowed in Italy are some species of snakes (giant anaconda, boa constrictors, cobras, reticulated pythons, vipers, rattlesnakes and coral snakes are prohibited). In addition, lizards, chameleons, iguanas and turtles should also be included.
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How to raise reptiles
Many species are suitable for indoor living, ideal for beginners. Not everyone has the same needs, on the contrary it is important to know what they need.
Iguana
The iguana is the most widespread of reptiles and its particular appearance in some cases scares people. The first thing to consider when you decide to have an iguana is that it often goes outside. For example, a specimen that is 20 to 50 centimeters long is like a child that reaches up to two meters in adulthood. This means that you need to guarantee it a large space inside a terrarium with the right temperature. The climate during the day should be 30 ° C, while at night it can drop to 25 ° C. To recreate this temperature it is important to insert the UVB-UVA neon lamp in the case of activation for at least 12 hours a day. The diet should be based on fruits and vegetables. The important thing is that they are all rich in calcium-fixing vitamins to help them grow.
Iguana as a pet: everything you need to know
gecko
The lizard is similar to a lizard, it can be different colors, but usually does not grow more than 30 centimeters. In addition, there are different types, the most common is crested. Can live up to 12 years, it does not require much care. The temperature inside the houses is good, in fact it does not need special lamps to have the ideal temperature. As for the terrarium, any rocky or plant surface is fine and you should moisten it with a little water at least once a day. Although it mostly eats insects, it also prefers fruit, the important thing is to make sure it has water to quench its thirst.
Among the other species available at home there is also the leopard gecko which, unlike the crested one in the terrarium, needs a heat source, as well as the Madagascar day gecko which, unlike the other two, is a species that lives during the day.
Chameleon
Taking care of a chameleon is as simple as taking care of an iguana or a gecko. The difference in this case is the terrarium because it needs a large surface on which to climb, with branches and leaves. In addition, the environment should be heated and bright enough with lamps. Regarding nutrition, it eats live insects and green leaves.
Snakes
They are reptiles that require more care than other species. If you have chosen the type admitted in Italy, you must know that it is necessary to put an adequate shelter for their well-being. Different types do not exceed 20 centimeters, some reach up to 5 meters, this means that the terrarium must be suitable for their size. Some specimens look for branches to climb, others instead look for a tray of water that is changed daily, to hydrate.
The temperature also varies greatly from type to type, during the day it should be around 26 and 32 degrees, at night between 24 and 29 degrees. Like every animal, nutrition can only be balanced: many species eat birds, rodents or small mammals, while others prefer insects, snails and fish. Due to the particularity of this reptile, it is best to know about all its needs before choosing it.