Information is abundant out there. "Essential tools," "What you need to know," "Must-buy,"- and" Best-buy" lists of reptile equipment you can find in plenty. Though looking carefully, much information contradicts each other; Everybody has their point-of-view and know-how. There is an apparent mismatch in advice and expertise going on. This inconsistency makes it extremely complicated to get your facts right regarding reptile equipment, especially considering that reptiles have differing needs.
I stumbled over this article at NIH (National Library of Medicine) " Pet Reptiles - are we meeting their needs?" (see reference down below). The author argues that keeping exotic pets presents significant challenges compared to keeping domestic species. Many reptile breeds need to live in environments with particular and often extreme conditions that are difficult to recreate in captivity. The knowledge base required to meet those specific environmental needs of all the hundreds and more different reptile species in captivity is so vast or sometimes also unavailable that it remains a challenge even for professionals and, therefore, possibly beyond the reach of the average pet owner.
So what is a reptile pet owner to do? You often need to rely on the experience and knowledge of others or on information circulated by the pet industry, other reptile keepers, and various you-tubers and bloggers to care for your animals. There are few up-to-date scientific books out there on the subject too. The article claims that providing pets such as cats and dogs with good health, care, and a joyful life is an undisputed goal; on the other hand, evidence suggests that many reptile owners might still struggle to keep their pets just alive.
The article's underlying survey found numerous pet reptiles are not given parts of their essential needs and are likely to experience poor health for a significant time. Overall, 85% of the survey participants reported they failed to provide at least one of the four basic requirements lighting, temperature, diet, and refuge. In over 30 % of the cases, they could not hold forth a direct source of UVB light and accurate tempered zones specific to the reptile species; two examples that directly impact the reptile's well-being and survival. Moreover, behaviors typical of poor health and captivity stress were considered 'normal' by some respondents. The study concludes that this could be a sign that many pet reptiles kept by the studied pet owners live in 'controlled deprivation' and are at risk of suffering poor health throughout their lives. Despite this, none of the interviewees, apart from one, reported their reptile's well-being as extremely poor. The study argues that pet reptiles' poor welfare and abnormal behaviors have become accepted as normal, stopping pet owners from looking for ways to prevent them. The author suggests putting significant effort into questioning the current norm for a healthy reptile and proper care. Specifically, we should oppose the predominant view by some parts of the exotic pet industry that reptiles are low-maintenance pets.
While it might be an unrealistic expectation to replicate natural environments fully, it is possible to give our reptiles thriving living conditions with the proper knowledge and equipment. It takes much research, source-critical knowledge and expertise, and time.
We aim to help you filter out some beneficial tools enhancing reptiles to give you a slight head start with the basics to succeed and keep the animal's welfare at heart. That's why we have a limited number of products. But in the end, it is up to you to put in the effort and love. And it is worth it. Reptiles are unique and fascinating animals and rewarding pets to keep.
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