Important Husbandry Requirements for Selected Reptiles
Important Husbandry Requirements for Selected Reptiles
Species
Habitat / Vivarium Type
POTZa (°C)
Humidity %
Lightingb
Hibernation
Dietc
Corn/rat snake
Terrestrial, scrubland
25–30
30–70d
NS
Yes
C
Boa constrictor
Terrestrial, rain forest (semi-arboreal/aquatic)
28–31
70–95
NS
No
C
Ball python
Terrestrial, scrubland
25–30
50–80
NS
No
C
Leopard gecko
Terrestrial, arid scrub
25–30
20–30d
NS
No
I, c
Green iguana
Arboreal, rain forest
29–33
60–85
BS
No
H
Bearded dragon
Terrestrial, desert
25–32
20–30d
BS
No
I, c, h
Water dragon
Arboreal, rain forest
24–30
80–90
BS
No
I, c, h
Savannah monitor
Terrestrial, arid scrub
25–32
20–40d
BS
No
C, i
Greek tortoise
Terrestrial, temperate to subtropical
20–28
30–50
BS
Yes
H, c
Box tortoise
Terrestrial, temperate to subtropical
22–28
50–80
BS
Yes
H, I, c
Leopard tortoise
Terrestrial, tropical
25–30
30–50
BS
No
H, c
Red-footed tortoise
Terrestrial, tropical
25–30
50–90
BS
No
H, c
Red-eared slider
Temperate to subtropical gravel bottom or bare, water depth 30 cm min, land area ⅓ of tank
22–27
Aquatic
BS
Possible
H, I, c
a POTZ = preferred optimal temperature zone. Temperature requirements shown are air temperature gradients. In general, basking temperatures should be 5°C warmer, whereas at night these temperatures should fall by 5°C.
b BS = broad-spectrum lighting (UVB 290–300 nm) essential, NS = no special lighting requirements, although broad-spectrum lighting is still recommended because it is likely to have health benefits.
c I or i = insectivorous, H or h = herbivorous, C or c = carnivorous; upper case indicates major food preference, lower case minor food preference.
d Humidity requirements are significantly greater during ecdysis.
