Complete Reptile Care Guide

What Temperature Should My Leopard Gecko Tank Be?

Leopard geckos require a proper temperature gradient for digestion and thermoregulation:

• Warm side (floor temp): 88-92°F - measured with digital thermometer on floor
• Cool side: 75-80°F
• Nighttime: Can drop to 65-70°F but no lower
• Heat source: Under-tank heater (UTH) connected to a thermostat - NOT heat lamps

Why thermostats are essential: Without a thermostat, UTHs can exceed safe temperatures and burn your gecko. A quality thermostat (jump-start or Inkbird) maintains safe, consistent temperatures and prevents injuries.

Avoid: Heat rocks (burn risk), heat lamps as primary heat (dry out leopard geckos), and stick-on thermometers (inaccurate).

Do Bearded Dragons Need UVB Light?

YES - UVB is absolutely essential and non-negotiable.

Without UVB light, bearded dragons cannot synthesize vitamin D3, which means they cannot absorb calcium from their diet. This leads to metabolic bone disease (MBD), a painful, debilitating, and often fatal condition.

Proper UVB setup:

• Use tube-style UVB (T5 or T8), not compact/coil bulbs
• Reptisun 10.0 or Arcadia 12% Desert are recommended brands
• Position to cover 2/3 of the enclosure length
• Place 10-12 inches from basking spot (T5) or 6-8 inches (T8)
• NO glass or plastic between UVB and dragon (blocks UV rays)
• Replace every 6-12 months even if bulb still lights up (UV output degrades)

Signs of MBD: Soft/rubbery jaw, twitching limbs, difficulty walking, limb deformities, lethargy. MBD is preventable but often not fully reversible once advanced.

How Do I Know If My Snake Has a Respiratory Infection?

Respiratory infections (RIs) are common in snakes and require veterinary treatment. Signs include:

• Open-mouth breathing - Snakes should breathe with mouths closed
• Bubbles - Visible from nostrils or in mouth
• Mucus or discharge - From nose or mouth
• Wheezing or clicking sounds - Audible breathing is abnormal
• Head held elevated - Trying to drain mucus
• Lethargy and appetite loss

Causes: Usually husbandry-related - temperatures too low, humidity too high or too low, or stress. While awaiting vet care, raise temperatures to 85-90°F throughout enclosure and ensure clean, dry substrate.

Critical: RIs require antibiotic treatment from an exotic vet. They do not resolve on their own and can be fatal if untreated.

Why Is My Reptile's Mouth Gaping Open?

Context determines whether gaping is normal or concerning:

Normal gaping:

• Bearded dragons gape while basking to thermoregulate (cool down) - normal behavior
• Brief gaping after eating

Concerning gaping:

• Persistent gaping not associated with basking = possible RI
• Gaping with visible mucus or bubbles = respiratory infection
• Any open-mouth breathing in snakes = emergency (snakes never normally breathe with mouths open)
• Gaping with black beard (bearded dragons) = severe stress or illness

My Reptile Hasn't Pooped in Weeks - Is This Normal?

Bowel movement frequency varies greatly by species, diet, and conditions:

• Ball pythons: Every 1-3 weeks (or longer during fasting) - normal
• Corn snakes: 1-2 weeks after feeding
• Bearded dragons: Daily to every 2-3 days when eating normally
• Leopard geckos: Every 1-3 days

Signs of impaction (constipation requiring intervention):

• Straining without producing feces
• Visible lump in abdomen
• Loss of appetite combined with constipation
• Lethargy

Home remedies: Warm water soaks (85-90°F for 15-20 minutes), ensure proper basking temperatures, and belly massages (gently). If no improvement in a few days, or if reptile shows distress, see an exotic vet.

Is My Reptile Dead or Just in Brumation?

This is a genuinely difficult distinction for new keepers during winter months:

Signs of brumation (hibernation-like state):

• Still responds to stimuli (slowly)
• Body is relaxed, not stiff
• May still drink water occasionally
• Eyes appear normal
• Gradual onset as temperatures/daylight decreased

Signs of death:

• No response to any stimulus (touch, light, movement)
• Body stiff (rigor mortis sets in within hours)
• Sunken eyes
• No breathing movement observed over extended period
• Foul smell (develops over time)

When unsure: Gently warm the reptile to normal temperatures over several hours and offer water. Place your finger near the eye - a living reptile's eye will eventually respond. If still uncertain, an exotic vet can confirm.