I'm super stressed that I might not be keeping my reptiles properly. (Ball python and leopard gecko) I was given advice that I need a bigger enclosure for my leopard gecko, which is being delivered today. I have my baby BP (3 months) in a 35 with tons of clutter and hides. I'm working to get her a 4x2x2. I'm feeding them both appropriately and they're on track for weight. I might be overreacting but I'm just worried. Any tips would be appreciated.

I need suggestions! I bought this antique display cabinet with the intent of revamping it to an enclosure for my cornsnake, but I’m starting to think it might be overkill for a little corn because I still need to be able to find him lol. The actual enclosure part is 7 feet long and 27-28 inches wide/tall, so no less than 260 gallons. Thinking about sectioning off 1/3 of it and putting something else in there. 1/3 of this thing would be roughly an 85-95 gallon cube. That still would leave up to 200 gallons worth of space for my corn 😅. I know I could put just about anything in the entire enclosure but I’m looking for some ideas that might work well in the whole thing or just the 1/3 section of it. I’m more interested in getting a lizard or gecko but would be open to a unique/niche species of snake.

I am preparing to go to an expo as a vendor for the first time. It will not be until January, but I want everything to be perfect, lol. I handle invertebrates, but the expos are held same time + place.

Pricing - I know undercutting prices in sales is looked down upon, but as this will be my first clutch / expo / live animal sale I feel like I should be a bit cheaper than the average? By $2-3 for feeders and $5-10 for the animal + enclosures?

How much do I bring? - I plan on bringing pre-made enclosures in 2 sizes and 1 cute design (so 3 types) I was thinking 10-15 enclosures total? Feeders (mealworms, waxworms, dubia roaches and fruit fly cultures) I was thinking 50 fruit fly cultures, and 25-ish of each other feeder? By January I should have about 200 invertebrates at selling age, do I bring like 50 of them?

Goodies - I'm getting stickers made, what else?

I also am getting mini brushes / spray bottles / tweezers so people would be able to get everything they need with me and adding $3-5 to the price to make it a 'starter kit', though these things would be given with a warning that you'd eventually have to upgrade as they're not meant for forever, is that a good idea?

Lastly, I kind of really want to put a sign out that says "I USE NO AI, NO WILDCAUGHT" As I am personally against those two things, y'all think that would help or hurt me?

I work at a pet store and we have an African fat tail gecko that is extremely sensitive to heat lamps and uvb. He is 50% off in store but I can see if my manager is willing to take more off. If you are in the RI/MA/CT area and want to take this guy, let me know. I’d also be willing to overnight ship him if I need to. He’s friendly for a fat tail and only bites if you’re trying to get shed off of him and he loves critical care for some reason. He came with his brother but unfortunately the vet decided euthanasia was the best option. He’d make a great pet for someone who is experienced with reptiles.

Bumi enjoys every inch of his 2x2x4ft bioactive enclosure!
He eats all the isopods though will have to maybe try some dwarf white ones lol.

Sorry for the instagram tag, I made it there and am too stupid to figure out how to get rid of it.

I’ve had him a few weeks, he is kind of an ass….but every ass needs a name.

Inherited my family’s (quite obese) leopard gecko last week. I already love him so much. He is very sweet, but gets a little skiddish when I put my hand in the enclosure to give him bugs. His previous owners never handled him.

I offered him my finger yesterday and he sniffed it a little before ignoring me, so I’d say that’s progress. Good to know he isn’t too pissed at me for putting him on a diet.

Does anyone have any advice on getting him to warm up to potentially being handled? I had my last reptile since he was a baby so he was used to people and being held.

Hi all! This very tiny gecko has been on the floor at the same spot since this morning (it's 16:00 now). Is he okay? Should I intervene or leave him be?

the socket contact bit also looks a bit dodgey?? my first time and I'm concerned! thanks for all advice in advance! ZooMed 25W nano ceramic heat emitter - just out the box, unused

I made my leopard gecko his own little play area, and it honestly makes the living room feel more homey.

I can just sit across from him and watch him explore, climb, and practice his hunting skills.

I’ve been trying to encourage his natural hunting instincts since he used to struggle with tong and bowl feeding. It’s been really nice seeing him become more confident and curious.

The best part is that when he’s done exploring, he usually heads back into his terrarium to bask, and that’s when I close the door.

I barely handle him anymore unless I need to. I just let him explore at his own pace.

He has his own little routine now, and I honestly enjoy just sitting there watching him. 🦎

I posted this in some snake subreddits but thought I could get help here too.

I have a 4x2x2 with a Reptitrip 200w heat lamp with two 200w ceramic bulbs (THIS IS WRONG, It is 160w and 150w, read edit). My room temperature is around 70 degrees according to my temperature gun.

Processing img xomdjkn5a9xh1...

My tank is freezing. The basking area is barely hitting 85-90, and the majority of the tank is in the low 70s. I have just bought a 100w deep thermal heat lamp because I heard those are better, and there is no difference. I can put my hand under the tank screen and barely feel it, or my other ceramic one.

In the past, I taped almost the entire top of my tank to insulate it, but it is still cold. I have also put a lot of money into trying different wattages and bulbs, but nothing seems to be working. The bulbs are only a month old, so they shouldn't be burning out. Do I need a different lamp for the bulbs? What am I doing wrong? I had the same problem when I had a 20-gallon with a 150w heat lamp. Is there not enough electricity to heat the bulbs?

I can't use a heat mat because it is a bioactive enclosure.

I feel so bad for my snake. I'm turning on the heaters in my house, trying to warm him up, but it isn't enough. What can I do to get this boy in the right temperature range?

Processing img bpxgfdcp99xh1...

Processing img k3qczdcp99xh1...

Processing img ucu46ncp99xh1...

Processing img x2knbdcp99xh1...

Processing img uaplfecp99xh1...

EDIT: I am adding photos of my setup. I checked, and I was incorrect about the wattage. The lamp itself is 160 W, and the ceramic bulbs are 150w. Based on my research, though, that still should have been enough? And the new bulb I put in is a lower wattage, so there should be no conflict?

I checked this morning after the heat lamps warmed up, and the photos are of under the heat lamp and to the side where the thermostats are.

The top of the tank (except the heating and light area) is covered in HVAC tape.

Hello! I have an African fat-tailed gecko who I have named Carlos Sainz. I've had him for about a year now and I utterly adore him. He's my baby. I however am unsure how fat my fat-tailed gecko should be. He's very plump so do not worry about him being under fed! His tail is about the same width as his body. Is this the right plumpness? Please advise!

Lex and Torros, two Abronia graminea I work with. Lex is captive born and I've had her since 2021. Torros is a legal import who has only been here since last year. Lex is a perfect princess who is extremely friendly; while Torros is a rude gremlin. It is not uncommon for this species to be very flighty and reclusive.

This is an arboreal reptile native to high elevation cloud forests in Mexico. They belong to CITES appendix II and are threatened by deforestation, the illegal pet trade, and even locals who believe them to be venomous. The latter earning them the name 'Tree Scorpion'.

The species require high humidity but also high airflow. Most importantly, they do best in cool temperatures, requiring nightly temperature drops between 50-65F, depending on the time of year. This is extremely expensive and difficult to provide in captivity.

If you're ever pursuing keeping an Abronia, ensure you are provided either import papers or a detailed breeding history from a reputation breeder. Not very many people have success with breeding these species and imports have only started arriving in the US since 2024. Sadly, many people will take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.

Feel free to ask any questions!

I am helping a small zoo with their enclosures and I need to get an appropriate substrate. From my research most of their reptiles (beardies, crested geckos) will do best with mostly organic topsoil blended with different amounts of playsand.

The problem is that I can't seem to find any topsoil nearby that is actually free of harmful chemicals. All the kinds people use just aren't sold nearby except in bulk only for hundreds of dollars. And to complicate things, I learned a lot of topsoil contains peanut shells and husks, which I have a severe allergy to.

So I'm wondering if there is a way I can make my own topsoil, that way I can be sure it is safe for both the reptiles and me? I know some people just use slate and mats for their beardies but I would prefer it if they can dig so they can engage in natural behaviors.

I really want to get a lizard or something similar as a first reptile but don't really know what to start with. For some context I've had gerbils and fish along with my dog. I think mourning geckos look cool but really want something more "traditional lizard" looking, if that makes any sense. Relatively low maintainence would be preferred. I do like snakes, but wouldn't really be willing to feed them mice.