In many ways, carpet pythons are one of the finest snakes a reptile-enthusiast could desire. They offer a unique combination of traits, aesthetics and tendencies, which make them wonderful pets for those with the necessary dedication and resources to provide them with a high quality of life.

However, like all other snake species, keepers must educate themselves before acquiring their new pet. Keepers that fail to do so rarely keep their new pet healthy for very long. Begin this educational journey inside, by learning about the natural history, taxonomy, behavior, biology, captive care and...

As the reptile-keeping hobby has grown, keepers and breeders have sought species that thrive best in the captive habitat. Bearded Dragons are one of the best examples of this. Beautiful, tame and interesting, bearded dragons certainly draw a considerable amount of interest from reptile enthusiasts, but it is their moderate size, hardy nature and generalist feeding habits that make them so well-suited for captivity.

However, bearded dragons do require habitats and husbandry regimens that satisfy their needs. Accordingly, it is imperative that would-be bearded dragon keepers learn as much as...

For years, an interesting lizard species has languished in the background of the reptile-keeping hobby. While many keepers struggled to maintain lizards that were too large, too aggressive or too difficult to maintain; Chinese water dragons have sat quietly by, going un-noticed by the mainstream. Unlike some of the more commonly kept lizards, water dragons are an excellent species for captive maintenance, and keepers are beginning to notice these pretty green lizards. However, as when caring for any other pet, new keepers must strive to learn as much as possible about the behavior, ecology...

Painted turtles are some of the most endearing reptiles available to modern keepers. They are one of the easier aquatic species to care for, but you'll have to establish a proper habitat for your new pets and adopt maintenance procedures that will keep them healthy and happy. Accordingly, as when caring for any other pet, new keepers must strive to learn as much as possible about the behavior, ecology and biology of the species. This is the only way to provide them with the highest quality of life possible. Inside, you will find the information you need to learn how to take care of painted...

Crested geckos are one of the most exciting species to enter the reptile hobby in the last several decades. Long thought extinct, several lizards were found to be living in New Caledonia in the mid-1990s. Shortly thereafter, a handful of these geckos made their way into the pet trade, where they proved to be one of the hardiest, least demanding species a reptile lover could desire. But keepers must still learn all they can about the biology, behavior and natural history of these charming lizards, to have a good chance at successful maintenance. Inside, you will find information about these...

Softshell turtles are among the most unique chelonians in the world. They're myriad physical and behavioral adaptations provide a nice contrast with those of most commonly kept turtle species, and yet, relatively few keepers work with these amazing animals. While softshell turtles are not ideal for all keepers, they do adapt well to captivity when provided with suitable accommodations, proper temperatures and clean water. They reach impressive sizes and have defensive demeanors, so they are not appropriate for beginners or those unable to provide them with enough space. However, for those who...

Tokay geckos are gorgeous lizards, who are famous for their prickly demeanor. This causes many reptile enthusiasts to overlook these geckos, but those who are undeterred by their disposition often grow to enjoy these big and bad lizards thoroughly. They make great choices for breeding projects or well-planted enclosures, and they usually thrive in these applications. But while they are relatively easy lizards to care for, keepers must still learn all they can about the biology, behavior and natural history of these wonderful lizards, to have a good chance at successful maintenance. Inside,...