Author: Kevin

Turtles, or more commonly referred to as terrapins in the UK, are a common pet. We at Coast to Coast Exotics have never fully “got behind” selling terrapins as we firmly believe there are better pet reptile species to keep. They can be a more complex animal to keep than many people think, and this is reflected in the amount of terrapins in rescue centres – by far the commonest reptile to find themselves homeless. However in the right hands, with people that can cope with their needs they are an interesting and fulfilling animal to keep. Komodo have come up with this rather well thought out range of foods for terrapins that seems to work very well. They are specific to terrapin species needs. Some eat sunken matter, others…

We have built many paludaria, for those that are unfamiliar with the term, this is a glass constructed terrarium that has an aquarium at the bottom, a land area and then a planted wall to the rear of the terrarium. This allows communal living of compatible aquatic, semi-aquatic and arboreal species altogether in one enclosure. There are some hobbyists that frown on such an enclosure, but it can be done, and now with Zoo Med providing a full range of products designed for this one purpose it has become easier than ever. Perhaps for the more advanced experienced keeper, but it can be done- and very successfully.   Zoo med have brought to market two tall Paludaria, one is 30x30x60cm, the other is 45cmx45cmx90cm. We set up the larger one…

It has long been recognised that the methods of providing food for tortoises from the supermarket (lettuce, tomatoes etc) is not a good diet – weed gathering has become the norm for most tortoise keepers. There are many weeds that are suitable as feed for tortoises, all should be washed and taken from areas free from pesticides. Recommended basic food plants: • Dandelion (Taraxacum officianale) • Hawkbits (Leontodon spp.) • Sowthistles (Sonchus spp.) • Hawkweeds (Pictis spp.) • Hawkbeards (Crepis spp.) • Plantains (Plantago spp.) • Clovers (Trifolium spp.) • Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) • Cat's ears (Hypochoeris spp.) • Vetches (Vicina spp.) • Trefoils (Lotus spp.) • Mallows (Malva spp.) • Bindweeds (Calystegia spp.) • Sedums (Sedum spp.) • Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis) Products like Zoo Meds Tortoise Toppers are…

For anybody involved in the hobby for a long time the Name Vetark is associated with quality reptile care, great treatments and supplements that do a great job. One of the tried and tested favourites is Tamodine. It’s a product that every reptile keeper should have in their reptile first aid box. A “tamed” version of Iodine this product is the antifungal and antibacterial and is probably the best way of cleaning reptilian wounds – but its not suitable for amphibians. Easy to use, just apply directly to the cut, with cotton wool or a cotton bud – however we would still recommend seeking veterinary advice. Tamodine is effective against bacteria, protozoa, yeasts, fungi and some viruses without damaging delicate skin. It has all of the activity of free iodine…

Snake mites, the bind of any snake keepers life. Lets face it nobody fancies the thought of any mite like creature in their home. However, just like fleas for cats and dogs, if you have a snake you may find yourself needing to eradicate snake mites. It’s not just snakes either, we have seen mites on several “non-snake” reptile species. Where do they come from? More often than not it’s a mystery, even a household with only one snake can suddenly find themselves with an outbreak. Luckily, it’s not frequent, and when they do occur they cannot cause humans any problems – unlike fleas. I did hear of one report of human infestation, but its rather debatable – over all the years of being involved in the hobby I’ve not…

I have been in the rainforests around the world several times over the years, studying and photographing animals. For anybody who hasn’t been there let me tell you that it is hot and humid – makes it very sticky and uncomfortable. It’s not only the areas that get hot, I have visited cloud forests where it is cool, and the humidity just hangs in the air. For the animals that live in these places, it is just normal to them, and such animals need that level of humidity if they are to thrive. When keeping the frogs and lizards (in particular) from those regions it is critical to maintain and correctly monitor the hight humidity levels. There are many ways a hobbyist can provide humidity – waterfalls, spraying the terrarium…