Leapin' lizards (part 2)

Trish Lynn and Thom Donitz with friends.

The JOLT News Staff

THURSTON PETS PROJECT

Leapin' lizards (part 1)

The main difference between reptiles and mammals is how they breathe.

Mammals, such as humans, cats, dogs, etc. have the instinct to breathe. Our instinct to take a breath is caused by the buildup of CO2 in our blood.

However, for reptiles the instinct to take a breath is stimulated by their body temperature so if they are cold, they slow everything down, including their breathing and metabolism, similar to hibernating.

When they warm back up, their metabolism will kick start, breathing will increase, and they will become more active, and that’s why it is important to have a heat source when they are in captivity.  They need heat to be able to digest, process and function.

Reptiles need a lot of calcium and vitamins in their diet. Often, their food items, whether they be insects or plant material, are dusted with calcium powder. This will help to protect them from one of the most, if not the most common diseases in reptiles, metabolic bone disease.

This is caused by a lack of calcium, and it causes their bones to become rubbery and malformed.  Advanced cases make eating and drinking difficult.

Sometimes their jaw becomes so misaligned, they can’t completely close their mouth, and you can see them very low legged and with some form of scoliosis caused by lack of calcium.

Another very common disease in reptiles is hypovitaminosis A (Vitamin A deficiency). This can cause mouth rot, which is when they get scabies inside of their mouth because they can’t heal. It can also cause lethargy and digestion problems.

Most powders are a combination of calcium and vitamins such as calcium D3. You can put it on every meal because it is hard to overdose your reptile on vitamins and calcium.

Before getting any reptile, research about a specific species and their needs because reptiles are very individualistic. Previously noted, leopard geckos, bearded dragons, crested geckos, ball python, corn and milk snakes are all pretty good beginner species because of lower needs.

Chameleons are sensitive iguanas and are extremely high maintenance, and can be extremely aggressive.  Tokay, geckos are the meanest reptile you will ever meet. They are very aggressive, make awful pets, hate people and will bite and latch onto you just for fun.

Bigger species, such as a snake or iguana, most likely need a whole room to themselves just to be properly stimulated and enough room to move around so if you are renting or live in an apartment, your best bet is to stick with smaller species, they are easier to care for and transport.

The ultimate goal is to have your pet reptile thrive since you are keeping them in captivity. Lee probably spends about $10 a month to maintain his reptiles, but the setup is pretty expensive.

The tank, materials, hides, fake plants, bulbs for heat, plus a few other things you will need can cost over $100 for the setup but once you have it established, the maintenance for food, vitamin powder every month is relatively inexpensive.

A 20-gallon tank is best for your gecko to thrive and be happy and to give them leaf coverage and feel secure and able to hide. You will need an AUV or AUVB bulb on top of the tank to simulate the sun.

Getting the UV radiation helps to synthesize vitamins and help prevent metabolic bone disease.  Even if they get all their vitamins, they still need UV to process. It is also important to clean their tank by scooping out shed and uneaten bugs to keep your reptile from getting an upper respiratory infection. 

In closing, we know of only two local veterinarians that take in exotic pets, Kitty Klinic is not an emergency clinic, but they will see almost any exotic pet and is also where Lee and Mars are employed.

The Farmhouse Veterinary Hospital also treats exotic animals; both are located in Thurston County.  Blue Pearl in Lakewood treats exotic animals and Blue Pearl in Olympia may eventually.  Also, don’t forget Tiny Tails and Scales, also located in Olympia, helps to educate, rescue and find foster homes for small animals. 

Lee, thank you for your very informative and interesting story.  

Of note: We want to remind everyone about the "Paws 4 A Cause" event on May 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Park, 330 5th Ave., Olympia.  

Paws for Thought: “Reptiles and amphibians are sometimes thought of as primitive, dull and dimwitted. In fact, of course, they can be lethally fast, spectacularly beautiful, surprisingly affectionate and very sophisticated.” - Sir David Attenborough  

Thom Donitz and Trish Lynn are neighbors and close friends who share their love of animals and wildlife. Trish and Thom are residents of Tumwater. Contact them at  pets@theJOLTnews.com.