One of the most common reasons bearded dragons end up at the reptile vet is directly tied to diet — and the heartbreaking truth is that nearly all of these visits are preventable. Feeding a bearded dragon isn’t as simple as tossing crickets and lettuce into the enclosure and calling it a day. Your beardie’s […]
Bearded Dragon Diet Errors by Age: Critical Mistakes Read More »
Getting your bearded dragon’s temperature and lighting dialed in is arguably the single most important aspect of their husbandry. In the wild, these Australian reptiles bask under intense sunlight in arid, semi-desert environments. Replicating that experience in captivity isn’t just about slapping any old bulb on top of a tank — the method you choose
Bearded Dragon Temperature & Lighting Setup Methods Compared Read More »
One of the most common — and most preventable — health issues bearded dragon owners face is vitamin and mineral deficiency. These deficiencies don’t appear overnight. They creep in slowly, often mimicking other problems or going entirely unnoticed until your beardie is seriously unwell. As a beginner, learning to recognize the early warning signs of
Vitamin Deficiency Signs in Bearded Dragons: 2026 Care Guide Read More »
Most people know the basics of eating well: more vegetables, less processed food, drink water. But nutritional optimization goes far beyond those surface-level guidelines. It’s about fine-tuning what you eat, when you eat, and how you combine foods so your body actually absorbs and uses every nutrient efficiently. Whether your goal is sharper mental focus,
Nutritional Optimization for Peak Health and Performance Read More »
If you’ve ever reached into your blue tongue skink’s enclosure only to be met with a dramatic hiss, a puffed-up body, or even a surprising nip, you’re not alone. Male blue tongue skinks can display a range of aggressive behaviors that catch even experienced keepers off guard. The good news is that most aggression in
Blue Tongue Skink Male Aggression: Tips to Manage It Read More »
Your redfoot tortoise relies on its eyesight more than you might think. From finding food to navigating its enclosure, healthy vision plays a central role in your tortoise’s daily life and overall well-being. Unfortunately, eye problems are among the more common health issues seen in captive redfoot tortoises, and many of them are entirely preventable.
Redfoot Tortoise Eyesight: How to Protect Their Vision Read More »
If you keep or work with alligators in captivity, you’ve probably noticed that digestive issues, skin irregularities, and immune-related problems pop up far more often than they do in wild populations. The reason often traces back to something invisible to the naked eye: the microbiome. The trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in
Alligator Microbiome: Natural vs Artificial Habitat Effects Read More »
If you’ve ever set a UVB bulb on top of your leopard gecko’s mesh screen lid and wondered how much of that beneficial ultraviolet light is actually making it through to your little friend, you’re asking one of the most important and most overlooked questions in reptile husbandry. Screen tops are practically universal in leopard
Leopard Gecko UVB and Screen Tops: What Gets Blocked Read More »
If you’re preparing to bring home a Jackson chameleon, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is the enclosure. Do you buy a pre-made cage from a reputable brand, or do you roll up your sleeves and build one yourself? The answer isn’t always obvious. A DIY build can save you serious money or quietly
Jackson Chameleon DIY Enclosure: Full Cost Comparison Read More »
Adopting a leopard gecko with a missing or injured tail isn’t just about giving a second chance—it’s a commitment to specialized care during their most vulnerable time. While a regrown tail might look lumpy or bumpy compared to the original, it’s often a visible sign of past trauma that requires immediate attention. These reptiles store
