{"title":"Reptiles For Beginners","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNot sure which reptile to choose as your first pet? Luckily, you’re here to learn, and we're here to help you in the right direction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWell let's stick to those options to make things a bit easier for you. As always, we recommend that you buy your pets from good, honest breeders, but for your first reptile we understand you may not know where to find one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bearded-dragon","title":"Fancy Bearded Dragon – CB Hatchling","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"pro-sku-sub\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies: \u003c\/strong\u003ePogona vitticeps\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003e  MIX OF RED \/ LEATHERBACK \/ HYPO \/ TRANSLUCENT \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"089d\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eBearded dragons are a fantastic beginner reptile if you are willing to put a little extra time and money into your pet. These animals tend to grow into a very laid-back temperament, but may be a bit standoffish as babies and skittish as young adults. Proper handling will help with this, though.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"43db\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eBearded dragons, or “beardies” as some call them, will need at least a 40-gallon breeder tank to live in, which will fit them as adults for their lifetime in most cases. However, because these are somewhat active animals, bigger can be better for adults. These animals will use the space when given, often running around and checking out their surroundings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"ff65\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eBeardies need a heat lamp as well as a good UVB reptile lamp. This is ESSENTIAL. If you only have one type of lamp, the dragon will likely have stunted growth and may develop Metabolic Bone Disease. You can keep these lights on a timer so that they have a day\/night cycle of about 12 hours each.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"3991\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eFruit and veggies are also a must with bearded dragons, as well as a variety of insects. There are lists available of dragon-safe foods, and you should definitely check them out before buying produce for your dragon. Sprinkle veggies with some calcium powder every few feedings, and your dragon will be good to go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"1d6a\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eOne of the biggest misconceptions about beardies is that they need to be on calcium sand. This is absolutely not true, as calcium sand can bind together when ingested and kill your reptile. Dragons can do well on a variety of different subtrates. Play sand can work, but it easily collects bacteria which can lead to infections. We recommend choosing a good reptile-friendly bark subtrate.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AlternativePetShop.com","offers":[{"title":"Babies","offer_id":53855483461743,"sku":null,"price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0017\/8035\/1087\/files\/red-bearded.jpg?v=1784837516"},{"product_id":"crested-gecko","title":"Crested Gecko","description":"\u003cp class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho ks hp hq hr kt hs ht hu ku hv hw hx kv hy hz ia kw ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eSpecies:\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRhacodactylus ciliatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho ks hp hq hr kt hs ht hu ku hv hw hx kv hy hz ia kw ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"07c7\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho ks hp hq hr kt hs ht hu ku hv hw hx kv hy hz ia kw ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eCrested Geckos are hugely popular these days, as they are very easy to care for and easy to breed, for those looking to get into that aspect of the hobby. One of the most appealing things about crested geckos is that they can be fed a meal powder called crested gecko diet, or CGD for short.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"9ab6\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eThese geckos don’t need much space as babies and will do much better in a small enclosure, as they can have troubles finding their food in a tank too big. It is also important to remember that these are climbing geckos, so a smaller enclosure can prevent a baby gecko from falling and getting injured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"34bd\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eOne of the most important rules to keeping a crested gecko is that you always make sure there is some humidity in the cage. For this reason, screen-top cages don’t work so well, as they don’t hold humidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"4d07\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eThere are TWO really big beginner misconceptions about crested geckos, one being that they need to have their tank SOAKED in water. In reality, crested geckos need high humidity but they also need to be able to dry out. If a gecko can’t get dry, it will likely develop a bacterial infection, which can be difficult and expensive to treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"07cb\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eThe other misconception is that crested geckos only need to eat CGD for their entire lives. While some have success with this model of feeding, it’s a much better idea to supplement your gecko’s diet with some type of feeder insect. You can also occasionally dust these insects in calcium powder to maintain bone health in your new pet. Crested geckos may be known as fruit-eating geckos, but once you see the look on their face when presented with a juicy worm.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AlternativePetShop.com","offers":[{"title":"Captive Bred - Baby","offer_id":53866964549743,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0017\/8035\/1087\/products\/Crested-Gecko-1.jpg?v=1569320487"},{"product_id":"green-anoles","title":"Green Anole","description":"\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #2b00ff;\" href=\"https:\/\/alternativepetshop.com\/pages\/our-shipping-polices\"\u003eSee Our Shipping Schedule\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e: 3 - 5\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies\u003c\/strong\u003e: Anolis carolinensis\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreen Anoles are a solid choice for beginner reptile keepers. They're small, manageable lizards that don't demand much space or complicated care routines. They handle well, stay hardy in captivity, and their color-shifting ability keeps things visually interesting. If you're looking to get into reptiles without a steep learning curve or high costs, a Green Anole is a practical starting point.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AlternativePetShop.com","offers":[{"title":"1 Anole","offer_id":53856512082031,"sku":null,"price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Anoles","offer_id":53856525942895,"sku":null,"price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0017\/8035\/1087\/products\/anole.gif?v=1558318256"},{"product_id":"leopard-gecko-1","title":"Leopard Gecko","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"pro-titlebox\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pro-sku-sub\"\u003eEublepharis macularius\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"woocommerce-product-details__short-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMIXED MORPH \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"145b\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eThese cute little creatures are the darlings of the lizard world, with their smiling faces and big, bright eyes. A leopard gecko is a perfect place to start with reptiles. These little guys are easy to set up, easy to feed, and only require a heat mat for warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"66cf\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\"\u003eWith a diet limited to bugs, you only need to keep a container of mealworms and some quality calcium powder in the fridge for them. You can easily keep a leopard gecko in a 20-gallon long tank for the entirety of its life. They will need two hides; one on the cool side of their tank, and one on the warm side. Also include a humid hide in the middle or on the cool side to help them get pesky skin off when they are shedding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" id=\"a3a8\"\u003eOne of the biggest beginner misconceptions about leopard geckos is that they need a heat lamp to thrive. This is absolutely not true, as these are nocturnal geckos and don’t benefit from heat lamps. For this reason, we highly recommend a good quality heat pad to give your gecko “belly heat”, or heat to help them digest their food properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" id=\"b403\"\u003eOne more time for those of you in the back; don’t give your leopard gecko a heat lamp without also having belly heat available. This is a huge mistake I see beginners make, and their reptile’s health likely suffers because of it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AlternativePetShop.com","offers":[{"title":"Adult - Captive Bred","offer_id":53855672172655,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Baby - Captive Bred","offer_id":53855703826543,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0017\/8035\/1087\/products\/Leopard-gecko.jpg?v=1633748788"},{"product_id":"corn-snake","title":"Corn Snake","description":"\u003cp id=\"72c8\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCorn snakes are great beginner snakes as well, and come in a variety of species that are good as pets. These snakes can be kept in a small enclosure when they are young, but may grow up to be 4–5 feet long, or bigger. For this reason, you should probably get a nice roomy enclosure for your king snake when it starts to get larger, as they are active and will use the space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"2e94\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNeeding a larger enclosure may seem like a downside for a beginner, but having a snake as active as a king will mean your snake will be a joy to watch when exploring its environment. The more places it has to burrow and climb, the more truly fascinating it becomes to observe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"d235\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCorn snakes are generally good eaters, and will usually take frozen mice without a problem. They are also known to climb, so make sure you have snake clamps or a sturdy weight on the top of your tank so they don’t escape. Or, even better, you can buy an enclosure specifically made for snakes that they can’t push their way out of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"c127\" class=\"hl hm fv hn b ho if hp hq hr ig hs ht hu ih hv hw hx ii hy hz ia ij ib ic ie dn gs\" data-selectable-paragraph=\"\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOne of the biggest misconceptions about corn snakes is that they stay small, which can be true in some cases, but they have the capability to grow large. It’s important to keep this in mind when you buy a baby, as they may need a big enclosure as adults. Their care remains simple, they just need some extra room to slither around.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AlternativePetShop.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40620952551535,"sku":"","price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0017\/8035\/1087\/products\/carolina-corn-snake.jpg?v=1633999492"},{"product_id":"albino-honduran-milk-snake","title":"Albino Honduran Milk Snake","description":"\u003cp\u003eSpecies: \u003cspan\u003eLampropeltis triangulum hondurensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: (Baby)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Albino Honduran Milk Snake is a stunning, nonvenomous pet snake known for its striking red, orange, and white bands. With no black pigment, this captive-bred beauty stands out in any collection. These snakes are incredibly hardy and beginner-friendly, making them perfect for both new and experienced reptile keepers. They're one of the largest milk snake subspecies, typically growing 4–6 feet long and living 15–20 years with proper care. What makes them special: vibrant coloring, docile temperament, manageable size, and straightforward care requirements. Whether you're starting your reptile journey or expanding your collection, the Albino Honduran Milk Snake is an excellent choice for a rewarding pet experience.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alternative Pet Universe ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53875497664623,"sku":null,"price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0017\/8035\/1087\/files\/sn3158694__20035.jpg?v=1784829785"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0017\/8035\/1087\/collections\/3039664.jpg?v=1633716857","url":"https:\/\/alternativepetuniverse.com\/collections\/reptiles-for-beginners.oembed","provider":"Alternative Pet Universe ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}