Learn to Handle With Care

Reptiles are solitary creatures by nature and will do fine without any extensive interaction with you. Humans, however, are wired for socialization and often find it difficult to resist handling and socializing with their pets. With proper handling, your reptile will learn to recognize and even trust you. Your reptile will also remember people who did not handle him gently and try to escape from or injure the offending party. Children should not handle reptiles without close adult supervision. Remember that one of the things your pet finds most attractive about you is that you are warm and cozy. To encourage socialization, be sure to carefully support you pet's body, move smoothly and slowly and don't turn your pet upside down or let anyone scream or squeal while you're holding it. The more comfortable and relaxed you are, the more secure your pet will feel. Be sure to carefully wash your hands before and after handling reptiles and amphibians.

Amphibians' thin, permeable skin makes them very fragile and susceptible to dehydration. Sadly, you will probably never fully socialize with your amphibian friends. But it's OK because many reptiles and amphibians are quite content to be left alone. In fact, if you try to bunk them with others you find your little friends fighting a lot. You may also start noticing that the smaller animals are slowly disappearing while the larger ones look chubby and content.