If you find your reptile eating strange things, he may have a disorder known as pica. Affecting not only reptiles but other animals as well as humans, pica is characterized by eating unusual items that are generally not considered edible. Of course, it may also simply be a case in which your reptile mistook a non-food item for prey!

While it is unclear what causes reptiles (or any other animals) to eat items that are normally inedible, in some cases it may simply be a classic case of “because it was there.” There may also be nutritional needs that are not being met by the reptile’s normal diet, and other sources of potential nutrition are being sought out.

Regardless of the reason, reptiles eating strange things can have serious and even deadly consequences. Reptiles may choke on objects that become lodged in their throats. They may also suffer from impaction of foreign objects in their digestive tracts. If you think your reptile may have eaten something unusual, contact your herp vet. Prompt attention is important in identifying any potential risks to your pet.

Obviously, reptiles eating strange things are those who are allowed to roam freely. Reptiles kept in a secure environment are not exposed to or tempted by things other than what their human companions place within their reach. This problem of reptiles eating strange things is one of the arguments against allowing free-roaming reptiles.

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