Creatures of Habit

If your reptile seems set in his ways, it's because he's been evolving for millions of years. Reptiles are fascinating because they are so different from many other vertebrates in the way they behave. There are more than 8,200 species of reptiles in the world and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Since reptiles are cold-blooded they don't eat as much, proportionately, as warm-blooded animals do because they don't have to fuel an internal furnace. That's why you'll notice your reptile friend bellying up to its heat source after a big meal. He's using the heat to jump-start the digestion process.

Although most reptiles are quiet housemates, some can actually makes sounds. These sounds help the creatures communicate for mating or self-defense purposes. If your pet greets you with noises or a little head-bobbing action, take it as a sign of affection-unless he's not tame. In that case, keep your fingers away from his enclosure, because he's looking for a fight. Some reptiles, not just chameleons, will change color to indicate their pleasure or unhappiness. Color changes are controlled by hormones.

Don't try to train a snake. Snakes are actually incapable of learning due to the absence of the enlarged cerebral hemispheres birds and mammals have. Snakes are also completely deaf to airborne sounds and only detect sound through vibration. If you put a snake in a small enclosure thinking that it will not grow out of said enclosure, you are in for a big-really big-surprise.