Desert Reptiles are species of reptiles that can only be found in dry desert climates. Everything you need to know about them is contained in this article.

Desert Reptiles - Facts

1. Description:

   Reptiles are a group of animals that have scales, breathe air, are cold-blooded, and most are egg laying.

2. Varieties:

   There are thousands and thousands of different varieties of desert reptiles.

3. History:

   Reptiles go back clear to the dinosaur age.

4. Physical Traits:

   The physical traits of most reptiles is they have some type of scales; they breathe air, are cold-blooded, and most lay eggs. Some have four legs and others don't. There is a wide range of traits in reptiles.

5. Other Defining Characteristics:

   Some reptiles hibernate, and most all like some sort of place to hide in their environment.

6. Habitat:

   The desert reptiles like dry, sandy habitats.

Desert Reptiles - Concerns

1. Benefits:

   Most reptiles will kill small insects or rodents. They help keep the insect and rodent population down.

2. Liabilities:

   Some reptiles can become aggressive especially when it's feeding time. Make sure you pay close attention to your reptile when you are feeding or handling it.

3. Health Issues:

   Reptiles can get mites, ticks, respiratory infections, internal and external parasites, abscesses, mouth rot, shedding problems, and diarrhea. It depends on the reptile you chose.

4. Specific Care Needs:

   Watch your reptile to make sure he doesn't have diarrhea, they can quickly become dehydrated. Also, watch your reptile if he/she sheds as they can have problems with shedding.

5. Reaction to Children and other Pets:

   Some reptiles can become very aggressive so you need to watch small children around reptiles. And some pets can become a reptile's dinner. So, it is best to keep your reptile away from your pets and small children.

6. Special Household Needs:

   Be sure to keep your children or pets away from your reptile anytime you cannot supervise them.

Desert Reptiles - How to Choose

1. What to Look for:

   You will want to make sure your reptile looks alert, has plenty of water and a clean water bowl, a clean tank, that there is not different kinds of species in terrariums, make sure their skin looks healthy and is not dry and flaky, and there is proper heating and lighting in the tank.

2. Supplies:

   You'll need a lamp, heater, tank, a place for your reptile to hide, water bowls, branches and vines, and some type of bedding for your reptile.

3. Expense:

   Expenses vary greatly for reptiles. It depends on the type of reptile you are looking for and where you are looking to buy your reptile from.