When traveling with your reptile or amphibian, do not leave them in your car without the air conditioning running. Also, do not leave them in direct sunlight. Most people will place their animals in deli cups- clear plastic containers with holes around the side that are provided when you buy the animal- this can prove lethal if sunlight is hitting the container. Animals will quickly suffer heat stroke- this can occur in less than a few minutes! You may also want to consider using cold packs to keep the container cool. To do so, place the container in a box and surround the cold pack with newspaper so it is not in direct contact with the animal.

If you keep your pet outdoors, make sure it is capable of living in the elements of your location. Some areas suffer from major extremes where it is upwards of 90 degrees during the day and drops down to the low 50′s at night. This kind of pattern can cause respiratory problems in some species and can actually kill others! Be sure to check their water bowls numerous time throughout the day, not only to check the levels but to be sure that the water isn’t too hot and is clean. To prevent the water temperature from rising to dangerous levels, you may want to place it in a shady area or build a covering for it (kind of like a car port). Also, be sure that you have areas where the animal can retreat to be out of the sunlight. For smaller tortoises and even box turtles, we find that the dog igloos work perfect. Plants that are full around the base are also a great way to provide shade (be sure the plants in the enclosure are not toxic-see our toxic plant list).

Good luck this Summer and be safe!

• Chrysanthemums (“mums”)
• Daffodils
• Euphorbia
• Privet
• Crocus
• Cyclamen
• Delphinium
• Foxglove
• Hydrangea
• Jasmine
• Lilly of the valley
• Lobelia
• Lupine
• Mistletoe
• Potato leaves
• Rhubarb leaves
• Rhododendron
• Wisteria
• Yew

It is imperative that you do not use any toxic garden chemicals such as weed killers, pesticides, mouse/rat/slug poison, etc.

Are you mesmerized by sea turtles? Wish you could own one? Well the closest thing possible to owning a sea turtle is the fascinating Fly River Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) also known as the pig-nosed turtle. Like their name states, they have a nose that looks like a pig snout. They, like sea turtles, have flippers rather than clawed feet. They do not have a hard carapace but rather leathery flesh that resembles a softshell turtle. These turtles have a range in colors from smokey gray to light brown, with white undersides, and sometimes with white streaks through their shells. When they are born they are very small but can grow to a whopping 22″! They are fully aquatic and can make a great addition to an aquarium.

Fly Rivers are found in the wild in New Guinea and northernmost Australia. There are also wild populations being found in Indonesia where they are also captive bred. There have been a couple of successful captive breeding projects in the US as well.

A typical diet for a baby or juvenile Fly River includes algae wafers and carnivore pellets. Reptomin can also be used in addition to the wafers and pellets. As they get larger, fruits and greens can be introduced into their diet. Personally, we have found banana to be a favorite. They also enjoy strawberries, cantaloupe, and grapes. As far as greens, romaine is a healthy choice although they enjoy most any aquatic plant. They tend to stay towards the bottom of their enclosure and welcome food that sinks to the bottom.

Fly Rivers are known to be aggressive to other Fly Rivers and may sometimes eat small fish that reside in the aquarium. However, there are cases of 2 or more living together peacefully as well as with various fish. It is best to ensure you provide the largest aquarium possible in order to avoid aggression problems.

Water quality is of the utmost importance with this species. Because they lack a hard carapace, they are more susceptible to fungus and flesh wounds. To avoid these problems, it is necessary to keep the pH in the tank steady and the water as clear as possible. The pH can better be kept at a proper level (around 7-7.5) by using crushed coral gravel which is found in their natural habitat and/or natural water plants. You will want to use a filter as well. Either a submersible or a hanging filter will work although canister filters tend to work best. Fly Rivers also require that their water temperature be between 80-90°F, so it is usually necessary to use a submersible water heater to obtain this constant warmth. Another note to be made is that you may find it useful to add water conditioner and Melifix in very small doses to the water to prevent fungus when performing water changes.

We hope that all of you reptile/amphibian enthusiasts out there are taking the necessary precautions to keep your animals safe as well. If you are not sure how to set them up or what to do, feel free to contact us and we can help!

You may also want to provide your baby tortoise with a vitamin/mineral supplement added to their water soak 1x per week. This will ensure that they are receiving proper nutrients that may be left out in their diet.

All reptiles can carry salmonella. The most notorious for this are the turtles and tortoises. The turtle farms have taken great precautions in the last twenty years to ensure that their hatchlings are salmonella-free. The eggs are treated and the overall sanitary conditions of the farms have improved greatly which, in turn, promotes healthier hatchlings. With the advancements in preventative techniques, even the hobby breeder can produce salmonella-free animals.

I have been working with turtles and tortoises for over 30 years and have never contracted salmonella nor has anyone that I know. You stand a greater chance of getting salmonella from chicken or mayonnaise than from your pet reptile. Here are a few preventative measures that should be taken to ensure that salmonella is not transmitted to humans:

-Sanitary conditions must be maintained in the enclosure at all times. Water in

drinking bowls and in aquariums must be changed regularly and disinfected. Dirty

water promotes the growth of the salmonella bacteria.

-Personal hygiene is also very important. Wash hands with a good antibacterial

soap after handling any reptile or their enclosure. 

-Do not let children handle any reptile without supervision. Make sure they do not

put the animal or their hands near their face and make sure that they use an

antibacterial soap to wash with after handling.

-Always assume that the animal may be infected with salmonella.

-Do not keep your reptile in or near food preparation areas or clean their water

bowls or such in the kitchen sink.

-Any person with increased risk of infection should avoid contact with any

reptiles (e.g., children under 5 years of age, pregnant women, anyone with

immuno-compromised conditions )

In the event that you think you may be infected, seek medical attention immediately.

Written By : Greg Martin

www.martinsworldexotics.com