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!

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