Criptic's Page On Herps - Reptiles - General Care

very few herps are good for handling, and no baby herp should be handled. Most herps make better display animals (similar to tropical fish), then they do an animal to be cuddled and played with. The main reason for this is the stress the animal will go under when handled. Stress can be a factor in your pet going off-feed, becoming susceptible to losing coloration, susceptible to illnesses, and even death. Because of this, very few herps are good for handling. Of the species that tolerate occasional handling, all of their juveniles are much more delicate then the adults. Juveniles should be bothered as little as possible.

The species that I have had personal experience with, that tolerate handling well are the adults of;

	Leopard geckos
	Malagasy ground geckos
	Bearded dragons
	Savanna monitors
	Ball pythons
	Redtail boas
	Iguanas
	Prehensile tail skinks

Proper handling of herps.

First rule of handling a herp is NEVER grab them by the tail! A lot of reptiles will drop their tails as a form of protection. Their "flight or fight" instinct will take over. You will be left with a wiggling tail in your hand, while your pet goes running across the floor, minus its tail. This is the flight part of their instinct. In nature they will drop their tail in hopes of a predator will be confused and preoccupied with the wiggling tail, while they run away to safety. You should make sure the room you handle your herp is a secure room. This room should have no place for them to hide under of behind. You don't want to live the nightmare or trying to copes or pry your pet iguana from under a dishwasher, or refrigerator. They have the ability to squeeze into a spot and puff up to wedge in.

Next you either want to sit on the floor, or a chair with a table underneath your hands. This way if they do panic they don't shoot out of your hands while you are standing, and fall straight to the floor. You should always support the underside of your herp either with your hand or forearm. Never allow you herps face near your face, unless you want a trip to the hospital to receive stitches. You should never kiss your pet, nor stick your fingers in/near your mouth while handling your pet. Although there are a few diseases you can get from a reptile of amphibian. The ones you can get (for example; Salmonellas) are very uncomfortable. In smaller children, the elderly, and adults with a weakened immune system, it can cause death. Children should never be allowed to handle a herp unsupervised. Children should be taught the importance of avoiding touching their face and washing their hands. Always wash your hands and body surfaces your pet has come in contact with, with a good antibacterial soap.

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