,,amphibians                            
,,&                                     
,,reptiles                              
,,9                                     
,,captivity                             
,tom ,r4 ,johnson                       
,rob]t ,n4 ,bad]                        
,donald ,j4 ,coxwell                    
,,special ,,issue ,,numb] #b            
,,septemb] #aige     ,cov] design1      
booklet =mat1 & photographs by ,tom ,r4 
,johnson                                
,,executive ,,committee                 
,,/4 ,,l\is ,,h]petological ,,society   
,tom ,r4 ,johnson1 ,presid5t   #bhbj    
,oakl& ,ave4   ,/4 ,l\is1 ,mo4 #fcadc   
,craig ,petefi%1 ,vice-,presid5t        
#aabbj ,hi-,t[]   ,/4 ,ann1 ,mo4 #fcjgd 
,diane ,m4 ,johnson1 ,sec4-,treas4      
#bhbj ,oakl& ,ave4   ,/4 ,l\is1 ,mo4    
#fcadc    ,donald ,j4 ,coxwell1 ,editor 
#aaijh ,san ,remo   ,/4 ,l\is1 ,mo4     
#fcach      ,illu/ration3 ,cov]3 ,cuban 
treefrog1 ,hyla sept5trionalis1 &       
boa con/rictor1 ,boa c4 con/rictor      

,,cont5ts     ,introduction             
iii   ,salam&]s                         
#a   ,toads & ,frogs                    
#f   ,turtles & ,tortoises              
#ac   ,liz>ds                           
#bj   ,snakes                           
#be   ,bibliography                     
#ce      ,illu/ration3 ,au?or autograph 
,,introduction   ,9 rec5t ye>s ! numb] (
 p int]e/$ 9 keep+ amphibians & reptiles
 9 captivity has gr[n rapidly4 ,all too 
(t51 ^! same p h little k ( ! prop] c>e 
ne$$ = _! captives1 nor d !y "k :]e to  
turn 9 ord] to le>n ! ne$s ( _! animals4
  ,pet /ores g5]ally d n h ! exp]tise to
 give out prop] in=mation on !          
id5tification & c>e ( amphibians or     
reptiles4 ,! booklets !y sell on !      
subject are too g5]al & too vague4  ,x  
is ! int5t ( ! au?ors ( ?is special     
issue to (f] ! prop] in=mation ne$$ to  
successfully keep amphibians & reptiles 
9 captivity4 ,we are by no means ,,!    
exp]ts on ! subject1 nor d we claim to  
cov] all ! facts4 ,h[ev]1 we d hope t   

en\gh in=mation is furni%$ to answ] mo/ 
( ! common que/ions ask$ by p4  ,!      
bibliography has a li/ ( books :i* g    
into m detail on amphibians & reptiles3 
_! id5tification1 & natural hi/ory1     
range1 & c>e 9 captivity4 ,room did n   
p]mit ! inclusion ( amphibian           
diseases--?us1 ! bibliography w be (    
help !re4  ,due to ! decl9e 9 ! majority
 ( crocodilians 9 ! _w1 ! au?ors d n    
condone _! be+ kept 9 captivity by      
amateur h]petologi/s4 ,we also cont5d t 
v5om\s reptiles1 z well1 d n belong 9 a 
private collection4   ,ackn[l$gm5ts4  ,a
 note ( ?anks goes to ! au?ors li/$ 9 ! 
bibliography2 =1 )\t _! works1 ?is      
special issue w\ld h be5 extremely      
difficult4    ,tom ,r4 ,johnson   ,rob]t
 ,n4 ,bad]   ,donald ,j4 ,coxwell       
,,salam&]s                              
7,ord] ,caudata7   ,backgr\nd4          
,salam&]s h be5 on e>? a v long "t2 z a 
matt] ( fact1 ! fir/ l& v]tebrate animal
 0 a type ( salam&] t evolv$ f          
air-brea?+ fre% wat] fi%--ar\nd #cjj    

million ye>s ago 7late ,devonian p]iod74
 ,today1 !y range 9 size f a few in*es  
to ov] five feet long 7! giant salam&] (
 ,*9a & ,japan rea* ne>ly #e feet 9     
l5g?74  ,salam&]s require a moi/        
environm5t ( v>i\s degrees--f slightly  
moi/ 7z ) a newt eft /age71 to a        
completely aquatic exi/5ce 7z ) !       
mudpuppy1 hellb5d]1 or adult newt74     
,ne>ly all salam&]s require wat] = bre$+
 & egg lay+1 b !re are "s v>ieties :i*  
lay _! eggs on l&1 "u logs or 9 leaf    
litt]4  ,!re are approximately #bhj     
species ( salam&]s 9 ! _w--,nor?        
,am]ica1 ,europe1 & ,asia %>+ ! majority
 ( species4 ,miss\ri is ! home ( "s two 
doz5 species & subspecies4   ,selection 
( ,species to be ,kept4  ,x w\ld be     
errone\s to say t all species ( salam&]s
 c be successfully kept 9 captivity1    
because1 z ) o!r gr\ps ( animals1 !re   
are types :i* are h>dy 9 captivity1 &   
!re are types :i* are extremely         
delicate4 ,x is recomm5d$ t only ! m    
h>dy species be consid]$ = keep+ 9 !    

home4  ,z f> z local species are        
conc]n$1 ! v>i\s mole salam&]s 7g5us    
,amby/oma3 ! tig]1 spott$1 & small-m\!d 
salam&]s7 seem to d well 9 captivity4   
,!y may live a long "t 7up to #aj or #ab
 ye>s = "s74 ,!y are l>ge 7h5ce1 w eat  
food t is m available71 & !y d n require
 a special temp]ature range4  ,! c5tral 
newt1 ,notoph?almus v4 l\isian5sis1 :i* 
is locally common1 or ! r$-spott$ newt1 
,n4 v4 viridesc5s1 :i* is sold 9 pet    
/ores1 are r h>dy1 if kept prop]ly4 ,!  
mudpuppy & hellb5d] may d well1 b !y    
require consid]ably m space1 & %\ld be  
giv5 a few flat rocks to hide "u4       
,illu/ration3 ,ea/]n ,tig] ,salam&]     
,amby/oma t4 tigr9um  ,! small] salam&]s
 ( ,miss\ri are on ! :ole delicate &    
require cool temp]atures4 ,! be/ "o to  
try to keep = a :ile 9 captivity is !   
slimy salam&]1 ,ple?odon g4 glut9osus4  
,! re/ ( ! small] salam&]s 7g5us        
,ple?odon & ,eurycea7 are usually       
difficult to ma9ta94 ,if y d secure "s (
 ^!1 x is recomm5d$ t !y be kept a %ort 

"t = obs]vation1 & !n releas$ 9 ! same  
area :]e !y 7 tak54  ,rememb]3 sev]al   
species ( ,miss\ri salam&]s are protect$
 by ! ,miss\ri ,cons]vation ,dep>tm5t4  
,if y plan to collect y\r own specim5s1 
be sure to foll[ all laws ( !           
,cons]vation ,dept4 ,no animal c be     
collect$ 9 a /ate or national p>k1 or   
tak5 f any cave4   ,h\s+ ,y\r ,captive  
,salam&]s4  #a4 ,t]re/rial 7l&7 species4
 ,! fir/ consid]ation = keep+ t]re/rial 
=ms is prop] moi/ure4 ,! home t]r>ium ) 
deep soil & root$ plants is v good = _m 
salam&]s1 b x af=ds too _m hid+ places1 
& y may nev] see y\r specim5s4  ,a #a to
 #b in* lay] ( soil 7#a_/c black dirt1  
#a_/c peat moss1 #a_/c f9e s&7 works v  
well = mo/ l& salam&]s 7mole salam&]s1  
slimy salam&]s1 & ! ,cali=nia newt74 ,a 
few flat rocks or slabs ( b>k1 or "s    
dead leaves w furni% hid+ places1 & a   
small1 %all[ wat] di% %\ld be provid$4  
,a #e- or #aj-;gallon aqu>ium w\ld be   
ab\t ! "r size = keep+ sev]al salam&]s4 
,pa9t+ ! sides & back ) black or d>k    

br[n pa9t w furni% !m ) add$ security4  
,nev] cr[d too _m salam&]s into a small 
aqu>ium4 ,9 ! wild y seldom see m ?an "o
 or two individuals 9 any "o hid+ place4
  ,! soil mixture %\ld be *ang$ e #b to 
#c weeks1 because x w t5d to s\r f y\r  
captive's excrem5t4  ,z f> z light+ y\r 
viv>ium1 x is n necess>y = ! salam&]s4  
,!y are all nocturnal1 & %y away f any  
direct light4 ,?us1 too mu* light c be  
h>mful1 & c also cause ! viv>ium to heat
 up4 ,! prop] temp]ature = mo/ l& liv+  
salam&]s is f #fe to #gb;,f4  ,:atev]   
size aqu>ium y int5d to use to h\se y\r 
salam&]1 be v sure x has a tight scre5  
lid4 ,an all glass lid %\ld n be us$    
because x prev5ts circulation ( air1 &  
all[s ! humidity to build up to ne>ly   
#ajj4 ,! soil mixture on ! bottom ( !   
viv>ium %\ld be slightly damp1 n wet or 
soggy4 ,= be/ results--a gradi5t (      
moi/ure f ne>ly dry to damp w furni% y\r
 salam&]s ) an environm5t 9 :i* !y c    
*oose _! own dampness4   #b4 ,aquatic   
,species4 ,aquatic salam&]s d well 9 an 

aqu>ium ) a ?9 lay] ( gravel on !       
bottom1 a few rocks1 & a few plants4    
,once aga91 a #e- or #aj-;gallon aqu>ium
 w\ld be ! "r size--b be sure t ! top is
 tight--aquatic salam&]s c also climb   
out4 ,! wat] %\ld be *ang$ z (t5 z      
necess>y to keep x cle> & odor free4    
,use spr+ wat] or ag$ tap wat] to insure
 t !y are n expos$ to any *lor9e4 ,! use
 ( an aqu>ium filt] w help keep !       
salam&]s clean4  ,! wat] temp]ature %\ld
 be kept at betwe5 #fe to #gb;,f4 ,if y 
wi% to illum9ate ! aqu>ium1 use a       
fluoresc5t lamp1 n an inc&esc5t lamp4   
,nev] expose y\r salam&]s to long p]iods
 ( light1 or v h>% light4   ,food &     
,fe$+4  ,! univ]sal food item t c be f$ 
to mo/ ( ! salam&]s discuss$ above is ! 
e>?worm4 ,worms are ! natural food = _m 
( !m1 !y c be /or$ alive1 !y c be       
collect$ easily1 or pur*as$ at a bait   
%op4 ,!y supply mo/ ( ! nutritional ne$s
 = salam&]s1 & !y come 9 v>i\s sizes4 ,=
 l>ge salam&]s ! worms c be f$ to !m    
:ole4 ,or = small] species ! worms c be 

*opp$ into small pieces & (f]$ to !     
salam&] on ! end ( a ?9 wire4 ,( c\rse1 
insects ( all sorts c be (f]$ to        
salam&]s4 ,y c collect !m y\rself or    
pur*ase crickets or meal worms at a bait
 %op or pet %op4 ,y may ev5 try fe$+    
small pieces ( liv]1 beef1 or ev5 cann$ 
dog food1 z well z small /rips ( raw    
fi%4 ,salam&]s1 l o!r amphibians1 w d   
well if f$ ?ree times p] week4 ,du/+ !  
food ) calcium_/phosphorus p[d] w help  
to keep y\r specim5s heal?y4 ,salam&]s  
fe$ on live1 mov+ animals1 ?us !y       
usually eat be/ if /imulat$ by movem5t4 
,! food c be held ) long =ceps or on a  
?9 wire1 & wav$ 9 front ( ! salam&]4    
,food n eat5 %\ld be remov$ at once4    
,salam&]s are r delicate animals1 & !y d
 be/ if !y are h&l$ z little z possible4
 ,) prop] c>e & att5tion1 salam&]s c be 
v int]e/+ & attractive animals 9        
captivity4                              
,t4,r4,j4      ,illu/ration3 ,salam&]   
,,toads ,,& ,,frogs                     
7ord] ,anura7   ,backgr\nd4  ,! toads & 

frogs evolv$ f salam&]s "s #ahj million 
ye>s ago 7,triassic p]iod74 ,!y h *ang$ 
little s9ce !y develop$ ! l>ge1         
jump+-type legs1 & h become v           
successful4 ,today !re are ov] #b1fjj   
species ( toads & frogs1 & !y live 9 a  
v>iety ( environm5ts4  ,) prop] c>e1 mo/
 toads & frogs d q well 9 captivity4    
,kn[+ _! natural hi/ory c help to furni%
 ! keep] ) ! in=mation necess>y to keep 
^! amphibians 9 good heal?4   ,selection
 ( ,species to be ,kept4  ,! selection (
 ! prop] anuran 7toads & frogs7 = y to  
keep dep5ds p>tially on :]e y\r int]e/s 
lie4 ,if y are int]e/$ 9 toads1 !n !    
common species 9 y\r area may be select$
 7,miss\ri common toads include !       
,am]ican & ! ,f[l]'s toad74 ,! v l>ge   
,m>9e toad1 ,bufo m>9us1 is a species t 
is q h>dy 9 captivity1 & are n exp5sive 
to pur*ase4  ,spadefoot toads 7g5us     
,scaphiopus7 are r difficult to collect1
  except dur+  _! bre$+ season1 & !y are
 extremely %y & r difficult to keep4 ,!y
 d n make a v good /udy animal because  

!y t5d to sp5d a great deal ( "t buri$  
at ! bottom ( _! viv>ium4  ,! treefrogs 
g5]ally d well 9 captivity1 b only !    
l>g] species %\ld be consid]$4 ,! v     
small v>ieties %\ld be delicate1 &      
require v small insects to fe$ on4 ,!   
gray treefrog 7,hyla v]sicolor7 & gre5  
treefrog 7,hyla c9]ea71 bo? are f\nd 9  
,miss\ri1 z well z ! b>k+ treefrog &    
,cuban treefrog 7,florida species71 are 
easily kept1 provid$ !y are giv5 a      
v>iety ( live insects to eat4  ,!       
majority ( true frogs 7g5us ,rana7 c be 
kept ) little tr\ble1 b--z ) all        
animals--!y %\ld be kept z clean z      
possible4 ,! leop>d frog 7,rana pipi5s1 
blaira1 & utricul>ia7 w d well1 s also w
 ! gre5 & bull frog 7,rana clamitans &  
,r4 catesbeiana74  ,because !y are br$ 9
 captivity1 ! claw$ frog1 ,x5opus1 (    
,africa is available 9 _m pet /ores at  
reasonable prices4 ,^! completely       
aquatic frogs c d q well 9 captivity4   
,ano!r tropical frog species t is (t5   
sold 9 pet /ores is ! ,s\? ,am]ican     

horn$ frog1 ,c]atophrys1 :i* w eat bo?  
crickets & baby mice4  ,*oos+ o!r       
species n li/$ 9 ?is section w h to be  
done at ! discretion ( ! p]son keep+ !m4
 ,y may *oose a species t is ei!r too   
fragile 7z ) v small toads or           
treefrogs71 or1 if exotic species are   
:at y are int]e/$ 91 _! price may be !  
decid+ factor 7"s ,c5tral ,am]ican frogs
 c be exp5sive74  ,no matt] :at type (  
toad or frog y int5d to keep1 rememb] t 
!y require live food1 & %\ld nev] be    
kept 9 cr[d$ conditions4 ,?us1 keep 9   
m9d t insects are difficult to secure 9 
! w9t]1 &1 ! m specim5s y h1 ! great] ! 
problem w be to fe$ !m4 ,x is recomm5d$ 
t only "o or two toads or frogs be kept 
at "o "t--get to "k ! animals1 le>n f   
!m1 & !n move on to o!r species4        
,release native species 9 a suitable    
area--b nev] release non-native species 
into a new area 444 give !m to a zoo or 
biology tea*]4  ,"o la/ rem9d]3 always  
wa% y\r h&s aft] hav+ h&l$ y\r captives4
 ,! sk9 secretions c be v irritat+ to ! 

eyes4   ,h\s+ ,y\r ,captive ,toad or    
,frog4  ,z ) salam&]s1 ! toads & frogs c
 be put into two categories3 #a4        
,aquatic1 & #b4 ,t]re/rial 7liv+ on l&74
 ,bo? types ( amphibians c be           
successfully kept 9 aqu>ia4             
,illu/ration3 ,am]ican ,toad     ,bufo  
a4 am]icanus4  #a4 ,aquatic &           
semi-aquatic toads & frogs4 ,! truly    
aquatic toads & frogs t are (t5 kept 9  
captivity by amateur h]petologi/s are ! 
,s\? ,am]ican ,sur9am toad1 ,pipa pipa1 
& ! ,african claw$ frog1 ,x5opus laevis4
 ,bo? =ms c be kept 9 a #aj-;gallon     
aqu>ium ) gravel on ! bottom1 a few     
rocks1 & "s aquatic plants4 ,a secure   
top %\ld always cov] ! top ( ! aqu>ium4 
,! wat] %\ld be filt]$1 & a temp]ature (
 #gj to #gh;,f w d nicely = ^! species4 
,! wat] level ( ! aqu>ium c be f #f to  
#aj in*es4  ,_m ( ! true frogs 7g5us    
,rana7 c be kept 9 a semi-aquatic       
condition4 ,t is1 a few in*es ( wat] on 
"o end ( ! aqu>ium1 & "s type ( l& area 
on ! o!r end4 ,9 ?is way1 ! frog c ei!r 

be 9 ! wat] or out--:atev] x wi%es4 ,"o 
way to set up ?is situation w\ld be to  
use a #aj-;gallon aqu>ium ) a little    
gravel on ! bottom1 & a few l>ge1 flat  
rocks = ! frogs to climb onto c be put  
94 ,a scre5 top mu/ be put on ! top to  
keep ! frogs inside4 ,if bullfrogs      
7,rana catesbeiana7 are to be kept1 a   
#ae or #bj-;gallon aqu>ium w\ld be ne$$4
 ,) ?is set-up1 ! wat] %\ld be *ang$ at 
lea/ twice p] week4 ,to give !          
amphibians a s5se ( security1 ! back &  
sides ( ! aqu>ium %\ld be pa9t$ a d>k   
br[n or black 7pa9t ! outside glass74   
,try to avoid any bright lights ov] y\r 
toads' or frogs' aqu>ium4   #b4         
,t]re/rial & ,arboreal ,species4 ,all ( 
our native toads are adapt$ to life on  
l&4 ,9 captivity !y w d well if giv5 a  
few in*es ( soil 7#a_/c black dirt1     
#a_/c peat moss1 & #a_/c f9e s&71 a few 
pieces ( b>k to hide "u1 & a small1     
%all[ wat] di%4 ,a #e or #aj-;gallon    
aqu>ium w d4 ,! sides & back %\ld be    
pa9t$ a d>k br[n or black1 & a scre5 top

 w be ne$$ to keep !m inside4 ,! soil   
mixture %\ld be replac$ e few weeks =   
prop] sanitation4 ,if ! soil mixture    
becomes too wet1 x %\ld be replac$4     
,besides mo/ toads1 ! ,s\? ,am]ican     
horn$ frog1 ,c]atophrys1 ! ,african     
burr[+ frog1 ,pyxicephalus1 & !         
spadefoot toads1 ,scaphippus1 c be kept 
9 ?is type viv>ium4 ,h[ev]1 if y notice 
t ! bottom ( ! toads' or frogs' h9d feet
 are becom+ raw f too mu* digg+1 x may  
be be/ to keep !m on wet pap] t[els r   
?an on any soil4   ,treefrogs4  ,a      
typical t]r>ium set-up w "w v well = mo/
 treefrogs4 ,b1 ev5 ?\gh y may h ! mo/  
beautiful t]r>ium plants--! treefrogs w 
sp5d mo/ ( _! "t /ick+ to ! upp] corn]s 
( ! aqu>ium4 ,besides plants1 a few     
small bran*es & a %all[ wat] di% are    
also requir$4 ,spray+ ! t]r>ium         
once-a-day w d ! treefrogs & ! plants "s
 good4  ,! temp]ature = mo/ treefrogs or
 t]re/rial toads & frogs c range f #fh  
to #ge;,f4 ,h[ev]1 tropical species %\ld
 n fall bel[ #gj;,f4      ,illu/ration3 

,gre5 ,frog     ,rana clamitans   ,food 
& ,fe$+4  ,becom+ famili> ) ! natural   
hi/ory ( y\r captive amphibian w help y 
det]m9e :at !y c be f$4 ,giv+ y\r toad  
or frog a v>iety ( live insects is a    
good practice4 ,= ! totally aquatic     
species2 e>?worms1 m9n[s1 goldfi%1      
%rimp1 & ev5 small tadpoles1 are all    
eat5 by !m4 ,if ^! are n available1 try 
small pieces ( raw fi%1 liv]1 or beef4  
,toads & l>ge frogs w eat mice--! size  
dep5d+ on ! size ( ! toad or frog4      
,fe$+ y\r animals by j dump+ 9 a numb] (
 crickets1 worms1 or flies is a v poor  
managem5t practice4 ,= "o ?+1 if y h    
sev]al toads or frogs 9 "o aqu>ium1 !   
/rong]1 m al]t animal w probably eat m  
?an ! o!rs1 & "o or two w be "u f$4     
,also1 if y add live crickets to a well 
plant$ t]r>ium1 _m ( ! plants w be eat5 
by ! crickets be=e !y are eat5 up       
!mselves4 ,x is ?us /rongly recomm5d$ t 
all y\r toads & frogs be f$ by h&1 us+ a
 ?9 wire or long pair ( =ceps4 ,place ! 
cricket or worm on ! end ( ! wire & move

 x 9 front ( ! amphibian4 ,9 ?is way y c
 be sure all are gett+ ! prop] am\nt (  
food1 & ?is is also a good way to fe$   
su* ?+s z liv] or pieces ( raw beef4  ,z
 a g5]al rule1 all y\r toads & frogs w d
 well if f$ on a regul> basis ( #b to #c
 times p] week4 ,x is good practice to  
du/ ! worms or insects once a week ) a  
calcium_/phosphorus p[d]4 ,?is w supply 
y\r specim5s ) ! mu* ne$$ m9]als4       
,tadpoles4  ,x happ5s s (t5 t p h se5   
tadpoles 7,toad & frog l>vae7 9 ponds or
 puddles :ile out 9 ! c\ntry1 & h tak5  
!m home--only to f9d out !y h no idea h[
 to c>e = !m4 ,! developm5t ( ^!        
amphibians c be a real le>n+ exp]i5ce = 
*ildr51 & ) prop] c>e1 y\r tadpoles c   
mature to small toads or frogs4         
,ov]cr[d+ & lack ( prop] food are two   
mi/akes made mo/ (t5 by p :o try to keep
 tadpoles4 ,"o half to "o doz5 is m ?an 
en\gh to try to keep4 ,put !m 9 a %all[ 
pan1 ) #a to #c in*es ( wat] 9 x4 ,!    
l>g] ! tadpoles1 ! deep] ! wat] %\ld be4
 ,ins]t an air /one to keep ! wat] 9    

motion4 ,no rocks or gravel are ne$$1 b 
"s live aquatic plants c be put 9 ) !m4 
,,keep ,,!m ,,clean4 ,nev] all[ ! wat]  
to /& dirty = m ?an a few h\rs4 ,be sure
 t ! clean wat] is free f *lor9e4  ,to  
fe$ y\r tadpoles1 x is ess5tial to give 
!m a v>iety1 & to furni% !m ) bo? plant 
& animal foods4 ,_! /aple diet c\ld be  
boil$ lettuce1 rabbit *[1 & cook$ liv]4 
,give !m small am\nts ( food at "o "t4  
,y c fe$ !m #c or #d times a day4 ,:5 y 
see ! wat] is becom+ dirty--*ange x4 ,y 
may want to try & fe$ !m a tropical fi% 
food call$ molly flake food2 or y might 
try "s h>d boil$ egg4 ,keep ! wat]      
temp]ature at #gj to #gb;,f4  ,once !   
tadpoles beg9 to lose _! tails1 gr[     
front legs1 & take 9 air at ! surface1  
!y are beg9n+ to turn into a toad or    
frog4 ,at ?is /age1 !y %\ld n be        
di/urb$4 ,:5 !y no long] h any tail1 &  
/ay out ( ! wat]1 !y c be f$ a v>iety ( 
small insects1 or small pieces (        
e>?worms4                               
,t4,r4,j4      ,illu/ration3 ,tadpole   

,,turtles ,,& ,,tortoises               
7ord] ,*elonia7   ,ov]view3  ,l>ge      
numb]s ( hat*l+ & adult turtles are sold
 or trad$ ea* ye> 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates4    
,un=tunately1 f ! po9t ( view ( !       
turtles !mselves1 ! majority ( !m are   
condemn$ to dea? by un9t5tional         
maltreatm5t & few manage to survive a   
ye>4 ,! species mo/ (t5 abus$ is !      
r$-e>$ slid]1 ,*rysemys scripta elegans4
 ,next mo/ common are ! map turtles1    
,graptemy1 & ?ird 9 abundance are !     
pa9t$ turtles1 ,*rysemys picta4 ,all are
 wat] turtles & require mu* ! same c>e 9
 captivity4 ,s9ce ! r$-e>$ slid] is !   
mo/ common ( all1 ! g5]al acc\nt t      
foll[s is bas$ ^u ! slid] gr\p (        
turtles4 ,?is is ! l>ge/ gr\p ( native  
turtles1 includ+ "s #af diff]5t k9ds4   
,all live 9 ponds & lakes1 & may be giv5
 ab\t ! same c>e 9 captivity4           
,comp>isons ) o!r gr\ps foll[ ! g5]al   
acc\nt1 save ! tortoises1 or dry l&     
turtles1 :i* w be discuss$ 9 m detail   
aft] ! aquatic turtle acc\nt4   ,aquatic

 ,species3  ,description & diet3 ,wat]  
turtles1 su* z ! r$-e>$ slid]1 v>y 9    
color & usually h webb$ feet = swimm+4  
,^! turtles are g5]ally c>nivor\s 7meat 
eat]s71 & _! prim>y diet consi/s ( *opp$
 raw beef1 horsemeat1 fi%1 worms1 & also
 aquatic gre5s4 ,"s wat] turtles w eat  
bits ( gre5 leafy vegetables1 su* z fre%
 gre5s1 lettuce1 endive1 & sp9a*4 ,all  
turtles are diff]5t1 h[ev]1 & a v>iety (
 foods %\ld be (f]$ to det]m9e _! likes 
& dislikes4 ,food supplem5ts %\ld also  
be us$4 ,"s ( ^! are3 cod liv] oil1     
liquid multiple vitam9s1 & p[d]$ calcium
 or bone meal4 ,^! may be add$ directly 
to _! food4  ,box1 wood1 & ,muhl5b]g's  
turtles or o!r semi-aquatic species d   
well 9 captivity :5 a bas9 ( %all[ wat] 
is provid$ = soak+4 ,diamondbacks ne$   
bracki% or slightly salty wat]4 ,^! also
 g5]ally eat vegetable matt] z well z   
meat4      ,illu/ration3 ,r$-,e>$ ,slid]
     ,pseudemys scripta elegans  ,all   
wea!r c>e3 ,z ^! turtles are g5]ally    
kept indoors1 an aqu>ium is ! be/ means 

( ma9ta9+ !m4 ,temp]atures may be       
controll$ by ! use ( a heat]1 !rmo/at1 &
 !rmomet]4 ,! be/ temp]ature w range    
betwe5 #gb to #he ,f4 ,a filt] & pump   
may be us$ to keep ! wat] clean4 ,x is  
advisable to fe$ ! turtles 9 a sep>ate  
conta9]1 z foods f\l ! wat] quickly4  ,!
 aqu>ium & accessories %\ld be kept     
clean & scrubb$ p]iodically4 ,wat]      
turtles may be kept out ( wat] = "s "t1 
if necess>y1 ) no ill effects4 ,h[ev]1  
!y _c eat out ( ! wat]4 ,^! turtles mu/ 
also h sunlight 9 ord] to gr[ & ma9ta9 a
 h>d %ell & s\nd bones4 ,!y %\ld be     
all[$ to sun at lea/ twice a week 444   
always ) a %ade ( "s type ov] a portion 
( ! conta9]1 s !y w n become ov]-heat$4 
,! aqu>ium itself %\ld be arrang$ s t ! 
turtles c leave ! wat] at w & dry       
!mselves p]iodically4 ,a clu/] ( smoo?1 
flat rocks 9 ! middle1 or at "o end ( ! 
aqu>ium w p]mit !m to d s4   ,dry ,l&   
,species3  ,description & diet3         
,tortoise is ! t]m g5]ally us$ 9 ref]r+ 
to dry l& turtles4 ,!y seldom swim or   

ent] ! wat]4 ,c>apace & pla/ron 7upp] & 
l[] %ell7 range f light tan to d>k br[n 
9 color2 ,! sk9 is r\gh appe>+ & ! legs 
are scal$ & elephant-l1 ) no webb+ ( !  
feet4 ,food consi/s ( vegetables1       
fruits1 grass cutt+s1 d&elions1 petals f
 v>i\s g>d5 fl[]s1 bits ( raw meat t is 
f9ely *opp$1 & cann$ dog food4 ,foods   
su* z c>rots1 /r+ beans1 & corn are     
valuable 9 ! diet1 & %\ld be gr\nd or   
scrap$4 ,_m ( ! tortoises are fond (    
e>?worms1 s ^! %\ld also be (f]$4 ,food 
supplem5ts1 su* z cod liv] oil1 liquid  
multiple vitam9s1 p[d]$ calcium1 & bone 
meal1 %\ld also be add$ to foods        
p]iodically4 ,box1 wood1 & ,muhl5b]g's  
turtles 7z well z o!r semi-aquatic      
species7 w d well 9 captivity if a %all[
 wat] di% is provid$4 ,^! species w     
g5]ally eat meat z well z vegetable     
matt]4  ,cold wea!r c>e3 ,9 ! fall1     
ar\nd late ,octob] or e>ly ,novemb]1 y\r
 tortoise w want to hib]nate4 ,x w      
probably dig its own burr[ out ( doors1 
giv5 x is 9 ! correct environm5t4 ,if ! 

conditions outside are n prop] = y\r    
tortoise to burr[1 he may be plac$ 9 a  
box 9 a cool1 dry area :]e a con/ant    
temp]ature c be ma9ta9$1 su* z a g>age4 
,cov] him ) a lay] or two ( old1 %r$d$  
newspap]s4 ,he is n[ ready to be /or$ = 
! w9t]4 ,if y\r tortoise is to sp5d !   
w9t] 9 ! h\se1 be sure to keep food &   
wat] available4 ,h\se temp]atures d n   
p]mit a tortoise to hib]nate prop]ly1 & 
/>vation is possible if he is n all[$ to
 eat :5 he /irs ab\t dur+ ! w9t]4  ,hot 
wea!r c>e3 ,hib]nation ends "s "t 9     
spr+1 usually 9 ,m>*4 ,! tortoise may be
 a little sluggi% at fir/1 b z ! wea!r  
becomes w>m]1 int]e/ & appetite improve4
 ,wat]1 food1 & %elt] f ! sun mu/ always
 be available1 & a night %elt] is       
advis$4  ,illness & treatm5ts3 ,mo/     
turtle own]s are famili> ) ! basic c>e  
requirem5ts ( _! pets2 h[ev]1 !re are a 
few common ailm5ts t may require prompt 
treatm5t4 ,! simple rem$ies "h h be5    
f\nd to be successful 9 _m cases4       
,respiratory ailm5ts3 ,turtles &        

tortoises are usually susceptible to    
colds & pneumonia4 ,bubbl+ ( ! nose &   
m\? & gasp+ are symptoms ( ?is4         
,isolation f ! o!r turtles 9 a heat$ box
 or aqu>ium is m&atory4 ,a heat lamp may
 be us$ sev]al times a day--b always ) a
 %ad$ corn] into :i* ! turtle c crawl :5
 he gets too hot4 ,cold-rem$y salves c  
also be rubb$ on ! turtle's nose to help
 relieve conge/ion4 ,! turtle %\ld be   
kept w>m & isolat$ until all traces ( 8 
cold h disappe>$4 7,injection ( an      
anti-biotic s]um into ! leg or =elimb1  
once a day1 is sometimes successful1 z  
well z anti-biotic pills giv5 orally2 b 
consult a vet]9>ian or ,society memb]   
be=e attempt+ ?is z "s drugs are dang]\s
 = turtles47 ,if caught 9 its e>ly /ages
 pneumonia c be ov]come4 ,! turtle 9 "q 
%\ld be isolat$ & kept w>m1 & ! foll[+  
m$ic9e %\ld be adm9i/]$ ) an eye dropp]3
 ,dissolve toge!r     ounce ( wat]   #a 
tablet ,*lortetracycl9e   #d-e drops    
liquid vitam9s  ,adm9i/] daily = two    
days & !n skip a day4 ,repeat4 ,?is     

=mula has prov5 itself q effective aft] 
#e or #f days4  ,crack$ %ell3           
,imm$iately place injur$ turtle 9 a     
clean1 pap] t[el-l9$ box1 & br+ indoors 
s t ants & flies w n torm5t him4 ,if    
%ell is ble$+1 g5tly wa% x ) a mild     
solution ( boric acid & pat dry4 ,?is   
may h to be done sev]al times be=e ble$+
 /ops4 ,put 8 box 9 a w>m1 quiet spot 9 
! h\se1 & leave him completely alone    
except = (f]+ a %all[ b[l ( dr9k+ wat] f
 "t to "t4 ,if he survives ! fir/ #bd   
h\rs1 he w probably pull ?r\gh4 7,!     
lungs are "u ! c>apace1 & if ! brok5    
%ell has p5etrat$ ! lung area1 !re is   
practically no?+ t c be done = !        
turtle47 ,if ! w\nd is bad or jagg$1 x  
may be fill$ ) ,canadian ,balsam--aft]  
ble$+ has /opp$ & !n securely tape )    
electrician's tape4 ,! tape may be left 
on = sev]al mon?s if necess>y1 b x %\ld 
be *eck$ e six weeks or s1 to make sure 
infection has n set 94 ,once ! turtle   
has />t$ eat+ & resum$ 8 normal r\t9e1  
he is probably well on ! road to        

recov]y4  ,s(t %ell1 & swoll5 eyes3 ,?is
 is almo/ always due to an improp] diet 
& lack ( direct sunlight4 ,add vitam9s &
 gr\nd bone meal to ! food2 (f] raw1    
lean *opp$ meat2 & see t ! turtle is    
plac$ 9 direct sunlight = sev]al h\rs   
ea* day4 7,:5 turtles are plac$ 9 direct
 sun1 !y mu/ h a %ad$ area into :i* !y c
 retreat :5 ! temp]ature goes too high47
 ,swoll5 eyes may also be ba!d 9 a      
dilute solution ( boric acid to         
alleviate swell+ & puff9ess4  ,fungus3  
,?is appe>s z :ite spots1 lumps1 or     
flakes on ! sk9 or %ell4 ,addition (    
pla9 table salt to ! aqu>ium wat] w (t5 
cure ! condition4 ,fungus on ! %ell may 
be help$ by pa9t+ ! area ) #e iod9e or  
#b g5tian violet solution4 ,always keep 
! turtle out ( ! wat] = a p]iod ( #b to 
#d h\rs aft] apply+ ei!r iod9e or g5tian
 violet1 s z n to wa% ! m$ication f !   
%ell or sk94 ,if ! fungus cont9ues aft] 
sev]al treatm5ts1 all[ a week or s be=e 
exp]im5t+ ) ano!r m$ication1 z _m times 
! comb9ation ( m$ications c be          

detrim5tal to ! turtle4                 
,illu/ration3 ,ornate ,box turtle       
,t]rap5e o4 ornata  ,p>asites3 ,p>asites
 may be suspect$ if ! turtle suff]s a   
great loss ( weight or a loss ( appetite
 )\t app>5t cause1 or if he has a rav5\s
 appetite4 ,p>asites may be evid5t 9 !  
/ools1 b are n always readily se54 ,if  
suspect$1 h a vet]9>ian diagnose & treat
 ?is condition4 ,9 addition1 %ots (     
vitam9s c be adm9i/]$ p]iodically =     
ma9ta9+ good heal?4 ,if1 h[ev]1 ! turtle
 is on ! prop] diet1 %ots su* z ^! may n
 be ne$$4   ,conclusion3  ,_m diff]5t   
k9ds ( turtles make satisfactory        
additions = y\r collection4 ,actually1 e
 "o ( our native turtles1 at lea/ :5    
small 9 size1 c be acceptable4 ,l>g]    
examples ( "s species1 h[ev]1 are       
sometimes unpleasant & ev5 positively   
dang]\s z memb]s ( y\r collection4 ,bel[
 is a li/ ( ^? turtles t %\ld be avoid$ 
by ! amateur h]petologi/3    ,adults3   
,common ,snapp+ ,turtles                
,alligator ,snapp+ ,turtle#a            

,s(t-%ell$ ,turtles       ,v ,l>ge      
,slid]s       ,musk ,turtles       ,mud 
,turtles  ,! l>g] species1 or l>ge      
adults ( "s species1 t5d to become      
aggressive & dang]\s z !y gr[ old]1 & _m
 times a f+] is mi/ak5 = a morsel (     
food4 ,avoid ! a=em5tion$ turtles if y\r
 int]e/ 9 ^! h>d-%ell$ fri5ds is new4   
,^! are "s turtles1 ( c\rse1 t c be h&l$
 )\t fe> ( bit+ or scrat*+4 ,any ( !    
small] species ( slid]s c make          
acceptable additions to y\r collection4 
,bel[ is a li/ ( ^? turtles t are1 & may
 be h&l$ & /udi$ by ! amateur3    ,"y3  
,common ,snapp+ ,turtle       ,s(t-%ell$
 ,turtles       ,slid]s       ,musk     
,turtles       ,mud ,turtles            
,diamond ,back ,t]rap9  ,al?\gh "y      
turtles make safe additions to y\r      
collection1 l& turtles ( all k9ds are   
be/1 seldom if ev] bite1 fe$ readily1 & 
survive a long "t 9 captivity4 ,!y      
include3 ,ea/]n1 ,florida1 ,?ree-to$1 & 
,ornate ,box ,turtles1 & ! ,r$-,foot    
,tortoise4 ,none ( ^! are commonly      

available f comm]cial deal]s1 h[ev]4    
,d4,j4,c4                               
,,liz>ds                  7ord]         
,squamata7 7subord] ,lac]tilia7   ,keep+
 liz>ds z pets c be a v *all5g+ task1   
because1 x has be5 f\nd t _m species w n
 ?rive 9 captivity4  ,:5 look+ = a liz>d
 to buy or cat*1 keep 9 m9d "s ( ! basic
 requirem5ts ! animal %\ld h :ile y are 
*oos+ a liz>d4 ,! liz>d %\ld be al]t &  
active4 ,*eck its m\? = signs ( sores1  
bad tee? or gums1 or o!r indications (  
m\? rot4 ,*eck ! eyes = dis*>ges1 make  
sure ! eyes are n sunk5 into ! head4    
,obs]ve x walk+ to insure t !re is no   
damage to ! limbs4 ,d n accept a liz>d t
 has a dis*>ge f ! nose1 ?is c\ld be a  
symptom ( a respiratory infection4      
,liz>ds v>y a great deal 9 _! diet>y    
requirem5ts1 !re=e1 x is v important t y
 are v sure ( ! animal's id5tification  
be=e y pur*ase or collect x4 ,y _c      
always rely on ! pet /ore deal] = an    
accurate id5tification4 ,if ! liz>d is  
"o t y h caught1 !n y c ref] to a field 

guide = a positive id5tification4  ,"s  
liz>ds are /rictly insect eat]s1 o!rs   
eat only fruits & vegetables1 "s w only 
eat meat1 a few liz>ds w only eat eggs1 
& !n !re are "s t w eat ne>ly any?+4    
,mo/ insectivores w only eat live       
insects4 ,if x is h>d to get live       
insects1 y may be able to get ! liz>d to
 accept dead food by (f]+ x on ! end ( a
 ?9 wire4 ,by mov+ ! insect1 ! liz>d w  
?9k x is alive1 & (t5 w grasp ! food4   
,insectivores require a l>ge am\nt (    
food1 & ! food %\ld be v>i$3 don't fe$  
all meal worms1 or all crickets1 b try  
to (f] a v>iety ( insects4  ,!          
veget>ians or h]bivores ne$ to be f$ a  
mix$ v>iety ( fruits & vegetables4 ,(t51
 color w induce a liz>d to eat1 s always
 include "s apple or tomato to ! diet if
 ! liz>d doesn't seem int]e/$ 9 food4 ,!
 meat eat]s are (t5 ! easie/ to induce  
to eat4 ,cann$ dog food is usually us$ z
 a basic1 b :ole mice are mu* m ( a     
balanc$ diet4 ,sometimes x is necess>y  
to sk9 ! m\se 9 ord] to get ! liz>d to  

eat x4 ,:atev] diet>y requirem5ts y\r   
liz>ds h1 _! food %\ld be supplem5t$ ) a
 vitam9 & m9]al p[d]4 ,/eam$ bone meal  
is (t5 us$4 ,j spr9kle a small am\nt on 
! food1 & !n mix x 9 s ! liz>ds w take x
 9 ) _! food4  ,al?\gh ! size ( ! cage  
is usually n critical = liz>ds1 cage    
props may be ess5tial 9 ord] to insure t
 ! animal ?rives4 ,if ! liz>d is a      
burr[] 9 ! wild !n x is (t5 necess>y t x
 be able to burr[ 9 captivity4 ,if !    
animal is normally arboreal1 ,!n y mu/ h
 a bran* = x to climb on4 ,because (    
?is1 x is mo/ important t y "k :at      
species ( liz>d y h2 !n le>n z mu* z    
possible ab\t its habits & habitat4     
,besides cage decorations1 always h     
clean dr9k+ wat] 9 ! cage4 ,_m species (
 liz>ds d n dr9k f a wat] di%4 ,!y obta9
 _! wat] f dew drops or ra9 drops t !y  
lap ) _! tongues4 ,x is advisable to    
spray ! liz>ds' cage daily ) a f9e mi/ (
 w>m wat]4      ,illu/ration3 ,common   
,iguana     ,iguana iguana  ,an         
important requirem5t = liz>ds is        

sunlight4 ,(t51 a liz>d seems to be eat+
 & do+ well 9 captivity1 b sudd5ly dies4
 ,?is may be due to a lack ( sunlight4  
,9 _m in/ances ! animal may n eat at    
all4 ,if direct sunlight is n available1
 x c be sub/itut$ by ! use ( a vita-lite
 bulb4 ,?is bulb1 :i* looks l a         
fluoresc5t bulb1 c (t5 be pur*as$ f a   
l>ge plant /ore or directly f !         
manufactur]4  ,liz>ds (t5 h a m precise 
temp]ature requirem5t ?an o!r reptiles4 
,a daytime temp]ature range ( #he to    
#ij;,f1 & dropp+ to #hj;,f at night is  
usually be/ = ! tropical species4 ,_m ( 
! ,nor? ,am]ican des]t species also     
require a high daytime temp]ature4      
,adult tegus & monitors c be kept at    
slightly l[] temp]atures1 usually f #gb 
to #gf;,f4 ,z ) snakes1 ! temp]ature 9 !
 liz>d cage c be controll$ ) a light    
bulb4 ,! size ( ! cage w det]m9e ! size 
( ! bulb ne$$4 ,z previ\sly /at$1       
temp]ature c be critical1 & _m liz>ds w 
die if n kept w>m en\gh4 ,nev] guess at 
! cage temp]ature--always h a small     

!rmomet] 9 ! cage1 & *eck x (t54  ,keep+
 liz>ds heal?y c be a *all5g+ b also    
fru/rat+ exp]i5ce4 ,!re is v little     
in=mation available on liz>d diseases4  
,^! reptiles are susceptible to _m ( !  
diseases t snakes get1 & (t5 ! symptoms 
are ! same4 ,liz>ds c get m\? rot1      
respiratory infections1 p>asites 7bo?   
int]nal & ext]nal71 eye infections1 &   
o!r common reptile diseases4 ,"o disease
 t is common 9 liz>ds is impaction ( !  
inte/9es4 ,?is is common 9 insect eat]s 
t are be+ f$ only meal worms4 ,(t51 !   
impaction is n notic$ until aft] !      
animal dies4 ,if ! liz>d is alone1 keep 
track ( its food intake & fecal output4 
,if an ext5d$ p]iod goes by & ! liz>d is
 n mak+ fecal matt]1 !n !re c\ld be a   
physical blockage 9 ! inte/9e4 ,put a   
little m9]al oil up ! cloaca--?is w help
 to loos5 ! blockage4 ,! be/ cure is    
prev5tive proc$ures4 ,fe$ a v>iety (    
insects if possible1 b don't fe$ all    
meal worms4  ,! o!r diseases t liz>ds   
are susceptible to c be treat$ by us+ ! 

same m$ications us$ = snakes4 ,dosages1 
( c\rse1 mu/ be less1 = we are usually  
deal+ ) a mu* small] animal4  ,good     
husb&ry along ) prev5tive m$ic9e are !  
be/ ways to keep y\r liz>d heal?y4 ,keep
 ! cage clean1 fe$ a prop] diet1 supply 
sunlight or artificial light1 & mo/     
important3 "k ! liz>ds' requirem5ts &   
natural hi/ory4  ,! foll[+ is a li/ (   
liz>ds t usually c be kept successfully 
9 captivity3    ,gre5 ,iguana3   ,a     
liz>d f ,c5tral & ,s\? ,am]ica1 mo/ly   
h]bivor\s1 is arboreal1 & c gr[ to #f   
feet4   ,tegu3           ,a l>ge        
c>nivore f ,s\? ,am]ica1 fe$s on mice1  
n tame4   ,monitors3       ,l>ge        
c>nivores f ! ,old ,_w1 mo/ d well4     
,glass ,liz>ds3  ,insectivores f ,nor?  
,am]ica1 w eat dog food1                
tail breaks (f easily4   ,tokay ,gecko3 
,w eat any small animal or insect4 ,make
 good pets4   ,amevias3        ,same z  
tegu4      ,illu/ration3 ,great ,pla9s  
,sk9k     ,eumeces obsoletus  ,mo/      
liz>ds f ,miss\ri %\ld be kept dur+ !   

summ]1 !n releas$ 9 e>ly fall :]e !y 7  
collect$4 ,liz>ds t d n make good pets  
are3 horn$ liz>ds1 anoles1 coll>$ liz>ds
 & f5ce liz>ds4  ,z ) all animals1 !re  
are exceptions to ! rule2 an iguana may 
refuse to eat1 or a coll>$ liz>d may d  
well = ye>s4 ,ea* reptile )9 a species  
may act diff]5tly f h[ ! :ole species   
may act 9 captivity4 ,kn[+ ! liz>ds'    
habitat & habits w be ! decid+ factor 9 
keep+ ! animal alive & heal?y 9         
captivity4                              
,r4,n4,b4                               
,,snakes                  7ord]         
,squamata7 7subord] ,s]p5tes7   ,!re are
 _m species ( snakes ?r\gh\t ! _w 7ov]  
#b1gjj species74 ,"s ( ^! make v good   
pets1 :ile o!rs nev] seem to ?rive 9    
captivity4 ,because ( ! _m v>ieties (   
snakes1 ! c>e ( !m c v>y q a bit4 ,!re  
are a few basic ne$s t all snakes1      
reg>dless ( ! species1 require 9 ord] to
 d well 9 captivity4  ,all snakes are   
c>nivor\s4 ,!y eat only :ole animals4   
,?is food may v>y f t]mites to          

rabbits--) all types ( animals 9 betwe54
 ,?is sometimes includes o!r snakes4    
,snakes require clean dr9k+ wat]1 a     
clean cage to live 91 & an all ar\nd    
heal?y environm5t4  ,! above requirem5ts
 are easy to meet1 b !y mu/ n be treat$ 
lightly4 ,aft] ! basics are met1 !re are
 o!r requirem5ts t individual species   
may ne$4  ,a common problem ) keep+     
snakes is !y (t5 w n eat4 ,sometimes !  
reason is simply t !y are n satisfi$ )  
_! environm5t4 ,snakes t are arboreal w 
ne$ a limb 9 _! cage4 ,if !y don't h    
some?+ to climb on !y may refuse to eat4
 ,tropical snakes require a high] cage  
temp]ature ?an :at is normal room       
temp]ature4 ,?is c be accompli%$ by     
putt+ a heat lamp above ! cage4 ,always 
monitor ! temp]ature ) a !rmomet] & try 
to ma9ta9 x ar\nd #he;,f4 ,c]ta9 species
 ( snakes sp5d a great deal ( "t burr[+1
 & unless !y c burr[ 9 _! cage !y may n 
eat4 ,_m ( ! m n]v\s species ( snakes1 l
 ! rac]s1 require a hid+ box s t !y w   
feel secure4 ,! hid+ box is (t5 a good  

idea = any snake t may refuse to eat if 
all o!r conditions are favorable4       
,illu/ration3 ,speckl$ ,k+ ,snake       
,lampropeltis getulus holbrooki  ,food  
pref]5ce c be an important factor1 ev5 )
 snakes ( ! same species4 ,snakes f     
aquatic habitats g5]ally eat only fi% & 
amphibians4 ,non-con/rict+ snakes 7rac]s
 & coa*:ip snakes7 g5]ally d n eat l>ge 
rod5ts or birds1 b limit _! diet to     
amphibians1 baby rod5ts1 bird eggs1     
liz>ds1 & ev5 small snakes4 ,!          
con/rictors are usually entirely rod5t &
 bird fe$]s4 ,!re are ( c\rse1          
exceptions1 & "s snakes1 l ! l>ge       
7non-con/rict+7 ea/]n indigo1 ,drym>*on 
corais c\p]i1 :i* w eat ne>ly any?+ f   
toads & frogs to adult rats4 ,j z       
species ( snakes v>y 9 _! diet1 s d     
individuals )9 a species4 ,=tunately ?is
 is n v common4 ,!re are cases ( a      
p>ticul> snake eat+ only a specific food
 animal4 ,if a rat snake is n eat+ mice1
 x might be induc$ to fe$ on a diff]5t  
type ( rod5t or a bird4 ,_m snakes 9 !  

wild are nocturnal1 & sometimes a       
p>ticul> snake w only eat if f$ at      
night1 ) all ! lights out4  ,always fe$ 
! rod5t eat]s dead food4 ,(t51 ?is w    
cause a problem ) newly collect$        
animals1 b ) a little "t1 y\r snake w   
usually le>n to accept dead food4 ,!    
reason = fe$+ dead food animals is to   
protect ! snake f gett+ a s]i\s bite f a
 rat or m\se4 ,if ! snake is fe$+ on    
insects1 fi%1 or amphibians1 ! food c   
simply be plac$ 9 ! cage ) ! snake4 ,if 
!re is m ?an "o snake 9 ! cage1 y %\ld  
obs]ve ! fe$+ s z to insure t "o snake  
does n swall[ ! o!r snake along ) its   
meal4 ,if "o or bo? snakes are n]v\s    
fe$]s1 !y %\ld be sep>at$ dur+ ! fe$+   
proc$ure4  ,occasionally1 "o w come     
across a snake t w absolutely refuse to 
eat "u any type ( condition4 ,ev5 ?\gh  
snakes c g = mon?s )\t food1 ev5tually a
 snake w />ve to dea?4 ,if a snake      
doesn't eat1 x is mo/ advisable to try  
to release x 9 an area :]e x is native  
to4 ,ideally1 x %\ld be releas$ :]e x 0 

collect$4 ,if ! snake is n native to y\r
 area1 y may h to =ce fe$ ! snake--z a  
la/ resort4 ,x is usually be/ to try to 
=ce a small food animal into ! snake4   
,always use a blunt1 r\nd$ rod & be v   
c>eful n to injure ! gums or m\? ( !    
snake4 ,snakes c be su/a9$ = long p]iods
 ( "t by =ce fe$+1 b ?is proc$ure w only
 =e/all dea? = a %ort "t 9 _m cases4    
,once y\r snake proves to be a fe$]1 y\r
 next major conc]n is heal?4 ,snakes1 l 
o!r animals1 are susceptible to _m types
 ( diseases4 ,_m ( ^! diseases c be     
prev5t$ ) good husb&ry practices4  ,a   
common ailm5t is m\? rot or cank] m\?4  
,?is is a bact]ial infection ( ! m\? &  
gums t g5]ally />ts f an injury to !    
snake's m\?4 ,! fir/ symptoms are sores 
9 ! m\?--especially along ! edges ( !   
gums4 ,z ! disease progresses a :ite    
*eesy-l sub/ance is =m$ 9 ! m\? & "u !  
lips4 ,! m advanc$ ! infection1 ! m     
sub/ance is =m$4 ,al?\gh ! actual m\?   
rot might n kill ! snake1 ! animal w (t5
 refuse food1 & is also v susceptible to

 second>y infections1 :i* c\ld be fatal4
  ,treatm5t 9 ! e>ly /ages is v simple1 
& c be v successful4 ,_m diff]5t drugs c
 be us$1 mo/ ( :i* h a sulphur base4    
,sul-met is a common m$ication t is (t5 
us$4 ,treatm5t is by mak+ a solution    
accord+ to directions1 & !n irrigat+ !  
infect$ m\? two or ?ree times a day4    
,also1 add "s m$ication to ! dr9k+ wat]4
 ,m advanc$ cases w\ld ne$ to be treat$ 
) anti-biotic injections4 ,dosage dep5ds
 on ! size ( ! snake & ! conc5tration ( 
! m$ication4  ,respiratory infections   
are a major conc]n to anyone keep+      
snakes4 ,!y g5]ally cat* colds f be+    
kept 9 drafts or at l[ temp]atures = an 
ext5d$ l5g? ( "t4 ,! species ( snake w  
det]m9e its temp]ature requirem5ts4 ,a  
native ,nor? ,am]ican snake w h a high] 
tol]ance = cool] temp]atures ?an a snake
 f ! tropics4  ,! fir/ symptom ( a      
respiratory infection to look = w\ld be 
bubbles 9 ! m\?4 ,z ! cold advances1    
bubbles w be bl[n out ! nose1 & ! m\? w 
become full ( mucus4 ,untreat$1 a cold c

 develop into pneumonia & cause dea?4   
,treatm5t is easy & effective if giv5   
soon en\gh4 ,fir/1 keep ! snake w>m4 ,a 
temp]ature betwe5 #hj to #hh;,f is      
recomm5d$4 ,! snake w ne$ injections (  
an antibiotic1 su* z tetracycl9e or     
*lormycit54 ,! size ( ! snake w det]m9e 
! dosage4 ,! injections are usually giv5
 at daily int]vals = sev]al days4 ,if y 
are 9 an area :]e !re is a vet]9>ian t c
 treat exotic animals1 he %\ld be       
consult$ be=e any treatm5t is us$4  ,!re
 are sev]al o!r physiological diseases t
 snakes are susceptible to1 b ! above   
m5tion$ are ! mo/ common4  ,kn[+ y\r    
snake & obs]v+ x daily w be a good way  
to keep track ( its heal?4 ,any unusual 
activity c\ld be an indication ( an     
illness4 ,refus+ to eat2 regurgitation  
aft] eat+2 inactivity = long p]iods (   
"t2 or ev5 difficulty 9 %$d+ its sk91   
are all signs t some?+ may be wrong )   
y\r reptile4 ,keep+ good records on !   
snake w be v b5eficial 9 det]m9+ if !   
snake is act+ normal or n4 ,write d[n :5

 & :at ! snake eats1 :5 x %$s 7y may    
want to measure ! sk9 ea* %$d+ to see if
 ! snake has gr[n71 :5 !re is a /ool1 & 
if ! animal regurgitates4 ,! above are  
"s ( ! basic r\t9e proc$ures t %\ld be  
kept track ( 9 ord] = y to bett] det]m9e
 ! heal? ( y\r snake4  ,! second major  
heal? problem y may h to deal ) is      
p>asites3 bo? int]nal & ext]nal4 ,!re   
are _m types ( int]nal p>asites :i*     
snakes are susceptible to4 ,only prop]  
diagnosis ( ! type ( p>asite w det]m9e !
 "r m$ication = treatm5t4 ,det]m9+ !    
type ( p>asite involv$ is done by fecal 
analysis4 ,if a snake is eat+ & los+    
weight1 or if x regurgitates a day or s 
aft] eat+1 !n !re is reason to suspect  
worms4 ,worm+ ( snakes is a simple      
proc$ure1 b x mu/ n be done unless y are
 us+ ! prop] m$ic9e4 ,mo/ worm+         
m$ications are 9 liquid =m1 & !y c be   
squirt$ d[n ! snake's ?roat1 or inject$ 
into a food animal4 ,any snake t is     
suspect$ ( hav+ p>asites1 or any new    
snake 9 y\r collection %\ld h a fecal   

analysis done by a vet]9>ian4  ,ext]nal 
p>asites are ( two types3 mites & ticks4
 ,ticks are usually enc\nt]$ on newly   
pur*as$ or captur$ specim5s4 ,removal is
 done by pull+ !m (f ) a pair ( =ceps4  
,try to get all ( ! tick out f "u ! sk94
  ,mites c be a s]i\s problem & once !y 
appe> 9 a collection1 !y may %[ up aga9 
& aga91 ev5 aft] x 0 ?\ght t !y _h all  
be5 eradicat$4 ,mites appe> z little t9y
 black specks :i* are mo/ (t5 se5 on !  
l[] jaw & ar\nd ! eyes4 ,!y are (t5 se5 
9 ! wat] di% ev5 be=e !y are se5 on !   
snake4 ,control is v simple4 ,! ,no-,pe/
 /rip is v effective 9 controll+ mites4 
,x is g5]ally recomm5d$ to atta* a piece
 ( ! /rip on ! inside top ( ! cage4     
,s9ce ! vapor fumes are heavi] ?an air1 
!y w float to ! bottom ( ! cage4 ,! wat]
 di% %\ld ?us be tak5 out ( ! cage1 b   
ev]y?+ else1 includ+ ! snake1 %\ld be   
left 9 ! cage4 ,all[ ! /rip to rema9 9 !
 cage = two days4 ,remove ! /rip1       
?or\ghly dis9fect ! cage & all          
decorations 9 x4 ,! /rip w h kill$ all !

 adult mites1 b n ! eggs4 ,x is mo/     
important to replace ! /rip 9 ab\t two  
weeks1 !n repeat ! clean+ proc$ure4 ,!  
,no-,pe/ /rip w also help to control    
ticks & flies4  ,h\s+ requirem5ts are n 
z critical = snakes z !y may be = o!r   
amphibians & reptiles4 ,"s collectors   
build _! own cages1 o!rs use /ore b\ght 
cages4 ,?is au?or pref]s glass          
aqu>ium-type cages1 ) scre5 tops4 ,!    
aqu>ium-type is easy to clean4 ,x is (t5
 recomm5d$ to d>k5 ?ree sides ( !       
aqu>ium1 9 ord] to give ! snake a s5se (
 security4 ,cage b$d+ is up to ! keep]4 
,natural rock or s& may look good1 b are
 mu* h>d] to keep clean4 ,x is recomm5d$
 t newspap] be us$ on ! bottom ( y\r    
aqu>ium or wood5 snake cage4  ,! am\nt (
 space requir$ by y\r snake is r small4 
,snakes sp5d s mu* "t coil$ up 9 "o     
corn]1 or on a tree bran*1 t ! l>ge     
snake cage is ( little value4 ,a cage ! 
size ( a #aj-;gallon aqu>ium w be l>ge  
en\gh = all b ! l>ge py?ons or boas 7ov]
 #e feet74 ,rememb] to keep ! snake's   

native habitat 9 m9d if y are go+ to    
decorate ! cage4 ,a snake cage %\ld n be
 kept wet or ev5 damp4 ,ev5 wat] snakes 
ne$ only a di% ( wat] = dr9k+4  ,:at    
snake makes ! be/ pet is a h>d "q to    
answ]4 ,! foll[+ li/ w give y an idea ( 
"s ( ! species commonly kept z pets3    
,rat ,snakes 7g5us ,elaphe71 rod5t eat]s
 f ea/]n & s\!rn       ,u4,s41 av]age   
size up to #d feet4 ,are prone to bite  
:5 fir/       caught1 b usually tame    
d[n4 ,! r$ rat snake 7,elaphe g4        
guttata7 is "o ( ! mo/ beautiful ( ,nor?
 ,am]ican snakes4  ,k+ ,snakes & ,milk  
,snakes 7g5us ,lampropeltis71 usually   
eat small       rod5ts1 liz>ds1 & small 
snakes4 ,disposition1 same z rat        
snakes4  ,bull ,snake 7,pituophis       
melanoleucus sayi71 a l>ge con/rictor1 &
 !       l>ge/ snake native to ,miss\ri4
 ,w eat adult rats1 mice1 &       baby  
*icks4 ,usually d well 9 captivity4     
,wat] ,snakes 7g5us ,natrix71 w eat     
m9n[s1 frogs1 tadpoles1 &               
sometimes mice4 ,!y w bite :5 captur$1 &

 w at times       cont9ue to bite aft]  
be+ 9 captivity = a long "t4  ,hognos$  
,snake 7g5us ,hetrodon71 a small]       
v>iety1 av]ages #b to #b       feet4    
,fe$s only on toads1 b ne>ly always eats
 9 captivity4  ,boa ,con/rictor 7,boa   
con/rictor71 "o ( ! mo/ commonly kept   
snakes4 ,be+ a tropical snake--x mu/ be 
kept w>m 7#hj to #hh;,f74       ,w eat  
rod5ts & birds4  ,burmese py?on 7,py?on 
molurus bivittatus71 :i* may rea* #bj to
 #bd       feet long1 is (t5 kept z a   
pet by ! amateur snake collector4       
,!y require ! same temp]ature & food z !
 boa con/rictor4  ,reticulat$ ,py?on    
7,py?on reticulatus71 same z ! ,burmese 
py?on1       b w gr[ long]4 ,l>ge       
specim5s w eat rabbits4  ,african ,rock 
,py?on 7,py?on sebae71 same 9 g5]al ne$s
 z !       ,burmese ,py?on4 ,w gr[      
slightly long]1 & may n tame z          
easily z "s o!r species4 ,l>ge specim5s 
w eat rabbits4  ,ball ,py?on 7,py?on    
regius71 ano!r species f ,africa1 b     
av]ages       #c to #d feet 9 l5g?4     

,usually a good fe$] on rod5ts1 b at    
times may only eat birds4 ,require !    
same ne$s z o!r tropical       species4 
,illu/ration3 ,black ,rat ,snake        
,elaphe o4 obsoleta  ,! foll[+ is a li/ 
( snakes t may h a few drawbacks z pets1
 or are n recomm5d$ to keep 9 captivity3
  ,rac]s & ,coa*:ips 7,colub] &         
,ma/icophis71 v n]v\s 444       seldom  
eat 9 captivity4  ,r+neck1 ,br[n1 & o!r 
small burr[+ snakes2 ^! secretive       
species (t5 w n eat 9 captivity1 &      
require animal foods       :i* may be   
difficult to secure4  ,ribbon1 ,g>t]1 & 
,gre5 snakes2 because !y may be h>d to  
fe$ 9       w9t]1 x is be/ to keep only 
dur+ ! summ] mon?s4  ,ea/]n ,indigo     
,snake 7,drym>*on corais c\p]i71 ?is    
species is       protect$ 9 ! /ate (    
,florida1 & is becom+ r>e ov] all       
its range4  ,cook's ,tree ,boa          
7,corallus enydris cookii71 ?is species1
 z well z       o!r tree boas1 (t5 h a  
bad disposition1 & may fe$ only       on
 birds4  ,em]ald ,tree ,boa 7,corallus  

can9a71 n only does ?is species pref]   
birds to eat1 !y also seem to require a 
v high humidity4   ,mo/ tropical snakes 
d n d well 9 captivity4 ,?is may be due 
to ! fact t !y are tak5 out ( _! natural
 environm5t & x is next to impossible to
 duplicate ! climatic conditions t !y   
are us$ to4   ,al?\gh ! above li/s are  
f> f complete1 x is hop$ t !y w give !  
read] "s basic ideas on h[ to select !  
snakes = 8 small1 home collection4 ,once
 aga91 x %\ld be emphasiz$ t )9 a       
p>ticul> species ( snake1 !re may be "s 
diff]5ces 9 individual p]sonalities4 ,x 
is possible to get a black rat snake t  
doesn't eat1 or a rac] 7g5us ,colub]7 t 
does n bite & eats well 9 captivity4 ,a 
p]son %\ld le>n f _! own exp]i5ces1 &   
also f ! exp]i5ces ( o!rs1 bo?          
pr(essional & amateur4   ,! keep+ (     
snakes c be a v rew>d+ & enjoyable      
exp]i5ce1 b x mu/ be rememb]$ t x is    
also a responsibility4 ,y are           
responsible = ! c>e & well-be+ ( !      
animal4 ,y mu/ le>n z mu* z possible    

ab\t ! requirem5ts ( a p>ticul> snake   
be=e y decide to keep x z a pet4        
,r4,n4,b4                               
,,bibliography   ,all51 ,e4,e41 & ,w4,t4
 ,neill4 #aiej4 ,keep !m alive6 ,!      
,reptile ,in/41       ,silv] ,spr+s1    
,fla4  ,&]son1 ,p4 #aife4 ,! reptiles ( 
,miss\ri4 ,univ4 ,mo4 ,press1 ,columbia1
       ,mo4  ,anon4 #aifi4 ,leaflet #a-e
 7turtle & tortoise c>e71 ,int]national 
,turtle  ,tortoise ,soc41 ,los ,angeles1
 ,calif4  ,bre51 ,j4,f4 #aifg4 ,reptiles
 & ,amphibians 9 y\r home4 ,t4,f4,h4    
,publications1 ,j]sey ,city1 ,n4,j4     
,conant1 ,r4 #aige4 ,a field guide to   
reptiles & amphibians4 #bnd ed4         
,h\ghton ,miffl9 ,co41 ,bo/on1 ,mass4   
,co*ran1 ,d4,m4 #aifa4 ,liv+ ,amphibians
 ( ! ,_w4 ,d\bl$ay1 ,g>d5       ,city1  
,n4,y4  ,go91 ,c4,j41 & ,o4,b4 ,go94    
#aiga4 ,introduction to h]petology4 #bnd
 ed4       ,freeman1 ,san ,francisco1   
,calif4  ,johnson1 ,t4,r4 #aigj4        
,salam&]s 9 captivity4 ,! ,k5tucky      
,h]petologi/1 ,ky4 ,h]p4 ,soc41 ,vol4   

#a7c73i-aj4  ,johnson1 ,t4,r41 & ,r4,n4 
,bad]4 #aigd4 ,annotat$ *eckli/ (       
,miss\ri       amphibians & reptiles4   
,special ,issue ,no4 #a1 ,/4 ,l\is ,h]p4
 ,soc4  ,kauffeld1 ,c4 #aifi4 ,snakes3  
,! keep] & ! kept4 ,d\bl$ay1 ,n4,y4     
,leviton1 ,a4,e4 #aigb4 ,reptiles &     
amphibians ( ,nor? ,am]ica4 ,d\bl$ay1   
,n4,y4  ,nace1 ,g41 et al4 #aigd4       
,amphibians1 guidel9es = ! bre$+1 c>e1  
& managem5t ( laboratory animals4 ,nat4 
,acad4 ,sci41 ,wa%+ton1       ,d4,c4    
,prit*>d1 ,p4,c4,h4 #aifg4 ,liv+ turtles
 ( ! ,_w4 ,t4,f4,h4       ,publications1
 ,n4,y4  ,rei*5ba*-,kl9ke1 ,h41 & ,e4   
,elkan4 #aife4 ,diseases ( ,amphibians4 
,t4,f4,h4 ,publications1 ,hong ,kong4   
----4 #aife4 ,diseases ( ,reptiles4     
,t4,f4,h4 ,publications1 ,hong ,kong4   
,s*midt1 ,k4,p41 & ,r4,f4 ,+]4 #aieg4   
,liv+ reptiles ( ! ,_w4       ,hanov]   
,h\se1 ,n4,y4  ,smi?1 ,h4,m4 #aifi4     
,turtles4 ,t4,f4,h4 ,publications1      
,j]sey ,city1 ,n4,j4                    
- ,,notes -                       ,,!   

,,/4 ,,l\is ,,h]petological ,,society   
,! ,/4 ,l\is area amateur & pr(essional 
h]petologi/s h organis$ a regional      
h]petological society4 ,! ,s4,l4,h4,s4  
is int]e/$ 9 promot+ public education & 
cons]vation ( ! h]pet(auna ( ,miss\ri4  
,! organisation has a mon?ly meet+1 gue/
 speak]1 a mon?ly newslett]1 z well z   
special publications4 ,all areas (      
h]petology are ! conc]n ( its memb]s2   
h]p managem5t1 taxonomy1 cons]vation1 & 
s on4   ,p ( all ages h become memb]s ( 
?is active gr\p4 ,!y are int]e/$ 9 all  
=ms ( amphibians & reptiles1 bo? ( !    
/ate ( ,miss\ri & species outside our   
/ate4 ,dues are #e4jj p] ye>1 aft] ,july
 #a/ ! dues are #b4ej4 ,= m in=mation1  
please write to any ( ! p]sons li/$ on !
 inside front cov]4                     
,,footnotes   #a;,endang]$ ,species     
,transcrib]'s ,notes   --,sil5tly       
correct$ a few typos4  --,reta9$        
publication in=mation f ! pr9t$ edition3
 ?is e,book   is public-doma9 9 ! c\ntry
 ( publication4  --,9 ! text v]sions    

only1 text 9 italics is delimit$ by     
und]scores4