Daylight 150 watt

Infrared 150 Watt

Komodo Adult Bearded Dragon Pellets

Sahara Desert

Ceramic Heat Emmiter 100 Watt

Corn Cob Small

Compact UVB 2.0 15 Watt

Outback Sand

Digital Thermometer

Heat pad large

Daylight 60 Watt

Infrared 60 watt

Juvenile Bearded Dragon Pellets

Mojave Sand

Daylight 75 Watt

Infrared 75 Watt

Daylight 100watt

Infrared 100 watt

calcium plus slider

iguana cal slider

vitamin plus slider

How to Recognise Mites in Boa Constrictors

May 16 2012  |   timothy  |  Reptile Keeping Advice  |  Comment

Below is how to recognise mites in Boa Constrictors

Exessive Soaking

If your Boa Constrictor spends a lot of time in its water bowl it may have mites. If you see small black flecks in the water bowl, these are dead mites that have fallen off the Boa Constrictor while it was soaking in its water bowl.

Rubbing

Boa Constrictors with mites often rub themselves on cage decorations

Bugs in the Substrate

If you see small insects in the substrate they could be mites. Most substrates sold are sterile and do not have insects in them.

Sliver Dust

Boa Constrictors with severe mite infections will have silver dust on them. This silver dust is mite droppings and is an indication that a large numbers of mites living in your Boa Constrictors cage.

Mites on the Boa Constrictor

The easiest place to find mites is on your Boa Constrictors head. Mites often bunch up around a Boa Constrictors eyes and are easy too see on the lighter skin on the bottom jaw. Mites can be found on your Boa Constrictors back, sides, belly and around the vent.

Shedding Problems

Boa constrictors with mites can have shedding problems. Mites can be found on shed skin that is left in the cage.


 


 

Are Infrared Bulbs Harmful To Bearded Dragons ?

May 12 2012  |   timothy  |  Uncategorized  |  4 Comments

Below are reasons why Infrared lamps are not harmful to Heating Bearded Dragons.

Bearded Dragon Eyesight

As humans we automatically think that our Bearded Dragons see the same way we do. Bearded Dragons have far better sight than mammals including ourselves. Your pet Bearded Dragon can see much better than your dog or cat. Bearded Dragon can see UVA light which mammals including ourselves cannot. This is why a bright light must be provided during the day. Bearded Dragons cannot see infrared light. The red glow given off by the Infrared Basking Lamp is not visible to your Bearded Dragon. Since Bearded Dragons cannot see the red glow given off by the infrared light, these bulbs make perfect night time heating products.

Does Infrared Light stop my Bearded Dragon from Sleeping

Since your Bearded Dragon cannot see the infrared light it should not disturb its sleep pattern. I do not know if any one has worked out the amount of sleep a Bearded Dragon needs. For all we know a Bearded Dragon may need only 2 hours of sleep per night. If your Bearded Dragon digs on the glass at night it is usually due to the fact that it is too hot. A healthy adult  Bearded Dragons can tolerate a night time temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.

Pet Shop Owner Told Me to Use Moonlight Lamps

Moonlight lamps are a relatively recent product and give off a dull purple glow. These lights first came on the market in very low wattage’s and are intended for night time viewing of nocturnal reptiles. Moonlight lamps are now available in higher wattage’s. In order to compete with infrared bulbs your local pet shop owner will tell you how bad infrared lamps are and then sell you a moonlight lamp. No studies have been done on the suitability of these bulbs.

Tried and Tested

I do not sell products I would not use myself. I have tried various brands of Infrared Basking Lamps including the brand sold on this sight to heat Bearded Dragons, Leopard Geckos, Snakes and Tortoises. I have seen no harmful effects using infrared light bulbs. In my experience Bearded Dragons that are heated using infrared bulbs remain active and alert, show no signs of ” tiredness”  and have no problems feeding.



 


 

Are Western Hognose Snakes Venomous?

May 12 2012  |   timothy  |  Uncategorized  |  Comment

So you purchased a Western Hognose Snake at the Reptile Expo or from a pet shop and have read terrifying accounts of this snakes venom. So are Western Hognose Snakes venomous?

Fangs

Western Hognose Snakes have enlarged teeth toward the rear of their mouths. These teeth are not grooved as is the case with a Boomslang. The rear teeth of a Western Hognose Snake are not hollow as in the case of viper fangs and cannot inject venom.

Venom

Western Hognose Snakes along with many other Colubrids produce a toxic salvia in a gland called the Duvernoy’s Gland. The Duvernoy’s Gland is not a venom gland it is a modified salivary gland.  This toxic saliva cannot be stored as in the case of a Viper or Cobra. The saliva of a Western Hognose Snake does not contain cytotoxins, neurotoxins or haemotoxins that are harmfull to people. There has never been a death caused by a Western Hognose Snake bite.

Reactions to a Bite from a Western Hognose Snake

There are cases of Western Hognose Snakes bites causing mild allergic reaction, similar to a wasp or hornet sting. Reactions from a Western Hognose Snake bite are usually the result of the snake confusing fingers for food and the snake keeper watching his/her Hognose Snake chew his/her finger for several minutes usually while taking a video of the bite to put on Youtube. Western Hognose Snakes are small and the rear teeth are unlikely to Peirce your flesh with a quick defensive strike. A reaction from a Western Hognose Snake bite is very unlikely to involve a trip to the ER and any swelling or pain should disappear with a day or two.

How Western Hognose Snakes Feed

Western Hognose Snakes eat toads in the wild which do not fight back. The snake grasps the toad and begins chewing cutting open the toads flesh with its enlarged teeth. The toxic saliva drips into the wounds created by the rear teeth, subduing the prey. Pre-Killed mice should be fed to Western Hognose Snakes as an adult rodent could bite the snake while it is trying to chew in the slow acting toxic saliva.

Verdict

In America where Western Hognose Snakes are native they are not considered venomous. Despite forums placing them as mildly venomous and some pet shops putting then in the venomous section of their websites, your newly purchased Western Hognose Snake is highly unlikely to cause a medical problem if it bites you. You are more likely to get a serious reaction from a scorpions sting or Bird Eating Spider Bite than from a Western Hognose Snake bite. Feeding your Western Hognose Snake with tongs will avoid a bit of swelling and mild pain.

 

The Importance of Heat Pads in Your Snake Cage

May 10 2012  |   timothy  |  Uncategorized  |  Comment

Below are the reasons why using a heat pad is important when keeping snakes.

Provides Heat

Snakes are cold blooded ( ectothermic) and cannot generate their own body heat. If your snakes cage is 15 degrees Celsius your snakes body temperature will be 15 degrees Celsius. Most snakes preferred body temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius. A heat pad will give an area for your snake to increase its body temperature. I have a thermometer on my boas heat pad and it creates a hot spot that measures a constant 35 degrees Celsius.

Provides a Thermal Gradient

Placing the heat pad on one side of my Boa cage allows my Boa to warm himself up on the heat pad and cool himself down by hiding behind one of his logs on the opposite side of the cage. Never heat the entire cage.

Low Wattage & Constant Heat

Heat pads are low wattage and give off a constant heat. You can leave a heat pad on without worrying about your snake overheating. I recommend the flat heat pads ( Available on this site) as the cheaper silver foil pads are very poor quality and can cause burns.

Digestion

Heat pads are perfect for snakes that have eaten a big meal and need to digest. A heat pad can mean the difference between your new hatchling Corn Snake digesting its pinkie and you having to remove a half digested pinkies from your hatchling Corn Snakes cage. A heat pad is extremely important with snakes that have just eaten a large meal e.g. Burmese Python that just consumed 6 rabbits.

Gravid Boas & Vipers

Heat Pads provides the belly heat that a Gravid Boa or Viper needs to produce healthy young.

Long Lasting

Heat pads do not blow like light bulbs and a flat heat pad should not need to be replaced.

Burrowing Snakes

Burrowing snakes such as Kenyan Sand Boas and Western Hog Nose Snakes prefer a cage that is heated using a heat pad rather than a basking lamp.

Click on this link to purchase a quality heat pad


 

SOS Reptile Expo May 2012 Review

May 9 2012  |   timothy  |  Uncategorized  |  Comment

Tim’s Reptile Supplies Stand at SOS Reptile Expo May 2012

The SOS Reptile Expo was held at Emperors Palace on 5-6 May 2012. It was a massive success for Tim’s Reptile Supplies. We had a great interested in our products and many happy visitors left the show with our quality products. Even more visitors left with some free expert advice on their reptiles given by Tim. Ebooks written by Tim sold well and we are sure our customers will learn a lot from them.  Tons of visitors came to the show and the venue was top notch. On Sunday I thought some visitors looked familiar, I then realised they had visited our stand on Saturday, so some dedicated people turned up on both days.  Some interesting snakes and lizards were for sale, including: Australian Water Dragons, Chinese Water Dragons, Frilled Dragons, Monitor Lizards, Tegus, Designer Ball Python Morphs, Green Tree Pythons , Designer Reticulated Python morphs and Designer Burmese Python morphs from the USA, Boa Constrictor morphs, Jackson’s Chameleons, Panther Chameleons and many more. Venomous snakes that were for sale included: Gaboon Vipers, Rattlesnakes, Bush Vipers , a very nice looking eyelash viper, tiny Long Nosed Vipers, Copperheads and Sahara Horned Vipers. A rare Flood Plain Viper was for sale. A Pacific Ground Boa baby was for sale. I have never seen one of these rare boas anywhere in South Africa. Some easy to keep non venomous reptiles such as Bearded Dragons, Leopard Geckos, Crested Geckos, Corn Snakes, King Snakes, Milk Snakes and Rat Snakes were on offer for beginners. If you are fearless, experienced and have a big bank balance you could have purchased American Alligator hatchlings at the expo. The SOS reptile expo May 2012 was a great way for  both visitors and exhibitors  to spend their weekend.

Our site traffic has increased since the SOS Reptile Expo May 2012 thanks to all the Interest shown by visitors at the SOS Reptile Expo May 2012

Thanks to all the visitors who supported us at the Reptile Expo and online

We will see you all at the next show!!!

Reasons to Visit Reptile Expo Johannesburg 5-6 May 2012

May 2 2012  |   timothy  |  Reptile Expo May 2012  |  Comment

  • Educate yourself and your family about reptiles
  • Perfect day out for the whole family
  • More reptiles on show than at any snake park or zoo
  • Rare species and designer colour morphs for sale
  • Perfect place to get your first pet snake or lizard
  • Many different species for sale from Bearded Dragons to Boa Constrictors
  • Best place for experienced venomous snake keepers to buy snakes
  • Meet like minded people
  • Prices of reptiles at the show are cheaper than your local pet shop
  • Reptile products are offered for sale.
  • Visit Tim’s Reptile Supplies stand to purchase reptile products at prices cheaper than your local pet shop.
  • Get expert advice on reptiles.
  • Tim’s Reptile Supplies offers reptile advice for free


South African Snakes That Make Good Pets

April 30 2012  |   timothy  |  Care Sheets  |  Comment

Below is a list of South African snakes which make good pets and which are available as captive bred hatchlings. The listed species are non-venomous.

Brown House Snake

The Brown House Snake is one of the most common snakes in South Africa and can be found throughout the country. Brown House Snakes often live near human settlements. I removed a Brown House Snake from a garage in a well developed suburb in Johannesburg. These snakes are harmless and feed on rodents. Captive bred Brown House snakes make good pets and are kept and bred both inside and outside of South Africa’s borders. Brown House Snakes  remain small usually under 1.5m in length and require a secure cage measuring a min of 75cm x 45 x 45. Juveniles and hatchlings can be kept in plastic terrariums. Use corn cob as a substrate. A hide box is essential to make your Brown House Snake feel secure. Water can be given in a shallow bowl.Provide a heat pad during winter and on very cold summer nights. Brown House snakes can be fed on pre-killed mice. Hatchling Brown House Snakes will eat pinkies once every 5 days, juveniles will eat fuzzies once a week and adults will eat large mice once a week. Brown House snakes make the perfect first snake for a beginner and are the proudly South African version of the American Corn Snake.

Aurora House Snake

The Aurora House Snake is related to the Brown House Snake. This colourful snake is slightly more difficult to keep as lizards form a large part of their diet. Hatchlings and wild caught adult Aurora House Snakes may refuse to eat mice and will need to be fed on skinks and geckos. Only purchase a captive bred Aurora House Snake that the seller can guarantee is eating mice. An Aurora house snake that is feeding on mice,  makes a good pet snake and care is the same as a Brown House Snake.

Egg Eaters

The Rhombic Egg Eater and Southern Brown Egg eater make good pet snakes as long as suitably sized eggs can be found. Egg Eaters feed exclusively on unfertilized birds eggs which are swallowed whole. Hatchlings will need to be fed on finch eggs, juveniles on quail eggs and adults on small hens eggs. Finch eggs are difficult to find and hatchlings will have to be tube fed using a plastic syringe withe beaten hens egg. Quail eggs and hens eggs are not difficult to find. An Egg Eater will need to eat a single egg of the correct size once a week. Adult Egg Eaters can be kept in a cage measuring 75cm x 30cm x 30cm. Hatchlings and juveniles do well in plastic terrariums. Use corn cob as bedding. Cage decorations must include a hide box, plastic plants, logs and a water bowl. Use a head pad during the winter and on cold summer nights.

Permits

Depending on which  province you live in permits may be required to keep the above species and any other local South African snakes. To check if you are required to have a permit for your South African snake contact your provisional nature conservation authority.

DO NOT FORGET TO VISIT THE SOS² REPTILE EXPO ON 5 & 6 MAY 2012 IN JOHANNESBURG.

Reasons Why You Should Buy A Snake At A Reptile Expo

April 27 2012  |   timothy  |  Reptile Expo May 2012  |  Comment

Below are the reasons why you should purchase a snake at a reptile show.

Large Number of Different Species Available

A pet shop may only have a few different species of snake for sale. At a reptile expo there are dozens of different species available to choose from. So if you can’t make up your mind on the exact snake species you want, go to a reptile expo and you should be able to find a snake species you like.

Designer Morphs and Rare Species

High end snakes such as designer Ball Python morphs and rare species such as Rhino Rat Snakes are more readily available at reptile expos than at pet shops. So visit a reptile expo should you be looking for something rare or unique.

Snake Species Suitable for any Level of Experiance

At a reptile expo you will find snakes suitable for beginners and experts. If you are a beginner just make sure you don’t buy a rattlesnake as you first pet snake.

Multiple Sellers

At a reptile expo it is very likely that the species of snake you want to buy is being sold by more than one vendor. This gives you the opportunity to shop around for the vendor selling the healthiest snakes as well as the vendor offering snakes at the best price.

Reasonable Prices

Snakes are generally sold at cheaper prices at reptile expos than in your local pet shop.

Food

Humanely killed frozen rats and mice of different sizes are sometimes available at reptile expos. This makes your life easier as you can purchase food for your snake at the expo.

Advice

At a reptile expo you will be able to get  advice from the vendor who sold you the snake as well as other vendors who sell snake keeping products. Fellow visitors are often not shy to share their snake keeping experience.

Tim’s Reptile supplies offers advice for free or you can purchase one of our ebooks at the 2012  reptile expo on 5-6 May

Supplies

You will be able to purchase all the supplies for your new snake at a reptile expo at prices cheaper than your local pet shop.

Come visit Tim’s Reptile Supplies stand at the 2012 reptile expo on 5-6 May to purchase supplies for your snakes and lizards. Our prices are lower than your local pet shop.

Next Reptile Expo


The next reptile expo will be held at Emperors Place in Johannesburg on 5-6 May 2012. Tim’s Reptile Supplies will have a stand so come and visit us to buy quality reptile supplies at prices lower than your local pet shop. Ebooks burned on CDs will also be for sale.


 

Reptile Products Available at SOS² Reptile Expo 2012

April 25 2012  |   timothy  |  Reptile Expo May 2012  |  Comment

So you have decided to visit the SOS² Reptile Expo 2012  to purchase an exotic snake or lizard. Once you have purchased a healthy reptile whether it is a Corn Snake, Ball Python or Bearded Dragon you will need the right supplies for your new pet. Well you are in luck,  reptile supplies will be available at the SOS² Reptile Expo 2012. Come visit the Tim’s Reptile Supplies stand for quality reptile products at prices cheaper than your local pet shop. The owner of Tim’s Reptile Supplies has had articles published in the Ultimate Exotics Magazine and ebooks written by Tim will be for sale at the show.

Products that will be available at the SOS² Reptile Expo 2012 from Tim’s Reptile Supplies stand include:

  • Heat Pads
  • Basking lamps
  • Supplements
  • Substrates
  • UVB Lights
  • Thermometers
  • Light Fittings
  • Pellets
  • Tinned Insects
  • Medication and Cleaning products
  • Ebooks copied on CDs

So come visit the Tim’s Reptile Supplies stand at the SOS² Reptile Expo 2012 from 5-6 May to purchase all your reptile supplies at great prices.

 

SOS² Reptile Expo 2012

April 20 2012  |   timothy  |  Reptile Expo May 2012  |  Comment

Come visit the biggest Reptile Expo in South Africa on 5-6 May 2012. Held at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. You will see more species of reptiles for sale and an display at this show than in any snake park in South Africa.Many different exotic snakes and lizards will be on sale and the reptile expo is one of the best places to purchase your first snake or your tenth. Species for sale range from Corn Snakes to Rattlesnakes  and everything in between. No venomous snakes will be sold to children under the age of 16 or without the consent and in the presence of their parents.

Tim’s Reptile supplies will have a stand at the SOS² Reptile Expo 2012 so come purchase all the supplies you need for your reptile, at prices much lower than your local pet shop. Ebooks loaded onto CDs will be for sale.

Expert advise is free, so come visit my stand at the SOS² Reptile Expo 2012.

For specific show rules visit:http://reptileexpo.co.za/

 

 

Page 1 of 111234510...Last »