Sorry Patrick, We Do Love Reptiles in Ireland

St Patrick is our beloved patron saint, famed for driving the snakes from Ireland and introducing Christianity. We do love him, and we love celebrating every March, but actually quite a lot of us want snakes. We’d also like lizards. We like our bearded dragons and our geckos, thanks, and we’re rather fond of turtles too. Sure, we need reptile heating lamps in Ireland because the climate is so cool, but reptile owners are happy to invest in the tanks, lamps and other supplies our not-furry friends require. It’s a great deal actually because we don’t have to sweep up fur or take them for long walks even in bad weather or worry about people being allergic to them.

Before you choose your pet, you need to do some research and learn if the type of reptile you want is happier with some same-species friends or alone. Consider whether or not you can commit for the life expectancy of this reptile. Some can live for 20 or 30 years. Can you cope with the necessary reptile diet? This can include anything from frozen mice to live crickets, although some reptiles are herbivores and others thrive on a commercial diet of prepared, nutritionally balanced pellets.

Reptile care tips for Ireland are the same really as any other area with cool, damp weather. Pet reptiles need safe and secure tanks with warm spots to bask, secluded places to retreat, a healthy, wholesome diet and some tank accessories to make life more interesting. The details vary depending on the type of reptile and whether you have just one or a few sharing the tank. More reptiles mean a larger tank and more warm space for basking. In Ireland, reptile heating lamps are essential. Turning up the central heating or putting the tank near the cooker or fire won’t be adequate.

Reptile Care Tips for Ireland

It’s crucial to read up on your specific reptile’s needs, but we can make a few generalisations about what pet reptiles need.

• Their tank must be large enough and secure. Make sure the lid can’t be pushed open from inside. Snakes are particularly good escape artists. In cities, your neighbours might not appreciate encountering an escaped snake, and in rural areas they could get into real danger quickly.
• Remember that most reptiles do carry salmonella. You’ll need cleaning supplies that are safe for your pet and effective at keeping their tank hygienic.
• Your reptile tank will need an appropriate substrata such as sand or bark to ensure your pet’s comfort.
• Reptile heating lamps in Ireland are very important. Don’t skimp here because reptiles need to bask in warm light. They also need a comfy spot to do so. Make sure you get a lamp that offers the right temperature for your pet.
• Humidity also matters. Check what level of humidity is best for your reptile and you can use a hygrometer to make sure your reptile tank is there. You can use foggers, misters and even a rain sprinkler to keep things humid enough.
• Reptile habitat enrichment is what makes a tank a home. Basking perches, floating docks, hideaways and the like will provide a habitat that meets your reptile’s needs so they are happy and thriving.

This is only an introduction. Snakes, turtles, lizards and geckos all have their own reptile care tips and need a different reptile diet.

Reptiles are beautiful and fascinating pets, but they do have very specific requirements for their homes. They are not low-effort pets; they just need different things than dogs or cats do.