Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Get It Today
Explore our tips about what to keep in mind when choosing the right pet reptile for your family. Consider what they need to stay happy and healthy.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Search Petco for treatment for scale rot on your reptile. We can help you make sure your pet is always happy and healthy.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Whether you temporarily lose access to AC or are experiencing unexpected temperature changes, you can use these tips to keep your reptiles happy and healthy.
Updated on August 14th, 2025
Search Petco for information about metabolic bone disease, which is fairly common in many reptiles. Use our tips to help keep your reptile comfortable.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Search Petco for answers to why your pet snake keeps its mouth open for long periods. We want to help keep your pet happy & healthy.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
The addition of an under-tank heater can change the temperature of an enclosure significantly. To determine what the temperatures are within Ladon's enclosure, I would recommend utilizing digital thermometers. These should be located on both the warm and cool end of the enclosure, and should be located at Ladon's level (not higher or lower than him). With that information, you can tell if the temperatures are now too hot or not. I would also recommend that you have hides present on both the cool end and on the warm end - this will provide Ladon with choices within his enclosure as well. With the water bowl, this may also be related to his enclosure temperature. I would recommend monitoring for any changes once you have determined if the temperatures are appropriate for his species. You can refer to a care sheet if needed to gather temperature information. I hope that answers your question, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Possibilities include infection, parasites, burns or trauma (from a fall or bedding). Changing out the bedding was a smart move. Take it a step further and remove all cage furniture in case Erebus is climbing then falling. Confirm proper temperature and if you have a heat rock, remove it immediately. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be recommended to diagnose illness or injury.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
I'm glad you found him! Since he was missing for so long, an exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet would be strongly recommended to diagnose and treat any illness or injury. In the meantime, give him a good soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will warm him up and provide hydration. Once he's warm and hydrated, he will be more likely to accept prey.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Ball pythons are typical not very aggressive unless it is a female protecting her eggs. Also, juveniles can be a bit mouthy but they typically outgrow it with regular handling and as they mature. Reedus may be stressed. Survey the area in and around the enclosure for any negative stimuli. This may include loud noises, strong vibrations, bright lights or high traffic. Reduce or eliminate any if found. Provide a hide on each side of the enclosure. If Reedus will allow, handle him/her for ever increasing periods of time. You can place a small article of your clothing in the enclosure to get him/her used to your scent. If the behavior persists, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. Either can cause a sudden change in behavior.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Check the temps in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. next, make sure you are offering appropriately sized prey. If it is too bog, he won't eat it or may regurgitate it afterwards. If you feed frozen/thawed, make sure it is at least room temperature before offering it to Ares. A snake will not eat cold prey. If he will allow, look in and around his mouth for signs of infection or injury. This may include redness, swelling, bleeding or discharge. Anything suspicious should be addressed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte to treat or prevent minor dehydration. Offer prey and cover the cage afterwards. If he doesn't eat, remove it and try again in 5-7 days. Do not force feed. If you can provide the species, we may be able to provide more specific advice. If Ares is a ball python, they are notorious for their "hunger strikes". Make sure he stays warm and hydrated. Identify and reduce or eliminate any negative stimuli in or around the cage.
Updated on September 24th, 2025