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Learn the importance of UVB light for your reptiles and the right reptile lights for your pet’s habitat.
Updated on July 17th, 2026
Learn how to take care of Saharan Uromastyx, recommended diet and tank setup. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to take care of Green & Bahama Anoles, recommended diet and tank size. Find the right food, supplies and equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn how to care for terrestrial tarantulas, recommended diet & habitat setup. Find the right food, supplies & equipment at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on April 9th, 2026
Learn some fun facts about beard dragons, available at Petco. There’s lots to learn about these fun and fascinate pets.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Leopard geckos are great "starter" reptiles. They don't require special lighting (UVB) like other reptiles. A 20 gallon tank is big enough for one. Add a heat source, hides and a water bowl and you are good to go. You can review gecko care at the links below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Leopard-Gecko/ http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for your question about Smaug, and thanks for the photo as well! I think that you have a good start to your set up, and that we can tweak a few items. First, your lighting situation appears adequate - I see a UVB light (please change this bulb every 4-6 months), a basking light, and a ceramic heat bulb. I would ensure that your temperatures are appropriate for this species, and that you are monitoring them using digital thermometers (I think that you see both a digital and analog thermometers currently) at the level of Smaug. Analog thermometers are inaccurate, so I don't recommend using them (also, they are high up on the sides of the enclosure, so they wouldn't be giving an accurate temperature read for Smaug). For the cage furniture that you have, I like that you have places for Smaug to climb and hide. However, I would recommend having a hide on both the warm side of the enclosure and the cool side so that Smaug has choices. Same for the climbing structures. I may have missed a food and water dish in the enclosure - I would recommend that both of these be shallow, and be large enough for Smaug's entire body to fit within them. I cannot tell what type of shavings that you have on the bottom of the enclosure, but the only wood shavings that I recommend are aspen shavings. If they are pine, these can be irritating to the respiratory system. I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
If he is weak, then yes, remove any climbing branches to prevent falls. You can soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will provide warmth and may treat or prevent minor dehydration. Repta-Boost is an excellent supplement, however you should still provide a powdered multivitamin and calcium supplement. Also, replace the UVB light if it is old.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It may provide an immune system boost and could stimulate the appetite which is important in a sick pet. Personally, I think the claims it makes as an "antibiotic" may be a bit thin. You can try it for a day or two, but if you don't see an improvement, have Tart examined by your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and an appropriate treatment.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
It will take patience and consistency on your part. Spend time sitting by the cage. He may run or hide initially, but when he doesn't, place your hand in the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Once again, he may run and hide but make no attempt to touch or hold him. Once he stops running from your hand, use special food treats/prey to entice him onto your hand. Eventually, he will anticipate your presence as meaning a potential meal or treat.
Updated on September 24th, 2025