Onyx's Zoo

Pet care guides, my favorite animals, and more!

[scuba-divers]

'fairies dont exist' WRONG❗❗cyerce elegans

[faeberrywine]

ID credit: 95495746302 on 小红书

(please like, reblog and give proper credit if you use any of my gifs!)

[0nyxxxxx]

Lets talk about enclosure size for snakes!

There is a lot of debate about whether large enclosures cause stress for snakes, especially with larger species. The fact is that snakes DO like small spaces. But does this mean that they should be in small enclosures? No, it doesn't. Small, covered places can give snakes and many other animals a sense of safety and security. This is why we provide many of our small animals with various hides. Large enclosure sizes do not take away from this if hides are provided! Large, open areas with no hides WILL cause stress, not the size of the enclosure itself. Here is a study done on corn snakes and their enclosure size:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159121002227?casa_token=ffFzA_quzzkAAAAA:8P30oIJsQKOskGE2_vw45qqZQzr3_CrfUC02aePGn5EnH5ncLtJk7DjxIPlyiu7-Tz7zwUQwHs8 This study found that when given the opportunity, these snakes were more likely to stretch out and use large spaces. When given an option, the test subjects would also choose larger enclosures. So how do you determine what size enclosure to house a snake in? A good rule of thumb is for the tank to be as long as the snake is. However, every species is different. Some will require extra space for climbing or moving, especially with large species.

[ilikeit-art]

[0nyxxxxx]

Nvm put ur clothes back on we’re gonna talk about piebaldism 😍

[0nyxxxxx]

Lets talk about substrate for leopard geckos!

Substrate is one of the most debated parts of leopard gecko care but as with all parts of animal care, the best option is dependent on the individual. Healthy adult leopard geckos should have substrate. The argument against the use of substrate stating that the risk of ingestion and subsequently causing impaction stems from ultimately, a myth. In the wild, leopard geckos live in arid to semi arid regions of the Middle East and even parts of Asia. Their natural terrain consist of sandy, rocky soil with little vegetation. It would make no sense for a species to not be able to handle their environment, evolution wouldn't allow it. Healthy adult leopard geckos that receive adequate heating, necessary for their digestion, will have little to no risk of impaction. However, there are always exceptions. Paper towels might be a good option for leopard geckos that are sick or injured. So why not use paper towels or stone to completely eliminate impaction risks? Because substrate is one of the key parts of creating an enriching, natural environment. Many leopard geckos will exhibit digging behaviors when given deep enough substrate, a behavior that is natural for them in the wild. Substrate can also make it easier to regulate heat and especially humidity. Ideally, substrate should be a mixture of 70% soil, 30%. Adding leaf litter and sphagnum moss can add additional naturalism and help maintain humidity. So what substrates should you use? Here are some of my yes's and no's. My personal favorite is The Bio Dude's terra sahara.

Other good options: Reptisoil + Reptisand Exoterra's Stone Desert Arcadia's Arid Earth Mix ProRep's Leoplite Improper types of substrate can cause injury, release chemicals, and/or hold too much humidity. Bad options: Reptile carpet Shelf liner Coco fiber Eco Earth Calcium Sand Wood chips/shavings