Routine is extremely important to your reptile. They are sensitive to the slightest change in their environment or routine. Any change can cause your pet stress, which can negatively impact his health. Providing a hiding place and following a consistent routine will help keep your pet stress-free and healthy.

Temperature, lighting and feeding habits must suit the needs of your pet, must be established and performed on a regular basis and cannot be compromised. There are no set standards applicable for all reptiles. Requirements are specific to the species and the natural habitat from which they originate.

A reptile needs an environment that closely resembles his natural home. All reptiles are or cold-blooded, which means they cannot control their body temperature. Instead, because they rely on outside sources to regulate their body temperature, they use behavioral thermoregulation. To do this, they need a heated area to bask in, a cool area to cool off in, a cool hiding place, as well as a water source they can soak in.

Temperatures should coincide with the natural climate. The temperature for the basking area can be adjusted with the aid of heating lights or pads, hot rocks and heat emitters; the other end of the tank, away from the lights, should be cooler. Snakes and lizards come from all around the world, so you need to research your reptile's natural climate.

Make sure you provide him with the correct degree of heat during the day and night. Humidity is a very important element in maintaining a reptile's health. Tropical reptiles require high humidity while arid species require low humidity. A soaking bowl of water is always required to allow the animal to regulate the moisture needed for proper shedding.

Like heat, light needs to coincide with daylight and nighttime according to the seasons. Diurnal, day-active, reptiles not only need heat, but also sunlight to bask in and dark hours for sleep. Nocturnal reptiles need the same balance of light and dark, but for opposite reasons. Without these set hours of light and dark, which should coincide with the seasons, your pet will become stressed and susceptible to illness.

Each reptile has a different feeding pattern, and they all need a routine. Some reptiles, such as chameleons, need to be fed daily, while adult snakes need to eat only once every ten days to two weeks. Establish a set feeding pattern they can rely on and identify with.

Take care, as some snakes strike at the first thing that enters their cage. You may want to allow your pet a moment to register that your hand is not food before you reach inside. For some snakes, you may need a snake hook to lift her out. This is particularly important with large reptiles, such as boas or pythons. Even lizards such as monitors and tegus have strong jaws and sharp teeth. Never handle your reptile before feeding or approach your pet with the scent of its food on you. It may be a good idea to feed the snake in another tank so it doesn't associate your hand or the opening of its habitat with feeding time.

Reptiles need stability in their lives to maintain their health and avoid stress. For your safety and their well being, keep the temperature, lighting and feeding habits to a well-monitored routine based on your pet's natural habitat and lifestyle.