1. What to look for when buying
a Reptile
By Mr. “Boo” Chapman

2. Shipping
• Reptiles are imported/shipped they endure
the following:
• 1. Stress
• 2. Extreme changes in temperature
• 3. Unsanitary conditions
• 4. Lack of food and water

3. Choosing a Reptile
• Make sure they are:
• 1. Eating
• 2. Eyes should be open
• 3. alert to its surroundings
• 4. mouth closed – no foaming
• 5. No injuries

4. Signs of Sickness
• Turtles that are sick usually drag their rear
shell on the ground.
• Aquatic turtles swim to one side.
• Sick reptiles can become infected with
ticks and mites.

5. Reptile Health
• Prevent Disease by :
• 1. Start with healthy reptile
• 2. Remove feces and uneaten food
• 3. Change water

6. Bacterial Diseases
• 1. Salmonella – found in digestive tract, high
amounts cause diarrhea.
– Transmitted from reptile to human
– Mostly found in turtles.
• 2. Environmental Control – dirty water, dust,
and cold temp. may cause irritation to reptiles
eyes.
– Treat with antibiotic

7. Diseases
• 3. Mouth Rot – fungal infection caused
by sores on mouth.
– Treat with Hydrogen peroxide and medicine

8. Shedding
• Snakes Shedding – starts at the snout and
goes down to tail. (like it walks out of its
skin).

9. Shedding
• Lizards shed in patches and should only
take a few days.
• Un-shed skin can become infected and
should be removed.
• Moisture in tanks help reptiles shed skin.

11. Diseases
• No reptile sheds constantly.
• Some bacteria or fungi may cause them to
shed constantly.
• Treat by limiting moisture and provide
more UV light.

12. Parasites
• External Parasites – ex. mites and ticks
• Do not pull off, use alcohol or an oil on
reptile body.
• Can irritate reptile and cause them to stop
eating and stress out.

13. Diseases
• Vitamin Deficiency –
• Symptoms: deformed shell, respiratory
problems, constant shedding.
• Prevent by using full spectrum heat lamps,
UV light, vitamin/mineral supplements.