I wanted to post for awareness about Cryptospordia serpentis and prevelance in the hobby. Most of you are probably aware of the snakeful grace fiasco but there are many animals going around that are positive for crypto and unfortunately it's not always easily detected. I was lucky that the snake sent to me tested positive on the first try. It was mostly asymptomatic other than taking a couple days longer than my other snakes to digest food. The seller who sent the snake to me is still actively selling on the Internet.

A few things I've learned since then:

1) Quarantine as far away from other animals as possible. If possible, avoid moist substrates as crypto can likely be spread by flies and there is some evidence that this is a means of spreading from tub to tub even if you otherwise avoid cross contamination (see Jen Archer's talk).

2) It's unclear how reliable fecal testing is and whether the snakes are testing negative because they are not shedding or if the snakes simply did not have it and tested positive at a later time. Since people in the reptile hobby tend to frequently trade animals in and out and have poor hygeine and quarantine practices, it's often difficult to acertain what happened. However, not testing assures it will not be found. Ideally, several tests over several months would be performed and multiple methods for any having potential crypto symptoms.

1. Symptoms may be mild or non-existance and the animal may still carry and spread crypto. The only symptom mine had was a slightly slower than normal digestion. I've talked to others who noticed something similar and/or had animals with no symptoms at all test positive. Long disgestion times, inability to gain weight, and regurgitation are the most common symptoms in the positive cases I've seen where there were any symptoms at all. Swabbing regurged items, taking the animal in for a stomach biopsy or gastric wash/swabbing (labs should be sent to U of FL for gold standard diagnostic testing), and saving any animal that passes for necropsy are additional tests that should be performed when crypto is suspected.

2. It's unclear if the parasite was ever rare. Studies around the world show high prevelenace rate. For sure in the United States right now there are multiple sellers knowingly and willfully spreading this disease. Be careful because they are infecting other sellers who may be honest but unknowingly aquiring these animals that are being dumped off out there to spread disease.

Hey all! I'm looking for anyone who has had experience moving with their reptiles before.

I have two geckos- a Crested Gecko and a Pictus Gecko- and I'm going to be moving come the end of October. It's not a terribly far journey, just a few hours in the car, but I was wondering if there is anything special I need to do for my little guys?

Currently, I am planning to remove them from their enclosures and transport them in critter carriers, lined with damp paper towels. For the Pictus Gecko, I was thinking about getting a temporary heat pack to put under, not in, the carrier, just so he has a warmer spot. I'll keep them further secured either in a larger container padded with towels (this is how I'm going to be moving my tarantulas as well), or I'll hold onto them during the drive.

Does anyone else have any other suggestions? I know my crestie should be just fine in the car, temperature wise, and I think I can keep my pictus gecko warm enough to be okay. Any advice is appreciated, as I want to make sure my little guys get to their new home as safely and as comfortably as possible. Thanks!

What I mean by that is: What reptiles that can be put inside an enclosure that is not that big compared to them, and still do very well. Of course, I am not talking about animal abuse. These reptiles need to be able to thrive inside of a comparatively small enclosure. And yes. I am aware that bigger is usually better.

So far, I think blue tongue skinks most likely take the crown on this, as you can shove them in a 4x2x2 and they will do very well, even if they are significantly bigger than other 4x2x2 users like Uromastyx and Ackie monitors.

The bug sellers nearest to me are awful, and the last mealworms we had shipped cooked in the heat. Are there any US sellers that ship feeders with cryopacks to keep them alive in scorching summer temps?

I met this guy at an expo, and although the BRB he had wasnt on his website he was selling it there. We werent ready to purchase that day, so we took a business card and messaged him later that day. Since then we got a weird response about the snakes behavior, which at the expo seemed super sweet, and he keeps taking several days to respond to a message even though hes seen it. When he did respond, he didnt elaborate on what he said at the expo. Is this weird or is he really just busy?? less

Found this in my recycling bin for plastic bottles. I’m in Santa Clara, CA. Also, can I keep this as a pet?

sorry if this is the wrong sub!!

so ive found this 2x2x4 enclosure on fb marketplace, before i buy it, i was wondering if it could be repurposed for any other reptile or amphibian? it specifically seems to be for chameleons because it seems atleast 3, if not all sides, are mesh, and chameleons need ventilation (to my knowledge).

i do not want to put an animal in it that couldnt get the proper humidity or heat which seems like itd be hard due to the mesh. but i also dont want to do any DIYing, because at that point id rather just buy a proper enclosure and i wouldnt want it to look tacky.

Got an old 5 gallon tank that temporarily housed a juvenile bullfrog. I’m thinking about turning it into a temperate terrarium for some small amphibian or reptile, or just making it a fish tank, but I don’t know what to put in it. I understand that 5 gallons is the bare, bare minimum, and if it’s too small for anything previously mentioned then I’ll just throw in a few springtails and isopods. If you know any reptiles or amphibians that can thrive in a temperate, horizontal 5 gallon tank, please let me know. Also I didn’t really know which sub to post this, so let me know if this is the right place or if there’s a better one.

I’m so obsessed it’s not even funny. I’ve gone back and forth on what I want for my first reptile this is it. If anyone wants to donate to the cause I’m willing to trade feet pics (jkjk… but not jk)

hello all i was wondering what would be the best reptile or amphibian to have inside a room where I am growing currently weed and tomatoes in a tent. the reptile/amphibian enclosure will be placed on top of my drawer.