Some questions to ask before you buy that lizard, snake, turtle or......

Is It Wild-Caught or Captive-Bred?

Welcome to the satisfying challenge of being a responsible herpetoculturist.

Reptiles and amphibians sold in the pet industry are of two types:

Wild-caught: These are captured from their natural environment and then sold to the public.

Captive-bred: These are the offspring of adult animals that were bred in captivity.

Both groups mentioned above have advantages, and also disadvantages. It is best to carefully consider all of the pros and cons and gather specific information before you buy any species. To help you decide which group or type best provides the right match for you, the NWHKA would like to show you some of the pros and cons that exist.

Wild-Caught

Pros:

• Generally, wild-caught can cost less at first as there are no long term costs by a breeder to pass on in the purchase price.
• Rare or rarely bred and difficult to maintain species can be obtained.

Cons:

• Wild-caught animals may not yet be completely accustomed to handling or to cages.
• Chronic escape attempts result in raw noses and other injuries which must be dealt with by altering caging and providing veterinary care.
• Aggression and defensive behaviors often do not improve over time. Sometimes the animal never will become the "pet" you may be seeking.
• Acclimating wild-caught animals to "pet store" food can be difficult.
• Internal parasites are often a problem and can be transmitted to healthy captive animals.

Captive-Bred

Pros:

• Captive-bred animals are already adjusted to cage life. This is all they have known.
• They will have established diets of readily available food items.
• They will be less likely to have parasites.
• Many unusual and attractive subspecies and patterns are readily available.
• You will know more of their history and care preferences. This increases your chances for success, especially if you are just beginning or you are dealing with a "tricky" species that needs things to be "just so".
• Captive-bred animals are more accustomed to handling and will experience less stress and trauma. If you want to handle your animals frequently, captive-bred animals are likely to be calmer.

Cons:

• Captive-bred animals can cost you more at first as breeders have paid for, fed and maintained the parent animals perhaps for years before successful breeding.
• You may not find some species at all or in numbers that give you little choice of gender, age, size, color, etc.

Other Guidelines

Locate a vet for your animal before you have an emergency. Get help if you need it.

This list is not all you should consider. Talking to breeders, knowledgeable sales personnel, and hobbyists will add much to your foundation and success. Successful herpetoculturists can also help you with these issues. Ask, read, observe, and deal with things. Your animal can't.

Libraries, books, magazines, clubs, other organizations, and pet stores are all sources of information to assist you in your quest. As a responsible owner you will enjoy healthy, thriving animals for many years to come.