Reptiles and Amphibians as Pets
The maintenance and propagation of amphibians and reptiles is known as herpetoculture and people that keep these animals are herpetoculturists. Many MHS members are herpetoculturists and as such, are eager to learn more about herp care and breeding. The MHS meetings are a great place to interact with people and ask questions, as is the MHS listserve. MHS also maintains a library for members to check out books, many of which deal with caring for herps in captivity.
Before You Get a Reptile or Amphibian Pet
Reptiles and amphibians can make great pets for certain people. Before you get one though it's important to learn if that particular species is right for you. Find out as much about the animal as you can before you bring it home. Talk to someone that keeps the species you're interested in and get their take on it. The MHS is a great place to do this. Come to a meeting and talk to someone with experience or post a question on the MHS listserve. The more you know before you get a herp the better off both you and your pet will be.
Veterinary Care
Good veterinary care is an important part of keeping any animal, especially reptiles and amphibians. Finding a vet that is experienced with herps though can be a challenge. MHS has assembled a listing of Minnesotan veterinarians that profess experience with herps. This list is a service to our members and the public and is not an endorsement or advertisement. Click here for a listing of Minnesotan herp vets.
Red-eyed Treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas)
The following links provide a starting point to search for information regarding herp care:
Reptiles and Salmonella? Learn more here.
MHS Adoption: The MHS places unwanted reptile and amphibian pets with interested members. Learn more here.
Advanced Genetics Wizard - A free, online program that calculates the genetic makeup of offspring from dominant, co-dominant and recessive gene crosses.
The Basking Spot - A nice site with care sheets and herp news.
Herp Index - A great collection of links including care sheets and other resources.
Kingsnake.com - This site has an extensive list of breeders and dealers as well as herp classifieds for buying and selling animals. There are dozens of herp related forums and care sheets as well.
Melissa Kaplan's Herp & Iguana Care Information Collection - A site loaded with information.
Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis)
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Copyright 2002. The Minnesota Herpetological Society.