![]() ![]() Hiding boxes that provide extra humidity are also a good homemade option for ground-dwelling herps that need a damp environment. Each of these items can be decorated to add a nice flair to the terrarium, as long as only non-toxic paint and glue is used. Homemade rock structures are also an option, provided that the rocks are securely glued together so they don't collapse on top of the reptile. Small cardboard boxes, Styrofoam cups cut in half, small paper bags, empty toilet paper rolls and colored plastic food containers with a doorway cut into them can all work, even though they may need to be replaced after a while. Herp owners on a budget, or those who want to be creative, can make their own hides. Some different decorative hideaways available include pyramids, skulls (dinosaur, pirate and cow, to name a few), tropical huts, castles, treasure chests, purses and shacks. As long as the hiding place is physically stable, has no sharp edges and provides security for the pet, any design will work. A variety of manmade hiding places are available to herp owners who want to decorate their pet's terrarium with a theme, or even with some humor. These types of dwellings are available in pet supply stores or online, and they come in a variety of styles and colors. Although many commercial hides are made of natural products, others are constructed from resin, plastic and other synthetic materials, which makes them easier to clean. Hollowed-out logs, coconut shells, driftwood, animal skulls and stone structures are some natural-looking dwellings you can provide for your terrestrial herp. Some examples of cave-like hiding places include: When choosing a hiding place for your terrestrial herp, select one that is large enough to conceal the animal's entire body with an opening large enough for it to easily enter and exit, but not so large that the herp feels exposed. Different materials and designs are available from reptile product manufacturers, and as long as the animal feels secure and the hiding place is safe, any cave-type dwelling is acceptable. When it comes to hiding, terrestrial herps prefer any object that will function as a makeshift cave. Species that need hiding places on the ground include leopard geckos, iguanas, bearded dragons, anoles, fire-bellied toads and rosy boas, to name a few. The widest variety of commercially made hiding places is designed for terrestrial herps. Terrestrial animals need secure cover located on the terrarium floor, while arboreal species prefer a hiding place higher up in the enclosure. The type of hiding place you choose for your pet will depend primarily on the type of herp you own. Fortunately for herp owners, a variety of options are available on the market. Given the importance of hiding places, it's vital that every terrarium contain suitable areas where a herp can conceal itself. ![]() Their stress levels are lower, their immune systems are stronger and they tend to live longer. On the flip side, reptiles provided with a good hiding place feel secure. This results in weight loss, decreased activity and more susceptibility to disease. Chronic stress also makes the herp more susceptible to parasites, which can kill an already-weakened animal.īecause reptiles suffering from chronic stress have reduced appetite, they can also suffer from nutritional deficiencies (/Reptile-Health/Ask-A-Vet/Constipated-Lizard/), says Watkins. " Chronic stress can suppress the immune system, which helps fight off infections, such as respiratory, skin and systemic bacterial infections ," says Watkins, noting that reptiles deprived of hiding places can be plagued with a host of illness that may ultimately result in loss of the animal's life. When reptiles-or any animal species-are under stress, the body suffers the consequences. " This can be exhausting and stressful for the animal, and this will take its toll." " Reptiles must always be on high alert for danger or confrontation," says Watkins. Captive reptiles that are denied the option to conceal themselves are at great risk-not of being eaten by a predator or battling with a foe but of suffering poor health. ![]()
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