Daniel Foster

If you have ever wondered why reptiles carry Salmonella even when they look perfectly healthy, you are not alone. I have kept bearded dragons for years, and this question came up the very first week I brought one home. Reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria naturally in their digestive tracts as part of their normal gut microbiota. … Read more

I still remember the first time I noticed my leopard gecko had white tips on her toes that wouldn’t come off. I panicked, grabbed tweezers, and almost made things worse. That was years ago, and since then I’ve helped dozens of keepers work through leopard gecko stuck shed issues. This guide covers everything I’ve learned, … Read more

Metabolic bone disease in reptiles is one of the most common preventable conditions we see in captive herps, and it is also one of the most heartbreaking. I have worked with owners who thought their setup was perfect until a bearded dragon’s jaw went rubbery or a leopard gecko’s spine curved. The good news is … Read more

When I set up my first bearded dragon enclosure, I made the mistake of centering the heat lamp right above the middle of the tank. Within a week, my dragon spent all his time pressed against the front glass and refused to eat. The fix was simple: move the lamp to one end, leave the … Read more

Last winter, my six-year-old beardie Blue went 11 weeks barely moving, eating nothing, and sleeping on the cool side of his tank. I nearly called the vet three times. Turns out, that long winter stretch was textbook brumation. But I have also watched a friend’s juvenile dragon quietly fade in similar conditions, and that story … Read more

Feeding crickets, roaches, or mealworms straight out of the bag to your bearded dragon or leopard gecko is like serving an empty plate. The secret to a healthy insectivorous reptile is gut loading insects for reptiles 24 to 72 hours before mealtime. I have kept reptiles for years, and once I started gut loading consistently, … Read more

If you keep a ball python or a leopard gecko, you’ve probably watched your hygrometer tank from 70% to 30% overnight and wondered what went wrong. I have. Twice. The first time was with a glass tank and a screen lid in a dry winter apartment. The second time was when I switched species and … Read more

Respiratory infections are among the most common and potentially dangerous health problems reptile owners face. Whether you keep a ball python, bearded dragon, leopard gecko, or corn snake, knowing how to spot trouble early can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a fatal outcome. I have spent years working with reptile keepers, veterinarians, … Read more

Reptiles are fascinating pets, but they require specific care when young children are in the home. The CDC reports that children under 5 are at higher risk for serious illness and hospitalization caused by Salmonella infection from reptiles and amphibians. This guide explains how to safely handle a reptile around young children, so families can … Read more

When the lights go out and your reptile’s heat lamp goes dark, panic sets in fast. I have been there, staring at a cold enclosure during a winter storm, wondering how long my ball python could survive without heat. Knowing how to care for a reptile during a power outage can literally save your pet’s … Read more