Welcome to the glossary! Below is a handy reference for common terms you'll see in our care sheets for reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

There are a great number of reptile terms which are abbreviated, and this can be confusing for the beginner or anyone who is not familiar with the terms.  This glossary explaina what many of the commonly used abbreviations mean.

Using a thermostat is essential when keeping reptiles — it ensures a stable, safe environment and helps prevent overheating, which can be dangerous (or even fatal) for your animal. But with several types of thermostats available, how do you know which one is right for your setup?

This guide will walk you through the main types of thermostats and what they're best used for.

Setting up a vivarium is one of the most exciting parts of owning a reptile or amphibian — it's where your pet will live, eat, explore, and feel safe. Whether you're housing a gecko, snake, frog, or even an exotic insect, a well-designed vivarium mimics their natural habitat while making a beautiful display.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to set up a vivarium from scratch.

When it comes to reptile and amphibian care, proper supplementation is extremely important. Calcium and vitamins play a vital role in bone health and overall wellbeing—but with so many options, it can be tricky to know exactly what your pet needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials: what each supplement does, how often to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes like over- or under-supplementing.

A bioactive vivarium is more than just a habitat—it’s a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem. By combining live plants, microfauna, and natural substrates, you can create an enclosure that supports your reptile or amphibian while also reducing maintenance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set up your own bioactive viv—from drainage layers to clean-up crews.

One of the common problems faced by tortoise keepers is to understand which plants are safe and nutritious, and which are harmful or toxic.  

Providing a variety of safe plants in your tortoise’s enclosure or diet can promote natural foraging behaviour, hydration, and enrichment. Below is a list of tortoise-safe plants, broken down into categories for easy reference.

Heating your vivarium is crucial for the well-being of your reptiles or amphibians. Several options are available, and the right choice on the specific species you are keeping. Below are some general guidelines for different heating methods.

If have questions or need personalized advice, feel free to contact us for assistance.

Thinking of getting your first reptile? 🦎 You’re in the right place! Reptiles can make fascinating and low-maintenance pets, but some species are much easier to care for than others. Whether you're looking for something small, easy to feed, or just chill to handle, this guide will walk you through five of the best reptiles for first-time keepers — all beginner-friendly and full of personality.

Gut-loading is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your reptile or amphibian’s nutrition. By feeding your insects a high-quality diet before offering them to your pet, you're turning each bug into a tiny, nutrient-rich package. Whether you're working with crickets, locusts, roaches, or mealworms, this guide will show you how to gut-load properly—what to use, what to avoid, and when to feed for the best results.

Reptile lighting can be confusing—UVB, UVA, heat bulbs… what do they all actually do? The right lighting setup is essential for your pet’s health, helping regulate everything from calcium metabolism to day-night cycles. In this guide, we’ll break it all down clearly: what UVB, UVA, and heat bulbs are for, which species need them, and how to set up a safe and effective lighting system for your enclosure.

Choosing the right-sized rodent for your snakes can be confusing, but it's crucial for their health and well-being. In this article, we'll guide you through the process, helping you avoid common mistakes. By understanding your snake's size and feeding needs, you can ensure a safe and nutritious meal for your scaly companion. Let's dive into the best practices for selecting the appropriate rodent size.

Choosing the right substrate is one of the most important parts of setting up a vivarium. It affects humidity, hygiene, behaviour, and even your pet’s comfort. With so many options — from bark chips and bioactive blends to sand-soil mixes — it’s important to pick one that suits your animal’s needs and the environment you're creating. Here's a guide to help you decide which substrate is right for your setup.

Shedding is a normal and healthy process for reptiles and amphibians, but it doesn’t always go according to plan. Whether you’re a new keeper or an experienced one, stuck shed can be stressful — for both you and your pet. In this guide, we’ll break down what a typical shed looks like, what warning signs to watch for, and how to fix some of the common issues quickly and safely.

Reptiles can’t regulate their body temperature like mammals can — instead, they rely on their environment for this. This  is called thermoregulation, and it’s essential for everything from digestion and immunity to daily activity. In this guide, we’ll break down how it works, what setups support healthy thermoregulation, and how to spot the signs your reptile isn’t getting the temperature range they need.

When most people think of enrichment, they imagine dogs with puzzle toys—but reptiles can benefit from enrichment too! Providing mental and physical stimulation helps prevent boredom, encourages natural behavior, and improves overall wellbeing. In this guide, we’ll explore what enrichment looks like for reptiles, why it matters, and simple ways to make your pet’s environment more engaging.