Conservationist and
wildlife advocate Ben
Dessen is Reptiles
Department Manager
at Kellyville Pets and is
passionate about
educating newcomers
to the reptile hobby. In
this issue he is out to
dispel some popular
misconceptions.
Reptile FAQs – ‘Myth-busters’ Part One.
Working in a large, specialist reptile store has many
rewards. Sharing your lifelong passion for reptiles
and amphibians with people from all walks of life,
each and every day, would have to be one of the
greatest parts of the job. Reputable reptile stores
act as a hub for keepers and breeders of all
experience levels to purchase husbandry equip-
ment, enclosures and reptile food, and most
importantly ask questions and receive helpful and
accurate information and advice.
Dealing with hundreds of customers each week, we
hear many of the same questions asked on a
regular basis. This article is a compilation of some
of the most frequently asked questions as well as
some of the common misconceptions that exist
within the hobby. We are always learning and
continuously developing our knowledge and
husbandry methods. I know that the way I keep my
reptiles today is very different to how I kept and
maintained them when I received my first pet snake
twenty years ago.
Below: feeding live rodents is unnecessary and potentially
dangerous. Images by fivespots and Eric Isselee.
Far right: the term ‘penny turtle is responsible for a huge
public misconception. Images by Trent Townsend
and Robyn Mackenzie.
“My python won’t eat, what could
be going on?”
Pythons may refuse food for a number of reasons.
In many cases, incorrect temperatures (usually
because the enclosure is too cold) are to blame for
a snake that is not feeding. Temperature is every-
thing when it comes to reptiles, so ensure your
python has the correct thermal gradients within its
enclosure and that you are using the right heating
equipment for the size and type of enclosure the
animal is housed in.
The enclosure should also be appropriate for the
size of the animal concerned. Hatchlings and
juveniles should be kept in a much smaller environ-
ment whilst they are growing, with adequate hiding
areas so that they can feel secure. Housing a
hatchling python in a large enclosure can cause
unnecessary stress for the animal, which may result
in them refusing food.