Those keeping reptiles or amphibians are affectionately called 'herpers.' The name is derived from herpetology which is a branch of zoology that studies reptiles and amphibians. Herpetology includes turtles, snakes, lizards, tortoises, amphisbaenids, crocodiles, toads, frogs, caecilians, newts and salamanders. The name reptile, refers to creeping or crawling animals. The name amphibian refers to dual modes of existence. For example, frogs are like secret agents looking like a fish in their early life and then grow legs as they become adults. At one time, reptiles and amphibians were zoologically classified as reptiles due to their many similarities. It is speculated that reptiles transitioned from amphibians some 50 million years ago, which perhaps explains why there are so many commonly shared characteristics. Let's first identify those similarities between reptiles and amphibians. * Ectothermic: Both are ectothermic (cold-blooded) meaning their internal sources of heat are so insignificant that they must rely upon external sources to regulate their body temperature. Body heat regulation is primarily required for operation of their metabolic processes. * Chordata (animals that possess a spinal column): Both reptiles and amphibians are vertebrates possessing a central vertebral column. * Skin color alteration: Skin color alteration by concentrating or dissipating melanin is possible in many amphibians and reptiles. Altering their skin coloration aids in camouflage and can help thermoregulation of body temperature. * Keen eyesight: Many lizards (reptiles) and frogs (amphibians) have sharp eyesight which is crucial for their precise capture of prey by flicking their tongues. * Defensive traits: Both reptiles and amphibians use camouflage, biting and inflating of the body to avoid predation. Lizards (reptiles) and salamanders (amphibians) both have the ability to autotomize which is a voluntary removal of the tail as a defensive response. One common defense is mimicry where animals that have no innate defensive protection mimic the bright colors of dangerous animals. For example, a harmless king snake might appear as a venomous coral snake. The differences between reptiles and amphibians are challenging to identify. The below lists are an attempt to work through the haziness of distinction: Reptiles 1. Respiration: All breathing is via lungs, however aquatic turtles have the ability to do a limited gas exchange underwater primarily during extended periods of cold temperature or inactivity. This condition is called brumation. 2. Feeding: Snakes are able to disjoin their upper and lower jaw to accommodate swallowing large prey whole. 3. Neck Vertebra: Multiple vertebra in the neck, allowing articulation. 4. Skin: Dry, scaly, watertight skin. Exposed parts are covered by bony scutes. 5. Reproduction: Leathery, soft or hard eggs laid on land or maintained inside the body until hatching. The reptile egg is self-contained and protects the embryo from dehydration. 6. Metamorphosis (profound change in form): Reptiles have no larval stages. 7. Longevity: Some tortoises have reportedly lived more than 180 years. The popular smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis) are reportedly living up to 15 years in captivity. 8. Defense: Three layers of protection are normally used by reptiles. 9. Avoidance: This is where the reptile evades danger through playing dead or retreats into a protective shell. 10. Warning: This is when the reptile alerts potential predators by releasing a foul smell; or they hiss and shake their tail tip like the rattlesnake. Several species of the horned lizard (Phrynosoma), are able to squirt foul tasting blood from their eyes to ward off predators. The dispensing of blood is called ocular autohemorrhaging. When warnings fail, some reptiles attack. Reptiles such as the alligator, snapping turtle and venomous snakes use strong jaws, claws, venom and/or whip their enormously powerful tails to subdue attackers or prey. 11. Additional sensory organs: Some reptiles possess an additional sense called a vomeronasal organ (also called Jacobson's organ). This organ is located on the roof of the mouth. It captures chemical molecules for the purposes of locating mates, predators, and prey. Note: It is speculated that some amphibians (Plethodontid salamanders) may also have a similar, but convoluted capability. Some snakes have thermoreceptors (sensing heat) located on their face that allows them to find prey in total darkness. Amphibians 1. Respiration: Breathing via gills, lungs or through the skin which is called cutaneous respiration. Their vascularised skin must be moist for this to work. The Lungless salamander (Plethodontidae) conducts respiration through cutaneous means and tissues within its mouth. 2. Feeding: Amphibians attempt to swallow their food whole but some have exclusive teeth called pedicellate teeth. 3. Neck Vertebra: Single vertebra in the neck which limits head articulation. 4. Skin: Moist, smooth or rough skin sometimes with sticky mucous glands that secret waterproof coating to keep skin moist. Oxygen and CO2 can be exchanged through their skin. 5. Reproduction: Soft eggs normally laid in water or in damp media. The amphibian egg is a yolk sac enveloped in one or more layers of a clear, jelly-like covering. The egg capsule is permeable to water and gases. 6. Metamorphosis (profound change in form): Most amphibians use gills while developing their lungs. Some salamanders such as the mudpuppy (Necturus maculousus) retain their gills throughout their lives which is called neoteny. 7. Longevity: The Japanese giant salamander(Andrias japonicus) lacks natural predators and is speculated to live about 80 years. The American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) lives about eight years. 8. Defense: a. Avoidance: Nocturnal activity and aposematic coloration by many amphibians helps avoid predation. b. Warning: Slippery skin makes it difficult for a predator to grasp. When grabbed, the amphibian secrets a vile tasting, sometimes toxic substance through the skin, hopefully resulting in rejection by a predator. Tetradotoxin, produced and released through the skin by newts is deadly to reptiles, fish, birds and mammals ingesting the substance. 9. Additional sensory organs: Some amphibians, using their lateral line (such as a tadpole) may sense water pressure changes to locate prey. It is estimated that there are more than 8,000 reptiles and 6,000 amphibians inhabiting the Earth. They are as small as a dwarf gecko (Sphaerodactylus) or Paedophryne amauensis and as large as the Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus) or saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).

You will have to contact the wildlife service as we don’t at this time have anyone capable to do this at this time. But I am going to be looking into getting certified.

Yes we can help, I will be working with breeders so I am able to get in those certain species.

Well usually it will depend on what kind of snake, most snakes are native to your area. So I’d find it easier for me to come there and check it out. But I would recommend you have at least a 10 gallon long terrarium to hold the snake, or even a plastic bin, also a heat lamp and a heat pad for the belly heat which should be placed under the terrarium or bin.

Always have the proper terrariums and always do your research on what animal you are working with. Research is the best way for you to understand what your getting yourself into

No it’s not, geckos and lizards will chew on them until they are gone. The only thing that can happen is if you leave super worms in your tank they can chew on your reptile if left in there for a long time. I would recommend feeding your lizard with tongs until they have ate all the worms. Sometimes worms though aren’t always a good variety in their diet.

Snakes can be difficult, if you have a ball python key word if because these species aren’t allowed in Saskatchewan yet, you will need a snake rack or in a bin as they get stressed by glass. Other snakes can live in a 40 gallon and up sized tank with pine shaving bedding and heat lamp and belly heat which should be put under the tank.

Best thing is to look in all spots even your bed. They like dark places and also like places that have heat sources too. * I would heat up a rat and then leave it out and wait a few hours, also put powder on the floor that’s how you will be able to see his tracks. That’s how I was able to find my one snake. Also use locks for your tanks so then you will never loose your snake.

No you don't want to feed live. As most snakes will refuse and it will make it easier for the snake to become prey to the live feeder. Best is to feed frozen. For small snakes you always start off with the smallest kind of mice is perfect for smaller snakes. As you want to judge by the size of snake and how wide they can open their mouth. You never want to go any bigger than the size of the snake.

At this time we don’t have any in yet. But we will hopefully have a lot for sale.

Reptiles and amphibians need both UVB and UVA light to live healthy lifestyles. These are both types of ultraviolet (and UV) light. Each type of light has a different role to play in keeping your pet happy and healthy. The UV spectrum is broken up into three parts: UVA, UVB and UVC. All three of these types of light are found in natural sunlight. UVA light helps regulate behaviors such as feeding, diurnal movement, mating and similar activities. UVB light allows the synthesis of vitamin D3, which helps to absorb calcium. UVC light is not required for reptiles, but it can help kill bacteria. It’s important to note that at high levels of exposure this light can be harmful to most animals. UV wavelengths are filtered by glass and plastic, so to get the most out of your bulbs be sure they have direct exposure to the habitat. Over time UV output will diminish. We recommend replacing your fluorescent bulbs every 3,500 hours or 6 months.

If we have room we would consider it, but we usually try and not buy animals as we are looking for surrender animals

Lighting and heating is important for all living creatures, both physically and psychologically. The daily agenda for reptiles and other living things is at least partially dictated by the sun. Sunlight not only helps you feel warm and happy, it also provides necessary vitamins. This holds true for your favorite pets. A bearded dragon, for example, doesn’t have an adorable little clock in the terrarium to keep it on schedule, he or she relies on lighting to help provide for proper heating and lighting for your pet is as important as providing food and water.

Yes you will be able to see available animals that will be up for adoption. There will be a cost for adopting these animals as well.

Best thing to do for the snake or turtle or Amphibian is to leave it in it’s natural habit. For the lizard if it looks like it’s a household pet. Best thing to do is contact us and we will come out and check it out to make sure it’s a house animal.

Yes you can definitely come and arrange a tour with us, we would love to be able to show off the place and how we are growing.

Yes but all you have to do after handling your reptiles, is to make sure your using warm water and soap to wash your hands.

No they wont. Most reptiles will need to have a bigger cage when they get older. As most reptiles can grow up to 6ft or more depending on species. So best to do research on what animal you are getting so you can plan for a bigger cage

Yes reptiles can bite. No it’s not scary, they can do this if they are frightened. It might bleed but it won’t leave a mark. Unless they are bigger reptiles but bigger reptiles are meant for people that have experience.

Yes we can help finding a suitable home for the animal.

Not as of yet, we are going to look into doing that in the future.

* Do you sell cages or other supplies? We will be looking into working with suppliers to get cages in and if things go as planned we will be getting in some pet supplies for sure!