Recycling and Reptiles
Posted by Sarah on November 14, 2008
Tomorrow is America Recyles Day.
Do you recycle in connection with your reptiles?
Although it was hard for me to come up with any ways that I recycle with my reptiles I’ve come up with 1 1/2.
We did buy a previously owned leopard gecko, so that counts for half, doesn’t it?
We also have Tiger in one of the chameleons cages, so we recycled that instead of buying a new cage for him.
If you’re interested in recyling, you can often find used or previously used cages, equipment, and even animals in your local classifieds, craigslist, freecyle or cheapcycle groups.
Unfortunately a lot of people are selling their reptiles because of the economy, so there are lots of reptiles and equipment available if you know where to look.
If you do buy used equipment I’d suggest that you clean it and rinse it thoroughly before you bring let your pet use it.
If you’re buying UV lights ask how old the lights are.
Most people recommend that the lights be replaced every 6 months, to ensure that the reptile is getting enough UV light.
We replace ours every 6 months, and we haven’t had a problem yet.
Do you recyle any of your reptile stuff?
If so how?
ssfb said,
I can think of two actually. We put our junk mail through the shredder and use it for bedding from time to time. Both for the tegu who loves to dig/burrow (I suspect it also is fairly decent at trapping the heat from her heat pad in with her too) and for the rodents which also occassionally reside in tanks. Also our gargoyle gecko eats “nectar”-ie: babyfood- which is served to him in the lids of pop bottles.
Sarah said,
ssfb welcome, and thanks for sharing your tips.
I never would have thought about using the junk mail for bedding.
Thanks for the idea.
Josh said,
I always check for used equipment/materials before purchasing new. Also, for herbivorous reptiles, you can ask your local grocer for their cuttings that they usually throw away. This can make up a large portion of your food bill!
I like relating recycling and other environmentally friendly methods into daily tasks, it really helps when you can cut a little from every aspect of your life. It all adds up!
Sarah said,
Hi Josh, and welcome.
Checking for used equipment is always good, we usually do that too.
It’s a good idea to ask the grocer for the cuttings, I wouldn’t have thought about that.
Add A Comment