The Basking Spot

Health & Care

How to read your animal day to day: what a healthy reptile looks like, the early warning signs of illness, stuck sheds and how to help, gentle handling and taming, quarantine for new arrivals, hygiene around Salmonella, and knowing when a problem needs a qualified exotics vet.

Health & Care

8 guides
Health & Care

Signs of a Healthy Reptile (and Warning Signs of Illness)

Learn to read your reptile's body language and physical condition. Covers clear signs of good health and the warning signs that mean a vet visit is overdue.

July 2, 2026
Health & Care

How to Clean a Reptile Tank (and How Often)

A plain-spoken guide to cleaning reptile enclosures: how often to spot-clean vs. deep-clean, safe disinfectants to use, and hand-hygiene tips.

July 1, 2026
Health & Care

When to Take Your Reptile to an Exotics Vet

Learn when your reptile needs a vet visit, how to find a qualified exotics vet, and what to expect at a reptile health checkup.

June 30, 2026
Health & Care

How to Quarantine a New Reptile

Learn how to quarantine a new reptile properly: simple setup, correct temps, how long to wait, what to watch for, and when to call an exotics vet.

June 25, 2026
Health & Care

Reptiles and Salmonella: Safe Handling and Hygiene

Many reptiles carry Salmonella naturally. Learn who's most at risk, how to wash hands properly, and how to clean enclosures safely to protect your household.

June 21, 2026
Health & Care

How to Handle and Tame Your Reptile Gently

Learn how to tame a reptile safely — from the settling-in period to reading stress signals, supporting the body correctly, and knowing which species to skip.

June 15, 2026
Health & Care

What Is Metabolic Bone Disease and How to Prevent It

Metabolic bone disease is one of the most common preventable illnesses in captive reptiles. Learn what causes it, how to spot it early, and how to stop it.

June 11, 2026
Health & Care

How to Help a Reptile With a Stuck or Bad Shed

Reptile stuck shed can cut off circulation to toes and tails. Learn safe ways to help — warm soaks, humid hides, and what never to touch.

June 7, 2026

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