🐍 Getting a Reptile? Read This First.
Reptiles are incredible pets—low noise, fascinating behaviour, and truly unique personalities. But they are not low-maintenance.
At Riverview Reptiles, we see the same mistakes again and again from new keepers. The good news? They’re all avoidable.
If you’re thinking of getting your first reptile—or you’ve just got one—this guide could save you time, money, and even your pet’s life.
❌ Mistake 1: Buying the Setup Too Late
One of the biggest errors is buying the animal before the setup is ready.
Reptiles rely on:
Heat gradients
UVB lighting
Proper humidity
Without these, they can become ill very quickly.
👉 What to do instead:
Set everything up at least 24–48 hours before bringing your reptile home. This allows temperatures and equipment to stabilise.
💡 Pro tip: Cheap setups often cost more in the long run when things go wrong.
❌ Mistake 2: Trusting Outdated or Generic Advice
The internet is full of conflicting reptile care advice.
Some of it is:
Outdated
Based on US climates
Just plain wrong
👉 What to do instead:
Get advice from specialist reptile shops (like us 😉) that deal with these animals daily.
We tailor advice based on:
UK conditions
Your home setup
The specific animal
❌ Mistake 3: Incorrect Feeding
Feeding is where many new owners go wrong.
Common issues:
Feeding the wrong insects
No calcium supplementation
Feeding too often (or not enough)
👉 What to do instead:
Use high-quality livefood
Dust with calcium regularly
Follow a species-specific feeding schedule
🔥 This is where quality livefood makes a huge difference—nutrition = health.
❌ Mistake 4: Poor Handling Habits
Reptiles are not like dogs or cats.
Handling too much (especially early on) can cause:
Stress
Refusal to eat
Aggression
👉 What to do instead:
Let them settle for at least a week
Start with short, calm handling sessions
Learn your reptile’s behaviour cues
❌ Mistake 5: Buying Based on Price Alone
We get it—everyone wants a deal.
But the cheapest option often means:
Poor health
Incorrect setup
No aftercare support
👉 What to do instead:
Choose somewhere that offers:
Ongoing advice
Healthy, well-started animals
Support after purchase
🏆 Why This Matters
Getting things right from the start means:
A healthier reptile
Less stress for you
Lower long-term costs
And honestly—it makes the whole experience far more enjoyable.
🛍️ Need Help Getting Started?
At Riverview Reptiles, we don’t just sell reptiles—we help you succeed with them.
✔ Full setups ready to go
✔ Expert advice tailored to you
✔ Healthy, well-established animals
✔ Ongoing support (we’re always here)
📍 Visit us in Sileby or Grantham
🌐 Or browse online: riverviewreptiles.co.uk
🔥 Final Thought
The difference between struggling and thriving in reptile keeping usually comes down to getting the basics right early.
Do that—and you’ll have an incredible pet for years to come.