How To Choose A Forever Enclosure

We all know that all animals should be in their natural habitat. Herptiles born in captivity will, sadly, never get a chance to do this for many reasons. Also, for many non-native species, a herptile couldn't survive in the UK's harsh climate. Therefore, our priority should be to provide them with a fulfilling and healthy life by giving them a very close replica - here's how..

1. Think of "ariums"

   
   

   Aquarium (water), Vivariums (land only), Paludariums (land and water) or Riparium (stream edges). Different builds are suitable for each style. Which one does your forever-friend benefit most from?

   
   

   

   Paludarium Example

2. Wood, PVC (plastic), glass or mesh?

   
   

   Define what wild habitat your species would most thrive in. Wood is for dry, arid conditions; PVC or glass can be for tropical or arid. Mesh tanks produce more ventilation so either tropical or arid is possible here.

Glass Exo-Terra Vivarium

3. Size is key

   
   

   Herptiles need space to show natural behaviours and be healthy. Do a quick calculation of your species' adult length-size compared to your chosen vivarium's length, height and width. Check the body diagonal length of the cube. This will slightly extend the face-length, width and height measurements and more wriggle room for the occupants.

   
   

   Does it provide enough space for a little critter to stretch out fully or get enough exercise to scurry about?

   
   

   Note: babies can live in smaller spaces but will need to be upgraded as they grow.

Baby Hermanns Tortoise

3. Design helps

   
   

   Look for vents. Holes already made to put cables through. Ready-made misting system holes could be important if you think of setting one up. Waterproofed base, if you are going bioactive, paludarium or riparium style. Enough lid space for lighting and heating.

Circular Vents

4. Think branding

   
   

   Top brands, Exo Terra, ProRep and Habistat for example, are trusted herptile product sellers which includes vivariums. Bespoke vivariums can be tapped into through Viperia Exotics or Repti-Life in the UK. Shop around for the best deal.

Popular Reliable Branding = Customer Trust

5. Choose a space

   
   

   Make sure you have enough room in your home for a big enclosure if required. Is it close to power points or windows? Warmest room in your home? Quiet and less stressful surroundings? All of these questions need to be asked before getting a vivarium.

Modern room with lots of space

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A herptile restricted by 4 walls is not natural but we have access to accessible resources that allow us to get as close to the real outdoors. There shouldn't be any boundaries, on how large or creative, we can go with this hobby. Still, do extensive research and build something that mimics your herptile's wild habitat.