When observing your herp, ask yourself the following questions:

• Has the normal amount of food been eaten?

• Is the temperature of the cage within proper parameters?

• Are the feces and urates normal in appearance and quantity?

• Has there been any sheddings? Does it appear normal?

• Is there any evidence of parasites?

  • Mites - appear as small brown, red, or black spots around your reptile's eyes, between scales, or moving over the animal's skin.

  • Ticks - are slightly larger than mites and are brown, black, or gray in color.

     

  • Internal parasitic infections - are often signaled by severe weight loss or changes in the feces.

• Are there any edges or sharp corners that can injure your pet?

• Are there any injuries? Look for bites, scratches, discoloration, swelling, sores, or discharge.

• Are the eyes clear?

• Is the overall appearance of your herp healthy? Check eyes, ears, nose, legs, tail, and skin to see if your reptile looks healthy.