iHerp Australia Issue 13 | Page 29

will be more suitable for some species and less suitable for others. Knowing your species and its specific requirements for heating, lighting and general behaviour will assist in the selection of the most appropriate form of housing. Kellyville 1/2 Page Ad. Let’s look at the different reptile enclosure options individually: Timber. Timber or melamine enclosures are widely used for many reptile species and offer excellent heat retention properties. Most timber enclosures have glass-fronted sliding doors, allowing for easy access and viewing of your reptile. Timber enclosures can also be easily stacked, therefore taking up less space. Some particle board timbers such as melamine swell when exposed to excessive moisture or water, so the internal surfaces and edges should be sealed to minimise the risk of deterioration over time. Glass. Glass enclosures offer an aesthetically pleasing and durable housing option for many reptile and Left: it is often more practical and affordable to purchase a quality, ready-made set up, like this beautiful enclosure for sale at Kellyville Pets in Sydney. Above: timber display enclosure at Amazing Amazon in Melbourne. Image by Michael Cermak.