Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Friday, October 10
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Spotlight»Choosing the right reptile for your family
Spotlight

Choosing the right reptile for your family

4 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

PETstock’s Pet Parent Survey 2022 revealed that reptiles are increasing in popularity among Australian families, with 14 percent of respondents stating that they own reptiles and small pets. For families who are deciding on a scaly reptile to their brood, PETstock LIVE Manager, Kylie Gilbert has offered the following tips and considerations to guide their choice.

Key tips for choosing a reptile as a pet

It’s important to do your research as a first time reptile owner prior to choosing one as a pet, especially if they’re going to be around children. Here are some key considerations for the most commercially available reptiles:

Turtles – While turtles make an adorable pet, keep in mind that they have a long life expectancy, are large in size and require exposure to ultraviolet light.

Snakes – For those new to reptiles, there are many species of snakes that make good pets. Great beginner species include Children’s Pythons and Stimson’s species, as they are generally fairly easy to care for, as they are smaller as adults, so easier to handle while you gain your confidence.

Lizards – Species such as geckos, bearded dragons and blue tongues are a great choice for first time reptile owners. They’re very entertaining to watch and have large personalities.

Key considerations before buying a reptile

A reptile is a long term commitment – Pythons can live for more than 15 years, turtles for more than 30 years and lizards such as geckos and blue tongues for 20 years. Although reptiles are low maintenance pets, you need to commit to the regular cleaning and maintenance of their housing to ensure they are kept healthy.

A reptile’s individual requirements

Different species have different temperature and environmental requirements. Before you purchase your reptile, talk to a person experienced in the care of reptiles for advice.

Reptiles are relatively inexpensive to keep although the initial purchase costs can be high (between $500 and $700) they require proper housing, heating and lighting in order to be cared for properly.

Reptile permits – In many cases, reptile licences are mandatory. It’s essential to first check with your local wildlife agency for further information on the licencing requirements for owning a reptile.

Where to purchase your reptile – You can purchase reptiles from pet stores, reptile speciality stores and occasionally from rescue groups. Do your research prior to purchase, as some reptiles are illegally captured from their environment and sold as pets.

Top advice for taking the best care of a reptile pet

Reptile enclosures should be draft free and escape proof, moisture and heat resistant and well lit. Enclosures can be tall and narrow to accommodate tree dwelling reptiles or low and wide, suitable for most lizards and ground dwelling snakes. Get the largest enclosure you have space for and can afford. The reduced space requirements make them ideal for apartment living.

Snakes and lizards are very susceptible to microorganisms and parasites when kept in captivity. Daily cleaning of water and bowls is important. The enclosure itself should be cleaned once a week. F10 is the preferred disinfectant to be used after all physical cleaning has been done with water and bedding changed.

Diets vary depending on your type of reptile. However, each animal is primarily one of three types: Herbivore (a plant eater), Carnivore (a meat or protein eater), or Omnivores (eats both plant and meat or protein). You should consult specific care sheets for advice.

Access to plenty of natural sunlight is the best type of full spectrum lighting. Otherwise look for lamps that produce ultraviolet (UV) light, in particular UV-B (not just UV-A) which is essential for Vitamin D synthesis in reptiles so as to prevent metabolic diseases. UV lights should be changed regularly.


petstock.com.au

Peninsula Kids – Spring 2022

pets
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
29
30
1
2:00 PM - Soundwaves
7:00 PM - Soundwaves
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
4:00 PM - Sk8house Sensory Sessions
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
7:00 PM - Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
1
2
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
October 1, 2025    
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Band and Cinema complex
  • Family Activity
  • Free Activities
Join us for our flagship concert series, Soundwaves, at HMAS Cerberus and experience the RAN Band bringing our full wind band and variety of chamber [...]
More Info
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
October 1, 2025    
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
HMAS Cerberus
  • Free Activities
Join us for our flagship concert series, Soundwaves, at HMAS Cerberus and experience the RAN Band bringing our full wind band and variety of chamber [...]
More Info
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
October 21, 2025    
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Workshop/Class
The Sk8house Sensory Sessions aim to be a calm, welcoming space for skaters of all abilities to roll their way — with reduced noise, gentle [...]
More Info
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
October 31, 2025 - November 1, 2025    
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Get ready to scream (with excitement) because Sk8house Halloween is back and it's BIGGER than ever! Last year was a huge success so we've decided [...]
More Info
Events on October 1, 2025
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
1 Oct 25
HMAS Cerberus
Soundwaves
Soundwaves
1 Oct 25
HMAS Cerberus
Events on October 21, 2025
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
Sk8house Sensory Sessions
21 Oct 25
Carrum Downs
Events on October 31, 2025
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
Halloween Spooky Weekend at Sk8house
31 Oct 25
Carrum Downs
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
•
Follow
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!! Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025. Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW! https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/ @harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
7 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
50 + 30 then take away 2. 

#mathsbemathing
•
Follow
50 + 30 then take away 2. #mathsbemathing
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Farewell September. 🫡 

Credit: Mums Lounge
mumslounge
•
Follow
Farewell September. 🫡 Credit: Mums Lounge mumslounge
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
🔥🔥🔥🤣
•
Follow
🔥🔥🔥🤣
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
•
Follow
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday. https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school- holidays-parc-county-fair/ @parcfrankston
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Older Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Older Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Younger Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Younger Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Nano-Mals
Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids.

Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality.

Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year.

These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores.

RRP: $25.00 each

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER HERE:
https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Nano-Mals Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids. Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality. Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year. These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores. RRP: $25.00 each **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

LEGO Star Wars™ Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid
Suitable for 10+ – Create a playful display featuring a lovable astromech droid Chopper (C1-10P) with this LEGO® Star Wars™ buildable model kit with a buildable figure of Chopper, as seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka™.

Move the lever on his back to remotely activate his iconic head movements, pose his arms and legs, fold out a tool from his chest, and more. Choppers arms and his center wheel are detachable so he can be displayed as if his arms and wheel have been retracted into his body. Suitable for 10+.

RRP: $179.99

https://www.lego.com/en-au

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? LEGO Star Wars™ Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid Suitable for 10+ – Create a playful display featuring a lovable astromech droid Chopper (C1-10P) with this LEGO® Star Wars™ buildable model kit with a buildable figure of Chopper, as seen in Star Wars: Ahsoka™. Move the lever on his back to remotely activate his iconic head movements, pose his arms and legs, fold out a tool from his chest, and more. Choppers arms and his center wheel are detachable so he can be displayed as if his arms and wheel have been retracted into his body. Suitable for 10+. RRP: $179.99 https://www.lego.com/en-au **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE VIA LINK IN BIO
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.