May 22, 2009

Owning Reptiles - What you Need to Know

This show will be especially important for parents whose children love reptiles. Often the decision to purchase a reptile is an impulse buy and it is only later that a family becomes aware that it is not very easy to keep the reptile healthy. Susan's guests today are both members of the Chicago Herpetological Society, on organization dedicated to the education, conservation and advancement of herpetology which is the study of amphibians and reptiles. They will discuss the pros and cons of keeping reptiles as pets, tell you exactly what you must do to keep the animals happy and healthy and reveal which reptiles make terrible pets and why.

Episode Segments:

Owning An Iguana Dan Nathan from the Chicago Herpetological Society talks about the basics of iguanas. Many of them wind up in shelters because new owners are unprepared for the commitment and care of these fascinating animals. Dan discusses the adoption process and also explains why owners have such a hard time keeping them healthy.
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Snakes As Pets Bob Hilger from the Chicago Herpetological Society joins Susan to talk about snake ownership. He talks about the most common problems in caring for a snake in the average home. He explains what type of person is appropriate for snake ownership, and what species of snakes make the best pets.
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Look While You Listen! Click here to view the photos Susan and her guests are discussing.

Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Bob Hilger Bob Hilger has been a volunteer member of the Chicago Herpetological Society for many years. He specializes in educating the public about snakes and the pros and cons of owning reptiles as pets. Click Here for The Chicago Herpetological Society's Website

Dan Nathan Dan Nathan has been a volunteer member of the Chicago Herpetological Society since the 1980's. His passion for reptiles started as a child and he has 25 years of experience with Green Iguanas. He speaks and shows his Iguanas at the Peggy Notebaert Museum in Chicago, Illinois and at the Chicago Herpetological Society's Reptilefest, which is the nations largest reptile show. He won Best Exhibit at this show in 2007 and 2008. Click Here for The Chicago Herpetological Society's Website