With the news reporting daily on how the cost of living is spiralling, it is understandable that many pet owners are concerned as to how they can continue to afford caring for their beloved animals.
We all want the very best for our pets, whether it be a dog, a cat or a reptile, all of which can be costly to keep if we are not careful. To try and help combat this crisis in some way, we have put together a few tips on how to save money when it comes to owning a reptile, so that you can ensure that you are able to keep them, as well as look after them in a way that will not cost more than you can afford.
It is essential to keep your enclosure at a constant temperature, recreating the environment that your pet will have lived in naturally. A thermostat can be vital in creating an ambient temperature for your pet, compatible with heat lamps, ceramic bulbs and heat mats. However, it is surprising how many owners will choose the first thermostat they come across, which can turn out to be an energy waster and therefore cost you more money in bills. You may have several thermostats when all you need is one, so research is often needed to be sure of what is required. If you can create the perfect heating system using your thermostat, you can be sure that you will be saving money in the long run.
Sometimes your enclosure may need light or heat at different times of the day, depending on the time of year. This is where you want to be able to have full control over when your equipment is on, off or set at a higher or lower temperature. Using a timer can help you to control this output, without the need to be at home in order to change it manually and without the risk of forgetting. It will ensure that you are not wasting energy, therefore avoiding higher electricity bills.
First of all it is important to check the level of wattage that is needed to power all of your equipment. If you are using the wrong one, it can impact on the daily use of the item and cause it to wear out more quickly than it should. The last thing you will be wanting to do is to source a replacement. Next, see if you can get away with using a lesser wattage than you have been, as the lower the wattage, the less electricity you will be using to power it.
Depending on which breed of reptile you have will depend on the type of diet that they require and how often they will need to be fed. However, buying their food in bulk should help you regardless, as long as you can keep it fresh and in a safe place. Take advantage of any money off deals that you may come across, doing a new search each time that you need to stock up.
