Reptile keepers have the responsibility to find better ways of caging there captives, in recent years herpetoculture has progressed in many ways, we now understand that open cages are for birds not reptiles.

The need for cages that can hold temps and humidity is of vital importance to reptiles, ideally open top cages should not be used, if so then specially designed covers should be made with restricted ventilation at the cooler end.

A better cage will have side excess and side ventilation at mid level or lower, no need for large ventilation areas, don’t forget that servicing the cages also contribute to air exchange. The idea is to keep the environment inside the cage not inside your house.

Last week at a RE/Max convention this topic came up, the keeping of reptiles is on the same level as hydroponics culture, this of course is on an insurance point of view.

Before you jump the gun and flood your locale real estate agency, read this!

Reptile keeping is not being targeted by insurance brokers because they are reptiles, they are not targeted because of electric accident possibilities, they are not targeted because some reptiles represent a potential danger to humans, no they are targeted because terrariums and vivariums expel humidity in your house that will eventually infiltrate the walls and start moulding the main structure, this mould is highly toxic and have caused many illness, especially to kids. The structural damage can not be cleaned, damaged structural components must be replaced.

This is why screen cages and open top cages should not be used.

Regardless of what anyone says, insurance companies can refuse to insure you if you keep reptiles.
Reptiles are an obligatory divulgation, if you don’t advise your insurance they can refuse to pay any damage regardless of if your reptiles are the cause or not.
Farther more retiles are obligatory divulgation when selling your house, the new owners can and will take actions if you omit saying that your house was home to reptiles.

This is the law, its not about me or any real estate banner, I have no idea on how to change this or who to call about it, however I will make sure my reptiles are properly housed and that my reptile room has a dehydration system.

Pleas do your own research, no need to take it on the messenger,
This upsets me as much as it upsets you. I will have to make major changes if I want to keep working with my animals.

Ps. Most brokers don’t know exactly what is the problem with reptiles, they will point you in the wrong direction, don’t waste your time and find an other better informed source.

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