Pet Club Help

[illuminis]

My son (12yr) joined an after-school pet-club and volunteered me to go in on the day they talk about reptiles. He wants me to bring in our little girl Mocha, but I want to make sure that I am ale to give them all the right care and to be able to answer their question.
Things I do know about basic care:
1. Although a good price the package deals don't actually have the right stuff.
a. things needed: non-coil uvb, heat light (can be halogen flood light), log or sturdy rock so they can bask and one so they can get out of heat/"sun", digital temp and ir temp gun
tile, paper towel or news paper substrate, no sand.


Any one want to add to this please do. I want to make sure I give these kids all the right info. I'm not even concern that the teacher that is doing this also works at a retail pet store (pet smart)

P.S. I do have atleast 2 weeks to get all info together.

 

[illuminis]

Also, was wondering on opinions if I should try and bring my newly acquired leopard gecko in. I got him from someone who listened to a pet store and now he's 75% blind.

 

[CooperDragon]

If it's just a quick talk I'd keep everything to the basics as you've described above. Emphasize that research and purchasing equipment ahead of time is a good idea, go over basic care and that proper heat and lighting is critical. Describe their personalities and the type of care they need. Maybe run through a typical daily routine. If you are asked more specific questions, that's when I'd go into more detail. I created a single sided basic care sheet a few years back that may be helpful and you're free to use it. I think it's mostly up to date. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1800770/BeardedDragon.pdf

 

[JessPets]

I would take your gecko in to show them that buying animals on impulse is a bad idea. It will show that not only will you be stuck with a whole lot of vet bills, but it's not fair to the animal.

 

[illuminis]

Thanks,
I know a good portion of stuff and if I had a printer I would definitely print at least one copy for me. Just so I can have a "cheat sheet." I am not a very good public speaker...lol

 

[SpacialCoogs]

I would have props to illustrate your points. If you can't show the actual item have a slide or picture of a setup so you can point out each item.

General
[*]Reptiles all have different personalities and are much cooler pets than people think. We are used to dogs/cats and know what they need as they are so common. Reptiles need a little more research and might need different things than what you think. Where do reptiles come from? (ask the kids to give examples of reptiles and locations) Take one of their examples and explain about that reptile and why it would/wouldn't be a good pet.

Have an example of a couple of different types of habitats. Even if it's just a couple of print outs you can pass out. Show how different reptiles need different things. I'd include a bioactive example like Taters tank if she's okay sharing her tank pics in public.

When talking about lighting - Point out the different lighting needs.
[*]Leopard gecko lighting versus bearded dragon lighting needs
[*]show a Reptisun 10. tube light and compare it to a coil. Explain why UVB is important

Temps
[*]Talk about proper heating and why temps are important. Advise how a heat matt would work for different types of reptiles but not for dragons.

Food!
[*]Talk about how each animal has different needs. If you have a big snake you're going to have to feed it rats or bunnies etc.
[*]Talk about worms and salads and how you have to make sure the reptile takes it vitamins just like people so they don't get sick.

When I do public speaking I like to engage the audience. If you see an opportunity to take something one of the kids said and turn it into an example or use it to bolster your point. Have things to pass out as they are tactile learners and if you can make it interactive. Just a couple props or pictures they can look at.