Creating the Perfect Enclosure for Your Exotic Pet: Tips from the Experts

When it comes to keeping exotic pets happy and healthy, nothing matters more than their enclosure. Whether you’re caring for a gecko, snake, tarantula, or bearded dragon, the right habitat will keep them thriving. As one of the leading exotic pet shops in Ireland, Dobs Pets & Exotics in Cork has helped hundreds of owners design safe and enriching homes for their animals.

Here are our expert tips on how to build the perfect setup.

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1. Understand Your Animal’s Natural Habitat

Every exotic pet has unique needs. Some reptiles are desert dwellers that need high heat and low humidity, while amphibians may require constant moisture and hiding spaces. The first step in creating a proper enclosure is researching where your pet comes from in the wild.

For example:

• Leopard Geckos – desert-style setups with dry hides and heat mats.

• Crested Geckos – vertical enclosures with climbing branches and higher humidity.

• Corn Snakes – larger tanks with secure hides and steady heat.

At Dobs, we stock a wide range of reptile enclosures in Ireland designed to match each species’ needs.

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2. Heating and Lighting: Getting it Right

Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Without proper heating and UV lighting, they cannot digest food or stay healthy.

Our expert advice:

• Use a thermostat to prevent overheating.

• Provide a temperature gradient (warm side and cool side).

• Install UVB bulbs for reptiles that require it, such as bearded dragons and tortoises.

We supply everything from ceramic heaters to high-quality UV systems, making us a go-to shop for exotic pet supplies in Cork.

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3. Safe Substrates and Flooring

The substrate you choose will affect your pet’s health. Some materials are safe, while others can cause serious problems if ingested.

Recommended options include:

• Coconut fibre or orchid bark for tropical species.

• Reptile carpet or aspen shavings for snakes.

• Sand mixes for desert reptiles (avoid loose, dusty sand).

Our team at Dobs can recommend the best substrates for your species, ensuring safety and ease of cleaning.

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4. Enrichment and Décor

A bare enclosure may be functional, but it won’t keep your animal stimulated. Adding enrichment is key to mimicking natural behaviours.

Consider:

• Climbing branches and vines.

• Hides and caves.

• Rocks and basking platforms.

• Live or artificial plants for cover.

We specialise in creating terrarium setups in Ireland that look beautiful while keeping pets active and engaged.

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5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced keepers make errors. Some of the most common include:

• Using heat rocks (unsafe and can burn animals).

• Forgetting to replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months.

• Overcrowding enclosures with too many animals.

• Choosing tanks that are too small for adult reptiles.

By working with a trusted pet shop, you can avoid these pitfalls and give your animal the best chance at a long, healthy life.