The recent trend to breed reptiles has also seen a growing number of unnecessary lizards and snakes, to the point where breeders are willing to give animals away just to move them on. This gives temptation for new keepers to take on a free pet just because it’s free. Many end up in rescue centres.

"Our aim is to take in and rehabilitate reptiles, whether they are sick, injured, unwanted or just too much for you to handle," said Tim.

They will never turn an unwanted reptile away.

"At the moment we are full for snakes. They're not the easiest of creatures to re-home. What we take in goes through phases. Over last couple of weeks, for example, we've had three calls for boa constrictors, including a 10ft male," he said. "But we also take in hooded dragons, iguanas, often up to six feet in length, even turtles."

But not all these unwanted scaly pets reach Tim and Sue.

They name a lake in the Forest, where several turtles have been abandoned. On a hot day, they can be seen enjoying the sun.

For how long they will survive there the Carrs can't say. They already have 50 turtles living in a pond at their home.

Many of these exotic pets arrive with terrible injures, caused mostly by ignorance around reptile care.

"We've seen some lizards with horrific burns because the owner has used the wrong lighting," said Sue.

Vet, Jason Burgess of the Wood Veterinary Group, has been a great support and is often called upon to treat these sick and injured pets.

Tim lays some of the blame for abandoned reptiles on their easy purchase.

"You can look at some well-known online sites and, at just the push of a button, you buy horse snakes, boas, or hooded dragons for example, with no knowledge about looking after them."

The care reptiles require is very particular. The lighting in a vivarium isn't just aesthetic. It's fundamental to their well-being and growth.

"Get it wrong and it can lead to devastating injuries," said Sue.

Second Home Reptile rescue have heard all the reasons for giving up a reptilian pet, but they are not there to judge.

When these animals are re-homed the couple make sure the new owners know what they are taking on and that they have suitable accommodation.

"They make lovely pets," said Tim. "They may not look cuddly, but they do need tender care."

Article courtesy of Gloucester Citizen