husbandry of reptiles Flashcards
difference between herpetology vs herpetoculture
- herpetology; scientific study of reptiles and amphibians
- hepretoculture: keeping reptiles and amphibians
class reptilia has __ orders
4
order testudines
turtles (saltwater) terrapins (fresh water), tortoises (land)
order sphenodontia
tuataras from NZ
order squamata
lizards, snakes, worm lizards
order crocodilia
crocs, alligators, gavials and caimans
reptile metabolism
much slower than mammals (1/5-1/7th of mammals)
what is reptile metabolism determined by
temp, body size (smaller= more active= higher metabolic rate), species, diet, predation behaviour
out of aerobic or anaerobic metabolism which is more efficient, which do reptiles use
aerobic,
but reptiles use anaerobic for vigorous activities therefore lactate accumulates quickly so they can only do short bursts of intense activity
are reptiles cold blooded
no, but they are ectothermic meaning they generate some metabolic heat but lack of insulation means it can’t be retained so rely on external temps to regulate body temp
advantages of being ectothermic
energy is not wasted on maintaining body temp, lower food requirements and able to safely hibernate (brumate) in cooler weather
disadvantages of being ectothermic
all activity is limited by external temp, also limits their environmental range, can’t do high levels of activity
UVB radiation and reptiles
important for reptile behaviour and vitamin D3 metabolism (and therefore calcium metabolism, calcium needed for bones, eggs and muscle contraction)
3 wavelengths of UV light
UVA; appetite
UVB; bones
UVC; cancer
UV light naturally found in sunlight but filtered out by class or plastic
primary husbandry factor: species
what does it consider
- social or not
- dominance
- territorial
- prey vs predator
reptiles enclosure should: (3 things)
- allow for normal physiologic and behavioural needs
- allow for social interaction and development of hierarchies (where appropriate)
- make it possible for animal to remain clean and dry
what are some challenges of free range reptiles
- cold floors, injuries, other pets, escape
size of enclosure
not too small but not too big that get too cold
arboreal reptiles need ____ enclosures while terrestrial reptiles need _____ enclosures
tall, long
materials of enclosure should be
waterproof, easy to clean, with no traps
why is substrate needed
for breeding behaviour, won’t lay eggs without it and will become egg bound
substrate materials
- sand, bark and mulch not great because people pay for it so they tend to not throw it out as much as they should
- newspaper is great option
why is a hide important in a reptile enclosure
for safety, security, behaviour and thermoregulation
what kind of lights are needed in an enclosure
white light for diurnal cycle
UV light for UVA: appetite and behaviour UVB: vitamin D3 and calcium metabolism
