LO2 - Lizards

Question 1

Terminology - UVA?

Answer 1

Long wave of Ultraviolet A

Question 2

Terminology - UVB?

Answer 2

Short wave of Ultraviolet B

Question 3

Terminology - Crepuscular?

Answer 3

Animals active during twilight
(dusk and dawn)

Question 4

Terminology - Temperate?

Answer 4

Mild temperatures

Question 5

Terminology - Ecdysis?

Answer 5

Normal shedding of the skin

Question 6

Basic Husbandry Points?

Answer 6

• best to keep singularly
• need adequate space
• essential to keep in environment that mimics the wild where possible
• majority of disease and health conditions seen in reptilian species is due to poor husbandry or diet

Question 7

Husbandry: Points to consider?

Answer 7

• substrate used
• basking surface
• furnishings
• location of vivarium
• thermal gradient
• humidity
• lighting
• ventilation
• hides

Question 8

Basic Housing Points?

Answer 8

• housed in vivariums, usually glass and should be as large as possible
• must consider activity levels, secure, and easily accessible
• hides provided for shelter, nesting or hiding
• water for drinking or wading (heavy bowls to prevent spillages)

Question 9

Housing: Lizards?

Answer 9

Must be able to stretch lengthways and turn without touching the sides of the enclosure

Question 10

Housing: Snakes?

Answer 10

Must be able to stretch diagonally across the vivarium

Question 11

Housing: Climbing Reptiles?

Answer 11

Require adequate height and branches should be provided

Question 12

Housing: Tortoise?

Answer 12

They are best housed indoors, with some supervised access outdoors
Should be large enclosure with open top and deep layer of substrate

Question 13

Heating Points to consider?

Answer 13

• reptiles are poikilothermic, meaning external heat must be provided for the animal to maintain its body temperature
• areas should be controlled via a thermostat
• heat is provided via a ceramic bulb or infrared bulb
  Heat Sources - ceramic bulbs, tube heaters, reflector bulbs, heat mats, heat rocks, aquarium heaters

Question 14

Temperature Ranges for Species?

Answer 14

Tropical Species - 26.5* to 37*

Temperate Species - 24* to 29*

Ambient environmental Temperature - 20* to 25*

Basking Zone - up to 40*

Night Temperature - 15* (reduced at night)

Question 15

How is Humidity controlled?

Answer 15

• created with regular mist spraying water
• hygrometer is used to measure humidity levels
• eg. snakes need more humid environment when shedding

Question 16

How is Lighting controlled?

Answer 16

Controlled via a timer, average of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark

Question 17

Why must Light be provided in some species?

Answer 17

Must be provided in daytime active animals to avoid metabolic bone disease

Question 18

Why is Ventilation an important factor?

Answer 18

• ensures fresh air flow
• avoids respiratory issues
• must take care to avoid altering the temperature or create drafts

Question 19

Substrates which are not recommended?

Answer 19

Wood-chips
Gravel
Corncob - can lead to impaction
Silica Sand - leading to respiratory irritation

Question 20

Substrates which are recommended?

Answer 20

Leaf litter
Soil
Shredded paper
Should be digestible if consumed

Question 21

Why must Cleaning factors be considered?

Answer 21

• many reptiles carry salmonella which is zoonotic
• must ensure good hygiene procedures when working with reptiles
• not all disinfectants are suitable for reptiles, dechlorinated water should be used within the environment

Question 22

Snakes - Feeding Requirements

Answer 22

Carnivores

Get all nutrients by eating prey whole such as mice, rats, chicks

Should be fed at least once a week

Question 23

Lizards - Feeding Requirements

Answer 23

Insectivorous, Carnivorous, Herbivorous, Omnivorous, Frugiverous

Crickets, Locusts, Mealworms

Fed twice daily when younger

Question 24

Chelonians - Feeding Requirements

Answer 24

Herbivores

Diet varies in fibre, vitamins, minerals, low in fats, protein

Includes plants, greens and vegetables

Question 25

Terrapins - Feeding Requirements

Answer 25

Omnivores - only fed in water

Diet includes fresh fish, tinned cat/dog food, eggs, earthworms, small insects and plants

When young fed every day, when older fed 2 or 3 times a week