Reptile Husbandry Flashcards
Reptile Nutrition
know if they are vegetarians ! try and mimic natural diet in the wild
change requirements based on age, pregnancy, weight etc…
need additional supplementation of trace minerals
avoid high oxalate diets due to a high risk of calcium oxalate uroliths
avoid diets too high in protein and high water content
water should be always available
feeding method very important
- take away the left overs
- sprinkle calcium powder over the insects (if feeding insects)
- move around thawed mouse in pen as if mimicking alive prey
Enclosure size
vertical or horizontal space?
depends on number and type of animals, include age
Enclosure humidity
must always be monitored
too high can cause airway problems
“humid hide” should be provided as a local humid area, this can be moss, damp cotton wool, etc…
- useful for shedding
- allows them to have a space to get under and pull their scales off
Enclosure temperature
constantly measure with thermostat
dependent on species
establish a hot and cool area within
if using a heat lamp, use one without a light source to avoid burns
Enclosure lighting
UVb allows vitamin D3 to be made in the body. reptiles require Vit D3 for calcium regulation. UVb cannot pass through glass, and so they must have a direct source within the enclosure. most commonly, a UVb tube is used for exposure levels
provide a photo-gradient in the enclosure (light and dark areas within the viv)
establish day/night pattern by using a timer
Enclosure furniture
hiding, basking and eating areas (consider some consume prey in hiding)
soaking area may be relevant
stones and branches provide a surface for rubbing against when shedding
a quiet area for brumation
Enclosure substrate
appropriate for the species
clean to avoid introducing parasites
not too dusty to avoid resp problems
not too loose, so if consumed doesn’t cause impaction
provide comfort! should not be too soft or hard
easy to clean
common examples:
- fir/orchid bark
- moss
- cypress shavings
- coconut chips
Enclosure enrichment
novelty to optimise expression of natural behaviours
should provide a cognitive or physical challenge
beware about causing frustration if too challenging
feeding or sensory based
Reptile Handling
do from a young age
warmth if out of enclosure for a long time
watch for tails, they may swipe or drop them
gloves should be used
ensure clothes and hands don’t smell of prey
Reptile Restraint
makeshift “muzzles” can be used
vasovagal technique stimulates PNS and reduced HR, BP and resp rate
for tortoises, elevation is all thats needed
Reptile Physical Examination
as per, head-to-toe approach
auscultation possible
palpation not so
blood sampling from subcarapacial v., jugular v., dorsal coccygeal v. in chelonia / ventral coccygeal v. in snakes and lizards
sexing based on femoral pores, hemipenes and tail length commonly
Brumation
natural survival mechanism when resources are low and environment is rough
* around 5 degrees (regulated in captivity, fridge?)
* maximum 3 months
* reduce food 2 week run up
* water constantly provided
* animal checked daily for urination
avoid is animal is unwell.
