Reptile Husbandry 2 Flashcards
List the mediterranean tortoise needs
Long-lived herbivores which hibernate, Need indoor + outdoor enclosure
What is the ideal indoor ecnlousre for mediterranean tortises?
Open-topped (don’t do well in enclosed vivaria during spring + autumn)
Whhen would you keep a mediterranean tortoises outdoors?
Kept outdoors during the summer
Ideal outdoor tortoise enclosure
Large, dry, well-drained enclosure, Substrate to burrow + shelter, Rocks, plants for shade, basking areas, safe edible plants, Weeds for deit, Secure perimeter + preditor proof
Ideal indoor tortoise enclosure
Well-ventilated (tortoise table),
Suitable substrate (sand/soil),
UVB light
What is the POTZ of tortoises in indoor enclosures?
20-28 in day, 15-20 at night
What temperature should the basking spot be in tortoise indoor enclosures?
30-35
What is a mediterranean tortoise diet?
Herbivores: High fibre, low protein, low sugar + high calcium
Wha would you feed a mediterranean tortoise?
Variety of non-toxic weeds, leafy greens, flowers, Good Ca:Pho + Calcium supplement daily (eg. Nutrobal)
What would you not feed a mediterranean tortoise?
Avoid lettuce/fruit/beans/peas/grocery greens
When are some leafy greens acceptable to feed your mediterranean tortosise?
During winter or when they have just woken up, must give good calcium supplement
What health issues may arise due to mediterranean tortoise diet?
Nutrional secondary hyperparathyroidism (Metabolic bone disease), Accelerated growth/Carapaical deformitie
When would you provide a fre water + bathe to a mediterranean tortoise?
Regularly, Before + After hibernation, 1 a week
What must you do before hibernating a tortoise?
Pre-hibernation health check advised,
Fast before hibernation to empty GI (2-4 weeks prior, sizr dependant),
Bathe daily for hydration
Why are pre-hibernation helth checks a thing?
To see if immune systep is functioning optimally, If unwell might not make it through or wake up with health issues
Why must you fast your tortoise prior to hibernation?
Empty tract otherwise food willl rott within it, Esnure warm enough to metabolise food but not fed further
Max hibernation of tortoises
3 months only if healthy
What temperature should you keep your tortoise at when hibernatin?
5 = montior closely
Why would you weitgh regularly during hibernation?
Monitor weight loss = 1-2% weight loss/month (wake up if >10%)
Where would you hibernate your tortoise?
Fridge or Well insulated predator proof box + With substrate to allow them to dig
Post hibernation care
Warm baths daily to encourage drinking + Urination,
Should eat within 1-2 days,
Problem if not within a week,
Post-hibernation anorexia common
What problems can arise after hibernation?
Stomatitis (not starved),
Rhinitis,
Renal failure (Not hydrated/Too long hibernation)
(First two symptoms of herpes virus as the IS function is reduced during hibernation)
Describe Red-eared Terrapins as pets
Semi-aquatic, Live for 30 years, Rapidly outgrow small tanks
Enclosures for RET
Indoor tank, Preformed pond, Outdoor pool (RET invasive species), With robust filtration system to maintain water quality
What should water temperature be for RET?
22-28, decrease temp when adults, ensure heater is protected (wire cage)
What temperature should RET basking spot be?
28-32
What lights do RET require?
UVB
What substrate should you use for RET?
Soil/gravel essential for females for oviposistion, may ingest underwater gravel
Why would you not use an undergravel filter for RET enclosures?
Turtles can ingest gravel = Impcation
What do you feed RET?
Feed 2-3x weekly, Aquatic turtle pellets, Greens, Gut-loaded + Dusted insects, Occational whole raw fish, Earthworms
What are RET diets?
Oppertunistic omnivoers - Juvenile more carnivores, Adult more herbivorous (80%)
What are Bearded dragons?
Diurnal terrestial/ Semi-Arboreal Omnivores from Australia
How long do Bearded dragons live for?
10-15 years