Reptile Husbandry Flashcards
What are the two main orders in the class Reptilia?
Chelonia and Squamata
Environmental stress has what effects on reptiles?
Reduces immune system function, making them more prone to infection
What are the sub-orders of the Squamata order?
Suaria/lacertilia = lizards
Serpentes - snakes
What are the 4 families of snakes? Give example species in each
- Boidae: bae constrictor, anaconda, python
- Colubridae: corn snake, rat snake
- Elapidae: mamba, cobra
- Viperidae: rattlesnake, pit viper, puff adder
Which is the most advanced family of snake and why?
One carotid, one lung, hanged maxilla for movement
Snakes from which family are most commonly kept? give examples
Colubridae - corn snakes and king snakes
Give examples of the most commonly kept lizards
Gecko Bearded dragon Iguana Chameleons Skinks Chinese water dragon
What are the 3 main chelonia species?
Turtles
Tortoises
Terrapins
What are the 3 environment types you would find reptiles and chelonia living in?
Terrestrial (ground living)
Arboreal (tree living)
Aquatic and semi-aquatic
What is an ectotherm?
Any animal whose regulation of body temperature depends on external sources, such as sunlight or a heated rock surface.
Need to provide different heat sources to achieve preferred optimum temperature zone
What should the heat source not be provided by? What should be used instead as the primary heat source?
Not a light source
- heat mats
- heat tape
- incandescent bulbs
- ceramic lamps
Why may a secondary heat source be used, what are risks of this that should be noted?
- Gives a higher temp heat source in specific areas
- Should not exceed high end of preferred optimum temperature zone
- Never allow direct contact with this source - burns
How do humidity requirements vary between species?
- Lower for desert species: 20-30%
- Most species tolerate 50-70%
- Higher for rainforest species: 70-80%
What device is used to monitor humidity?
Hygrometer
What should a higher humidity area be provided for?
Ecdysis - shedding
Describe a lighting regime used for most reptilia species?
12-14 hours of light a day
Why is the quality of light important?
UVA 320-400nm: stimulates reproductive behaviour in lizards
UVB 290-320nm: required for vitamin D conservation in skin, calcium metabolism
How does frequency of feeding vary between Reptilia?
- Iguanas/chelonia = daily
- Small snakes/lizards = 1-2 a week
- Young large snakes = 3 a week
- Adult large snakes = every 2-4 weeks
Describe the diet of tortoises, spiny tailed lizards and green iguanas?
Herbivores: green veg, flowers, succulents, calcium supplement and UVB essential
Which reptilia species are omnivores?
Terrapins and turtles
How does the diet of snakes contrast to bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons, etc.
Snakes are carnivores: eating rodents and rabbits
The others are insectivores: eating mealworms, crickets, locusts
Overhandling of young reptilia can lead to…?
Food refusal
What are the pros and cons of some reptilia species hibernating?
Pros - stimulates normal thyroid function and reproductive behaviour
Cons - harmful in young, ill or underweight animas
How would you encourage a reptile to hibernate?
Withhold food for 2 weeks, place in a box with bedding, reduce temp below 10 degrees
