Reptiles And Birds In Captivity Flashcards
1
Q
The five welfare needs
A
- Suitable diet
- Suitable environment
- Ability to express normal behaviour patterns
- Housed with, or apart from, other animals
- Protected from pain, injury, disease
2
Q
What is metabolic bone disease
A
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a condition that affects bones and is caused by a variety of factors, including a deficiency of calcium, vitamin D
3
Q
Why are insectivores at risk of developing metabolic bone disease
A
Insectivores that primarily feed on insects can be at risk of developing MBD if they are not provided with adequate nutrition.
Insects are often low in calcium and vitamin D
4
Q
What is Hypovitaminosis A
A
Hypovitaminosis A is a medical condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin A
5
Q
Why are insectivores at risk of developing hypovitaminosis A
A
Because insects are not a rich source of vitamin A
6
Q
Why are insectivores at risk of obesity
A
If they are fed too many waxworms which are high in fat and low in calcium
- They should not be fed as the sole or primary food source for insectivores.
- Overfeeding waxworms can lead to obesity
7
Q
Why are commercial diets sometimes bad for reptiles
A
Lack of Nutritional Variety
Inadequate Nutrient Levels
Processed Ingredients: Commercial diets for reptiles often contain highly processed ingredients, such as grain-based fillers or artificial preservatives, which may not be easily digestible for reptiles and can lead to digestive problems.
Often too high in protein + energy
Lack of Enrichment
8
Q
Why are natural diet for herbivores hard to replicate in captivity
A
- Certain foods may not be available in supermarkets at certain times of year
- Pesticides on supermarket fruit and veg
9
Q
What is pyramiding in tortoises
A
Pyramiding is a shell deformity that can occur in tortoises. It is a condition where the scutes (scales) of the tortoise’s shell grow upwards and outwards, causing the shell to have a pyramid-like appearance.
10
Q
What causes pyramiding in tortoises
A
The main causes of pyramiding in tortoises are thought to be too much protein and low humidity (dry)
Imbalance of calcium and phosphorus (i.e., nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, also known as “metabolic bone disease”)
11
Q
What causes beak and nail deformities in reptiles
A
Improper nutrition
12
Q
Common dietary problems in insectivores
A
Metabolic bone disease
Hypovitaminosis A
Obesity
13
Q
Common dietary problems in herbivores
A
Pyramiding
Beak and nail deformities
Metabolic bone disease
14
Q
Common dietary problems in omnivores
A
Obesity
Metabolic bone disease
Dental disease
15
Q
Why should you give supplements to reptiles
A
Some common nutrients that may be lacking in a captive reptile’s diet include calcium, vitamin D3. Calcium is important for strong bones and muscle function, while vitamin D3 helps the body absorb and use calcium.
16
Q
What happens if reptiles have too much phosphorus and not enough calcium
A
Too much phosphorus and not enough calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease, which can cause softening and weakening of the bones
17
Q
Examples of inappropriate diet for birds
A
Lack of variety
Inadequate dietary components
Imbalanced vitamin component
Contamination of food source
If you allow your bird to just selective feed
18
Q
What can obesity lead to in birds
A
Diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes)
Hepatic lipidosis
Atherosclerosis
19
Q
What is hepatic lipidosis
A
excess accumulation of fat in the liver
20
Q
What is atherosclerosis
A
Atherosclerosis is a condition that affects the cardiovascular system of birds, and is characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the walls of the arteries.
21
Q
What is the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis
A
- Buildup of plaque inside the walls of the arteries
- Restriction of blood flow
-Eventually heart failure and death
22
Q
How common is atherosclerosis
A
is most commonly seen in birds that are kept in captivity, particularly those that are fed diets that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats.
23
Q
What are raptors and how are they characterised
A
Birds of prey
group of birds that are characterized by their predatory behavior, sharp talons, and hooked beaks.
24
Q
What do raptors eat
A
Whole vertebrate prey - flesh, bone, skin + casting materials
25
What is casting materials
Fur and feathers
26
What is thiamine
Vitamin B1
27
What can thiamine deficiency lead to
Thiamine deficiency can lead to a range of health problems, including neurological and cardiac disorders.
28
What is thiamine deficiency in raptors linked to
Thiamine deficiency in raptors has been linked to the consumption of prey that are deficient in thiamine or contain thiaminase, such as certain types of fish.
29
What is thiaminase
Thiaminase is an enzyme that breaks down thiamine
30
When would fish have active thiaminase in them
If they have been freezed/thawed as this will activate thiaminase
31
Why is the calcium phosphorous ratio important
If the Ca:P ratio is too low, it can lead to a range of health problems
32
What happens if If the Ca:P ratio is too low
A diet that is high in phosphorus and low in calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease
33
What is the ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet
A ratio of 2:1 or higher (calcium to phosphorus) is considered appropriate.
34
What happens if If the Ca:P ratio is too high
A diet that is too high in calcium and low in phosphorus can also lead to health problems, such as kidney damage and impaired growth.
35
Why is vitamin D important
Vitamin D helps birds absorb calcium from their diet
36
Why is calcium important
It is important for the development and maintenance of strong bones, eggshells, and other tissues.
37
What is calcium homestasis
refers to the maintenance of a stable level of calcium in the body.
38
What are the 3 hormones involved with calcium homeostasis
Vitamin D3
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Calcitonin
39
Where is PTH produced and what does it do
Produced in Parathyroid glands in response to low calcium
Acts to increase calcium levels in blood
40
How does PTH increase calcium levels in the blood
By:
- Stimulating the release of calcium from bones
- Increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys
- Increasing the production of vitamin D, which enhances calcium absorption from the gut.
41
Where is calcitonin produced and what does it do
Produced by thyroid gland
Acts to decrease calcium levels in the blood
42
How does calcitonin decrease calcium levels in the blood (in mammals)
By:
- Inhibiting the release of calcium from bones
- Stimulates osteoblasts to build bone, taking calcium from the blood
- Increasing calcium excretion in the kidneys.
43
Where is Vitamin D3 produced and what does it do
It is synthesized in the skin in response to sunlight
or obtained from the diet
Vitamin D helps to increase calcium absorption from the gut.
44
Does calcitonin play a role in calcium homeostasis in birds
It is unknown
45
How is Vitamin D metabolised
ProVitamin D is produced in the liver from cholesterol and is secreted on the skin
UVB exposure transforms ProVitamin D into Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 can also be obtained directly from the diet
Vitamin D3 is transported to the liver where it’s converted into calcidiol
Calcidiol is transported to kidneys where it’s converted to the active form of Vitamin D - Calcitriol
46
What is Unactive Vitamin D3 called
Cholecalciferol
47
What is the hormonally active metabolite of Vitamin D3 called
Calcitriol
48
What does calcitriol do
It is responsible for increasing the level of calcium in the blood by acting on the gut, kidney and bone
49
Vitamin D3 (calcitriol) functions
Facilitates intestinal absorption of dietary calcium
Facilitates uptake of calcium from bone or deposition of calcium into bone depending on blood calcium levels
Decreases realm excretion of calcium if blood level is low
50
How quick does PTH work in birds
Minutes (hours or several days in mammals)
51
What does metabolic bone disease refer to
A group of conditions that occur due to calcium deficiency and associated hyper parathyroidism
52
What disease is caused by the homeostasis of blood calcium at the expense of skeletal calcification
Metabolic bone disease
53
A diet high in what can caused metabolic bone disease in birds
A seed based diet which are low in calcium and high in phosphorus
54
Why is it important to supplement indoor birds with vitamin D or provide them with artificial UVB lighting
As they may not receive enough UVB radiation to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D
55
How can we replicate wild conditions in captivity
Type of enclosure
Substrate
Temperature, lighting
Time spent on land vs time swimming or flying
Social grouping
56
3 reptile traits
Ectothermic
Low metabolic rate
Unsocial
57
Ideal enclosure/vivarium
- Secure
- Easy to clean
- Easy to insulate
- Well ventilated
- Appropriate size + shape
58
Ideal substrate
- Easy to clean
- Non-edible / unlikely to cause impaction if ingested
- Maintain appropriate humidity
- Allow natural burrowing behaviour
59
How to know if a tortoise should brumate
Species: Not all tortoise species brumate
Age: Young tortoises, especially those under the age of three or four, may not be strong enough to brumate and may need to be kept active and warm during the winter months.
Health: Tortoises that are sick, weak, or have underlying health issues should not be allowed to brumate.
Environmental conditions: If the temperature in your tortoise's enclosure drops below a certain point (usually around 50-60°F or 10-15°C), it may trigger the natural instinct to brumate.
Suitable set up: have you got somewhere they will be safe
60
Pros of brumating tortoises
Energy conservation: Brumation allows tortoises to conserve energy during the winter months, when food and water may be scarce.
Improved health: Brumation can help reset the tortoise's internal clock and improve its overall health and well-being.
Hormonal regulation: Brumation can help regulate hormones and promote reproductive health in adult tortoises.
Natural behavior: Brumation is a natural behavior for many tortoise species and can help maintain their overall physiological and psychological health.
61
Cons of brumating tortoises
Health risks: Brumation can be stressful for tortoises and may increase the risk of health problems such as dehydration, malnutrition, and respiratory infections.
Unknown duration: It can be difficult to predict how long a tortoise will brumate, and if the tortoise does not wake up from brumation, it can be a cause for concern.
Weakened immune system: Brumation can weaken the tortoise's immune system, making it more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Required monitoring: Brumating tortoises require careful monitoring and management to ensure they remain healthy and safe throughout the period of dormancy.
62
What checks must you do pre brumation
Health check/complete physical exam: If your tortoise is sick or has any health problems, it may not be able to safely undergo brumation.
Faecal screen: Check for parasites
Weight check: Weigh your tortoise and monitor its weight over the weeks leading up to brumation. A healthy tortoise should have enough fat stores to sustain it through the period of dormancy. If your tortoise is underweight, it may not be ready for brumation.
Diet check: Ensure that your tortoise has been eating a healthy and balanced diet leading up to brumation. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is especially important to maintain healthy bones during the period of dormancy.
Environmental check: Ensure that your tortoise's enclosure is suitable for brumation. The temperature should be regulated to mimic the cooler temperatures of winter.
Behavioral check: Monitor your tortoise's behavior leading up to brumation. If your tortoise is not showing signs of wanting to brumate, such as reduced activity and appetite, it may not be ready for brumation.
63
When should you brumate a tortoise
Late autumn
End of Nov to End of Feb
64
How long should hibernation/brumation last in tortoises
Max 3 months
65
How long do you need to prepare for brumation
For an adult 4 weeks beforehand
For a juvenile 2-3 weeks
66
Pre brumation steps
1. Stop feeding 1 month before brumation
- you want them to have an empty gastrointestinal tract but a full bladder
2. Keep warm for the 1st week to allow digestion of food
3. 2nd week start reducing the temp by about 5•c per week and cut back hours of light
4. Continue regularly bathing to encourage water intake and voiding of faeces
67
Brumation options
Box method
Fridge
Chiller/minibar cabinet
68
Why shouldn’t tortoises brumate in garden
They would brumate for too long
The temperature is uncontrolled
Risk of predators
Other trauma eg bonfires
69
When using the box method what do you need to make sure the box is
- well ventilated
- rodent proof
- well insulated
70
What checks do you need to be doing throughout brumation
Temp should be kept at 5•c
Tortoises should be weighed every 1-2 weeks
71
What percentage of bodyweight loss would you expect each month during brumation
1%
72
When should you take a tortoise out of brumation
- due to drastic weight loss
8-10%
- if tortoise urinates
73
What is the aftercare of brumation
- After 3 months take them out of there hibernaculum (fridge/box)
- Warm up over 24 hours with supplementary heating + lighting
- Place in warm bath for 30+ mins twice daily to encourage urination and rehydration
74
When should a tortoise start eating after brumation
Within 7 days
75
What is bumblefoot
Bumblefoot, also known as pododermatitis, is a bacterial infection of the feet of birds
76
How is bumble foot characterised
It is characterized by the formation of hard, scabby sores on the bottom of the feet, which can cause pain and discomfort to the affected animal.
77
What are the 4 types of pododermatitis
Hyperkeratosis
Fissures
Nodular lesions
Papillomatous growths
78
What is hyperkeratosis
Thickening of the outer layer of the skin due to excessive growth + accumulation of keratin
79
What are Fissures
Small cracks or openings that can develop in the thickened, scaly skin of the feet of animals, such as birds
80
What are nodular lesions
formation of small, raised bumps or nodules on the surface of the skin or beneath it
81
What are papillomatous growths
type of skin growth characterized by the formation of small, wart-like projections on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes.
82
What is aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is a fungal respiratory infection
83
When will birds get aspergillosis
The fungal spores are everywhere in the environment (technically harmless) unless you are an:
- immunocompromised bird
- bird in an unsuitable environment
84
Is aspergillosis contagious between birds
No
85
What birds are likely to get aspergillosis
Birds from cold climates kept in hot dusty conditions
86
What are the clinical signs of aspergillosis
Poor flight performance
Respiratory signs
87
Why are penguins highly susceptible to avian malaria
they have not evolved a natural defense mechanism against Plasmodium relictum
As most penguin species evolved in areas without exposure to avian malaria
88
Why would local bird populations not show clinical signs of malaria
because they have co-evolved with the parasite and have developed a certain degree of resistance to it
89
What are psittacines
family of birds that includes parrots, macaws, cockatiels, and budgerigars, among others.
90
Why is chronic egg laying common in pet psittacines
- stimulation of breeding by pair bonding with owner
- presence of another bird
- removal of laid eggs stimulating continued laying
- high energy seed based diet
91
What problems can occur with chronic egg laying
Egg binding
Or
Yolk coelomitis
92
What is egg binding
Egg binding is a condition that occurs when a female bird is unable to lay an egg.
93
What happens when female bird can’t lay an egg
It can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated, as the egg can become lodged in the reproductive tract and cause serious health problems, such as infection, egg peritonitis, or even rupture of the oviduct.
94
What is egg yolk coelomitis
Egg yolk coelomitis, also known as yolk peritonitis, is a condition that can occur in female birds when yolk from a ruptured or misshapen egg is released into the body cavity instead of being expelled from the reproductive tract.
95
What happens when yolk from a ruptured or misshapen egg is released into the body cavity instead of being expelled from the reproductive tract.
This can result in inflammation and infection of the coelomic cavity, which is the space surrounding the internal organs.
96
What can cause Egg binding
Hypocalcaemia
Poor diet
Inappropriate environment
Oversized/misshapen egg
Excessive laying
Oviduct pathology
97
Why might birds fail to breed in captivity
Inappropriate diet / environment
Climate
Nutrition
Inappropriate mate
Stress
98
Behavioural problems in parrots
Feather destructive behaviour
Noise
Aggression
Neophobia (fear of new things)
99
What causes birds to feather pluck
Underlying health problem
Poor diet
Poor environment
Lack of enrichment
Stress
100
What is stereotypic behaviour
Behaviour that is repetitive, invariant, and serves no function
101
Examples of stereotypic behaviour
Pacing, route tracing
Bar biting
Invariant manipulation of objects
Feather destructive behaviour
Apathy
102
What causes stereotypic behaviour
Inappropriate environment in respect to space and complexity
Lack of foraging opportunity
103
What is pinioning
Permanent (surgical) flight restriction
104
What is removed for pinioning
Metacarpal bone and phalanges if one wing removed
Primary feathers absent on that wing
105
What birds are commonly pinioned
Waterfowl
Flamingos
Storks
Cranes
106
Problems with pinioning
Reproduction may be hindered (especially in flamingos)
Increased risk of predation
107
What is wing clipping
Cutting primary feathers on one or both the wings at the level of the wing coverts
108
What birds are commonly wing clipped
Parrots
Poultry
109
Problems with wing clipping
Crash landings common (keel injuries)
Can develop feather plucking / behavioural problems
Moulting starts mid wing so can get broken blood feathers
110
If birds are tethered how often do they need to be flown
At least 5 days per week
111
When would capture myopathy occur
Capture myopathy can occur in large mammals/birds, as a result of stress and exertion during capture or handling.
112
What is capture myopathy
When an animal is captured or handled, it may experience extreme stress and struggle, leading to increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. This can lead to damage to the muscles and other tissues, as well as changes in the blood chemistry that can affect the animal's vital organs.
113
How to prevent capture myopathy
Operant conditioning - train animals for simple procedures
Minimise chasing/capture time - enclosure design
Minimise handling time - have everything prepared in advance
Don’t catch animals in high ambient temperatures
Consider sedation
114
What ti consider when designing enclosure
Complexity of environment
Social groupings
Appropriate substrate
Adequate space
Ability to fly or swim
115
Examples of psittacisme enrichment
Flying
Foraging opportunity
Scatter feeds
Puzzle feeders
Toys
Mirrors
Substrates
Social interactions
116
Examples of preventative veterinary care
Adequate nutrition
Infectious disease control
- parasite screening
Behavioural health
Enrichment plans
Post mortem examinations
Record keeping / communication
117
How to asses quality if life
- behavioural ethograms
- disease prevalence
- mortality rates
- zoo inspections
