Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Wild Animal Biology > Reptiles And Birds In Captivity > Flashcards

Reptiles And Birds In Captivity Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
AP® Biology flashcards Biology 101 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
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is Hypovitaminosis A

A

Hypovitaminosis A is a medical condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin A

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Why are insectivores at risk of developing hypovitaminosis A

A

Because insects are not a rich source of vitamin A

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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”)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What causes beak and nail deformities in reptiles

A

Improper nutrition

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Common dietary problems in insectivores

A

Metabolic bone disease
Hypovitaminosis A
Obesity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Common dietary problems in herbivores

A

Pyramiding
Beak and nail deformities
Metabolic bone disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Common dietary problems in omnivores

A

Obesity
Metabolic bone disease
Dental disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What can obesity lead to in birds

A

Diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes)
Hepatic lipidosis
Atherosclerosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is hepatic lipidosis

A

excess accumulation of fat in the liver

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What do raptors eat

A

Whole vertebrate prey - flesh, bone, skin + casting materials

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is casting materials

A

Fur and feathers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is thiamine

A

Vitamin B1

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What can thiamine deficiency lead to

A

Thiamine deficiency can lead to a range of health problems, including neurological and cardiac disorders.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is thiamine deficiency in raptors linked to

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is thiaminase

A

Thiaminase is an enzyme that breaks down thiamine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

When would fish have active thiaminase in them

A

If they have been freezed/thawed as this will activate thiaminase

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Why is the calcium phosphorous ratio important

A

If the Ca:P ratio is too low, it can lead to a range of health problems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What happens if If the Ca:P ratio is too low

A

A diet that is high in phosphorus and low in calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet

A

A ratio of 2:1 or higher (calcium to phosphorus) is considered appropriate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What happens if If the Ca:P ratio is too high

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Why is vitamin D important

A

Vitamin D helps birds absorb calcium from their diet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Why is calcium important

A

It is important for the development and maintenance of strong bones, eggshells, and other tissues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What is calcium homestasis

A

refers to the maintenance of a stable level of calcium in the body.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What are the 3 hormones involved with calcium homeostasis

A

Vitamin D3
Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
Calcitonin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Where is PTH produced and what does it do

A

Produced in Parathyroid glands in response to low calcium
Acts to increase calcium levels in blood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

How does PTH increase calcium levels in the blood

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Where is calcitonin produced and what does it do

A

Produced by thyroid gland
Acts to decrease calcium levels in the blood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

How does calcitonin decrease calcium levels in the blood (in mammals)

A

By:
- Inhibiting the release of calcium from bones
- Stimulates osteoblasts to build bone, taking calcium from the blood
- Increasing calcium excretion in the kidneys.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Where is Vitamin D3 produced and what does it do

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Does calcitonin play a role in calcium homeostasis in birds

A

It is unknown

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

How is Vitamin D metabolised

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

What is Unactive Vitamin D3 called

A

Cholecalciferol

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What is the hormonally active metabolite of Vitamin D3 called

A

Calcitriol

48
Q

What does calcitriol do

A

It is responsible for increasing the level of calcium in the blood by acting on the gut, kidney and bone

49
Q

Vitamin D3 (calcitriol) functions

A

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
Q

How quick does PTH work in birds

A

Minutes (hours or several days in mammals)

51
Q

What does metabolic bone disease refer to

A

A group of conditions that occur due to calcium deficiency and associated hyper parathyroidism

52
Q

What disease is caused by the homeostasis of blood calcium at the expense of skeletal calcification

A

Metabolic bone disease

53
Q

A diet high in what can caused metabolic bone disease in birds

A

A seed based diet which are low in calcium and high in phosphorus

54
Q

Why is it important to supplement indoor birds with vitamin D or provide them with artificial UVB lighting

A

As they may not receive enough UVB radiation to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D

55
Q

How can we replicate wild conditions in captivity

A

Type of enclosure
Substrate
Temperature, lighting
Time spent on land vs time swimming or flying
Social grouping

56
Q

3 reptile traits

A

Ectothermic
Low metabolic rate
Unsocial

57
Q

Ideal enclosure/vivarium

A
  • Secure
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to insulate
  • Well ventilated
  • Appropriate size + shape
58
Q

Ideal substrate

A
  • Easy to clean
  • Non-edible / unlikely to cause impaction if ingested
  • Maintain appropriate humidity
  • Allow natural burrowing behaviour
59
Q

How to know if a tortoise should brumate

A

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
Q

Pros of brumating tortoises

A

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
Q

Cons of brumating tortoises

A

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
Q

What checks must you do pre brumation

A

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
Q

When should you brumate a tortoise

A

Late autumn
End of Nov to End of Feb

64
Q

How long should hibernation/brumation last in tortoises

A

Max 3 months

65
Q

How long do you need to prepare for brumation

A

For an adult 4 weeks beforehand
For a juvenile 2-3 weeks

66
Q

Pre brumation steps

A
  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
Q

Brumation options

A

Box method
Fridge
Chiller/minibar cabinet

68
Q

Why shouldn’t tortoises brumate in garden

A

They would brumate for too long
The temperature is uncontrolled
Risk of predators
Other trauma eg bonfires

69
Q

When using the box method what do you need to make sure the box is

A
  • well ventilated
  • rodent proof
  • well insulated
70
Q

What checks do you need to be doing throughout brumation

A

Temp should be kept at 5•c
Tortoises should be weighed every 1-2 weeks

71
Q

What percentage of bodyweight loss would you expect each month during brumation

A

1%

72
Q

When should you take a tortoise out of brumation

A
  • due to drastic weight loss
    8-10%
  • if tortoise urinates
73
Q

What is the aftercare of brumation

A
  • 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
Q

When should a tortoise start eating after brumation

A

Within 7 days

75
Q

What is bumblefoot

A

Bumblefoot, also known as pododermatitis, is a bacterial infection of the feet of birds

76
Q

How is bumble foot characterised

A

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
Q

What are the 4 types of pododermatitis

A

Hyperkeratosis
Fissures
Nodular lesions
Papillomatous growths

78
Q

What is hyperkeratosis

A

Thickening of the outer layer of the skin due to excessive growth + accumulation of keratin

79
Q

What are Fissures

A

Small cracks or openings that can develop in the thickened, scaly skin of the feet of animals, such as birds

80
Q

What are nodular lesions

A

formation of small, raised bumps or nodules on the surface of the skin or beneath it

81
Q

What are papillomatous growths

A

type of skin growth characterized by the formation of small, wart-like projections on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes.

82
Q

What is aspergillosis

A

Aspergillosis is a fungal respiratory infection

83
Q

When will birds get aspergillosis

A

The fungal spores are everywhere in the environment (technically harmless) unless you are an:
- immunocompromised bird
- bird in an unsuitable environment

84
Q

Is aspergillosis contagious between birds

A

No

85
Q

What birds are likely to get aspergillosis

A

Birds from cold climates kept in hot dusty conditions

86
Q

What are the clinical signs of aspergillosis

A

Poor flight performance
Respiratory signs

87
Q

Why are penguins highly susceptible to avian malaria

A

they have not evolved a natural defense mechanism against Plasmodium relictum
As most penguin species evolved in areas without exposure to avian malaria

88
Q

Why would local bird populations not show clinical signs of malaria

A

because they have co-evolved with the parasite and have developed a certain degree of resistance to it

89
Q

What are psittacines

A

family of birds that includes parrots, macaws, cockatiels, and budgerigars, among others.

90
Q

Why is chronic egg laying common in pet psittacines

A
  • 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
Q

What problems can occur with chronic egg laying

A

Egg binding
Or
Yolk coelomitis

92
Q

What is egg binding

A

Egg binding is a condition that occurs when a female bird is unable to lay an egg.

93
Q

What happens when female bird can’t lay an egg

A

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
Q

What is egg yolk coelomitis

A

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
Q

What happens when yolk from a ruptured or misshapen egg is released into the body cavity instead of being expelled from the reproductive tract.

A

This can result in inflammation and infection of the coelomic cavity, which is the space surrounding the internal organs.

96
Q

What can cause Egg binding

A

Hypocalcaemia
Poor diet
Inappropriate environment
Oversized/misshapen egg
Excessive laying
Oviduct pathology

97
Q

Why might birds fail to breed in captivity

A

Inappropriate diet / environment
Climate
Nutrition
Inappropriate mate
Stress

98
Q

Behavioural problems in parrots

A

Feather destructive behaviour
Noise
Aggression
Neophobia (fear of new things)

99
Q

What causes birds to feather pluck

A

Underlying health problem
Poor diet
Poor environment
Lack of enrichment
Stress

100
Q

What is stereotypic behaviour

A

Behaviour that is repetitive, invariant, and serves no function

101
Q

Examples of stereotypic behaviour

A

Pacing, route tracing
Bar biting
Invariant manipulation of objects
Feather destructive behaviour
Apathy

102
Q

What causes stereotypic behaviour

A

Inappropriate environment in respect to space and complexity
Lack of foraging opportunity

103
Q

What is pinioning

A

Permanent (surgical) flight restriction

104
Q

What is removed for pinioning

A

Metacarpal bone and phalanges if one wing removed
Primary feathers absent on that wing

105
Q

What birds are commonly pinioned

A

Waterfowl
Flamingos
Storks
Cranes

106
Q

Problems with pinioning

A

Reproduction may be hindered (especially in flamingos)
Increased risk of predation

107
Q

What is wing clipping

A

Cutting primary feathers on one or both the wings at the level of the wing coverts

108
Q

What birds are commonly wing clipped

A

Parrots
Poultry

109
Q

Problems with wing clipping

A

Crash landings common (keel injuries)
Can develop feather plucking / behavioural problems
Moulting starts mid wing so can get broken blood feathers

110
Q

If birds are tethered how often do they need to be flown

A

At least 5 days per week

111
Q

When would capture myopathy occur

A

Capture myopathy can occur in large mammals/birds, as a result of stress and exertion during capture or handling.

112
Q

What is capture myopathy

A

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
Q

How to prevent capture myopathy

A

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
Q

What ti consider when designing enclosure

A

Complexity of environment
Social groupings
Appropriate substrate
Adequate space
Ability to fly or swim

115
Q

Examples of psittacisme enrichment

A

Flying
Foraging opportunity
Scatter feeds
Puzzle feeders
Toys
Mirrors
Substrates
Social interactions

116
Q

Examples of preventative veterinary care

A

Adequate nutrition
Infectious disease control
- parasite screening
Behavioural health
Enrichment plans
Post mortem examinations
Record keeping / communication

117
Q

How to asses quality if life

A
  • behavioural ethograms
  • disease prevalence
  • mortality rates
  • zoo inspections

Wild Animal Biology (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions