Terminology - UVA?
Long wave of Ultraviolet A
Terminology - UVB?
Short wave of Ultraviolet B
Terminology - Crepuscular?
Animals active during twilight
(dusk and dawn)
Terminology - Temperate?
Mild temperatures
Terminology - Ecdysis?
Normal shedding of the skin
Basic Husbandry Points?
- best to keep singularly
- need adequate space
- essential to keep in environment that mimics the wild where possible
- majority of disease and health conditions seen in reptilian species is due to poor husbandry or diet
Husbandry: Points to consider?
- substrate used
- basking surface
- furnishings
- location of vivarium
- thermal gradient
- humidity
- lighting
- ventilation
- hides
Basic Housing Points?
- housed in vivariums, usually glass and should be as large as possible
- must consider activity levels, secure, and easily accessible
- hides provided for shelter, nesting or hiding
- water for drinking or wading (heavy bowls to prevent spillages)
Housing: Lizards?
Must be able to stretch lengthways and turn without touching the sides of the enclosure
Housing: Snakes?
Must be able to stretch diagonally across the vivarium
Housing: Climbing Reptiles?
Require adequate height and branches should be provided
Housing: Tortoise?
They are best housed indoors, with some supervised access outdoors
Should be large enclosure with open top and deep layer of substrate
Heating Points to consider?
- reptiles are poikilothermic, meaning external heat must be provided for the animal to maintain its body temperature
- areas should be controlled via a thermostat
- heat is provided via a ceramic bulb or infrared bulb
Heat Sources - ceramic bulbs, tube heaters, reflector bulbs, heat mats, heat rocks, aquarium heaters
Temperature Ranges for Species?
Tropical Species - 26.5* to 37*
Temperate Species - 24* to 29*
Ambient environmental Temperature - 20* to 25*
Basking Zone - up to 40*
Night Temperature - 15* (reduced at night)
How is Humidity controlled?
- created with regular mist spraying water
- hygrometer is used to measure humidity levels
- eg. snakes need more humid environment when shedding
How is Lighting controlled?
Controlled via a timer, average of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark
Why must Light be provided in some species?
Must be provided in daytime active animals to avoid metabolic bone disease
Why is Ventilation an important factor?
- ensures fresh air flow
- avoids respiratory issues
- must take care to avoid altering the temperature or create drafts
Substrates which are not recommended?
Wood-chips
Gravel
Corncob - can lead to impaction
Silica Sand - leading to respiratory irritation
Substrates which are recommended?
Leaf litter
Soil
Shredded paper
Should be digestible if consumed
Why must Cleaning factors be considered?
- many reptiles carry salmonella which is zoonotic
- must ensure good hygiene procedures when working with reptiles
- not all disinfectants are suitable for reptiles, dechlorinated water should be used within the environment
Snakes - Feeding Requirements
Carnivores
Get all nutrients by eating prey whole such as mice, rats, chicks
Should be fed at least once a week
Lizards - Feeding Requirements
Insectivorous, Carnivorous, Herbivorous, Omnivorous, Frugiverous
Crickets, Locusts, Mealworms
Fed twice daily when younger
Chelonians - Feeding Requirements
Herbivores
Diet varies in fibre, vitamins, minerals, low in fats, protein
Includes plants, greens and vegetables
