REPTILE CARE and
HUSBANDRY By Chad Bower, DVM Legacy Animal Hospital – Las Vegas, NV
R
eptiles are a very diverse group of animals with tremendous variation in body form and function. There are over 8200 species and are found on every continent except Antartica. Due to this great diversity their care can vary considerably between species. Over the last 15 years I would estimate that greater than 90% of the reptile patients I have seen have problems directly related to improper husbandry and care. Everything about having a reptile and keeping it healthy depends on finding out as much as possible about it and replicating the animals native environment as closely as possible. While this is much easier said than done, below are only a few of the general considerations that need to be reviewed and addressed with the care of most reptiles.
TEMPERATURE:
All reptiles share the fact that they are ectothermic, meaning that they cannot internally manufacture body heat. Basically they need to derive their body heat from external sources such as sunlight and hot lamps. Reptiles have optimum temperature ranges in which they do best. Within an enclosure there needs to be a temperature gradient provided to allow the animal the ability to thermo-regulate. To meet these needs you may need to supply heat in a variety of ways such as a basking lamp or warming rocks. One word of caution, beware of hot rocks as they can potentially cause burns.
DIET:
An essential element of proper husbandry and one that is often overlooked. Reptiles may be vegetarians, carnivores, insectivores or a combination. Below are just a few guidelines that must be considered. • Carnivores - Feed whole prey when possible. All food should be pre-killed to avoid possible injury to the reptile. • Insectivores - Crickets are low in protein and calcium and should not make up more than 50% of diet. Remainder should consist of insects such as mealworms, wax worms, flies, grasshoppers, etc. Insects should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement. • Herbivores - Diets in captivity should be based on a variety of green, leafy vegetables. Fruits should be minimized.Vitamin and mineral supplements are usually necessary. 24
Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021
HUMIDITY:
Must be maintained to meet the specific requirements of the animal. Depending on the humidity needed, you may need to modify the enclosure to keep the moisture in or set up a micro-environments within the enclosure.
SUBSTRATE/ENVIRONMENT:
Many things need to be considered in this area. Some reptiles need hiding places such as rocks while others prefer trees/branches as well as preferred substrates such as sand. Below are just a few more things to consider. • Supports the physical needs of the animal • Meets the psychological needs of the animal • Is easily cleaned and changed • Avoids intestinal impactions and respiratory irritants
PHOTOPERIOD/UV LIGHT SPECTRUM:
This is essential for many reptiles and involves both the length of daylight and the proper spectrum of UV lighting. While direct sunlight is the best source, many times specific UV lighting must be incorporated into the animal’s enclosure. UV spectrum lighting can affect behavior and well-being and is necessary for calcium metabolism. As you can see, welcoming a reptile into your home requires a commitment of time, space and money. If you are interested in a reptile, please do your research beforehand to find the pet that will fit best with what you are looking for. Pet stores can be a good source of information. Another resource is on the internet. I always recommend researching a minimum of at least three legitimate websites to look for the commonalities on proper husbandry.
Best of luck!
