CAM - reptiles

• Reptiles


  Snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles and tortoises
• Reptiles


  • Dry scaly skin
  • Lay soft-shelled eggs on land
• Herpetology


  The study of reptiles
• Crocodiles and poisonous snakes require a DWA (Dangerous Wild Animal license) for travel
• In 2023, less than 5% of UK households own a reptile - 2.4 million
• Reptile husbandry


  Keeping exotic species, very different to keeping traditional mammal species
• Reptile behavioural and anatomical characteristics are massively varied between species
• Species-specific management is essential for reptiles
• Captive environment


  Replicate the natural habitat as closely as possible to promote optimum physical health and mental wellbeing
• Factors to replicate natural habitat

  • Type of habitat
  • Temperature and humidity
  • Diet
  • Light levels
• Terrestrial


  Animal that lives on or near the ground
• Arboreal


  Animal that lives in trees
• Aquatic


  Animal that lives in water
• Terrestrial housing requirements


  • Little to no climbing material needed
  • Floor space most important
  • Needs shelters/hides
  • Food and water
• Arboreal housing requirements


  • Vertical space is most important
  • Plenty of climbing material
  • Shelters located up off the ground
  • Water bowl present but mostly drink water droplets off leaves
  • Food can be on ground or in trees
• Aquatic housing requirements


  • Land:water ratio different for each species
  • May require basking spots
  • Foliage for cover and food
  • Aquatic substrate needed
• Suitable substrates


  • Sand
  • Bark
  • Earth
  • Aspen
  • Gravel
• Paper is a cheap and easy to replace substrate
• Substrate ingestion can lead to gut impaction, which can be fatal
• Substrate must be made specifically for exotics to be safe
• Careful environment management is essential for reptile health - temperature, light and humidity
• Ectotherms


  Reptiles require artificial heat from lamps to achieve 'activation' - the correct temperature to stimulate movement and digestion of food
• Thermogradients


  The range of temperatures within the enclosure that allows reptiles to regulate their body temperature
• Types of heaters


  • Ceramic bulbs
  • Reflector bulbs (halogen bulbs most recommended)
  • Heat mats
• Thermostat


  Regulates the temperature in the enclosure to ensure it does not overheat or get too cold
• Types of thermostats


  • On/off (for heat mats only)
  • Pulse proportional (not for reflector bulbs)
  • Dimmer (good for all three)
• Choice of thermostat is based on type of bulb being used
• Some thermostats may also control lighting and misting
• UVB light


  Replicates the sun's natural light rays, essential for reptiles to synthesize vitamin D3 for calcium absorption
• UVB bulbs and tubes


  • T5 tubes (stronger and better quality than T8)
  • Must be set up to provide optimum UV index for species
  • Filtered with a reflector hood
• UVB lighting should be placed overhead to prevent damage to reptile eyes
• UVB lighting should overlap with the basking area to optimise conversion of vitamin D3
• UVI (UV Index)


  Measure of UVB light intensity, should be measured regularly as bulbs deteriorate over time
• Humidity


  The moisture level in an enclosure, important for hydration and healthy skin and eyes
• Humidity can be provided through integrated misting systems or a simple spray bottle
• Humid hides can create a localised area of higher humidity
• Hygrometer


  Measures humidity in the enclosure
• Cleaning requirements vary greatly between different reptile species
• Aquatic enclosures may need to be cleaned twice a week
• Reptile safe disinfectants should be used, except for when cleaning aquatic filters