1 / 44

husbandry and nutrition of chelonians and lizards

Basic Reptile Taxonomy. ClassReptilia. SubclassAnapsidaDiapsida. OrderChelonia/TestudinesTurtles and TortoisesSquamataSnakes and Lizards CrocodyliaCrocodiles, Alligators, CaimansRhynchocephaliaTuatara. Reptiles: General Characteristics. 6000

bernad
Download Presentation

husbandry and nutrition of chelonians and lizards

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


    1. Husbandry and Nutrition of Chelonians and Lizards July 24, 2008 Ryan Thames NCSU-CVM Class of 2010

    3. Reptiles: General Characteristics 6000 – 7000 species Ectothermic Pulmonary respiration Amniotes Epidermal scales

    4. Reptiles: General Characteristics 3 – 4 chambered hearts Tetropods Internal fertilization No sweat glands All continents except Antarctica

    5. Turtle Tidbits 250 – 300 species Appeared 215 million years ago Long lived Varied habitats Turtle vs Tortoise vs Terrapin

    6. Chelonian Taxonomy Order: Chelonia/Testudines 2 Suborders: Pleurodira ( 2 families, approx. 75 spp.) Side-neck turtles: unable to retract neck Aquatic – semi aquatic Cryptodira ( 11 families, approx. 200 spp.) Able to retract neck straight back into shell Terrestrial, aquatic, and semi-aquatic

    7. Chelonian Taxonomy Suborder Pleurodira Pelomedusidae Chelidae

    8. Chelonian Taxonomy Suborder Cryptodira Chelonidae: marine turtles Chelydridae: snapping turtles Emydidae: pond & river turtles Kinosternidae: mud & musk turtles Testunidae: land/true tortoises Trionychidae: soft-shelled turtles

    9. Chelonian Taxonomy Suborder Cryptodira Chelonidae: marine turtles Chelydridae: snapping turtles Emydidae: pond & river turtles Kinosternidae: mud & musk turtles Testunidae: land/true tortoises Trionychidae: soft-shelled turtles

    10. Chelonian Taxonomy Suborder Cryptodira Chelonidae: marine turtles Chelydridae: snapping turtles Emydidae: pond & river turtles Kinosternidae: mud & musk turtles Testunidae: land/true tortoises Trionychidae: soft-shelled turtles

    11. Chelonian Taxonomy Suborder Cryptodira Chelonidae: marine turtles Chelydridae: snapping turtles Emydidae: pond & river turtles Kinosternidae: mud & musk turtles Testunidae: land/true tortoises Trionychidae: soft-shelled turtles

    12. Chelonian Taxonomy Suborder Cryptodira Chelonidae: marine turtles Chelydridae: snapping turtles Emydidae: pond & river turtles Kinosternidae: mud & musk turtles Testunidae: land/true tortoises Trionychidae: soft-shelled turtles

    13. Chelonian Taxonomy Suborder Cryptodira Chelonidae: marine turtles Chelydridae: snapping turtles Emydidae: pond & river turtles Kinosternidae: mud & musk turtles Testunidae: land/true tortoises Trionychidae: soft-shelled turtles

    14. Chelonian Characteristics Shell 50 – 60 bones Fused w/ ribs & vertebrae Scutes Shell variations Trionyx spp. (softshells) Pancake tortoise Box and Mud turtles African hingebacks

    15. Chelonian Characteristics Shell 50 – 60 bones Fused w/ ribs & vertebrae Scutes Shell variations Softshells Pancake tortoise Box and Mud turtles African hingebacks

    16. Chelonian Characteristics Shell 50 – 60 bones Fused w/ ribs & vertebrae Scutes Shell variations Trionyx spp. (softshells) Pancake tortoise Box and Mud turtles African hingebacks

    17. Chelonian Characteristics Shell 50 – 60 bones Fused w/ ribs & vertebrae Scutes Shell variations Trionyx spp. (softshells) Pancake tortoise Box and Mud turtles African hingebacks

    18. Chelonian Characteristics Shell 50 – 60 bones Fused w/ ribs & vertebrae Scutes Shell variations Trionyx spp. (softshells) Pancake tortoise Box and Mud turtles African hingebacks

    19. Chelonian Characteristics Coelomic cavity Respiration Rhampotheca/Tomium Skin Scaled vs. scale-less Uncoordinated shedding No external ears Oviparous

    20. Lizard basics ~ 4,500 spp Appeared ~ 200 mya Life span Smaller < Larger 3-6 years, 10-15 years Large size variations Caribbean Gecko: 3-4 cm Komodo Dragon: 3 m (10ft)

    21. Lizard Taxonomy Order: Squamata Suborder: Sauria/Lacertilia

    22. 5 Infraorders: Iguania (10-14 families) Gekkota (3 families) Scincomorpha (11 families) Diploglossa (3 families) Platynota (4 families)

    23. 5 Infraorders: Iguania (10-14 families) Gekkota (3 families) Scincomorpha (11 families) Diploglossa (3 families) Platynota (4 families)

    24. 5 Infraorders: Iguania (10-14 families) Gekkota (3 families) Scincomorpha (11 families) Diploglossa (3 families) Platynota (4 families)

    25. 5 Infraorders: Iguania (10-14 families) Gekkota (3 families) Scincomorpha (11 families) Diploglossa (3 families) Platynota (4 families)

    26. 5 Infraorders: Iguania (10-14 families) Gekkota (3 families) Scincomorpha (11 families) Diploglossa (3 families) Platynota (4 families)

    27. 5 Infraorders: Iguania (10-14 families) Gekkota (3 families) Scincomorpha (11 families) Diploglossa (3 families) Platynota (4 families)

    28. Lizard Characteristics Epidermal scales Vomeronasal (Jacobson’s) organ Oviparous vs. Viviparous Not shared by all: External ear openings Tail autonomy Eyelids

    29. General Husbandry Considerations Enclosures Substrates Temperature Photoperiod Light Quality Humidity

    30. Chelonian Enclosures Size ~5L x 5L: length x width Terrestrial Plastic containers, aquariums, outdoor pins Semi-aquatic & Aquatic Aquariums, ponds Haul out & basking areas Hiding places

    31. Chelonian Enclosures Size ~5L x 5L: length x width Terrestrial Plastic containers, aquariums, outdoor pins Semi-aquatic & Aquatic Aquariums, ponds Haul out & basking areas Hiding places

    32. Chelonian Enclosures Size ~5L x 5L: length x width Terrestrial Plastic containers, aquariums, outdoor pins Semi-aquatic & Aquatic Aquariums, ponds Haul out & basking areas Hiding places

    33. Lizard Enclosures Size: 3L x 3L glass, plastic, plexiglass, wood Climbing spaces: branches, rocks, plants Basking sites Hiding places Escape proof!!! Tight lids w/ ventilation

    34. Lizard Enclosures Size: 3L x 3L glass, plastic, plexiglass, wood Climbing spaces: branches, rocks, plants Basking sites Hiding places Escape proof!!! Tight lids w/ ventilation

    35. Substrates Can be artificial or natural Should be: Inexpensive, easily cleaned, absorbent, digestible, physical support, psychological security Should not: cause impaction, dermatological disease, respiratory disease

    36. Substrates:The Good Newspaper Cypress chips/mulch Coconut Shells (shredded) Large rocks Astroturf Clean Water

    37. Substrates:The (possibly) Bad Gravel &small stones Rabbit pellets Sand Dirty Water

    38. Substrates:The Ugly Cedar shavings Crushed corn cob Pecan/walnut shells Cat litter

    39. Temperature Provide temperature gradients! Behavioral thermoregulators Preferred Optimal Temperature Range (POTR) Necessary for proper: Metabolic rate Digestion Growth CV function Immune function Reproductive performance

    40. Temperature Diurnal spp - daytime temp Ambient temp: 27-35oC Basking area: 49-54oC Nocturnal spp – daytime Ambient temp: 21-27oC Warmer area: 32-35oC Water temp: 24-30oC 5-7oC< for nighttime temp Seasonal fluctuations may be necessary

    41. Temperature Sources of Heat Ambient heat Central heat/AC Basking area Incandescent bulbs, Ceramic heaters, heating pads NO Hot Rocks!!! Water Submersible aquarium heater

    42. Temperature * Always monitor heat with an in cage thermometer!

    43. Photoperiod General rule: 14 hrs during summer 12 hrs during winter Temperate zone reptiles: 15 hrs – summer 12 hrs – spring/fall 9 hrs – winter Tropical spp 13 hrs – summer 11 hrs – winter

    44. Lighting Quality very important UVB – Vitamin D3 UVA – Behavior Natural vs. Artificial Can also provide heat

    45. Humidity In general: 35% – 70% If too low: Dysecdysis, Dehydration If too high: Respiratory infections, Dermatitis

    46. Humidity Humidity boxes Water bowls Damp substrate Humidifiers, Fogging devices Misting Monitor with gauges

    47. Hibernation May be required for temperate and sub-tropical species General: Lower temperatures gradually 35 – 50oF for min. of 10 wks Access to heat source for sub-tropicals No feeding Avoid false hibernation

    48. Nutrition: Water Always provide fresh water! Water bowls Misting leaves and rocks Soak terrestrial chelonians daily or EOD Dehydration, gout, renal disease

    49. Nutrition: Feeding Herbivores ~ 95% vegetables Mustard & collard greens, dandelions, kale, parsley, watercress ~ 5% fruit Grapes, apples, tomatoes, mangos, stawberries Need vitamin & mineral supplements Blend together!

    50. Nutrition: Feeding Omnivores 50% animal/high protein foods Earthworms, crickets, slugs, snails, pinkies 50% plant material 75% vegetables 25% fruit

    51. Nutrition: Feeding Carnivores Turtles: Whole fish, skinned mice & pinkies, shrimp (w/shells) Insects in moderation Many omnivorous w/ age Lizards: pre-killed whole prey Rodents > chicks > fish Ca supplement?

    52. Nutrition: Feeding Insectivores Most Lizard species! Common types: Crickets, meal worms, wax worms, earthworms, grasshoppers Captive raised - low Ca Dusting or “Gut loading”

    53. Nutrition: Feeding Frequencies Most tortoises and lizards: Daily Aquatic/Semi-Aquatic chelonians: 2-3x a week Large carnivorous lizards: 2-3x a week

    54. Cleaning Daily/EOD: Remove feces and wash bowls Monthly: Disinfect entire cage and furnishings Clean or change substrate Bleach (1:30 dilution) Roccal-D (1:200 dilution)

    55. Take Home Message Provide proper thermal gradient and photoperiod Provide a variety of foods and clean water! Clean regularly Be familiar with your species!!!

    56. References Ackerman L (1997). The Biology, Husbandry, and Health Care of Reptiles. Volume I: Biology of Reptiles. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Ackerman L (1997). The Biology, Husbandry, and Health Care of Reptiles. Volume II: Husbandry of Reptiles. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications, Inc. Barnard SM (1996). Reptile Keeper’s Handbook. Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Ernst CH, Barbour RW (1989). Turtles of the World. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press Flank L (1998). Herp Help. New York: Howell Book House Madar DR (2006). Reptile Medicine and Surgery, Second Edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Inc. Mattison C (1992). The Care of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity, Revised Third Edition. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing McArthur S, Wilkinson R, Meyer J (2004). Medicine and Surgery of Tortoises and Turtles. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publishing

More Related