Reptiles: handling, husbandry and health
PLEASE NOTE THESE PAGES ARE NOT BEING UPDATED AND THE QUIZZES ARE NOT LONGER AVAILABLE
Many conditions seen in reptiles are directly related to deficiencies in basic husbandry. The aim of this module is to provide a practical guide on the commonly seen species and advice on the captive maintenance of reptiles in general. There are few non-commercial sources for advice on reptiles and much of the information is species-specific.
Information sources
Species
Housing
Handling
R(D)SVS Reptile handling collection
How to hold and restrain a tortoise
How to handle and restrain a snake
Suggested work
(1) Read the chapters suggested and watch the videos.
(2) Currently there is some debate on how big a vivarium should be for a corn snake. What advice would you offer the owners of a 10 year old corn snake whose vivarium is the same length as the snake (1.4 metres) and is 40 cm wide and high? The cost of a new vivarium is about £400 and space is limited.
(3) Consider the risks of a family with young children owning a reptile collection of four snakes (various species), an iguana and a couple of tortoises. How would you advise these risks are mitigated?
