Reptiles: handling, husbandry and health
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?
