Operational Guide Reptile Care ©2010 American Humane Association Copyright Notice: In receiving these Operational Guides in electronic file format, the Recipient agrees to the following terms: 1) Recipient will not post the electronic copy on any internet or intranet websites, 2) Recipient will not distribute electronic copy(ies), and 3) Recipient will not edit the contents of the Operational Guides received and will not incorporate content into Recipient’s written shelter materials without obtaining additional copyright permission from American Humane. The printing or distributing of copies outside the Recipient’s organization without the prior written consent of American Humane constitutes a violation of U.S. copyright law and the limited-use permission implicit in the receipt of the electronic files. © 2010 American Humane Association i Operational Guide for Animal Care and Control Agencies: Reptile Care About the Authors The mission of Kindred Spirits Reptile Sanctuary is to advocate compassionate care for reptiles through knowledge and action. Kindred Spirits is dedicated to providing quality information, tools, and resources that will help people make compassionate decisions and exercise humane actions toward reptiles. Kindred Spirits operates a rehabilitation and permanent sanctuary for abandoned, neglected, or abused reptiles. In addition, Kindred Spirits supports existing reptile owners to help them provide the best possible care for their reptiles. Kindred Spirits also supports the animal welfare community through training programs and materials for shelter staff and animal control officers. Nancy Lanning and Diane Webber Kindred Spirits Reptile Sanctuary Poulsbo, Washington (360) 598-2545 [email protected] www.reptilesanctuary.com ii © 2010 American Humane Association Operational Guide for Animal Care and Control Agencies: Reptile Care Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1 Assumptions Made................................................................................................................ 1 The Basics ................................................................................................................................. 2 Wild Animals as Pets ............................................................................................................ 2 Reptiles As Pets .................................................................................................................... 2 What to Expect ...................................................................................................................... 3 General Reptile Biology ........................................................................................................... 6 All Reptiles ........................................................................................................................... 6 Lizards................................................................................................................................... 7 Snakes ................................................................................................................................... 8 Turtles ................................................................................................................................... 8 Factors Influencing General Reptile Health ......................................................................... 9 General Reptile Behavior ........................................................................................................ 15 Lizards................................................................................................................................. 15 Snakes ................................................................................................................................. 16 Turtles ................................................................................................................................. 17 Handling .................................................................................................................................. 18 Lizards................................................................................................................................. 18 Snakes ................................................................................................................................. 20 Turtles ................................................................................................................................. 20 Risks to Humans ..................................................................................................................... 22 Salmonella........................................................................................................................... 22 Wounds ............................................................................................................................... 22 Shelter Husbandry ................................................................................................................... 24 Intake................................................................................................................................... 24 Quarantine ........................................................................................................................... 28 Euthanasia ........................................................................................................................... 28 General Care and Husbandry .................................................................................................. 30 Active Period ...................................................................................................................... 30 Habitat ................................................................................................................................. 30 Climate ................................................................................................................................ 32 Nutritional Needs ................................................................................................................ 33 Water Source ....................................................................................................................... 34 Natural Temperament ......................................................................................................... 34 Housing ............................................................................................................................... 35 Cleaning .............................................................................................................................. 40 Multi-Animal Housing ........................................................................................................ 40 Location in Shelter .............................................................................................................. 40 Medical Care ........................................................................................................................... 41 Record Keeping .................................................................................................................. 41 Maintenance of Physical Appearance ................................................................................. 41 Trimming Nails and Beaks ................................................................................................. 41 Baseline Medical Procedures .............................................................................................. 41 Adoptions ................................................................................................................................ 43 ii © 2010 American Humane Association Operational Guide for Animal Care and Control Agencies: Reptile Care Finding Potential Adopters ................................................................................................. 43 Adoption Guidelines ........................................................................................................... 43 Reptiles and the Law ........................................................................................................... 44 Potential Adopter Interview Questions ............................................................................... 44 Husbandry Advice for Adopters ......................................................................................... 45 Note on Appendixes ................................................................................................................ 50 Appendixes Appendix A: Glossary............................................................................................................. 51 Appendix B: Hand-Feeding Slurries ...................................................................................... 53 Basic Herbivore .................................................................................................................. 53 Herbivore Protein ................................................................................................................ 53 Basic Carnivore ................................................................................................................... 53 Carnivore Protein ................................................................................................................ 53 Appendix C: Salmonella