Journal article

Publication year: 2014

Pages: 477-491

Journal: Kleintierpraxis

Volume number: 59

Issue number: 9

ISSN: 0023-2076

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.2377/0023-2076-59-477

Publisher: Schaper

Abstract: 
As poikilothermic organisms, reptiles have special husbandry needs. In order to collect data on the husbandry conditions and possible. deficits, several German veterinary institutions specialising in reptile medicine asked reptile owners to complete a standardised questionnaire. Data on the reptile itself, its housing and feeding conditions as well as the experience of the owner were evaluated. A total of 304 questionnaires were assessed and the results were compared with the husbandry recommendations for the respective species, resulting in an assessment of no, lowgrade or significant deviation. The results were interpreted in relation to each other, and also evaluated independent of the species. Overall, in one third of the cases evaluated, the terrarium size was classified as being significantly too small, with snakes being particularly affected. In 57% air humidity and in 43% ambient temperature deviated significantly from the suggested parameters. As for the food provided, significant deviations from the suggested norms were found in only two of the species presented; approximately one third of all the reptiles included in the study were fed according to the recommendations. Significant deviations were also found for the brumation of the reptiles. It could be demonstrated that in reptiles with one parameter differing from the recommendations, other parameters also deviated in significantly more cases. Regarding the experience of the owners, it could be shown that, in general, fewer deviations were found amongst those who kept several reptiles.On the basis of these results, it is not possible to draw any conclusions about the general situation of reptiles kept in Germany, since the study is not representative and the owner information was provided on a voluntary and non-verifiable basis. Nevertheless, the data give important information about the possibilities of improving husbandry conditions of commonly kept reptile species that veterinarians should be aware of when advising clients, and emphasise the need for appropriate education in the owners of reptiles.

Harvard Citation style: Pees, M., Müller, K., Mathes, K., Korbel, R., Seybold, J., Lierz, M., et al. (2014) Evaluation of the husbandry conditions of reptile species commonly kept in Germany, Kleintierpraxis, 59(9), pp. 477-491. https://doi.org/10.2377/0023-2076-59-477

APA Citation style: Pees, M., Müller, K., Mathes, K., Korbel, R., Seybold, J., Lierz, M., & Krautwald-Junghanns, M. (2014). Evaluation of the husbandry conditions of reptile species commonly kept in Germany. Kleintierpraxis. 59(9), 477-491. https://doi.org/10.2377/0023-2076-59-477