Treat Exotis Reptiles Chelonia husbandry

Chelonia husbandry

J reptile

Contributor(s):

Wiley Blackwell

Sarah Pellett

Introduction

Appropriate enclosures and good husbandry are critical to establishing normal behavior in captive chelonians Chelonia social behavior Chelonia behavior problems.
Unfortunately, poor husbandry and environmental conditions are the primary factors contributing to illness in captive reptiles including chelonians.
The captive environment should encourage natural behaviors of a particular species, lend itself to easy maintenance, prevent escapes and minimize stress.
Familiarity with the natural history of the particular chelonian will dictate whether it is preferred to house them singly, in pairs, or in groups.
New acquisitions for an existing collection of chelonians should be strictly quarantined for a minimum of 60 days Quarantine.
See also Captive welfare for more details on animal welfare in general.

Print off the Owner Factsheets on Housing your terrapin, Housing your tortoise, Terrapins as pets and/or Tortoises as pets to give to your clients.

Enclosures and housing

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Environmental enrichment

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Aquatic chelonia

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Terrestrial chelonia

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The Tortoise Table (2017) Plant Database. Website: www.thetortoisetable.org.uk. Last accessed 26th February 2018.
Rivera S (2017) Chelonians. In: Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician. 3rd edn. Eds: Ballard B & Cheek R. Wiley-Blackwell. pp 183-196.
Girling S J (2013) Reptile and Amphibian Housing, Husbandry and Rearing. In: Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets. 2nd edn. Wiley-Blackwell. pp 267-271.
Mohan-Gibbons H & Raiti P (2010) Turtles, Tortoises and Terrapins. In: Behavior of Exotic Pets. Ed: Tynes V V. Wiley-Blackwell. pp 33-43.

Reproduced with permission from Bonnie Ballard & Ryan Cheek: Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician © 2017, and Simon J Girling: Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets © 2013, published by John Wiley & Sons.

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