How to keep...

Introduction

Herman A.J. in den Bosch

Editor POD@RCIS

Introduction

Our main goal is to provide people fascinated by amphibians and reptiles with thorough information. The best data are provided by nature itself, but not everyone has the opportunity to observe animals in the field for weeks on end. Moreover, the requirements of animals in a vivarium will not always be exactly the same as their free-ranging counterparts. The latter will never need vitamin drops or special calcium formulations that many pets require. It is easy to understand why. In the wild the sun provides the necessary ultraviolet light to synthesise vitamin D₃, and the range of food items is rarely restricted to a few prey species or food plants. This means a much more varied menu than is usually offered to terrarium animals.

Some people consider keeping animals in enclosures as ridiculous. This view can be respected, especially when this keeping entails "consuming" animals. Sickly animals heading for a nasty end in captivity will be an inspiration to no one. However, such sad cases probably never have their origins in a conscious choice to let an animal suffer until it dies. Nevertheless, well-meaning beginners can cause unpleasant situations because of their inexperience, or out of plain ignorance.

We, of course, think that keeping animals can be a very satisfying and worthwhile pursuit. Many activities rarely observed in the field, and then quite often only by chance, can be witnessed by the hobbyist from the easy armchair provided the proper conditions are created. This is a stimulating experience for the herp-enthusiast and entourage, and under ideal circumstances the whole community will learn more about the natural world. This occurs when it turns out that one has really discovered a new phenomenon - and in herpetology that is still quite a common occurrence. Publication of these observations is the next exciting step.

We provide the initial essential knowledge for keeping and breeding the various groups of reptiles and amphibians, hoping that these will enjoy a long, healthy and prosperous life. One reminder: do not start with the hobby on a whim or because exotic animals are in vogue. A real, personal interest in the habits of these animals and a healthy and enduring curiosity are an absolute prerequisite to enjoying a terrarium. This fascination will go hand in hand with awareness of nature conservation. Therefore, obtain animals bred by fellow enthusiasts whenever possible.

ANIMAL TAXA

For each group we have included a short summary of items which are considered basic knowledge, which will help to keep your animals healthy over a long period and may even allow them to breed. We tried to list some of the commonly encountered species, but with the many thousands of herptiles, these are just a small selection.

Some groups were deliberately omitted. Sea turtles and crocodilians are not exactly pets, even though some irresponsible dealers sell hatchling caimans or crocodiles. Many poisonous snakes are relatively easy to keep. However, one should never start with such snakes without having considerable prior experience with non-poisonous snakes because of the inherent danger. Unfortunately, chameleons still form a group of reptiles in which very few individual animals survive captivity for a long period. It is best to refrain from keeping these lizards, as the trade in chameleons is one of the major threats to the wild populations.

VIVARIUM CONSTRUCTION

The construction of terraria and the technical aspects involved with this (such as clocks, light and pumps) depends on the type of animal that the enclosure is meant to house. General remarks are of little use. Nevertheless, per group useful instructions are provided.

DISEASES

Veterinary biology is a separate branch of science. With a short introduction to the most commonly encountered ailments, two veterinarians provide a helpful overview of diseases (see: How to keep my terrarium animals healthy). But remember that a trip to the vet is almost always very worthwhile.

For our Dutch audience we provide a regularly updated list of Dutch veterinarians who have experience with reptiles and amphibians. We also refer to the following sites:

http://www.vet.uu.nl/

http://www.sonic.net/~melissk/mainhealthbehave.html

LEGISLATION

An amazing number of laws and rules exist worldwide concerning catching, transporting and keeping reptiles and amphibians. CITES (Convention International Trade Endangered Species) is one of the better known agreements. Sometimes legislation exists only on paper; sometimes it is stringently enforced. All Dutch species are strictly protected, meaning that even disturbing is illegal and a special permit is required for handling. Except for the larval stages of the common frogs (which are thought to be educationally enlightening), keeping is not allowed. For more information refer to:

http://www2.wcmc.org.uk/CITES/eng/index.shtml

GENERAL ADVICE

Always remember that buying a pet is very different from acquiring a piece of furniture. A table or chair that no longer appeals to you can be offered to the garbage collector, but with an animal a different set of rules applies. If you take proper care of the amphibians and reptiles, they will live for a long time; some turtles easily outlive their owners and many snakes may reach a venerable age.

Avoid buying on an impulse: those cute, green little turtles are babies and they will grow to the size of a frying pan, lose their colour and tend to bite. Those strikingly coloured small pythons will turn into giants weighing many tens of kilos. Do you want, or will you even be able, to take care of such animals?

Bear in mind that the costs of food, housing and the occasional visit to the vet during the animal's lifetime will cost many times more than the expense of the initial acquisition. Furthermore, the proper food is rarely found on the shelves of your local supermarket, and even the average pet shop may not always cater to their requirements.

Read a lot, but do not believe everything that is in print. Call on experienced amphibian and reptile keepers, and do not feel ashamed to ask simple questions. It is recommended that you obtain your animals from fellow enthusiasts: the breeder will be an important source of information.

If at all possible, visit the habitat of your animals and study these areas at your leisure. This will give you more insight into the needs of the animals with respect to food, shelter, sun, shade and thus of their terrarium, than a spectacularly illustrated book could ever offer.

Limit yourself to a few animals, and do not try to house several species in the same enclosure. In contrast to aquariums, usually only one species will survive: fatalities are inevitable. Moreover, with just one or two couples you will be able to observe much more of the natural behaviour than is possible in a teeming crowd.

If you really wish to learn more about your pets, keep a diary.

Lastly, a hobby should give satisfaction. If, for whatever reason, the care becomes too much of a chore, admit this (especially to yourself). Hand your animals over to another terrarium enthusiast. This not only will settle your peace of mind, it will also be better for the health of the animals.

Those who have made the right decision in taking up the study of amphibians and reptiles will notice that they have found an enduring pastime. As well, they will develop a deeper understanding of this part of the biological world and may even make new discoveries. We would love to hear from you!