Reptile and Avian Care and Management

Comprehensive question-and-answer flashcards covering reptile and avian anatomy, environmental management, handling, clinical procedures, common diseases, and nutritional requirements.

What common zoonotic bacterium do reptiles carry?

Salmonella

What does the abbreviation "POT" stand for in reptile husbandry?

Preferred optimum temperature

Why is it necessary to provide hide areas in reptile enclosures?

Some reptiles cannot close their eyes.

What percentage of a reptile's total body weight is composed of water?

$$60-70\%$$

What anatomical respiratory structure do both reptiles and birds lack?

Diaphragm

What health condition develops in reptiles if the enclosure humidity is too high?

Blisters

What causes gout in reptiles, and what physiological buildup is involved?

It is caused by dehydration, involves uric acid buildup, and is fatal.

What is the opaque period in reptiles and when does it occur?

The period occurring $1-2\text{ weeks}$ prior to shedding (handling should be avoided during shedding).

What is dysecdysis and what factors cause it in reptiles?

Abnormal shedding caused by low humidity, disease, and nutritional deficiencies.

What intervention can be used to assist a reptile following an incomplete or bad shed?

Warm water baths

Why should cat litter or sand never be used as reptile substrate?

The reptile will eat it.

Why should heated rocks not be used in reptile enclosures?

They cause burns because reptiles sense heat from above.

How frequently should a reptile habitat be cleaned, and what chemical product should be avoided?

Clean habitat weekly; do not use phenol products.

What is metabolic bone disease (MBD), which reptile is prone to it, and what are its complications?

A calcium-phosphorus imbalance common in iguanas that causes malformation and fractures.

What dietary additions can help maintain proper calcium-phosphorus balance in reptiles?

Ground oyster shells or dusting crickets with calcium.

From which anatomical sites can blood be collected in snakes and turtles?

Snake blood is drawn from the caudal tail vein or heart; turtle blood is drawn from the jugular vein.

What guidelines should be followed regarding snake feeding?

Do not feed snakes in their house; snakes require whole animals.

What is the proper technique for restraining a snake?

Place the thumb under the jaw and fingers on the head, using the other hand to support the body.

How should a lizard be held, and what part must never be grabbed?

Grasp near the shoulder, surround the body, and cover the eyes with a towel; never grab the tail because they may lose it.

How intelligent are large birds compared to humans?

They are as intelligent as a $5\text{ year old}$.

What are the physical characteristics and examples of psittacines?

Hook bills, curved upper beaks, feet with two toes forward and two backward for grasping; includes cockatiels, lovebirds, budgies, and parakeets.

What weight can psittacines reach?

Up to $1700\,g$.

What are the physical characteristics and most common examples of passerines?

Small perching birds with pointed beaks and feet with three toes forward and one toe backward; canaries and finches are most common.

What behaviors are exhibited by happy birds?

Wagging tails and regurgitating crop contents.

What factors are associated with feather plucking in birds?

Stress, boredom, or underlying illness.

What are blood feathers and how should they be treated?

Immature feathers that maintain blood flow until fully grown; they must not be cut.

What is the location and function of the preen gland in birds?

Located at the base of the tail; secretes substances that birds use to lubricate their feathers.

What role does the keel bone serve, and what percentage of a bird's body weight do the pectoral muscles comprise?

The keel bone supports the pectoral muscles, which make up $20\%$ of body weight and are used for IM injections.

What is the opening of the avian cloaca called?

The vent.

How long does the process from ovulation to egg laying take in birds?

$$15\text{ hours}$$

What procedure should be followed to safely remove a bird from its cage?

Close doors, dim the lights, and remove everything from the cage.

What tool should be used to trim bird beaks to prevent overgrowth?

Dog nail clippers.

Where are subcutaneous (subQ) injections limited to in birds?

The inguinal and axillary regions.

Which blood collection sites are used for small birds versus large birds?

Right jugular vein in small birds; medial metatarsal vein in large birds.

How is West Nile virus transmitted, which species does it affect, and how susceptible are psittacines?

Mosquito-borne; affects birds, horses, and humans (outdoor birds at higher risk); psittacines are resistant.

What are the clinical signs of egg binding in birds?

Straining, distended abdomen, and sitting on the cage floor.

What are the nutritional drawbacks of feeding birds an all-seed diet?

Seed diets are too high in fat and low in vitamin A.

Why do birds gnaw on cuttle bones?

To shape their beaks and obtain vitamins.