Laboratory housing for reptiles and amphibians (1997)

Kreger, M. D.

Abstract

General guidelines for the proper housing of reptiles and amphibians. The following issues are addressed: (1) Ectothermy; (2) Light and Temperature; (3) Humidity, Water, and Air; (4) Enclosure or Tank; (5) Handling. Because the animals explore or attempt to escape, there should be no rough surfaces on cage walls or seams that can cause abrasions. Excitability and frustrated attempts to escape can also be reduced by eliminating the number of transparent sides on an enclosure. This is especially useful when new animals are introduced to an enclosure. Newly introduced frogs often jump into glass walls of the tank as if the barriers were invisible. By covering the outside of transparent walls with material such as opaque plastic or paint and providing appropriate retreats, the risk of physical trauma is reduced.