Reptiles And Birds In Captivity

• Suitable diet • Suitable environment • Ability to express normal behaviour patterns • Housed with, or apart from, other animals • Protected from pain, injury, disease

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a condition that affects bones and is caused by a variety of factors, including a deficiency of calcium, vitamin D

Insectivores that primarily feed on insects can be at risk of developing MBD if they are not provided with adequate nutrition. Insects are often low in calcium and vitamin D

Hypovitaminosis A is a medical condition caused by a deficiency of vitamin A

Because insects are not a rich source of vitamin A

If they are fed too many waxworms which are high in fat and low in calcium - They should not be fed as the sole or primary food source for insectivores. - Overfeeding waxworms can lead to obesity

Lack of Nutritional Variety Inadequate Nutrient Levels Processed Ingredients: Commercial diets for reptiles often contain highly processed ingredients, such as grain-based fillers or artificial preservatives, which may not be easily digestible for reptiles and can lead to digestive problems. Often too high in protein + energy Lack of Enrichment

• Certain foods may not be available in supermarkets at certain times of year • Pesticides on supermarket fruit and veg

Pyramiding is a shell deformity that can occur in tortoises. It is a condition where the scutes (scales) of the tortoise’s shell grow upwards and outwards, causing the shell to have a pyramid-like appearance.

The main causes of pyramiding in tortoises are thought to be too much protein and low humidity (dry) Imbalance of calcium and phosphorus (i.e., nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, also known as “metabolic bone disease”)

Improper nutrition

Metabolic bone disease Hypovitaminosis A Obesity

Pyramiding Beak and nail deformities Metabolic bone disease

Obesity Metabolic bone disease Dental disease

Some common nutrients that may be lacking in a captive reptile’s diet include calcium, vitamin D3. Calcium is important for strong bones and muscle function, while vitamin D3 helps the body absorb and use calcium.

Too much phosphorus and not enough calcium can lead to metabolic bone disease, which can cause softening and weakening of the bones

Lack of variety Inadequate dietary components Imbalanced vitamin component Contamination of food source If you allow your bird to just selective feed

Diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) Hepatic lipidosis Atherosclerosis

excess accumulation of fat in the liver

Atherosclerosis is a condition that affects the cardiovascular system of birds, and is characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the walls of the arteries.

• Buildup of plaque inside the walls of the arteries • Restriction of blood flow -Eventually heart failure and death

is most commonly seen in birds that are kept in captivity, particularly those that are fed diets that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats.

Birds of prey group of birds that are characterized by their predatory behavior, sharp talons, and hooked beaks.

Whole vertebrate prey - flesh, bone, skin + casting materials