4 2 PET TRADE WORLD DECEMBER 2009www. pettradeworld. com Reptile and Exotic Food Focus According to The Federation of British Herpetologists there are now around 1,000 UK pet shops selling reptiles and there are well in excess of 1 million UK households responsible for keeping in excess of 5 million reptiles and amphibians. In addition, we're told that, in 2008, UK cricket farms were producing approximately 20 million crickets a week. However, all reptiles are not created equal - and neither is their prey. Mammals, birds, fi sh, amphibians and even other reptiles are all found in the diets of both carnivorous and omnivorous reptiles in the wild. Most, in the wild, will only feed on living prey and some are specialist ( feeding on only a limited number of species), while others are generalists ( feeding on a wide range of species). The aim when feeding reptiles, is to mimic as closely as possible, their natural diet in the wild. The indication is that there is little difference between the nutritional content of healthy, properly fed prey. Having said that, the vast majority of experts would never recommend feeding live rodents for fear of the risk of injury to the reptile, and young reptiles can be frightened of live prey - a problem that will only be compounded if the prey does attack! In much the same vein, invertebrate prey, ( particularly meal worms, king worms, or crickets) should not be left in the enclosure with a reptile without a supply of food for themselves. If the invertebrates are not eaten straight away, they will soon get hungry and start feeding on whatever is available..... which is usually the reptile itself. The size of any prey has a direct bearing on the reptile's ability to catch, swallow and digest it. A general rule for lizards is that the prey should be no larger than 2/ 3 the length of the reptile's head and for snakes, the prey should be no wider ( at its widest point) than the widest part of the snake's body. Any prey that is too large can result in a variety of problems; injuries from swallowing and regurgitation, seizures, partial paralysis, gut impactions, even death. Frozen killed prey is one of the most popular ways for owners to feed their reptiles and there are also commercially prepared ' sausage diets' available. These are prepared with all the necessary vitamins and minerals to maximise digestion and minimise waste. These are becoming increasingly popular due to their easy storage ( mostly in frozen multi- pack) and the fact that they're more humane. Supplements Since it is diffi cult to totally mimic a natural diet there are products available to do the next best thing. A wide variety of vitamin and mineral powders and liquids are on the market today and quite often, any one customer may need a selection of them! Remember to advise them not to overdo the supplementation though. Even though most reptile nutritional problems are associated with a lack in the main dietary staples fed to them, a few are caused by over- supplementation. It may be necessary to spend some time planning a schedule for the individual - they will appreciate your time and expertise and, even more so, the fact they have a happy and healthy pet. ¦ Feeding Reptiles and Exotics Bowls Zoo Med Repti Ramp Bowl New large size ramp bowl allows easy " in and out" access for your animals. . Easy access ramp helps prevent drowning. . Great for lizards, terrestrial land turtles ( up to 4"/ 10cm shell length), frogs, toads, salamanders or snakes... . Washable, no micro pitting ( like resin bowls) plus unbreakable material! Drinking Bowls With Rocklike appearance and incorporated steps to protect animals from drowning. Available in 3 colours and sizes. Worm Feeding Bowl Feeding bowl for worms and larvae with returned overhanging rim. Prevents the feed animals from escaping and tunnelling into the terrarium ground substrate. Zolux Hobby Feeding Rock Live insect food dispenser for sprinkling and feeding. Awakens the natural hunting instinct when insects, attracted by the light, Cave MonteMar Decorative cave with fi tted drinking bowl and rocklike appearance.

www. pettradeworld. comPET TRADE WORLD DECEMBER 2009 43 Reptile and Exotic Food Focus JBL Iguvert Complete food for iguanas and other plant- eating reptiles - Purely plant raw materials with natural fruit aroma and stabilised Vitamin C. The Food Sticks contains a well-balanced blend of vegetable ingredients attuned to the feeding requirements of iguanes and other plant - eating reptiles such as uromastyx, etc. Vital vitamins and minerals strengthen the animals resistance and ensure healthy growth. Turtle Food . Staple food for all water turtles. . Supplementary food for other terrarium animals and birds. . Will not cloud water thanks to a special cleaning process. JBL Turtle Food is made up of a special mixture of dried water insects and crustacea, carefully balanced to meet the requirements of turtles. The high natural calcium content of whole crustacea provides adequate supplies of calcium to guarantee healthy shell growth. TerraVit Powder Contains a vitamin and mineral complex which is specially designed to meet the specifi c needs of terrarium animals ( amphibians, reptiles). In addition, it contains essential amino acids and vital trace elements. JBL TerraVit Powder effectively maintains the long- term health of all terrarium animals and successfully prevents all types of defi ciencies. It promotes healthy growth, stimulates appetite and encourages the natural process of shedding the skin. Tetra Tortoise Complete diet for tortoises, correctly formulated for their specifi c protein, fi bre, calcium and phosphorus requirements. . Developed and tested in conjunction with specialist reptile veterinarians and zoos . One of the only diets on the market that is correctly formulated for the special dietary needs of tortoises . Correct calcium to phosphorus ratio ( 2: 1) and vitamin D3 level for healthy bone and shell growth . Low protein ( 9%) and high fi bre ( 22%) levels to match natural diet, and to maintain proper fermentation processes in intestine . Special " cob" format for natural feeding. Zoo Med Zoo Med have introduced a new line of aquatic pet foods. The Aquatic Frog & Tadpole Food is the ideal high protein sinking pellet for all types of aquatic frogs or tadpoles. The Aquatic Newt Food is a high protein, soft moist food developed by zoo nutritionists specifi cally for aquatic newts. The Aquatic Shrimp Crab and Lobster Food is the ideal high protein sinking food stick formula for the optimum growth and health of pet shrimp, crab or lobster. Red Shrimp T ( Sun Dried) The new large Sun- Dried Red Shrimp T is a high quality, protein rich food ideal for all large size aquatic turtles and large size freshwater or marine aquarium fi sh. Turtles and fi sh typically show an increase in weight and vigor within only a few days or feeding. It can be used as a staple food or an occasional treat to provide a nutritional boost to any feeding regimen.