Tips for handling common avian and reptile pets

Abstract

Background: Exotic pets are increasingly being presented to veterinary practices. Familiarity with basic handling techniques of commonly presented species helps significantly in building client confidence and improving the client bond with the practice. Basic handling skills are integral in enabling a clinical examination, as well as being the first step in obtaining appropriate diagnostic samples. Species size can vary dramatically which will have a bearing on particular techniques used, but techniques have a degree of commonality. This article will consider handling of common pet avian and reptile species.Aim of the article: This article aims to provide handling advice for common avian and reptile pets, but not for all of the 20,000+ species that exist; for example, reference to crocodilia, venomous species, large terrestrial chelonia and large flightless birds are beyond the scope of this article.