And this is where the trouble starts.For everyone stating that some sort of testing be adopted then what is going to happen if you disagree with correct handling practises that this course/test might promote?
As I was saying, it isn't a PhD in herpetology, it is simply something to get the brain thinking about what is best for their reptile. Theres no pass or fail, right or wrong. I imagine it having sections for different animals (snakes/skinks/dragons/monitors/turtles/frogs), and covering all necessary aspects of basic husbandry.
For example, it isn't going to say "you must only ever use this kind of substrate! all other substrates are dangerous for your snake."
It will say "Your snake needs a substrate for their tank. There is a wide variety of substrates you can choose from, and we have listed some for you below" and then have a list saying Newspaper, marine carpet, etc and maybe a little something about why they are good - ease of cleaning, better traction for the snakes, whatever. The reason for this is so that when they go into the pet store they can
think about why the substrate they are choosing will be best for them and their reptile.
It can also have a glossary of terms at the back, so that people can understand what words like "substrate" mean.
Every reptile setup requires an enclosure, water bowl, hide, and substrate. It would also cover different heating techniques and the use of a thermostat to control temperatures. It would explain why it needs all of these things.
It could also be used to turn people off buying the "cooler" animals until they have more experience. For example owning a monitor or a frilly would be neat but they might not be prepared to build an enclosure in their back yard, so they could decide to start of with a couple of beardys instead. Not that I want to deter anyone from owning reptiles, but if you don't have the space to own one then you shouldn't get one.
For everyone that thinks keeping snakes in pairs or more is correct procedure,what will you have to say when guidelines would promote keeping snakes singly (with a few exceptions) except when breeding ?
It could say something along the lines of "It is recommended that all snakes be kept in their own enclosures, but it is common practice to pair two of the same type of snakes together. Make sure you do your research before pairing, because some snakes, such as the blackheaded python, eat other snakes!"
Something like that anyway. Yes I do know that some people pair different kinds of snakes, and when they are young that is fine, but when they reach sexual maturity, well, thats where hybrids come from..
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After all the intent of this idea is for the good of the animals,trouble is when experienced keepers point out the correct and accepted way to keep reptiles a lot of others with limited experience wont hear a word of it.That being the case what hope would there be for people taking such course/test to actually come away from it and impliment what was being promoted if they happen to disagree with what these courses might teach?
What makes you think that the
basic things that will be mentioned in this book won't be correct or the accepted way? it wouldn't be a set single-line instruction saying "you MUST do this!" it will have many ways that are all correct, that the new licence owner can then decide on which one they like best or find most appropriate for their reptile. It is also aimed to give them the nudge into doing their own research for what is best for them and their reptiles.
Also its been touched on already that there is no such thing in place for any other pets so why should reptiles be singled out?
Like I said, maybe there should be.
Think about how much paper goes into your rubbish bin (or hopefully recycling bin) every day from advertising and junk put in your mailbox, including rubbish from the government.
You know those little series that the courier mail runs occasionally? "for the next six weeks in the newspaper you can collect a set of mini-magazines". The could do a promotion like that, where each week you get a little booklet or magazine about how to look after an animal. week 1: dogs, week 2: cats, week 3: fish, week 4: birds, week 5: rodents, week 6: reptiles. Or just stick it straight in your letterbox, as a national incentive.
I'm not trying to outdo anyone of money, eg authors of pet owning books, but a lot of people don't want to buy books or think that what they are doing already is ok. If it is something they can browse through because it's already sitting on their kitchen bench, well that is another story.
-penny
