Climate, water quality and facility design
The physical environment that keeps the animals healthy
Many health problems in captive animals are not due to infection but to an environment that does not suit the species. Too cold too damp poorly ventilated or with dirty water — it all weakens the animal over time. Therefore controlling the physical environment is a basic professional task.
§Temperature and heat requirement
Endothermic (warm-blooded) animals such as mammals and birds keep a stable body temperature themselves but use energy for it and can become both overheated and undercooled. Ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals such as reptiles, amphibians and fish depend entirely on their surroundings. They need a temperature gradient — a warm and a cooler area — so they can seek the right temperature themselves.
§Humidity should match the animal's natural habitat. Too dry air can cause problems with skin, mucous membranes and plumage; too humid air promotes fungus, mould and bacterial growth. Good ventilation also removes moisture, ammonia from manure, dust and heat — without creating draughts. Poor air quality is a frequent, but often overlooked, cause of respiratory problems.
Airport and handling
§Light and circadian rhythm
- 01Light length (photoperiod) controls activity, breeding and coat change in many species.
- 02Certain species e.g. many reptiles need UV light to form vitamin D and absorb calcium correctly.
- 03Nocturnal animals thrive best with muted light or inverted circadian rhythm.
- 04Sudden or unnatural light changes can stress animals and disturb their rhythm.
§Water quality
Water is vital, but also a frequent source of infection and contamination. For drinking water, it must be clean, fresh and freely accessible, and containers are cleaned daily. For aquatic animals, the water is the habitat itself, and here the quality must be actively monitored.
- 01Keep an eye on water clarity, smell and temperature as the first indicator.
- 02Measure relevant parameters (e.g. pH and accumulation of nitrogen compounds) according to species requirements.
- 03Change or filter water on a fixed schedule, so waste doesn't accumulate.
- 04Avoid sudden changes in temperature or chemistry that can shock aquatic animals.
§Interior design and space
The interior design must allow the animal to express its natural behaviour needs: hiding places, climbing or digging opportunities, resting areas, separate zones for eating, resting and defecation, and enough space to move and — for social species — live together. Materials must be harmless and the system must be safe so the animal cannot injure itself or escape.
“An animal that can freely choose warmth shade shelter and company regulates most of its own wellbeing — your job is to make the choices possible.”