Title: Advanced Topics in Reptile Husbandry
Date: March 14, 2009
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: NCMNS Level-A Meeting Room,
                North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Instructor: DANIEL S. DOMBROWSKI, M.S., DVM

Dr. Dombrowski is currently the Veterinarian and Coordinator of Living Collections at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. In 2006, he earned a DVM from NCSU receiving the Class of 2006 Proficiency in Zoological Medicine Award. Dr. Dombrowski also has an M.S. and B.S. in Biology from VCU in Richmond VA. He has over 20 years of experience with reptile husbandry including captive breeding projects with multiple species of snakes, lizards, and turtles. He is an author and coauthor of several publications including studies in pharmacology, natural history, and 2 book chapters.

Audience: Age 10 and above with an interest in captive husbandry of reptiles including appropriate species selection, proper housing, feeding, and home health care of common snakes, lizards, and turtles. Minimum of 5 and maximum of 25 participants.

Cost: $25 members- $20

Overview: This workshop will provide participants with a general overview of proper husbandry and home health care for common pet reptiles. We will review common species and discuss topics including local laws and regulations, species selection, benefits of captive bred vs. wild-collected animals. We will also discuss pre-purchase exams and recommendations for regular veterinary care and the benefits of working with your local veterinarian. Instructor will demonstrate basic physical exam techniques for snakes, lizards, and turtles and discuss what your veterinarian needs to know to best help you and your pet.

Participants will gain a better understanding of the importance of home quarantine and isolation of new or ill animals. We will review current methods for meeting the husbandry needs of pet reptiles, collection management standards, and the importance of good record keeping and general home health care. We will discuss selective breeding and some of the basic genetics behind common mutations in color and pattern.  

This will be an informal workshop with plenty of opportunities for questions and answers with a veterinarian that regularly works with reptiles and amphibians. Many taxa will be covered and actual physical exams of live animals will be demonstrated.

Sponsorship: This workshop will be sponsored by Avian and Exotic Animal Care. Upon completion, each participant will receive a certificate of completion and be registered to receive a $25 gift certificate for reptile care services at Avian and Exotic Animal Care.

Registration: You must pre-register for this workshop.  Please contact Kari Wouk, Curator of Educational Events at kari.wouk@ncmail.net or 919-733-7450 x 502.