Classic
11-08-04, 09:53 PM
Over the past while, i've noticed a growing number of people that are not keeping proper growth records for their animals.
I know that it takes time to keep good records but it is an integeral part of caring for a reptile in best manner possible.
Growth records are the first thing i ask for when considering the procurement of a new animal. A quick glance of the history of an animal can bring potential problems to light.
Taking the weight on a monthly basis can give you all the information you need when you notice there is a problem with your animal. In most occasions, you can reflect back to prior years growth records and see the same pattern over and over.
I occasionally take lenght measurements but it is very time consuming and most times irrevelant. The weight can be monitored easily and comparisons with the history is easily viewed.
I record shed dates as this can also provide clues if there is a problem. Sometimes you may miss the opaque and not realize that your snake is about to shed. This is a time when most snakes will refuse food and you have the answer in your records.
Saves you the trouble of posting a thread asking "my snake wont eat".
I also keep the history of the animal. i.e. hatch date, breeder, breeding records and any other pertainant information you deem fit.
Keeping these records is done in many ways.
For babies, i use normal cue cards. i write the date and the information and go to the next line.
My next method is one i've used for awhile but beware, a hard copy is very important. I use Microsoft Excel which is a spread sheet that enables you to add lots of data and view it very easily.
I keeps a daily diary, yes the daily diaries with the vinyl or leather cover for protection. I record all daily data on the corresponding page date and i transfer the data to my Excel spreadsheet once or twice a month. It works really well for me.
Here's the kicker, I did not always use the daily diary and i did not back up my information on something other than my pc. I lost all my growth records this week when my pc died. I litterally lost my mind. Alot of data was lost bacause i relied on my elecronic copy. I partitioned my hard drive and kept a duplicate on both drives but it vanished. Even the partition went. I highly suggest you keep a hard copy(paper copy).
Currently, i am constructing a database for my record keeping but i have solidified my habit of keeping diligent with my records.
In a nut shell, i feel that proper record keeping for your animal is the most important thing you can do besides feeding it ofcourse.
After all, you keep records of your dog and cat right?
Do the right thing, you sure love that reptile. Now do everything possible to keep it healthy.
Best regards,
Brian
HighWaterHerps
I know that it takes time to keep good records but it is an integeral part of caring for a reptile in best manner possible.
Growth records are the first thing i ask for when considering the procurement of a new animal. A quick glance of the history of an animal can bring potential problems to light.
Taking the weight on a monthly basis can give you all the information you need when you notice there is a problem with your animal. In most occasions, you can reflect back to prior years growth records and see the same pattern over and over.
I occasionally take lenght measurements but it is very time consuming and most times irrevelant. The weight can be monitored easily and comparisons with the history is easily viewed.
I record shed dates as this can also provide clues if there is a problem. Sometimes you may miss the opaque and not realize that your snake is about to shed. This is a time when most snakes will refuse food and you have the answer in your records.
Saves you the trouble of posting a thread asking "my snake wont eat".
I also keep the history of the animal. i.e. hatch date, breeder, breeding records and any other pertainant information you deem fit.
Keeping these records is done in many ways.
For babies, i use normal cue cards. i write the date and the information and go to the next line.
My next method is one i've used for awhile but beware, a hard copy is very important. I use Microsoft Excel which is a spread sheet that enables you to add lots of data and view it very easily.
I keeps a daily diary, yes the daily diaries with the vinyl or leather cover for protection. I record all daily data on the corresponding page date and i transfer the data to my Excel spreadsheet once or twice a month. It works really well for me.
Here's the kicker, I did not always use the daily diary and i did not back up my information on something other than my pc. I lost all my growth records this week when my pc died. I litterally lost my mind. Alot of data was lost bacause i relied on my elecronic copy. I partitioned my hard drive and kept a duplicate on both drives but it vanished. Even the partition went. I highly suggest you keep a hard copy(paper copy).
Currently, i am constructing a database for my record keeping but i have solidified my habit of keeping diligent with my records.
In a nut shell, i feel that proper record keeping for your animal is the most important thing you can do besides feeding it ofcourse.
After all, you keep records of your dog and cat right?
Do the right thing, you sure love that reptile. Now do everything possible to keep it healthy.
Best regards,
Brian
HighWaterHerps