Table 4.
Husbandry protocol for Hydrodynastes gigas using natural history information for its development. Justifications for each husbandry parameter are provided in the text. Parenthesis indicate source of information used for specific husbandry attribute. J = journal article; B = book/monograph; S = social media; Wb = website.
| Husbandry Attribute | Determination |
|---|---|
| 1.What is needed for captive environment? | |
| a. Enclosure type | PVC enclosure-ventilation needed. (J, S) |
| b. Enclosure dimensions (Length-Width-Height for adult) |
8’ × 3’ × 2’ (J) |
| c. Substrate type | Mulch-wood pellet mix; sphagnum; leaf litter. (J, B, S) |
| d. Thermal needs—maintenance | 31C high/ 22C low/ 25C ambient. (J, B, Wb) |
| e. Enclosure furniture type/amount | Minimum 2 hides, 1 cool; 1 humid; 1.0 mL, l–0.5 mW water tub. (J, S) |
| f. Light needs | 5.0 UVB-LED bright light-light needed. (J, B) |
| g. Light cycle needs(L=light; D= Dark) | Outside of winter, 13 h L; 11 h D; winter 11 L; 13 D. (J, B, S) |
| h. Relative humidity | Moderate humidity needed year long (30–60%); Water basin |
| 2. What are the physiological needs? | |
| a. Food items | Diverse—Staple diet laboratory rodents/ trout and frog legs. (J, S)) |
| b. Feeding frequency | Twice weekly; one feeding of large prey (medium/large rat)/another feeding small prey item (Adult mouse/ S rat). (J) |
| c. Requirements for "normal" growth | Juveniles—two feedings/week - moderate to small prey items. (J) |
| 3. What is needed to encourage natural behaviors? | |
| a. Space requirements | As much as possible - roaming needed. (J, B, S) |
| b. Hide availability | At least 2, 1 in each thermal zone. Substrate and cage furniture (Cork flats) also serve as hide. (J) |
| c. Thermal gradient | Ambient temperature needed to stay at/above 25C; cool and hot spots needed; water provides cool spot. (J, B, W) |
| d. Seasonal cycling—“Summer” cycle | February through October 13 h L/ 11 h D, 31 °C high/ 22 °C low/ 25 °C ambient food present weekly/biweekly (J, Wb) |
| e. Seasonal cycling—“Winter” cycle | Mid-November through January, 11 h D/13 h L, 25 °C high/ 15 °C low/ 21 °C ambient food present sparingly. (J, W) |
| 4. What are the welfare needs and concerns? | |
| a. Space requirements | Neonates need privacy; As much as possible for juveniles’ adults. (J, S) |
| b. Privacy requirements | Multiple hides; deep substrates for burrowing. (J, Wb) |
| c. Methods for welfare assessment | Direct observation; Corticosterone testing of feces. (J) |
| d. Enrichment possibilities | Free roaming, prey encounter; scent presentation, conspecific sheds. (J) |
| 5. Captive breeding requirements | |
| a. Seasonal cycling needed? | Yes—described above (J, Wb) |
| b. Incubation temperatures and duration? | 28.1°C-75 days (J, S) |
| c. Feeding regime pre-mating | Cycle feeding—females heavy feeding 3 weeks prior to brumation. Two weekly feedings post ovulation. (J, S) |
| d. Care of neonates—ontogeny | Secure enclosures with ample ventilation & limited space; mulch wood pellet substrate; water bowl; used for 2–6 months |