Abstract
Simple SummaryKeeping reptiles as pets has become relatively common; therefore, it is important for us to understand more about how different aspects of their life as pets might affect their welfare. Very little is known about the effects of handling on reptiles, particularly the type of gentle handling (i.e., without restraint) likely to be experienced by pet animals. Therefore, this study investigated whether the amount of time that bearded dragons, a commonly kept lizard species, experienced gentle handling impacted on their behaviour in tests that give insight into how they may be feeling. We found that longer durations of handling appeared to increase stress-related behaviour slightly. This finding suggests that handling bearded dragons for longer periods of time, even in a gentle way, may be mildly stressful for them. However, we do not know whether animals would become accustomed to handling for longer periods with more experience.Reptiles are popular as pets and it is, therefore, important to understand how different aspects of housing and husbandry impact on their behaviour and welfare. One potential cause of stress in captive reptiles is interaction with humans; in particular, the effect of handling. However, little research on handling has been carried out with reptiles, particularly relating to the type of gentle handling likely to be experienced by pet animals. The aim of this study was therefore to determine whether the amount of time that bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), a commonly kept pet species, experienced gentle handling induced no or differing levels of anxiety, as reflected in their subsequent behavioural response to novelty. We found that there appeared to be a mildly aversive effect of handling time on subsequent behavioural response to novelty. Longer durations of handling (5 min or 15 min) appeared to increase anxiety-related behaviour, with handled animals showing more frequent tongue flicking behaviour when they experienced a novel environment and reduced time spent in close proximity to a novel object. These results suggest that handling bearded dragons, even in a gentle way, may increase their anxiety. However, it is not yet known whether animals may habituate to handling for longer periods if provided with additional experience.
Highlights
Reptiles are relatively common as pets worldwide
It is thought that a significant proportion of these pet reptiles may be experiencing poor welfare, often due to a lack of knowledge about their basic needs or the ability to provide suitable housing based on ecological requirements
The aim of this study was to determine whether the amount of time that bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are gently handled causes or impacts anxiety, as reflected in their subsequent behavioural response to novelty (e.g., [11])
Summary
Reptiles are relatively common as pets worldwide. It is thought that a significant proportion of these pet reptiles may be experiencing poor welfare, often due to a lack of knowledge about their basic needs or the ability to provide suitable housing based on ecological requirements. Animals 2020, 10, 2116 undertaken by the Blue Cross [3], it was found that almost half of all reptile owners had experienced unexpected problems with their pet(s). Issues typically included owners failing to recognise signs of illness, an incorrect assumption of hardiness and a lack of understanding of suitable husbandry equipment and its use [4]. In comparison to the considerable amount of research concerning the welfare of mammalian and avian species, there are relatively few studies that have focused on reptiles [5]
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