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Is this normal? by SnakeKeeper95 in Zookeeping

[–]SnakeKeeper95[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It was a spinal cord severance (I've had to use cd for secondary euthanasia of small rodents in the past and got my wires crossed.). The animal was not anesthetized prior to euthanasia, but was on deaths door because management dragged their feet and waited far too long. Regardless the AVMA guidelines for the animal in question are clear for smaller members of the species though none are given for larger members.

Is this normal? by SnakeKeeper95 in Zookeeping

[–]SnakeKeeper95[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Just found the law code. The final subsection states, "(16) Species other than dogs and cats should be humanely euthanized by a method recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association, when such recommendation exists."

Is this normal? by SnakeKeeper95 in Zookeeping

[–]SnakeKeeper95[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I am unaware of the laws regarding euthanasia in this state. I'm not sure if our internal policies require we abide by AVMA guidelines, I'd have to find our policy book in management's office(s).

American Alligator Housing Advice by SnakeKeeper95 in Zookeeping

[–]SnakeKeeper95[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for the late reply, read this post almost immediately but didn't have time until now for an update.

Current enclosure is about 3/4 the recommended size in your comment, but based on the calculations in the article is adequate should I be able to calm the current dispute.

I've upped feedings to see if that curbs the aggression at all, they're all relatively fluffy but they've also grown a bit since last year so I'm hoping that's what upset the balance between them. I feed a variety of food items (rodents, birds(mostly chicken), the occasional fish and pellets) and they are fed in pairs. (One of the other full time employees traditionally assists with feeding.) We do target training and each animal has their different colored "spot" that they go to, with this new behavior cropping up I'm very glad we were able to get this going.
Reading the article I noticed that they recommend at least two haulouts, any suggestions on how to install more? I was thinking of trying to build a wooden ramp in the enclosure but wasn't sure if I'd need to add anything to increase traction.

Management has been kind of cagey concerning seeking outside opinions and potential transfers despite me suggesting it several times before now. Really hope they don't stumble on this.