These factors affect cold-blooded reptiles much more than warm-blooded animals. Other factors that play a roll in their energy demand are reproduction, growth, and illness, which may cause a doubling in the amount of energy they need.
In an optimum ambient environment the energy required for maintenance can be calculated as follows: energy need (kJ/day) = 10 X G 0,75
Explanation: raise body weight (in grams) of the reptile to the power of 0,75 and multiply this number with a constant factor.
The constant factor is different for each species. For reptiles a factor 10 is generally used. The amount of energy, which results from this calculation, is the amount of kilojoules that the animal needs per day. This means that when the animal only needs feeding once a week the amount needs to be multiplied by 7.
What is important is that the amount of energy fits in the amount of food. Lettuce, for example, contains much less energy than meat. By feeding the animal solely lettuce there is a risk that the animal would have to eat more than its digestion system can handle.
The reverse is also possible. Reptiles in captivity will keep on eating until theyre full. If the food is rich in energy, their energy demand will have been met before the animal stops eating. This may lead to weight problems.
Energy demands reptiles
22februari2006
The amount of energy that reptiles need depends greatly on the ambient environment and the animals activity level.
