Caging Requirements for Reptiles of Concern
posted by Reptile Clan @ 12:29pm, Friday 22 January 2010.
A lot of folks are applying for their Reptiles of Concern (ROC) license from the FWC, and many other states are enacting regulations similar to those of Florida, so we figured it would be informative to detail the proper caging for such reptiles, which can include large pythons, anacondas, nile monitors and the like.
Materials used may include plate glass of at least one-quarter inch thickness, break-resistant plastic of similar strength, concrete reinforced with wire, sheet metal, molded fiberglass, plywood or interlocking lumber that has been treated to be impervious to moisture and is not less than one-half inch in thickness, or other materials which provide equivalent stability and security against escape and unauthorized intrusion.
Essentially you need a strong enclosure that the reptile cannot escape from. Along with being a strong enclosure, it needs to be sealed--the doors of each cage shall be securely locked by a device operated by a key, combination, key card or other locking device that will prevent unauthorized intrusion or escape.
(A) Specimens up to 5 feet in length. For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure 2.5 feet by 1 foot. For each additional specimen increase perimeter by 10 percent. Constrictors of this size possessed for exhibition or sale are exempt from this minimum cage requirement but shall meet the requirements as indicated for snakes and glass lizards.
(B) Specimens 5 feet to 12 feet in length. For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure with a perimeter equal to 1.25 times the length of the longest specimen. The width of the cage shall not be less than 30 percent of the length of the longest specimen and shall not be required to exceed 3 feet. For each additional specimen, increase perimeter by 10 percent.
(C) Specimens greater than 12 feet in length. For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure with a perimeter equal to the length of the longest specimen. The width of the cage shall not be required to exceed 3 feet. For each additional specimen, increase perimeter by 10 percent.
(II) Lizards 7 to 12 inches in length. For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 20 inches by 10 inches, 12 inches high. For each additional lizard, increase size by two inches in length and width.
(III) Lizards 13 to 24 inches in length. For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 30 inches by 12 inches, 12 inches high. For each additional lizard, increase size by three inches in length and width.
(IV) Lizards 25 to 36 inches in length. For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 48 inches by 16 inches, 20 inches high. For each additional lizard, increase size by 10 inches or 25 percent in length and width.
(V) Lizards 37 inches to 6 feet in length. For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 6 feet by 3 feet, 4 feet high. For each additional lizard, increase size by 25 percent of the original floor area.
(VI) Lizards over 6 feet in length. For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 9 feet by 6 feet, 4.5 feet high. For each additional lizard, increase the size by 25 percent of original floor area.
The rules that must be followed are not hard to follow, and generally were created to ensure that the reptiles live in a comfortable environment that is safe for both the reptile, the owner and the public in general. Responsible pet ownership is a must--it's better for reptile owners, better for the press we get when a reptile escapes or is released, better for the environment, and much better for the owner of the reptile owner if he or she wishes to be able to keep their reptiles and stay out of trouble with the FWC and the law. Stay safe, and stay legal! For additional information on getting your Reptiles of Concern license, check out our article entitled "Getting Your Reptiles of Concern License" here on ReptileClan.Construction Materials
This information is taken from a publication of the FWC entitled Possession, Transportation, Exhibition and Caging Venomous Reptiles and Reptiles of Concern.
Outdoor Buildings
Let's say you want to house your reptiles of concern in an outdoor building, such as a shed. A room or out building may contain reptiles of concern in cages that are not locked if, and only if, that room or out building is locked by a device operated by a key, combination, key card or other locking device that will prevent unauthorized intrusion, is inaccessible to unauthorized personnel, is constructed and maintained as to be escape-proof, and has been inspected and approved as conforming to these rules by FWC personnel (if in Florida) prior to use. Any out building so used must be of strong construction with concrete or other suitable flooring and securely anchored to the ground. Such building shall be clearly posted at point of entry with a sign stating "Danger - Dangerous Reptiles."
Size of Cages for Snakes
Enclosure sizes for all snakes or lizards shall be based on the total length of the longest specimen in the enclosure. These requirements come from the FWC's document entitled Standard Caging Requirements for Captive Wildlife.
Size of Cages for Lizards
(I) Lizards up to 6 inches in length. For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 12 inches by 8 inches, 6 inches high. For each additional lizard, increase enclosure size by one inch in length and width.
Cage Accessories
Each enclosure shall be provided with an environment or devices that allow for temperature regulation necessary to ensure the well-being of the species. The environment or devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but are not limited to ambient temperature, hot rocks, artificial lights, natural sunlight and heat strips. Each enclosure shall be provided with a non-injurious substrate, including but not limited to gravel, newspaper, processed wood shavings, rocks, sand, or indoor-outdoor carpet. Arboreal species of snakes or lizards shall be provided with a perch of sufficient height to allow for such specimen to perch or bask without any portion of its body or tail touching the floor, sides or roof of the enclosure.
Conclusion on Housing Requirements for Reptiles of Concern
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Our reptile veterinarian is:
Bruce Bogoslavsky, DVM Animal Veterinary Hospital of Orlando 1320 West Oak Ridge Road Orlando, FL 32809 Tel: (407) 855-7387 |
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