Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Any suggestions on how to keep good records? What kind of things to you track? Any software available?

Thanks

There are a lot of ways to keep records. Some people just use note cards or spiral notebooks. There are also quite a few software programs out there. I use HungryHerps. At first, I didn't like it...it took some getting used to. Once I got the hang of it, I really like it. I still don't use all the features, but it is nice when you sell an animal and can print out a complete feeding record from the day it first ate.

I think you can still get a free copy and use it for 30 days to see if you like it. Do a search on HungryHerps.

I hope that helps,
Brian Miller
BC Reptiles
Our Website

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BC Reptiles
Reptile Breeders and Outfitters
www.bcreptiles.net
bc_reptiles@yahoo.com

I just use a an Excel spreadsheet with columns for:
date,feedings,wieght(ounces and grams),sheds, and any illness/vet trips.
I used to keep more data in the sheets, but it seemed irrelevent and too time consuming, but you can decide what information you want to track.
I keep individual sheets for each snake and one for the rat colony, and hope to start one for breeding next season.
hope that helps
TomChambers

i used to just keep index cards by each cage to record the info when the card was full filed it and started a new one turned out to be alot of index cards with 8 snakes the easiestway i found was a spread sheet from excel you can customize it to your own prefence i include weight, length of snake and any shedding also include the condition of shed whole/pieces, the feeding dates and what was eaten if you would like to see a sample of the spread sheet i use or some of tghe other ones i found just email me and i can send you the links kim

Can you all make a list (or ad to mine) of what you would want to know about your animals. I am mainly dircting this to BPs and other pythons and Leo Geckos. I will start the list here:

Sheds (whole/problems/dates)
age
weight
length
mother (breeder/genetics)
father (same as mother)
Birth date
birth weight
genetics
breeder
meals (what kind/dates)

well, I am just wondering what I should add to my new records. I will also be sending this sheet with each hatchling/animal I sell, so should have eveything on it. Thanks! Krystal
My site (Complete 4 now?)

...in addition I record bowel movements in baby BP's, and of course any medical events/treatment. Any event in the animal's life should be recorded, ie escapes (out for how long?), trips to the classroom, etc.
I STILL use index cards, so if my system crashes I can't lose what I consider important data. SJM

From what I have seen of the screenshots of some programs, they are simply *.mdb files. I took that idea and started assembling a database of the related fields in MS Access. I have a basic sheet now and with the additional field info provided by this forum, I think I have enough to complete the basic table. I will be working on this for a while (to formulate printable reports, charts, etc.) as time is short these days and I have a lot of other 'projects' going on. BUT, I would be more than happy to share the database template once its complete. As far as losing info if your PC crashes. I make it a good practice to store all my info on external sources if possible, ie. disks, cds, etc. Especially if its of importance.
THX
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thx,
ru4pythons