Tracking Data for larger collections
Posted: Wed Jul 10, 2013 8:39 am
Hi all!
So, I am still working on a system for easily and efficiently tracking husbandry data for the skinks. I know what I do and the kind of hodgepodge of tactics I use to remember who does what and eats this and weighs how much, but I'm certain there's gotta be an easier or more efficient way to track that information.
Those of you with larger collections (or small ones that you feel you track efficiently), what do you do to keep track of everyone? Do you have a spreadsheet you use? Date stamps with codes..?
I've pretty much just been writing notes in shorthand on index cards and sticking to the same routine weekly - since it's a hassle and a half removing the index cards from their sleeves daily, I've taken to just noting aberrant behavior, a problem, or weight, rather than noting normal feeding days. I'll be having to enter data every week into a spreadsheet system to track over time (figuring that out is going to be fun), and I want to also be tracking high temps, low temps, and humidity as well as notes on diet, misting routines, and obviously pairings or behavior. I've been toying with the idea of a laminated card that I just use a white board marker to write on, or a date stamp that I can write a code next to... maybe color coded stickers?
In any case, I'm really looking for ideas or suggestions, especially from those of you who've had collections for a long period of time or maintained large collections for a long period of time. How do you track data so you can follow trends in your animals over time?
-Jen
So, I am still working on a system for easily and efficiently tracking husbandry data for the skinks. I know what I do and the kind of hodgepodge of tactics I use to remember who does what and eats this and weighs how much, but I'm certain there's gotta be an easier or more efficient way to track that information.
Those of you with larger collections (or small ones that you feel you track efficiently), what do you do to keep track of everyone? Do you have a spreadsheet you use? Date stamps with codes..?
I've pretty much just been writing notes in shorthand on index cards and sticking to the same routine weekly - since it's a hassle and a half removing the index cards from their sleeves daily, I've taken to just noting aberrant behavior, a problem, or weight, rather than noting normal feeding days. I'll be having to enter data every week into a spreadsheet system to track over time (figuring that out is going to be fun), and I want to also be tracking high temps, low temps, and humidity as well as notes on diet, misting routines, and obviously pairings or behavior. I've been toying with the idea of a laminated card that I just use a white board marker to write on, or a date stamp that I can write a code next to... maybe color coded stickers?
In any case, I'm really looking for ideas or suggestions, especially from those of you who've had collections for a long period of time or maintained large collections for a long period of time. How do you track data so you can follow trends in your animals over time?
-Jen