Other pets (pics and discussions)

[snake man]

He looks exited.

[Stefan-A]

I only ask because I posted on a cornsnake forum that I housed a few babies together by size and sex, and people were posting that that is animal cruelty because corns aren't social animals and need to be housed individually. They said that "cohabbing" is an accident waiting to happen and that when I see the corns all huddled together that they were competing for resources like the best hide or warm spot and warned me of potential cannibalism.
People have a lot of opinions. On everything. Sometimes the most innocuous things spawn the most passionate responses and every guy and his grandma transform a simple opinion given by SGOTI into (pseudo)science. I'd like to see what ethology has to say about cohabitation, not because I expect it to confirm my opinion, but because it would settle the debate.

Yes, animals compete. Big ****ing deal.

Yes, corn snakes aren't social animals. That doesn't mean that they are antisocial.

[guidofatherof5]

Your a lucky man to have such a great fine companion as Tank:).
For how long will tank continue to grow?
It's funny you use the word companion. I think Tank has bonded with me as he seeks me out. He doesn't go too far away from me when I take him outside and always comes right back to me. Not normal behavior for a snapping turtle. I'm glad we are close. He's such a joy to interact with.
He should top out at 50-60 pounds. Then the growth will be very low.
Hoping for 20lbs by Christmas this year. He's at 16.4 lbs at this time.



He looks exited.

He always seems excited with whatever is going on.

[snake man]

Thats really cool.

[EasternGirl]

I see nothing wrong with discussing corns in this thread. Isn't that what this thread is for? I have held a couple of corns that seemed very social to me. I kind of bonded with one that I used to visit at a pet store near me. If I had had the money, I would have bought her.

[HazAnga]

I see nothing wrong with discussing corns in this thread. Isn't that what this thread is for? I have held a couple of corns that seemed very social to me. I kind of bonded with one that I used to visit at a pet store near me. If I had had the money, I would have bought her.

I think it's more of a social with each other. Thing is you wouldn't necessarily see a group of corns with each other like you would a bunch or garters. In the most case when a garter eats another garter it's mistaken food when eating together. Corns... well you can have a couple (Baby's to Adults) together and next day look in your cage and find only one, without the other have escaped. And Most cases neither live through it. Corns and Rat snakes are both within the same species group as a king snake, which DOES eat other snakes. It's like a Pit bull (And please don't go on with pit bulls I'm just using an example) You can be the best pitty owner and have the tamest pit bull ever... it will still have that instinct, because that's what they were bread for and that's what they did.
I Believe in Separating corns at every age other then breeding times. I'm not a breeder, i hope to be a successful breeder in future but i still wouldn't recommend co-habbing Corns.
I'm sorry for the bit of a rant but i think every corn owner needs to understand this point.

There's something different about Garters that they enjoy each others company and with some rely on that company.

[Stefan-A]

I think it's more of a social with each other. Thing is you wouldn't necessarily see a group of corns with each other like you would a bunch or garters. In the most case when a garter eats another garter it's mistaken food when eating together. Corns... well you can have a couple (Baby's to Adults) together and next day look in your cage and find only one, without the other have escaped. And Most cases neither live through it. Corns and Rat snakes are both within the same species group as a king snake, which DOES eat other snakes. It's like a Pit bull (And please don't go on with pit bulls I'm just using an example) You can be the best pitty owner and have the tamest pit bull ever... it will still have that instinct, because that's what they were bread for and that's what they did.
I Believe in Separating corns at every age other then breeding times. I'm not a breeder, i hope to be a successful breeder in future but i still wouldn't recommend co-habbing Corns.
I'm sorry for the bit of a rant but i think every corn owner needs to understand this point.

There's something different about Garters that they enjoy each others company and with some rely on that company.
Thamnophis has 2 snake eaters, Pantherophis has 0. You have to jump to a higher taxonomic rank with corns in order to group them with any snake eaters.

Garters are no different and I've seen no relevant difference in behavior when cohabitating Thamnophis and cohabitating Natrix. Snakes congregate, because they have the same needs, and what garters would do alone, they do in groups.

[GarField000]

I see a lot off difference in keeping snakes here in holland and in the US/Canada.
If I look at the cages we never use fishtanks because they go open from above which could cause stress to the animal.

If I talk about corns ..... we do house them together. If you have them for social in your (living) room I think 85% will keep more then one snake in a tank.
I have corns for some years now, and are active on cornfora, but I have never heard anyone that a corn was eaten by an other corn.
Yes I heard it, but then they feed them toghether in te same tank .... yes then an accident can happen.

I don't think you can compare Pantherophis with Lampropeltis. It's a different species. Lampropeltis is know for kanabalism.

The only people that house corns seperate are the breeders. It's easy, quick and very good to see who eats, sheds and whos poop is not good.
But that is not in a tank but in curverboxes like this.
http://www.boaphileplastics.com/racks_files/20shoe.jpg

I don't say corns are social, there are some advantages in housing them seperate I know .... but kanibalism is not an issue here in holland.


I will start this issue in a dutch corn forum ....

[guidofatherof5]

This mornig I got up and fired up my laptop which sits on the living room floor near Tank's water enclosure. He sleeps on a large dog cedar pillow which is right in front of the water enclosure. I got down on the floor and saw Tank trying to get the blacket off his head so I helped him. The next 30 minutes was spent discussing with him his day and why he should get up and what a wonderful turtle he was. With his neck stretched out he was within an inch of my face. I try to talk to him in his ear so that he can feel the vibrations of my voice. He never pulled away or made any aggressive moves. Many yawns took place during this time but each time he returned his face next to mine. With much encouragement Tank finally made his way to the water and took care of his business. Then it was out to his blanket. He worked his way under the blanket but stuck his head out the other end. I spent another hour talking with him.
There was not aggression or even apprehension from Tank. This coming from an animal that will always shy away from human contact. An animal that is defensive to almost everything. Not Tank. He will seek me out in most situations and chooses to be near me. Whether that is outside or in the house. I feel fortunate to have this relationship with Tank. I do keep in mind what he is and what he's capable of doing but have seen no signs that he is unsure/scared of his life situation.
I just wanted to share my morning with someone.
Thanks for listening.

[ProXimuS]

I think I speak for everyone when I say, we love to hear about Tank:D

[RedSidedSPR]

You keep your laptop on the floor next to a giant thing of water?

Jk. Awesome stuff, tank rocks


I think I speak for everyone when I say, we love to hear about Tank:D

You do indeed.

[ConcinusMan]

You keep your laptop on the floor next to a giant thing of water?

Why not? At the moment I'm using an Acer Aspire One 9 inch netbook. In other words, an itsy bitsy laptop. Next to it is a half empty 12 ounce beverage. If I spilled it now, the netbook would be submerged, LoL

I'm sure that tank knows he has to come out of the water to post to thamnophis.com:rolleyes:

[RedSidedSPR]

Undoubtably.

Now that I think of it, I wonder how many posts are actually Steve's.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Could we see his enclosure?

[Invisible Snake]

Tank sounds like a wonderful companion, maybe you should start a youtube series "Adventures with Tank" ;)

[EasternGirl]

I have my laptop on the floor in the dining room...a perfect spot for my dog to lift his leg...lol. I always love hearing about the tankster. My only up-close experience with a snapping turtle was when one went into my neighbors bush to try to lay eggs. We were trying to keep it there until animal control came and took her back to the creek from which she came. She lunged and snapped at me several times...the size of her jaws...she easily could have broken my hand if she had actually bit me. Tank is a very special turtle.

Yes...I am up at 7am on a Saturday to go to a little league baseball game. Ugh.

[EasternGirl]

Oh...I wanted to add...I know that some of you enjoy researching articles on snakes. I'm in the process of gathering research for my paper on "Clinical implications for the use of snake venom in treating disease". If anyone knows of any good articles...
Also, my professor said that I can use any information provided directly from members of this forum as research....she considers us herpetology experts on this forum.:)

Oops...probably should have put that in the "Oh So Quiet" thread...feel free to move it. Sorry!

[Invisible Snake]

Oh...I wanted to add...I know that some of you enjoy researching articles on snakes. I'm in the process of gathering research for my paper on "Clinical implications for the use of snake venom in treating disease". If anyone knows of any good articles...
Also, my professor said that I can use any information provided directly from members of this forum as research....she considers us herpetology experts on this forum.:)

Oops...probably should have put that in the "Oh So Quiet" thread...feel free to move it. Sorry!

Snake venom could be used to treat cancer, diabetes | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/09/20/snake-venom-could-be-used-to-develop-drugs-for-cancer-diabetes/?test=latestnews)

[EasternGirl]

Thank you!

[EasternGirl]

Keep them coming! Feel free to PM me with any articles or info that you guys may have on the subject so that we don't take up threads on here.

[guidofatherof5]

Could we see his enclosure?

I will get some photos today after the King has gotten up.

[guidofatherof5]

Here's Tank's enclosure. I will be purchasing a larger one in the next month.
The opening on the side has been enlarged 4 times as he has grown. A small cut plastic tube protects his plastron as he goes in and out.
The pillow in front is one of his he sleeps on. He has 2 others and 3 blankets. He goes through a lot of blankets as he tears them up with his claws as he gets settled in for some sleep. He's very strong.
The scoop and bucket are there to keep his water clean. He usually requires 3 changes of water a day and his water is dechlorinated as chlorine bothers his eyes.
He's high maintenance but well worth it.
He is so comfortable in this house. It seem so natural for him to live with us.
I wish everyone could spend some time with Tank. He is such a nice young man turtle.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/tanks_tank.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/tanks_tank1.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/tanks_tank2.jpg

[Invisible Snake]

I would love to visit Tank, how does he react to strangers?

[guidofatherof5]

I would love to visit Tank, how does he react to strangers?

He usually stares at first then moves in to touch and smell. Never in an aggressive manor though. He's just curious. He notices even slight changes to his world. The kids are always showing him new things. He's active and inquisitive.
I have to share this photo again. Tank thought he found a girlfriend.
Silly, confused boy.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/tankhelmet.jpg

[-MARWOLAETH-]

That has to be the best picture Iv'e seen in years.A turtle giving a bike helmet a love squeeze awww:p:D

[guidofatherof5]

We just heated a blanket up in the dryer for Tank. He's sleeping well now.
I'm glad he's not spoiled.:D

[HazAnga]

We just heated a blanket up in the dryer for Tank. He's sleeping well now.
I'm glad he's not spoiled.:D

Spoiled... he is not... i can't think of a word that's more then spoiled at the moment... but that's what tank is lol.

[ProXimuS]

Tank's little eyes always look so alert and happy:) He sure does have a long tail too!

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Tank's little eyes always look so alert and happy:) He sure does have a long tail too!Could that be why they are called Chelydra serpentina?

[guidofatherof5]

Actually, I think serpentina comes from their long neck;)

[mikem]

Big yawn after a long nap!
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[-MARWOLAETH-]

To cute:).How long does she sleep?

[mikem]

She slept three days one time and I had to wake her up. I usually let her sleep a couple days.

[guidofatherof5]

Panzer is looking good. I won't show Tank any photos. He might get too excited.:D

[snake man]

Panzar is a type of tank right?

[guidofatherof5]

Yes. Both Chelydra serpentine-Common Snapping Turtle

[snake man]

Love these guys they seem just really chill.

[guidofatherof5]

Love these guys they seem just really chill.

Tank and Panzer are but that is not the norm.

[snake man]

Believe me I am not going anywhere near one of these bad boys in the wild, I enjoy all my limbs:D

[guidofatherof5]

Believe me I am not going anywhere near one of these bad boys in the wild, I enjoy all my limbs:D

They are such an interesting animal. They don't seem to like anything. They want to be left alone and only come together for mating and that is a dangerous, sometimes deadly encounter. They are very territorial and defensive. Many are killed by people when all that needs to be done is to walk away.
To have an opportunity to be literally face-to-face with a large male snapper on a daily basis is awesome. Tank has been with my family for 3.5 years and has never shown any aggression to anyone. He was territorial to another male turtle that was in the house but that aggressive behavior never affected his behavior to us.
I'm seeing a side to snapping turtles that not many have seen. I've toyed with the idea of getting another hatchling to see if I can repeat the results that I have with Tank but have decided to devote my effort to him. He's more then enough and I look forward to all the adventures we have ahead of us.

[Invisible Snake]

In the future you should breed Tank with Panzer! :p

[guidofatherof5]

In the future you should breed Tank with Panzer! :p

I don't think either one of us are willing to risk it.:D
I do know a guy who is working on artificial insemination for snapping turtles.
I'm hoping it works out as it takes the dangers out of the natural process.

[mikem]

Artificial insemination with snapping turtles? Very interesting!


Love these guys they seem just really chill.

I've spent, and continue to spend, a lot of time working with her. We've built a trust that allows me to interact with her. She seems to enjoy a good leg and neck rubbing :)

[EasternGirl]

I love that pic of Tank with the bike helmet! Priceless. Panzer is looking great!

[guidofatherof5]

Lately Tank (Chelydra serpentina-Common snapping turtle) has been getting up with me in the morning. This morning it was cold and being a person who likes the cold I opened the front door. I then tried to get Tank up. He was having none of it. He even refused to open his eyes. Stubborn punk. I took a photo and covered my buddy back up. He'll get up on his own later in the day.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank322.jpg

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Leave him alone he's dreaming about steak;):D

[guidofatherof5]

Leave him alone he's dreaming about steak;):D

or Panzer.:D maybe both.

[ProXimuS]

I then tried to get Tank up. He was having none of it. He even refused to open his eyes. Stubborn punk.


LOL! Tank's funny:p

[guidofatherof5]

Here we have Tank resting on the couch. He enjoys spending time there sleeping. I'll have to move him at bedtime but he won't mind.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/tank333.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

How does he get up there? O_o

[guidofatherof5]

How does he get up there? O_o

This time I put him up there. Usually he gets up there by himself.
The problem is when he gets up there on his own he can tear the cushions if his blanket isn't up there first.

[RedSidedSPR]

Impressive.

[mikem]

Hey Steve, Have you ever picked Tank up while he's asleep? I can move Panzer around and she won't even open her eyes, lol!

[guidofatherof5]

I have and he's fine with it most of the time. He doesn't like his legs hanging so I rest him on my arm. That is getting difficult, the toad.:D

[CrazyHedgehog]

so, have aquired this nut job since I was last on,
introducing Gromit!
I have a bone!!!
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/225070_1927367994713_730591_n.jpg (http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/showphoto.php?photo=11268&title=225070-1927367994713-730591-n&cat=500)

comfy just here!
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/171861_1739226611296_1780175_o.jpg (http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/showphoto.php?photo=11267&title=171861-1739226611296-1780175-o&cat=500)

I like these flowers, I am going no further!
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/539501_4543546477540_746846348_n.jpg (http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/showphoto.php?photo=11270&title=539501-4543546477540-746846348-n&cat=500)

My other half sent me this when I went away for a few days – Mum where are you?
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/304911_4543549917626_360237533_n.jpg (http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/showphoto.php?photo=11269&title=304911-4543549917626-360237533-n&cat=500)

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/225070_1927367994713_730591_n.jpg (http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/showphoto.php?photo=11268&title=225070-1927367994713-730591-n&cat=500)


And that was the last they saw of the UPS driver.:D

[RedSidedSPR]

Good lookin dawg

[ProXimuS]

Gromits very cute Inge! He has really pretty eyes:)

[ConcinusMan]

Labs are awesome. Except for meth labs. You can't trust them.

http://memearchive.net/memerial.net/1256/meth-lab.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

I see Tank every day and I think lose sight of just how much he's grown and how big he is getting.
He just woke up from a nap and is now taking a swim.
He is such an easy going turtle. He's never snapped at anyone since I've had him. So much for being a snapping turtle:D
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank341.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/tank351.jpg

[ProXimuS]

Can you post a baby pic next to a current pic?:)

[guidofatherof5]

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/baby_tank.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank341.jpg

[ProXimuS]

AAWWWW! The size difference is pretty laughable! That's also funny, in the baby pic he looks all serious, like he's big:p

Thank you Steve:)

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Those pics remind me of those things that would expand when put in water (steak in tanks case though:D)

[EasternGirl]

Always love seeing Tank. And that is a beautiful and cute dog! I love labs...I miss my Kaela girl so much. Someday, I will have another lab again...awesome dogs.

[Natrix]

6956695769586959 Just a few of the new additions Tan Rabbits

[guidofatherof5]

Very nice Rod.

[Natrix]

Very nice Rod. Thanks Steve, my dad bred and showed Rabbits for many years. I showed them for a number of years before leaving the fancy and picking up where I left off recently after a ten year break, Also got a nice scrub from Greg, Pics to follow when I am satisfied they are clear enough with decent lighting ;-)

[guidofatherof5]

The following 4 photos were taken of Tank on Sept. 29, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012.
Since cleaning out the massive amount of parasites Tank growth has be impressive. Hoping he'll get to around 60 lbs when it's all said and done.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank92809.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank_92810.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank92811.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank362.jpg

[-MARWOLAETH-]

The second to last pic is really funny and cute:D.
Was he wild caught?

[guidofatherof5]

Yes he was. Heavy pinworm, hookworm and tapeworm infestation. 2 treatments of Drontal plus and he was clean.

I'm the second owner
:D

[ProXimuS]

Natrix, I love your rabbits! They're so cute! The markings are beautiful:D

Tank looks all elastic-ified in the last couple pics:p He really has done some growin over the years!

[Light of Dae]

This is one kitten we are keeping from Piggys first litter. We named him Tip-Toed lol Toed for short, look at his toes they are all tipped grey. Here he is on his favorite spot, my hubby lol watching a movie with us.
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Shade is cuddling one of the black kittens we are still trying to find homes for. Kitten is chewing on her leg.
6963

Rose is in such good shape. She has filled out a lot an is just beautiful.
6962

[CrazyHedgehog]

OMG Tip-Toed is toooo cute!

[ProXimuS]

Nice pics! I really like Rose:)

[tress29]

Just a few of the new additions Tan Rabbits
I saw a baby rabbit on my screen porch last weekend. Unfortunately, he was being nommed on by my cat. Am I supposed to yell at him for hurting the wee rabbit? Or congratulate him on a fine kill?!

[snake man]

I would yell.

[tress29]

He growled at us when we tried to put him in the house, and I even put the rabbit outside, TWICE! He kept bringing it back on the porch. I figured it's the circle of life, and if he took the time and skill necessary to hunt it down and bring it home, who am I to argue?

(But I did have to scrape what was left up off the floor! Eeeeeewwwww!)

[RedSidedSPR]

My dog, who just had another damn seizure 2 minutes ago.. catches birds, rabbits and squirrels on a regular basis. I tell him good boy and all that and he drops the animal at my feet and looks all proud and happy. Get mad and he sinks his teeth into it and doesn't let go. he's a bird dog, it's what he does, there's no teaching him not to, so I can't get mad (plus it's cool.. Lol). You don't yell at animals, especially when they're just doing what they're made for.. As much as I like the birds, I'm in full support of his bird catching.

[Invisible Snake]

Hey may I ask why your dog gets seizures?

[ProXimuS]

But what do you do, for example, when you have a pet dog and pet rabbit, and they're friends, then your dog kills a little wild rabbit!...That happened with my dog....But she's never show aggression to domestic cats or rabbits. It just makes me a little weary now...

[ProXimuS]

Hey may I ask why your dog gets seizures?

Yea, I meant to ask that too....Is he ok? Older boy?:(

[RedSidedSPR]

All I know is, be it a rabbit, a fly, a squirrel or a snake, he doesn't know the difference, he just knows that it's on his property and it's what he's bred to do. All he wants to do is please me for the most part it seems, if he brings me the squirrel he just chased down, or the snake he just mauled.. It's no different then snatching the fly off the window, so I'm not gonna get mad.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yea, I meant to ask that too....Is he ok? Older boy?:(

Nah he's 4 years old. 5th time it's happened, it's weird. He's fine though.

[Light of Dae]

But what do you do, for example, when you have a pet dog and pet rabbit, and they're friends, then your dog kills a little wild rabbit!...That happened with my dog....But she's never show aggression to domestic cats or rabbits. It just makes me a little weary now...

Dogs know the difference between a pet and a wild animal. Like my Shade, she play chases the cats n my horse(Rose plays back lol) but she never full out runs at them. Any wild animal on the other hand n its on.
Shade has met a pet rabbit n after a sniff came back n sat beside me.

Smart dog. I love my Shadeeey dog <3

[-MARWOLAETH-]

What type of dog is shade?

[Light of Dae]

Shade is half Boxer and the mom was half Rottie with Shepard n Collie.

Now you got me looking at older pictures of her... awwww.
Day after we got her. Piggy is watching....
6994
First real toy! Chew Chew
6995
Being a good girl. Learning stay. Lol wasn't going to get her to sit in the snow.
6996
Best friends.
6997
Now. "What do you mean I can't chew on Piggys kid?" ... "But... he's Chewing on my toes!"
6998

[Light of Dae]

Aaaand now I saw some old pictures of Rose... wow am I glad she filled out n we got her healthy!
Got her in the beginning of Oct 2011. First pictures were taken in January 2012 When I bought myself a camera.
This is a couple months after I got her and she had gained some weight already...
6999

7000
This one here was taken a few months back... Look at that healthy big butt!
7002

Just the other day. :) I'm so proud of her, look how far she's come in less then a year. Look at how thick her neck is! She has muscles!!
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[guidofatherof5]

Nice job. Rose is looking good.

[guidofatherof5]

Here we have a sleeping Tank (Chelydra serpentina-Common Snapping Turtle). I've got the front door open on a cold day so Tank decided to stay in bed this morning. When he's cold he tucks his front legs. He'll be in bed until late afternoon.
These are such amazing animals. I've seen photos of them swimming under the ice on lakes.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/sleeping_Tank2.jpg

[EasternGirl]

Love the pics of Tank and the rabbits and I love the pic of the dog cuddling with the kitty. The first kitty looks just like one of my cats. I had no idea you could show rabbits...interesting. Jesse, I had a dog who had seizures...she was actually epileptic, it runs in some breeds. You should get that checked out. You can get medicine to control the seizures...but it should definitely be checked out. Seizures can come from other causes like brain injuries and other things.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Jesse you should Definitely get your dog looked at my uncle's dog died of epileptic fits.

[EasternGirl]

Yeah...seizures can be pretty dangerous. I would def get him checked out.

[RedSidedSPR]

It's happened like 2 or 3 times in 4 years. Everyone I've talked to says its normal but I'll take him to a vet soon.

[MCwyo]

My dad has had 2 dog that had seizures- Shilogh (RIP) in him it was genetic. With medication the condition was managed just fine and he lived to a very ripe old age. You do want to get it checked out because the condition can become damaging. Then there is Danny Boy. His seizure condition is due to abuse as a puppy... brain damage :( We rescued him from the shelter.

[Light of Dae]

... Not normal... I was with a friend when his dog was having a seizure... The blue heeler X lab started choking on his tongue and my friend stuck his hand in the dogs mouth to retrieve its tongue... he got bit repeatedly but saved his dog that time.

Was scary. It lasted about 10mins.

Wonder if dogs can be diabetic...? Maybe his blood sugar was low?
First time I saw a person have a seizure she came into the store, grabbed a juice n dropped. After holding her head she came to n told me sorry, she normally keeps candy in her truck but her kids must of ate it all on her... I had noted her piss poor parking before her seizure on the floor...

[RedSidedSPR]

I don't think he has any real health conditions like that... But I'll definately get him checked out soon and let you know.. Thanks

He's got a check up next month I just remembered.

[RedSidedSPR]

DIsregard , stupid iPod

[CrazyHedgehog]

I had to get up early this morning to take my sons girl friend to the post office to get some money exchanged for their holiday on Monday...
I managed to park by the pet shop, he has some chequered garters in, so thought I would just look at how they were doing...
it would be rude not to!
Anyway as I went to walk past, two little paws stuck through the cage and grabbed my leg,
oh I almost died from a cuteness attack.
anyway,,, I had two black cats Spanner and Spoon that I lost late last year and early this year to old age...
These kittens reminded me of them so much!
Totally overly priced for no special breed kittens...:eek:
but...
but...
the cuteness.....
I caved.:D

[CrazyHedgehog]

So without further ado...
please meet Luna and Shadow.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/lunar_and_Shadow.jpg (http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/showphoto.php?photo=11294&title=lunar-and-shadow&cat=500)

[guidofatherof5]

So, how did the Checkereds look?

[CrazyHedgehog]

So, how did the Checkereds look?
Very well actually, fed up and looking alert and healthy. :)

[guidofatherof5]

Tank (Chelydra serpentina- Common Snapping Turtle) is on another growth spurt.
9/14/12 16.40 lbs
10/6/12 16.92 lbs

[CrazyHedgehog]

Sage and Onion wanted in today! not happy about the kittens getting all the attention!

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/sage_and_onion.jpg (http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/showphoto.php?photo=11298&title=sage-and-onion&cat=500)

[guidofatherof5]

Nice.

[ConcinusMan]

Sage and Onion wanted in today! not happy about the kittens getting all the attention!

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/sage_and_onion.jpg (http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/showphoto.php?photo=11298&title=sage-and-onion&cat=500)

No, I think they are looking at that box of Tyson's frozen chicken you're holding, and thinking "Rosemary, is that you?"

[guidofatherof5]

Tank gave me a nice yawn this morning and then got embarrassed when I told him he was a handsome young turtle.:D

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank381.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank391.jpg

[Stefan-A]

Hah, nice.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I haven't witnessed such cuteness before:)

[ProXimuS]

Here's Tippy today :)

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She got her "hurr did" yesterday again:p This is the brightest/darkest I've ever got her color to come out, so I'm pretty excited(she looks even better in perosn;)).

[-MARWOLAETH-]

In the second pic she doesn't look to pleased about her makeover;)

[ProXimuS]

lol!I think she was just annoyed I was makin her do stuff to get some pics:p

[ProXimuS]

Here are two of my new roommates:D

This is Maggie. She's a Beagle/Chihuahua/Terrier mix(her parents were a Beagle mix and Chihuahua mix).

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And this is Mushu:)

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Edit:Hmm..Not sure why that pic stayed on there....I tried to delete and flip it around but it stayed....Disregard...:rolleyes:

[guidofatherof5]

Nice. Dogs rule.

[ProXimuS]

Yes they do...You might not like this next post Steve:p

Here are the other two roommates.

Kismet(calico) and Batman(black).

Eating catnip
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Going crazy
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Hogging catip:p
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[Invisible Snake]

How does Tippy get along with her new roomies?

[ProXimuS]

They're all cool. She's been here 7 thousand million times, so she knows them already. She's friends with Batman and Maggie, and starting to get to be more friends with Kismet. She likes Kismet more than Kismet likees her...:rolleyes: As for Mushu, she seemed to think he was a toy one time when he was out so we've kept her away from him when he's out since that:p She might just need to get used to seeing him out because she was the same way with my snakes at first. Now she doesn't even pay them any attention when I have them out.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

These are my sisters rats,Lennon(white and brown) and Harrison(Dark brown) (no prizes for guessing what her favourite band is) They are technically hers but really they are family pets.They are just like puppies only smaller and less inclined to crapping on the carpet:p
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[Invisible Snake]

Aww that first picture is so cute.

[CrazyHedgehog]

Here's Tippy today :)

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She got her "hurr did" yesterday again:p This is the brightest/darkest I've ever got her color to come out, so I'm pretty excited(she looks even better in perosn;)).
You died your dog Purple? :D

[ProXimuS]

Yep:)(well pinkish purple)


You died your dog Purple? :D




Awww! William those are so cute! I like rats:)

[EasternGirl]

Here is a link for you guys...my teacher had it up on a screen in our class today so that we could watch it while we worked...she's a big animal lover. Live videocam of great dane service dog and her new puppies: Indoor Puppy Room - Great Dane Service Puppies - Dog Bless You - explore (http://explore.org/#!/live-cams/player/great-dane-service-puppies-indoor-puppy-room)

[guidofatherof5]

Here is my man Tank (Chelydra serpentina- Common Snapping Turtle) I've been trying to get him up but he's decided to rest for a few more hours.
Last night was a food night for Tank and he was less the thrilled with his dinner or should I say the amount of food offered.
I bought 3 large shrimp for him to try. He's never eaten shrimp before so I didn't buy too many. Tank downed the shrimp and wanted more.
Tank has been on a big growth spurt.

8/20/12 15.85 lbs
9/14/12 16.40 lbs
10/6/12 16.92 lbs
10/16/12 17.42 lbs

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/big_tank2.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/big_tank3.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

That is a big growth spurt..... Or he's getting fat from the the cake :p

[guidofatherof5]

No tubby Tank here. His carapace length weight ratio is normal.;)

[ProXimuS]

Our little Tanky is growing before our eyes:p


Aww Marnie that's so cute:) We had a Dane that looks like her at work today.

[RedSidedSPR]

No tubby Tank here. His carapace length weight ratio is normal.;)

How big could he potentiallly reach again?

[guidofatherof5]

My turtle expert buddy(Mark) says 30-35 lbs.

[guidofatherof5]

Since Tank sleeps most of the time in his blanket he gets lint under his lower eye lids.
Tonight I notice the lint on his left eye lid so I reached into the water and he allowed me to wipe his eye.
Pretty amazing, a snapping turtle letting a human have that kind of contact and allowing them to keep their fingers.
I'm so glad he lives with my family.

[d_virginiana]

Not quite as cool as Tank, but I thought I'd put up a picture of my newest reptile resident :) Found her this summer, and it took about 3 months before she was completely healed up. By that time, she was chasing me around begging for food, and thought it was great to stretch out beside the human-shaped heat mat and go to sleep (survival techniques). She also has a little scarring on one of her eyes that causes it to start gumming up again without regular cleanings... So, now I have a turtle. Named Turtle.
She doubles as a garbage disposal on feeding days.

First one is the day I found her, second is about a week ago.
72067207

[ProXimuS]

Especially going for a delicate area like his eyes(/face). What a sweetheart:)

[ProXimuS]

Not quite as cool as Tank, but I thought I'd put up a picture of my newest reptile resident :) Found her this summer, and it took about 3 months before she was completely healed up. By that time, she was chasing me around begging for food, and thought it was great to stretch out beside the human-shaped heat mat and go to sleep (survival techniques). She also has a little scarring on one of her eyes that causes it to start gumming up again without regular cleanings... So, now I have a turtle. Named Turtle.
She doubles as a garbage disposal on feeding days.

First one is the day I found her, second is about a week ago.
72067207

How cute:) Do you know what kind she is and what happened to her?

[guidofatherof5]

Very sweet. Great looking shelled one.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Nice find:)
I'd absolutely love to get some boxies some day. Sadly in Britain most people have a crap taste in reptiles and these amazing creatures are few and far between:(*sobs in corner*

[d_virginiana]

How cute:) Do you know what kind she is and what happened to her?

She's an eastern box turtle :) She had an eye infection that had progressed far enough that she couldn't open her eyes and an upper respiratory infection. It's pretty common for box turtles to come out of hibernation with eye infections, but they usually aren't that bad.

[Light of Dae]

So 6 days ago(Oct.14) Almost exactly four months from her last litter (June.13) We came home to a couch with six little mewing fur balls and a very tired momma. Later after I put her in the kennel with blankets she had three more kittens making the total of nine kittens. Three silver tabbies, and the rest dark brown or black with differing amounts of grey. Now I was going to take more pictures of them however; Day 2 Piggy(mom) snuck outside in the morning and we didn't notice till I got home from work that Pig had gotten out... Three kittens were dead n cold, and one more was cold and very out of it. I tried to get it warmed up n drinking from mom but it did not make it. Two were the tabbies. The next day mom moved her remaining kittens under our bathtub. So I haven't had the chance to take more pictures.

At least I didn't have to cull any kittens which was my plan anyways.

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[d_virginiana]

Sorry about the kittens... I hope the remaining ones are doing well. :(


Nice find:)
I'd absolutely love to get some boxies some day. Sadly in Britain most people have a crap taste in reptiles and these amazing creatures are few and far between:(*sobs in corner*

I imagine the export laws are insane for boxies too. Mine's legal because I have only one, and she's wc. They can't be bought, sold, traded, or owned in groups of more than 5 in my state. In a lot of their native range they're completely illegal...
They really are great animals though; personality of a tortoise, but without the crazy size :) By far the smartest reptile I've ever worked with too.

[RedSidedSPR]

My turtle expert buddy(Mark) says 30-35 lbs.

Whoa... He's got a ways to go.. That's rather large.

[guidofatherof5]

Whoa... He's got a ways to go.. That's rather large.

Just more turtle to love.;)

[ConcinusMan]

Sorry about the kittens... I hope the remaining ones are doing well. :(



I imagine the export laws are insane for boxies too. Mine's legal because I have only one, and she's wc. They can't be bought, sold, traded, or owned in groups of more than 5 in my state. In a lot of their native range they're completely illegal....

And around here, they're a dime a dozen. Available at most pet stores but I find them in the wild too. Eastern and ornate box turtles run wild around here. (not native) People buy them, get tired of them and release them and/or they escape. Found one in my sister in laws backyard. Another one crossing my street. At a local fishing hole they are often seen crossing the road. Some don't make it.

[d_virginiana]

And around here, they're a dime a dozen. Available at most pet stores but I find them in the wild too. Eastern and ornate box turtles run wild around here. (not native) People buy them, get tired of them and release them and/or they escape. Found one in my sister in laws backyard. Another one crossing my street. At a local fishing hole they are often seen crossing the road. Some don't make it.

Huh. Maybe it's because they're not native there? NC, VA, PA, and FL all have really strict laws about ownership, but only for the native subspecies. Probably other states too, but those are the ones I know of. In NC you can't buy or sell any species of turtle or tortoise anywhere in state.

[Floof]

Gorgeous boxie, Lora. Glad to hear she's recovering.


And around here, they're a dime a dozen. Available at most pet stores but I find them in the wild too. Eastern and ornate box turtles run wild around here. (not native) People buy them, get tired of them and release them and/or they escape. Found one in my sister in laws backyard. Another one crossing my street. At a local fishing hole they are often seen crossing the road. Some don't make it.

Sounds like some interesting field herping, lol. Is that here in Washington, then? I need to get out more often... I remember the mail carrier in my home town once telling me about a box turtle that they found running wild (this in coastal Washington). It's such a shame when people decide the best recourse for their unwanted pets is to set them loose...

[Floof]

I make such an awful garter snake enthusiast... LOL. I have been a member of this forum for 2 years (and pining after garters for longer than that), and still don't have one! Last weekend at the Puyallup reptile expo, I barely managed to keep from caving on a gorgeous little Concinnus! ... But I'm moving (1200 miles... urgh) next month, had just lost my beardie, and already have my hands full with half a dozen non-feeding corn snake hatchlings... So still no garters for me. Bah humbug.

I may not be a proper member of the group yet, but might as well share some of the "other" critters with the group in the meantime, right?

This is my little Leopard tortoise. He's my only chelonian right now, and probably my only for awhile. He may still be small at 4.5" SCL, but he sure does command a lot of enclosure space! About 6x3 feet of it... And that's just his grow-out cage!
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/82875_240171_Large_0HiLG7eOc6C2cd.jpg

This pretty gal is a Kisatchie (aka Slowinski's) Corn Snake (Pantherophis slowinskii). Nameless for right now.. My roommate gave her to me a couple months ago, when she decided she officially didn't want snakes anymore.
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/95766_257640_Large_kRXJMYDu6y1C.jpg

The roommate also gave me a male Kisatchie (Vrael) and their 16 fertile eggs, which have hatched into 16 healthy babies (many of whom haven't quite grasped the concept of dead food, a few of which haven't even grasped the concept of mice at all). This is my favorite, who, unfortunately, is also a non-feeder at this point.
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/107760_255491_Large_wuNyLD8pUuoc.jpg

For comparison sake, this is one of the normal-looking hatchlings. Number 2, who recently decided that mice aren't so bad, after all... And, hey, those dead ones taste almost as good as the live ones!
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/107746_257370_Large_8b2btLEgiKmZT.jpg

Nigel is awesomesauce, extra 4 legs and all. Chaco Golden Knee tarantula. Still young and small, at around 2-ish inches leg span? Something like that. I need to hold her up to an actual tape measure and stop eyeballing it.
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/73149_213231_Large_b1TAzWbyUOhPUd.jpg

My little jewel, a Taiwanese Beauty rat snake. Wyvern. I am just loving getting to watch her grow up. This is an older picture. She's quite hyper, and difficult to get a good picture of if she's not focused on nomming my arm! :P
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/97319_231269_Large_GrhTGe7B0JZi.jpg

Well, there's a little sampling of my scaly menagerie. I'll have to post pictures of everyone else one of these days when I'm looking for an excuse to procrastinate packing (urgh).

[ConcinusMan]

Umm... those front two smaller "legs" on the spider are not legs. They are pedipalps. I see only 8 legs, 2 pedipalps. Perfectly normal. Nothing extra.

[guidofatherof5]

Beautiful group of creatures.
If you come through the Omaha/Council Bluffs area stop by the Ranch and pick out a couple radixes for free*

*Certain restrictions apply. B/W and high reds are not available with this offer. Coupons may not be doubled. :D

[Invisible Snake]

I make such an awful garter snake enthusiast... LOL. I have been a member of this forum for 2 years (and pining after garters for longer than that), and still don't have one! Last weekend at the Puyallup reptile expo, I barely managed to keep from caving on a gorgeous little Concinnus! ... But I'm moving (1200 miles... urgh) next month, had just lost my beardie, and already have my hands full with half a dozen non-feeding corn snake hatchlings... So still no garters for me. Bah humbug.

I may not be a proper member of the group yet, but might as well share some of the "other" critters with the group in the meantime, right?

This is my little Leopard tortoise. He's my only chelonian right now, and probably my only for awhile. He may still be small at 4.5" SCL, but he sure does command a lot of enclosure space! About 6x3 feet of it... And that's just his grow-out cage!
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/82875_240171_Large_0HiLG7eOc6C2cd.jpg

This pretty gal is a Kisatchie (aka Slowinski's) Corn Snake (Pantherophis slowinskii). Nameless for right now.. My roommate gave her to me a couple months ago, when she decided she officially didn't want snakes anymore.
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/95766_257640_Large_kRXJMYDu6y1C.jpg

The roommate also gave me a male Kisatchie (Vrael) and their 16 fertile eggs, which have hatched into 16 healthy babies (many of whom haven't quite grasped the concept of dead food, a few of which haven't even grasped the concept of mice at all). This is my favorite, who, unfortunately, is also a non-feeder at this point.


For comparison sake, this is one of the normal-looking hatchlings. Number 2, who recently decided that mice aren't so bad, after all... And, hey, those dead ones taste almost as good as the live ones!
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/107746_257370_Large_8b2btLEgiKmZT.jpg

Nigel is awesomesauce, extra 4 legs and all. Chaco Golden Knee tarantula. Still young and small, at around 2-ish inches leg span? Something like that. I need to hold her up to an actual tape measure and stop eyeballing it.
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/73149_213231_Large_b1TAzWbyUOhPUd.jpg

My little jewel, a Taiwanese Beauty rat snake. Wyvern. I am just loving getting to watch her grow up. This is an older picture. She's quite hyper, and difficult to get a good picture of if she's not focused on nomming my arm! :P
http://www.iherp.com/Gallery/90332/97319_231269_Large_GrhTGe7B0JZi.jpg

Well, there's a little sampling of my scaly menagerie. I'll have to post pictures of everyone else one of these days when I'm looking for an excuse to procrastinate packing (urgh).

Nice diverse collection you have there. I look forward to seeing more pictures of your collection :)

[Floof]

Thank you for the generous offer, Steve! :D If I ever find myself in your neck of the woods, I'll be sure to make a pit stop. I'll bet the Ranch is an awesome sight to behold, with or without the free garters. LOL.


Umm... those front two smaller "legs" on the spider are not legs. They are pedipalps. I see only 8 legs, 2 pedipalps. Perfectly normal. Nothing extra.

I think you misunderstood my meaning... By "extra 4 legs" I meant 4 more legs than my other legged creatures... 8 as opposed to 4. It was just an incredibly lame attempt at a joke. I'm well aware that my dear little arachnid's number of legs is perfectly normal. ;)

[ConcinusMan]

Sounds like some interesting field herping, lol. Is that here in Washington, then?

Yes. They've already outlawed some species of aquatic turtles because released/escaped ones such as the red eared slider establish themselves and thrive here, and end up directly competing with declining native species. However, box turtles do not compete with native turtles since they aren't really turtles. They're terrestrial (tortoises) not aquatic.

So yeah, in many locations across the northwest, ornate box turtles, and to a lesser degree, eastern box turtles, thrive here. They don't require much in the way of habitat and so they do thrive in urban and suburban areas where they have escaped or were released. I just know that in Clark county, WA they have pretty much become naturalized. People find them in the wild all the time. The climate and plenty of forested areas and moist meadows is perfect for them.

They have been around that fishing hole I speak of (Lacamas Lake, near Camas, WA) for decades. We seem them around there a lot but they can also be found in your suburban yards, crossing streets, etc.

I've looked up info about them online the last time I found one. For some reason people keep saying they make lousy pets. Bull spit. They do just fine in captivity but if they escape or are released, apparently, they also do just fine and have minimal, if any impact on the native species that live on land. They just eat vegetation and worms/slugs.

[Floof]

Very interesting! I was aware of invasive RES (seems like they'll thrive just about anywhere), but completely clueless to the box turtle population in this state. I haven't seen or heard of any up here in the Tacoma area... The mail lady's wild boxie was found in northern Pacific County (Raymond/Menlo area).

I agree, they are certainly great pets. I had a nice little female Eastern box turtle when I was in high school. Great little animal, with lots of spunk. Thinking about it, I can see where our climate up here is accommodating for them... Never saw that little gal more active and satisfied in her outdoor enclosure than when it was raining.

[ConcinusMan]

They're likely to pop up just about anywhere, but mainly around communities where they have escaped. Establishing a breeding population is another matter. In the case of the Lacamas Lake area, that's just a popular place for people to release their unwanted boxies (apparently because there are native aquatic turtles there, people figure it's a good habitat for boxies) and so they have established a self sustaining breeding population there.

[RedSidedSPR]

Used to live somewhere where you couldn't NOT find a box turtle or two when you step outside. It was insane.

[Invisible Snake]

Hey anyone here ever bred sand boas?

[Light of Dae]

So we had a surprise guest in the house the other day... I was bringing in wood for our wood stove cause man a living it has been chilling n snowy here. Anyways the hubby opened the door to the stove to make a fire n warm the house up and out flies this little bird! It of course flew around n knocked itself out on a window. Toed(striped silver kitten) grabbed it then let me take it without a fight. Lucky the little bird was okay. Got one good picture quick then let it go.

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Can see the kitten fur in it's beak lol

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like a female House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

[ProXimuS]

Cool:) Is that a sparrow?

[mikem]

Glad the little bird made it out okay :) You're getting snow already!? I'm still trying to adjust to our gradual cooling, haha :D

[EasternGirl]

Nice Critters Floof! Michelle, so sorry to hear about the kittens...that is awful. I can't believe your cat had kittens again! I hate to break it to you...but I think your kitty is a bit of a sleeze....lol! Mike, love the turtle...so cute!

[guidofatherof5]

I think it's very important that we don't spoil our animals. I bring this subject up because...............
Back in a bit I have to serve Tank (Chelydra serpentina- Common Snapping Turtle) his steak and shrimp for breakfast.:D

[ProXimuS]

I think it's very important that we don't spoil our animals.

I don't think any one here is guilty of that;):p

[ConcinusMan]

I think it's very important that we don't spoil our animals. I bring this subject up because...............
Back in a bit I have to serve Tank (Chelydra serpentina- Common Snapping Turtle) his steak and shrimp for breakfast.:D

And I suppose you'll be having ramen for dinner tonight.:rolleyes:

[guidofatherof5]

Po ta toes Boil'em, mash'em stick'em in a stew:D

[ConcinusMan]

Cool:) Is that a sparrow?

Depends on what taxonomic method/school of thought you go by. From the web: " Many sources (especially pre-1970) indicate that HOSP are Weaver Finches (instead of Sparrows) and put them in the family Ploceidae. According to Sibley-Ahlquist taxonomy, which is based on DNA studies, the House sparrow is an "Old World sparrow" ("true sparrows"), and member of the family Passeridae. Weaver finches are sometimes considered a subgroup of this family. Others consider them as members of a separate family, Estrildidae. "New World sparrows," like the Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, and Chipping Sparrow, are members of the family Emberizidae (called Emberizine Sparrows). House Finches and Goldfinches are included in the family Fringillidae ("true finches"). Some people still classify many of the New World sparrows in this family"

Their nest building methods/site preferences/reproductive rate are nothing like native north american sparrows even though the birds look similar.

I would have euthanized the bird rather than let it go, just for the simple fact that it's an invasive non-native species. It would be the only responsible (and legal) thing to do although one bird makes little, if any difference.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Po ta toes Boil'em, mash'em stick'em in a stew:DWhat are they?!

[guidofatherof5]

What are they?!

qrQVFZx7XX4

[ConcinusMan]

There are at least 3 uses not mentioned. 1. Use as a battery. 2. Vodka production. 3. substrate for growing mushrooms.

[Light of Dae]

I would have euthanized the bird rather than let it go, just for the simple fact that it's an invasive non-native species. It would be the only responsible (and legal) thing to do although one bird makes little, if any difference.

I however just wanted the poor thing outa my house! Who knows how long it sat in our wood stove which still had some(Not a lot) hot coals in it. Probably found one spot to stand without getting burned. At this point killing one bird wouldn't do sht.

Of course it was inevitable that there would be none native / invasive species of all sorts everywhere. People have always captured wild animals and kept them as pets n taken them with them as they moved. Hell white People (I'm white) are invasive to north america. Let kill all the white people who wrecked the land like the invasive animals/ bugs/ reptiles/ birds etc.

Some people/ organized groups have tried 'naturally' controlling the invasive ones with natural predators. Sht happens. We try to deal with it. Climate is changing and animals are migrating on their own to their ever expanding territory.

Whatever. Had a frustrating day at work, needed a rant. I don't voice my opinion often so :P I'm pretty mellow normally.





Oh and yes we got snow.. Google Alberta Weather.

[ConcinusMan]

Hell white People (I'm white) are invasive to north america. Not really. Why pick on white people? All humans are an invasive species when found anywhere outside of Africa. However, they weren't carried to other continents. They got there on their own.

Well he couldn't have been in there too long. You probably came along just in time. Carbon monoxide poisoning (can happen if there's any glowing embers left in there) or starvation/dehydration happens very fast with small birds.

[EasternGirl]

I think one of my son's hermit crabs is dead. He was crying about it even though he never pays attention to them. Both crabs molted...which I didn't even know hermit crabs did. The one crab is fine, but the other one is way up in his shell and I am not seeing any movement. I'm giving him a little time before I call time of death though...just in case...since my son is so upset.

[Steveo]

I've been thinking about getting into falconry for almost a year. An apprentice is allowed either a red-tailed hawk or a kestrel. Kestrels are quite small and easier to hunt with (though harder to train), so I'd like to go in that direction. While technically not a pet, it's essentially on par with a hunting dog.

You can tell this one is an educational bird because he's a bit too plump to hunt effectively.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU8OCzFfRlY&amp;NR=1&amp;feature=endscreen

[ConcinusMan]

I got kestrels snatching birds off my bird feeder.:rolleyes:

[RedSidedSPR]

Lol, my grandparents too. Was at their house and that happened earlier this year. 'twas rather awesome :p

[ConcinusMan]

That damn kestrel is out there every day doing this. Most of the time, it's just attempts but every now and then, they'll snatch a bird up right in front of me. They come out of nowhere and are gone in a flash.

[Steveo]

They mostly feed on insects and rodents. Sparrows and starlings are harder to catch, but given the opportunity (such as a bird feeder), they'll gladly grab one. I bet the kestrel also keeps the squirrels away.

[ConcinusMan]

Well, yes, in the summer they don't rely on small birds as much and I see them hovering near the freeways hunting voles and mice. In this miserable cold, wet weather, they go for small birds mainly. The thing is, I mostly have native birds at my feeders due to their design and the feed I use. Starlings and european sparrows don't really bother my feeders. The squirrels still come around, but they only eat spilled seed off the ground. The feeders have cages on them that slide down and block the holes if squirrels try to get on them. It's a squirrel baffel that actually works so they don't even try to get in the feeders anymore. I have several squirrel feeders around just for them, that birds can't get into. That also helps.

This is the type of feeder that works great when you have squirrels. The entire cage slides down and blocks the ports if a large heavy bird or squirrel gets on it. The domes and other types of baffels don't work worth squat. I only use black sunflower seed and niger seed (sterilized thistle seed). This discourages the non-native birds and reduces waste since most birds ignore the other types of seeds in cheap bird feed and it just gets wasted. Also, the other types of seeds attract the non-native species. They don't seem to be able to crack black sunflower seeds. Two feeders have normal ports, and one has tiny holes so only one or two niger seeds can come out at a time. It's covered in goldfinches all summer.

http://www.duncraft.com/common/images/products/main/2863_300.jpg

[Steveo]

I see how that can be a problem.

I'm not sure about the regulations in WA, but there should be a legal way to trap and relocate the kestrel(s). There's no guarantee that they won't return, but if you move them far enough they should be able to find another easy food source.

[guidofatherof5]

Here is Tank and my youngest. Tank woke up this morning and wanted his breakfast.
He is very near 18 lbs.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank_and_Hailee1.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/tank411.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Despite always replying to every Tank post, I never can seem to fight the urge to like it as well

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Ha nice:)

[guidofatherof5]

Despite always replying to every Tank post, I never can seem to fight the urge to like it as well

Thanks Jesse.
Tank is a people magnet. When I give talks on garter snakes I save him as a surprise at the end. If I showed him at first no one would want to hear about the garters. He becomes the center of attention and I think he enjoys it.:D
He is a very special member of our family.

[RedSidedSPR]

and I think he enjoys it.:D

Wouldn't surprise me

He really is awesome. And as Spock would say, fascinating.

[guidofatherof5]

Wouldn't surprise me

I'm serious. He seeks out contact with people and I don't mean to bite them either.:D

[RedSidedSPR]

Like I said, him enjoying attention wouldn't surprise me. He seems capable of that level of intelligence to say the least

[ProXimuS]

Despite always replying to every Tank post, I never can seem to fight the urge to like it as well

Haha me too;)

Hi Tank:)

[Light of Dae]

I want a 'Tank' But I'd want a little fight in him still.... That way he could attack the cats that seem to be taking over my friggen house!

Speaking of which Piggy brought her kittens out from under the bathtub. The five seem healthy. And for the record I don't feel bad at all that four kittens died after they were born.... Saved me from having to cull them.... Don't think I could have honestly though.

**For those who missed it Piggy had nine kittens about 2-3 weeks ago and not long after she sneaked out and no one noticed till we got home from work and four of the little ones got to cold or starved and died. Piggy the next day moved her remaining five under our bathtub.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yup I missed it, cool!

[d_virginiana]

This is what we do on Halloween. As payment for having to dress up as Blastoise, Turtle got extra blueberries.

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[ProXimuS]

That's awesome:p

[Invisible Snake]

Hognose Self Cannibalism! :eek:

Self-Cannibalism | The Reptile Report (http://thereptilereport.com/self-cannibalism/)

[RedSidedSPR]

That's not the first time they've been recorded to attempt eating themselves.

[d_virginiana]

Wow. That's not something you'd want to walk into your reptile room and see going on.

[ProXimuS]

Woa....Do you think this snake has something wrong with it....? Like a mental/neurological issue? Or was he maybe extremely hungry with a voracious apeptite? Weird...

[-MARWOLAETH-]

King snakes do this too http://snakebuddies.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/nomnom.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Woa....Do you think this snake has something wrong with it....? Like a mental/neurological issue? Or was he maybe extremely hungry with a voracious apeptite? Weird...

Naah, the snake simply mistook it's tail for another snake. Occasionally I've had garters bite themselves when they got fish smell on their body. Of course, they're a lot smarter than kings/hognoses IMO. They quickly realize their mistake and let go.

[RedSidedSPR]

Naah, the snake simply mistook it's tail for another snake. Occasionally I've had garters bite themselves when they got fish smell on their body. Of course, they're a lot smarter than kings/hognoses IMO. They quickly realize their mistake and let go.

The other day one of mine had apparently scented himself with worm and did the same thing, quite aggressively. But yes, he stopped, and let go, and resumed eating the actual food. There's definately some intelligence there that the hog nose and kingsnake above apparently lacked.

[ConcinusMan]

I used to be heavily into king snakes. Afterall, they were as common as garters in coastal San Diego County and there are no garters there. You take what you can get. But man, they seem dumb as rocks.

[RedSidedSPR]

They really do. Compared to garters, a lot of snakes do, at that.

[Steveo]

Kings will eat other snakes, so the taste of their own tail doesn't seem unusual. Some will let go, some won't.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I think it's because kings and hoggies usually have explosive feeding responces.

[ProXimuS]

I would think they would feel that their tail is being eaten...I guess they just can't put two and two together...

[ConcinusMan]

Kings will eat other snakes

All the kings I ever had will just as readily eat each other, or any reptile. They don't discriminate.

[RedSidedSPR]

I've never had to desire to keep any kings or corns.

I've found myself wanting a hognose quite a few times though, I don't know why. There's a few other non-garters I'd like to keep, most of them tropical and arboreal, always liked those. It always comes down to me not wanting a said "non garter".

[Charis]

You know, my coxi are very similar in temperament to garters. Just saying ...

[ConcinusMan]

Was digging up some old media and found this clip I took when I visited Redspot (Jesse). Cribo or "chicken eater". He described them as "just like a garter snake, only bigger" A week later, 9 baby cribos hatch out in that snake room.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGl6khskVIQ&feature=youtu.be

[RedSidedSPR]

Interesting...

[ConcinusMan]

Central American relative of Indigo snake. They're just like indigos, just different color. And that one was the small one. He has one way bigger.

[RedSidedSPR]

Sweet. If I ever want a big snake, that's what I'm gettin

[ConcinusMan]

theyre sweet too. like steves sweet radixes. like that.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah, they look awesome

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Drymachron are absolute stunning animals. I'd love to get some when I get my own place.

I found a video of this man shoveling chicken gizzards (what ever they are:rolleyes:) in his indigo. I see what Richard means by them being like Steves radix:D


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEeRIKnXHBg&amp;feature=channel&amp;list=UL

[guidofatherof5]

Tonight I changed Tank's water and noticed dead skin floating around immediately after the change. He's been on a growth spurt(nothing new) so I decided to rub his skin down to help remove the old skin. Not removing it causes him to scratch which splashes water out of his enclosure.
I worked for 30 minutes on the big boy and Tank never objected once. He actually seemed to enjoy the process. He had many opportunities to bite me or tell me he was finished but he never did. Brushing his head and cleaning around his mouth was met with no resistance. He is such an easy going turtle and such a pleasure to work with. Hands on with an 18 lb male snapping turtle is amazing. What makes it even better is I think he's fine with all this human contact which goes against every snapping turtle rule.
This is one great turtle.

[RedSidedSPR]

Like Tank post -- check.

Reply to Tank post. - check.

[ConcinusMan]

As of the moment I started typing this post, there were no likes for that tank post Jesse. :mad: Better check again. :p

[ProXimuS]

Do turtles shed skin off their shell too?

[guidofatherof5]

Not snapping turtles. Other aquatic turtles do though. Like Painted and Sliders.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

If another snapper was raised like tank could you get one as calm as he is?

[guidofatherof5]

I guess it's possible to some degree. Mikem is working with his Panzer(female, common snapper) and having some good luck. I do think Tank is a unique turtle. His attitude in the wild would probably mean a death sentence.
I've been offered a few hatchlings over the last couple of years but have passed. Tank is all the turtle I need or want.
At 18 lbs and still growing he's plenty.
He's still a snapping turtle and shows it once in awhile. Throwing a piece of food into his enclosure triggers a strike as the food meets the water. When I put my had through the enclosure door I do so slower then normal. This way Tank can identify what I'm doing and override the instinct to strike. It works very well. I'm glad Tank is a thinking turtle.

[ConcinusMan]

My Bridget. Today is her 13th birthday.

http://oi45.tinypic.com/oiyrso.jpg

Missy (Bridget's 12 year old daughter) with her "teddy bear" haircut:
http://oi50.tinypic.com/iz8bb9.jpg

[Invisible Snake]

7405

Some kid posted this on FB. He's holding an alligator snapper.

[Steveo]

7405

Some kid posted this on FB. He's holding an alligator snapper.

I wonder if the hotel knew about that.

[ConcinusMan]

Snapper sure as hell doesn't doesn't seem too happy about it.


I wonder if the hotel knew about that.

Not likely, but then again, that's definitely not the worst thing that goes on that they don't know about.

[guidofatherof5]

Very typical alligator snapper behavior.

[guidofatherof5]

Tank and I had some quality time this afternoon. He's a very social turtle.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank_and_dad.jpg

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Aww how cute He's like a lovable dog..in a box:D

[d_virginiana]

A dog that doesn't bark or shed :)

[ConcinusMan]

Aww how cute He's like a lovable dog..in a box:D

Dog In A Box Restaurant, Eugene, Oregon | Hot Dogs and European Sausages (http://www.doginaboxeugene.com/)

[mikem]

Some kid posted this on FB. He's holding an alligator snapper.

I'm 99.9% sure I saw that kid and that giant snapper at the Columbia, SC repticon expo last weekend.

[Invisible Snake]

I'm 99.9% sure I saw that kid and that giant snapper at the Columbia, SC repticon expo last weekend.

Most likely you have, he goes on the road with a reptile group and educates kids and adults about reptiles.

[ConcinusMan]

Tank and I had some quality time this afternoon. He's a very social turtle.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//751/medium/Tank_and_dad.jpg

A man and his turtle. Nothing could be sweeter or purer that this.

[ConcinusMan]

No pet collection is complete without one of these, right?

http://cdn.attackofthecute.com/October-30-2012-02-55-16-ff.jpg

[tress29]

What is it? Falls into the "so uly, it's cute" category!

[Stefan-A]

What is it? Falls into the "so uly, it's cute" category!
Echidna.

[kueluck]

Not ugly, just nude. Most things are not attractive when nude, but once the spines come in it'll be a cutie.

[tress29]

Spiny anteater! Wow, they can get up to 30" long and 22#, depending on the species. You'd need a pretty big ant farm to keep one fed!

[Stefan-A]

Spiny anteater! Wow, they can get up to 30" long and 22#, depending on the species. You'd need a pretty big ant farm to keep one fed!
Worst case scenario, you might need a pretty big ant farm with the right ant species.

[ConcinusMan]

Was digging up some old media and found this clip I took when I visited Redspot (Jesse). Cribo or "chicken eater". He described them as "just like a garter snake, only bigger" A week later, 9 baby cribos hatch out in that snake room.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGl6khskVIQ&feature=youtu.be

Correction: The man's name is "Nate". A recent episode of "SnakeBytes TV" showed off one of these snakes....

at 4:30


http://youtu.be/qukpwWB-ywY

[kueluck]

I was talking with my neighbor yesterday (she has Cope's Gray Tree frogs) how much I miss my toads (7) since they have gone underground and that I need an amphibian fix. Well this morning he must have sensed this, Rufus came up, soaked, shed, ate some roaches, hung out for about 2 hours then went back down. Short visit but it made my day.

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[ConcinusMan]

Meet my Rufus (claus) :

http://oi46.tinypic.com/33b0rgp.jpg

Would a good soaking "rain" and cool down bring the toads out? I know that when I lived in Reno, you would almost never see a toad. But in the fall after a good soaking rain, thousands of them would come out near the banks of the Truckee river and start hopping around the streets of downtown Reno!

[guidofatherof5]

Well, ho, ho, ho.

[kueluck]

You can heavy soak the substrate to bring them top side, but it stresses them out when they aren't ready. I can wait the few months.........maybe.

[thamneil]

Thought this was worth sharing. I aquired a group of tailless whip scorpions(Damon diadema), one of which happened to be carrying an eggsack. Here is a picture of the female the day that the scorplings emerged. They held on to her back for about a week.

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254366_464305723622058_639774010_n.jpg

Last night, the babies moulted and detatched from their mother's back. You can see the clump of moults attatched to mom. The little guys are scattered around the cork bark.

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/549148_468672729852024_1302011543_n.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Such a loving mother. Awesome.

[ConcinusMan]

Freaky. Can you continue to keep them together or will they eat each other?

Oh, and how many of those babies did you say you were going to send to me? :p

[thamneil]

These are actually a communal species. I will probably raise the whole group together.

Tell you what Richard, Ill send you the whole group if you send me a handful of your concinnus. Deal?

[jaleely]

SO cool, i only have one female whipscorpion. Wish i had a bunch! Very cool to see the babies. Talk about hard to feed though! so tiny!

[ConcinusMan]

These are actually a communal species. I will probably raise the whole group together.

Tell you what Richard, Ill send you the whole group if you send me a handful of your concinnus. Deal?

You must be high.;)

[Invisible Snake]

More people should post pictures of their inverts and their set ups :)

I've been thinking about getting a mantis or possibly a T.

[ConcinusMan]

Pop on over to Wayne's forum. My Pet Forums (http://www.thamfriends.com/) They got a section for everything. I think they want to keep focus on garter snakes here.

[ProXimuS]

So, I've acquired three feeder guppies.....I found a pet store that has feeder guppies, so I bought ten. They were so teeny(like 1/4 in long, maybe) so I gave them all to Proximus, because I know he loves fishing. The first time I fed him was two live rosey red minnows(before I found out they weren't good...) and he loved it! Well he went crazy, but ended up leaving three.....I left them till the next day, and he still didn't eat them! I felt so bad, and I thought about giving them to Tallie, but by that point I guess I was emotionally attached to these three....:rolleyes: One of them is actually really pretty. I think they're all cute, but one actually has pretty colorful markings and a spot on it's side, instead of being all gray(you can't tell his markings in the pic, he's one of the smaller ones)

7440 7442

I'm curious though, I've read and was told they can be ok without an air filter, bubbler thing. Is this correct? They've seemed to be ok so far. I've only had them since Friday night, though.

[ConcinusMan]

Without a charcoal or under gravel filter I would think that ammonia/nitrates and other toxins would eventually build up in the water unless you change it frequently. Also, without aeration they would use up all the oxygen in the water. They're tropical too, so water temperature needs to be 75-80 F.

[ProXimuS]

They said at Petco if you change the water every week, they will be ok, and that they don't produce alot of waste. But aslo this was Petco......It sounds like it might just be easier to get the filter, even if that is the case, and I'll go ahead and get an air thing.

What've I gotten myself into....:rolleyes: