Keeping records / Log book

[infernalis]

Last evening after completing the feeding rituals for half the collection, I realized this subject has not surfaced, at least not since I joined.

How many of you keep record of who eats what and when??

With nearly 50 neonates to care for, the ONLY way I can keep up is to have a log book, taking note of what is eaten, and when.

[Stefan-A]

I started keeping logs back when I only had one snake and I kept doing it for half a year or so. I tried again a little over a year ago when I had three. I used to keep track of dates, feedings (which snake, how much and what) and anything at all that I felt was out of the ordinary.

The reason I can't keep record, is that I don't really have a reason to. With four snakes, it's easy enough to keep track, especially since I film most of my feedings.

I'm pretty sure the topic has been discussed before.
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husbandry/580-record-keeping.html
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husbandry/983-record-keeping.html

[Garter_Gertie]

Good question, Dekay. We keep a log at the park for Ripley. It really helps us 'log'istically see how he's doing. We record the date, the approximate size of the baby bunny and his interest in the bunny. This way we're able to tell if he's feeling a bit 'off' and also when he's starting to slow down for the winter and perk up come spring. It shows us patterns and when the patterns are being deviated from. With a log we're better able to monitor Ripley's overall wellbeing.

I've not thought about a log for the boys... I'll have to think about it. It would be good to do so I've an idea about brumating.

[reptileparadise]

I also write a lot of things down, but since the beginning of this year, I'm writing everything down!
Shedding, eating, not eating, blue eyes, clear eyes (after blue), restlesness (sp?) in gravid females, time between sheds, weights, suplementation...you name it, I'm writing it down...The only I don't keep track of is when the poo...:D

[Snake lover 3-25]

I used to keep track of everything....... but then I realized that I remembered them anyways..... and never looked at them..... I think that it would be a good idea for anyone who has a lot of snakes..... but for someone with only 4..... one of which I will not keep...... I don't think there is a real point...... but what I do keep track of is the local population...... I take pictures of and measure every one that I find..... but that's only because I have a small pop.......:D

[Lori P]

I keep a feeding chart. I used to keep track of sheds but got lazy. lol But I still keep track of when and what everyone eats.

[adamanteus]

Each snake has an individual record card, showing when (and what) they ate, when they sloughed, any mating behaviour etc.

[MoJo]

I use a program that I got on line to keep track of feeding, pooping, shedding, mating and expected dates of delivery/hatching Yes a little obsessive but right now I have way too many babies (corns) to keep up with and I am a little obsessive. (But in a good way....:o)

[Sid]

There is sofhware designed for record keeping that can be downloaded free, if you want to go that way "Degei". I use it and am satisfied with it. I track feeding activity, refused feed, shed, mating, birth, etc.

[GartersRock]

I keep a word file for Garters, Rat Snakes, Boas/Pythons and Other. And I write down EVERTHING. lol! Absolutely necessary if you have alot of snakes imo...

[drache]

I have a marble note book that I write stuff down in - most of the time

[Lori P]

There is sofhware designed for record keeping that can be downloaded free, if you want to go that way "Degei". I use it and am satisfied with it. I track feeding activity, refused feed, shed, mating, birth, etc.

Oooh I downloaded this... toooo fun!! I'll play with it later... right now, I use an Excel spreadsheet and it's easy to view everything at once but I kinda like this too. Thanks Sid!!!

[Garter_Gertie]

I have a marble note book that I write stuff down in - most of the time

Man, Drache! You're really dedicated! Isn't it hard and awful slow, and don't your hands hurt after awhile chiseling out the letters?


:eek::D:rolleyes::D

I just couldn't resist!

[Lori P]

ROFL!!!!!! And THAT'S why Rhea's been behind in posts lately..... LOL!!!!

[Loren]

I write every feeding down in a notebook(the ones that are a size smaller than standard sheets of paper)-I filled out 1 1/2 pages on tonights feeding. I use abbreviations for everything though, so it doesnt take too long. I also keep track of anything else I think is important, like when and where I aquire animals, when they are treated for something, eggs laid, and so on. With 60-70 snakes, I think its very important, personally.
I think I'm on my 4th notebook. I have the last 5 years or so all on record.
I also started an Excel document on animal aquisition, including various details, a while back, but havent finished entering the info.

[drache]

the reason I use a note book, is because it's portable, whereas my computer is not, which is also the reason I've been falling behind on my posts

[infernalis]

The reason I use a notebook is simply to make sure no one misses a meal:D

With 50+++ mouths to feed, without records, someone will get forgot.

[count dewclaw]

When I caught the easterns in my yard I was keeping a log of their feedings, but since I let them go....I do plan on keeping a log once my newly purchased snakes arrive! I think I will try that program (Degei) and see how that works. If I like it I'll continue to use it, otherwise I'll go back to my notebook system.