T.radix Ranch Photos

[guidofatherof5]

I thought I would start a thread dedicated to random photos from the T.radix Ranch.
Here's a group of females. They are adults now but are the last children of our girl Charlotte(R.I.P.)
My daughters Gabby and Hailee were feeding off a few leftover fuzzies.
This is a really nice group of ladies. Very pleasant to work with.
Spoiled rotten radixes. I wonder how that happened:rolleyes:
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/greetings.jpg

[kibakiba]

Aww that's cute :) they're all very pretty :D

[ConcinusMan]

Awesome. Next photo please.:D

[Snakers]

Is every snake you have spoiled like that?;)

[guidofatherof5]

is every snake you have spoiled like that?;)


yes.

[guidofatherof5]

It was moving day for the Jefferson's.:D The water snakes have out grown their enclosure so they made the move today.
These guys have been pounding down the groceries.
One of the Florida Water snakes has a real attitude. Doesn't like to be watched while she's eating. She'll actual lunge at you if the screen is open.
The two Northern Water Snakes aren't growing quite as fast as the others but they are nothing to complain about.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/water3.jpg http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/water11.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/water21.jpg

[Snakers]

very nice

[drache]

lovely ladies

[guidofatherof5]

All but 3 of these are sisters. This is one pile of good radixes.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/pile.jpg

[Atlas511]

How many do you keep in one cage? thats awesome!!! all females?
and how the heck are they so calm??

[guidofatherof5]

How many do you keep in one cage? thats awesome!!! all females?
and how the heck are they so calm??

It's a 6 foot long enclosure. There's 13 beauties living in there.
They get a lot of interaction from the kids and I.

[Atlas511]

female do well in groups then i see!

[guidofatherof5]

female do well in groups then i see!

I have a larger group of males that do very well together.
At times, feeding time can get a little....... interesting but most of the time it all good. I enjoy the social calls to all the big enclosures.
Most of them will come out to see if I'm going to feed them. A few will leave disappointed and go back to their hides but many will stay out for some hands on interaction.

[guidofatherof5]

Is every snake you have spoiled like that?;)

These snakes get a lot of interaction from my kids and I. They are used to a busy snake room. My kids are always walking through.
If I'm working with a group I will let my kids work with another one while I'm there.
The real funny thing is most of my snakes prefer to work with me. Many times they will retreat to their hides when my girls or son get in but will come out when I show up.
Today was my oldest daughter 16th birthday.
I through a surprise party for her. My snakes freaked out when all the kids from the party came down to the big snake room.
The group I was working with ran to their hides. They get nervous with new.

[guidofatherof5]

This is one of the Fox Snakes born on the Ranch. Both babies born here started taking pinkies today.
The other photo is of the Black Mexican King Snake that I purchased a few months back. What an eating and growing machine.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/fox_eating.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/mex11.jpg

[kibakiba]

Beautiful snakes, Steve. They must feel super lucky to be in your care ;)

[Snakers]

very nice snakes!

[Spankenstyne]

Great stuff Steve.

I found a stunning Radix last week while out of town & thought of you lol. Of course the one trip I decide to not bring my camera. Next month I'll make sure to get some pics, I found it coming out of it's home so I should be able to hopefully get some shots then.

[guidofatherof5]

Great stuff Steve.

I found a stunning Radix last week while out of town & thought of you lol. Of course the one trip I decide to not bring my camera. Next month I'll make sure to get some pics, I found it coming out of it's home so I should be able to hopefully get some shots then.

Thanks for thinking about me, Chris.
How'd you know I liked radixes:rolleyes::D

[Spankenstyne]

lol

This isn't my pic, but is typical of the radix up here and a dead ringer for the one I found:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g315/joeysgreen/DSC08648.jpg
Credit to Ian Kanda for this pic.

[guidofatherof5]

Great looking radix. Love that broad lateral stripe.
Looks like it was dinner time for that one but for a radix every minute is dinner time.:D

[kibakiba]

That snake IS very pretty. Yummy yummy... Fish? Is that what it's eating? Haha, whatever it is it does look very, very delicious.

[ConcinusMan]

Always enjoy your photos and threads Steve. Stop being so dang likeable. You're making me look bad.:p

[Mommy2many]

Great photos, Steve! Thanks for sharing.

[radtad]

Great pics!!

[guidofatherof5]

Sorry, no photo with this thread but I do have great news.
My baby Racer just ate for the first time. 4 fuzzy legs and 1 fuzzy tail.
Granted the little scrub didn't take it as food but once it was in its mouth from a strike it decided to eat it down. I'm so excited as I thought this little girl was going to give me trouble.

The two baby Fox snakes are eating machines. Every third day they chow down 3-4 pinkies. They even come out to the screen to remind me it's a feeding day.
All three of these babies are great to have and care for.

[kibakiba]

You know , Steve, that's how I got runt to start eating ;) You have Runt's brother from another mother :D Sorry I had to ;)

[ConcinusMan]

That's good news. Racers have always been trouble for me. I mean, I can keep some of them alive, but for the most part, they don't seem happy and thriving at all when confined to a tank. They are just so "zippy" and wild, want to hunt and need a lot of space.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

Steve,

Do you have any pet lizards? If you have any anoles, or if you could acquire one as a pet, you can use it's poo and shed skins and even the lizard itself as a scenting tool. Or if you could handle it, you could find a seller that supplies feeder lizards. Racers generally want lizards as prey as babies, maybe since you had some luck getting him to swallow some mice parts, yours will be easy!

[guidofatherof5]

Steve,

Do you have any pet lizards? If you have any anoles, or if you could acquire one as a pet, you can use it's poo and shed skins and even the lizard itself as a scenting tool. Or if you could handle it, you could find a seller that supplies feeder lizards. Racers generally want lizards as prey as babies, maybe since you had some luck getting him to swallow some mice parts, yours will be easy!


Thanks for the advice, Shannon.

[infernalis]

Mine wanted Anoles for the first few meals, now he scarfs down 4 pinks per meal.

They grow fast too, Toby is a good 24 inches now.

Great job getting the legs and tails to work out.

[ConcinusMan]

Steve,

Do you have any pet lizards? If you have any anoles, or if you could acquire one as a pet, you can use it's poo and shed skins and even the lizard itself as a scenting tool. Or if you could handle it, you could find a seller that supplies feeder lizards. Racers generally want lizards as prey as babies, maybe since you had some luck getting him to swallow some mice parts, yours will be easy!

I suppose that would depend on the racer species and where it's from perhaps. Not much in the way of lizards to speak of in my county and yet, yellow bellied racers are not uncommon at all.:cool:

I mean, sure, we have NW alligator lizards and that is all. I have found racers numerous times in areas that seem to be completely lacking lizards.:confused:

I even found a baby racer in an empty lot (about one acre) overgrown with grass, surrounded by old development and pavement. Nothing there but rodents. No garter snakes even!

But yeah, way more racers in a place I know of in the mountains of N. California. (5,000 ft. elevation) Lizards (and rattlesnakes) everywhere in that location.

[guidofatherof5]

I call this photo "Dueling Fox Snakes"
These two beauties are not wasting anytime when it comes to eating.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/dueling_fox_snakes.jpg

[Mommy2many]

Nice picture!

[guidofatherof5]

Here's my little female racer eating some pinky legs.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/racer_eat.jpg

[Snakers]

nice snakes as usual......

[guidofatherof5]

The other day was the first chance the kids and I have had to breakout the Kayaks. Now that my shoulder is better we needed to hit the water.
Here's my crew. Checkout Hailee on the far left side. She was having a little trouble holding her kayak up.
We spent a couple hours paddling around the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeSoto_National_Wildlife_Refuge)
You should see the looks we get when all six of us are in the water. Many people think it's a kayaking class. All I know is it's great family time. Well worth the investment.
We saw approximately 40 wild turkeys and a number of deer. The only snake we saw was a female T.s.parietalis(Red Sided Garter Snake) which had been killed on the road.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/kayak1.jpg

[Snakers]

looks like a good fun time!

[mustang]

hey now that u broke out the kayaks ,
BREAK OUT THE RODS AND REELS do some fishing!! i can show u how to install/plug in a rod holder , and even an anchor system!

[guidofatherof5]

hey now that u broke out the kayaks ,
BREAK OUT THE RODS AND REELS do some fishing!! i can show u how to install/plug in a rod holder , and even an anchor system!

No time for fishing. I'm too busy watching all the kids.;)

[Snakers]

No time for fishing. I'm too busy watching all the kids.;)
Hire a baby sitter...........That owns a kayak:D

[guidofatherof5]

Hire a baby sitter...........That owns a kayak:D

Won't work. I'd still worry. That's what dads do.:)

[Snakers]

Won't work. I'd still worry. That's what dads do.:)
No, that's what caring dads do:).

[mustang]

fish with the kids in the kayak! tie a connecting rope to em all(or atleast the weaker ones)!

[guidofatherof5]

No, that's what caring dads do:).

Thanks.;)

[guidofatherof5]

Here's my boy Midnite getting a Ranch privilege. Once in awhile I'll take a snake over to the worm box and let them get their own meal.
Midnite wasted no time at all downing a few big night crawlers. Once back in the enclosure he got a lot of attention.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/midnite4.jpg

[kibakiba]

lucky little snake, mine don't have that privilege. I have a couple giant night crawlers that I keep for breeding. I know Snakey would go for the huge ones. He always tries eating the night crawlers I grab for Mama and ends up having them crawl out of his mouth. They're almost bigger than him!

[guidofatherof5]

lucky little snake, mine don't have that privilege. I have a couple giant night crawlers that I keep for breeding. I know Snakey would go for the huge ones. He always tries eating the night crawlers I grab for Mama and ends up having them crawl out of his mouth. They're almost bigger than him!


I buy 500 at a time. Keeps it economical and there's alway plenty of worms for my kids. I mean my snake kids.:rolleyes:
I usually harvest worms from my backyard. I would estimate I take 3-4 thousand night crawlers a season. This year I've taken none.
Should be a good recovery year for the worms. Next year I'll be back out harvesting.

[kibakiba]

We don't have any worms here, dry as a bone. I buy them from bait shops and keep them in a container. I've been finding babies in there which I use for runt since he cant have the larger ones. We're needing to buy a new container because we have about 30 in there now and its only half a foot long. It's expensive to keep buying them, so its easier to breed them.

[guidofatherof5]

I found this beautiful little lady under the same hide as last time. She likes the talk grass area I have out back.
The last time I found her she was in opaque phase. She a great looking female. I put her back and hope to see her again.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/little_girl.jpg

[kibakiba]

Wow, she is beautiful! I love her colouring. Mama looks kind of like that (but in a Northwestern way) She's got the brown scales with the black spots, but hers is a darker brown. You have to look closely to see it. When I get more room I'd love to get a radix for myself :D I feel so impatient, I want to move right now so I can have a full room to myself for more garters :D

[guidofatherof5]

My girl Gabby came up on the back deck with this male radix she found on the side of the house. He wasn't very happy with being picked up. She got the bite and the musk. He was rather calm when I held him.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/bite5.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/bite12.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/bite21.jpg

[kibakiba]

Poor gabby. What a silly snake. He knows who you are. So of course he was calm. He was hoping for a neck massage and a few pinkies or night crawlers ;)

[Selkielass]

Wow, Gabby's a real trooper! Good for her!

[guidofatherof5]

Wow, Gabby's a real trooper! Good for her!

Gabby believes that when a snake is biting you, you actually have the snake.
I wonder where she learned that:rolleyes::D

[Selkielass]

Has she considered taking up beekeeping? She has exactly the right attitude for dealing with honeybees. (You can't let them upset you or they simply become more worked up by your fear pheromones.)

[guidofatherof5]

Has she considered taking up beekeeping? She has exactly the right attitude for dealing with honeybees. (You can't let them upset you or they simply become more worked up by your fear pheromones.)

Working with bees. Very cool.

[guidofatherof5]

While I use the computer in the snake room I usually open one the enclosure to a group of my girls.
They hang out try to reach over to me. Here's a couple of those girls getting ready to do just that.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/hanging_around.jpg

[kibakiba]

Awww, that's cute! It's easy to tell just how much they love you! They are so pretty :D

[guidofatherof5]

Awww, that's cute! It's easy to tell just how much they love you! They are so pretty :D

Thank you. I would agree.
They are beautiful and I tell them daily.

[kibakiba]

I tell that to mine all the time too. Mama gets the most love though simply because she doesn't move around too much. She'll just fall asleep wherever she is and of course, today she got her first neck massage when she was sleeping under my blanket. She let me do it for a good 10 minutes before pulling herself into the blanket and sleeping more :D Every one of my snakes get told how much I love them and how pretty or beautiful they are. The only one that doesn't like it is Snapdragon, my new concinnus. She hates being held, but she was in a box for 14 hours I can imagine I wouldn't be happy after that! Ember likes slithering on my hand when its inside their enclosure. I love babies :D

[guidofatherof5]

Here's one of tank in the "comfortable turtle" position.
Now, she's up this morning and back in her water for some breakfast and turtle duty.
Then she'll be out again cruising the living room. Then it's back in the blanket for a nap.
She's got "the life" here on the Ranch.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/tank22.jpg

[Selkielass]

Tank really amazes me...but then the only snappers I've had contact with were wild caught and very annoyed at *being* caught!

[guidofatherof5]

Tank really amazes me...but then the only snappers I've had contact with were wild caught and very annoyed at *being* caught!

I've had contact with many like that. We have a pond close to the house and we move big snappers off the road every Spring and Fall. I've never found a wild snapper with a docile attitude. I still love working with them.
We've been told that Tank is a one of a kind turtle and we believe that. I've discussed with my daughter Emmy(Tanks her turtle) the fact that Tank will probably out live all of us and that we need to have a plan in place that cares for Tank. I hope to be around to see her at 20 or 30 pounds. I've already designed a backpack to hold her. This way she can travel with us on hikes and bike, even kayak trips.

[kibakiba]

She definitely does have the life there! I would easily believe that she was one of a kind, I've never seen a docile snapper in my life! It's awesome that you designed a backpack to hold her while you do things :)

[guidofatherof5]

She definitely does have the life there! I would easily believe that she was one of a kind, I've never seen a docile snapper in my life! It's awesome that you designed a backpack to hold her while you do things :)

It's designed for when she's 20 lbs. That's a few years down the road. Right now we just carry her with us.

[kibakiba]

That's what I meant ;) How big is she now?

[guidofatherof5]

That's what I meant ;) How big is she now?

She's a little over 2 lbs. Most of that weight was put on over the last year and that was with a heavy parasite load.
Now the worms are gone and she can keep all the food for herself.
We are expecting big things from Tank.
To be honest, we don't care what she does as long as she stays with us.:)

[kibakiba]

Indeed, I can imagine she'd be growing a lot more without all those parasites stealing all her food! My snakes are kind of spoiled, like tank is. They're allowed to sleep in my blanket whenever they like. Mama came out and took a nap in it probably 30 minutes ago before getting a nice long neck massage :D She gets some special treatment since Snakey doesn't like being touched like that. Besides, With her growing belly it's hard not to think that she might be carrying some babies in there... And her little hissy fits when she doesn't get her way ;) Not to mention her strange cravings for pickles and pinkies and worms and ice cream :confused: :D

[guidofatherof5]

Indeed, I can imagine she'd be growing a lot more without all those parasites stealing all her food! My snakes are kind of spoiled, like tank is. They're allowed to sleep in my blanket whenever they like. Mama came out and took a nap in it probably 30 minutes ago before getting a nice long neck massage :D She gets some special treatment since Snakey doesn't like being touched like that. Besides, With her growing belly it's hard not to think that she might be carrying some babies in there... And her little hissy fits when she doesn't get her way ;) Not to mention her strange cravings for pickles and pinkies and worms and ice cream :confused: :D

Oh, you're going to fit in very nicely here.:D

[kibakiba]

Well, I already knew that... My mom has tried to get me to go to a Garters Anonymous meeting... But I just cant... I gotta have more garters and pamper them all!!! :D
Besides, no one ever goes to those meetings... it'd just be me there! No one wants to give up their garters.

[guidofatherof5]

Well, I already knew that... My mom has tried to get me to go to a Garters Anonymous meeting... But I just cant... I gotta have more garters and pamper them all!!! :D
Besides, no one ever goes to those meetings... it'd just be me there! No one wants to give up their garters.

Just remember, if you do go to one of those meetings here's how you should introduce yourself.

"Hello, my name is Chantel and I'm addicted to garter snake":D

I've heard that's what you should say. I've never been to one.;)

[kibakiba]

Nahhhh. I ain't goin'! No one can make me! I'll just save up some money and get myself a 2 bedroom apartment. One room for me, the other room for my snakes :D I'd definitely get more garters then... Perhaps a nice little radix ;)

[guidofatherof5]

Nahhhh. I ain't goin'! No one can make me! I'll just save up some money and get myself a 2 bedroom apartment. One room for me, the other room for my snakes :D I'd definitely get more garters then... Perhaps a nice little radix ;)


Now you're talk'in;)

[Mommy2many]

The first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem.
What problem?
No problem!

[kibakiba]

I don't have a problem! I just took in one more baby snake... I don't have a problem... Right? 6 garters isn't THAT much... :D

[Mommy2many]

6-no way!
I have 10.
I had 16!

[kibakiba]

Well, I have 2 adults.. And 4 little piggy babies. They keep gobbling up all my baby night crawlers. I have to buy more just to keep enough for breeding ;) When I took in the baby my mom gave me the "no more babies" look. But I know she cant resist the cute looks of the babies! She melted when I got the concinnus babies :D

[Mommy2many]

Snake babies are easier than human babies!

[ConcinusMan]

I don't have a problem! I just took in one more baby snake... I don't have a problem... Right? 6 garters isn't THAT much... :D

The number isn't really the issue. The thing to watch for is...

Do you find yourself buying or building new enclosures that you cannot really afford or have much room for, so you can accommodate more snakes?

Is the number of snakes you have, higher than it was last month and you plan to keep them all? If it is higher, are you still drooling over other garters and thinking about getting another?

Do you tell yourself "This is last one. That's all I'm getting. No more" and then get another anyway?

And lastly, did you buy at least two new snakes in the last few weeks? (OK, maybe last question isn't fair):p

[kibakiba]

Oh I know that all too well. I had to help my mom take care of my aunts twins. I only got 6 hours of sleep a week because of them... :p They broke more stuff than I thought a kid could ever break. And I have "battle scars" from being scratched and bit by them :eek:

[Mommy2many]

See? Snakes don't scratch though they can bite. They make very little noise. And you can usually get more sleep.:D

[kibakiba]

Yeah, one of my baby concinnus is such a pig that he tries eating my finger any time i put my hand in there. When I was feeding his sister he came right over and opened his mouth so wide and he nearly got his little mouth around my whole middle finger!! Mama is the only noisy one. She escaped and when I found her she kept hissing. It's so cute when shes mad :D I definitely get more sleep with my garters.

[guidofatherof5]

After turning on the lights in the big snake room this morning I notice that most of my T.radix(Plains Garter Snake),T.s.parietalis(Red Sided Garter Snake) group were hanging out in the vines. I never know were I'll find these guys. Some days they are all in the hide and others they're just laying out in the open then this morning they're in the vines.
Of course they all gave me that "where's the breakfast" look.
The two radixes are brothers from Rita's first group.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/hanging_out1.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/hanging_out.jpg

[Snakers]

ritas babies are coloring up nice

[guidofatherof5]

ritas babies are coloring up nice


Yes they are. She had a lot of variety in the color dept.

[guidofatherof5]

I installed this PVC tunnel to allow access to this big inclosure without having to open the big front door.
I originally installed it as a way to put a snake back in after taking it out.
I made the mistake of also feeding some treats from the same opening from time to time.
This photo is of my biggest girl Speckle.
I opened the tunnel and Speckle came right out looking for food. When Speckle wants food, Speckle gets food.
After I gave her a worm one of the other snakes started through the tunnel.
Speckle blocked her from getting out with a coil.
Smart girl.:D
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k501/guidofatherof5/speckle.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Steve: This comment is about the previous photos posted...

Sometimes my concinnus babies do that. I'm not sure what triggers the varying preference. Some days (mostly nights usually) they only want to hang out up high in the "vegetation" and stay out of their hides and the bottom. Other times, they stay in their hides at night or even during the day. I watch temperatures, humidity, etc. and I can find no pattern to suggest why they do this, but when they do it, it's all of them so something's going on there.:confused:

[guidofatherof5]

My boys(T.radix) are getting more and more outgoing.
Many will now stay out with me even after they know there's no food.
As you can see they can smell the worms I was handling.
They of course are still more standoffish than my females.
I do have a couple males that don't seem to mind being held.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k501/guidofatherof5/theboys.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Here's a photo of Tank's Eye(snapping turtle)
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k501/guidofatherof5/eye1.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

C'mon now Steve. I'm missing my babies. More concinnus pics please!

[kibakiba]

Lovely eye! He's a cool snapper :)

[guidofatherof5]

This girl is named Speckle. She came from right outside the front door. She was the biggest radix I had ever seen. That was over 2 years ago and she continues to grow. She's not over weight. She just a big girl. She started out being standoffish and kind of a bully. Her first year she lived alone but then I decided to move her in with a group of adult female. It worked wonders as she is now one of me calmest snakes.
http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k501/guidofatherof5/speckle-1.jpg

[gregmonsta]

She's fantastic ;)

[drache]

she certainly is
magnificent

[guidofatherof5]

http://i1113.photobucket.com/albums/k501/guidofatherof5/10more.jpg

[gregmonsta]

What a cute little beast :D

[guidofatherof5]

Thought I would post an updated photo of my crew.
From left to right:
Hailee age 10, Gabby age 11, Molly age 12, Kale age 14 and Emmy age 16
I am a blessed man and honored to be their Dad.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Kids.jpg

[kibakiba]

You have very lovely kids, Steve. :)

[ConcinusMan]

Poor Kale. He's surrounded. Doesn't stand a chance.:p

Great looking kids. Man, you sure didn't waste any time between them did you?:p

[guidofatherof5]

Waste not, want not.:D

[EasternGirl]

Lovely group of kids you have! And that snake, Speckle...she is huge! I thought the mama garter living under my house was big...next to Speckle, she's a scrub...beautiful snake!

[ConcinusMan]

Marnie, you really need to clear out your PM's. I can't answer you. Start with your "sent" folder.

[guidofatherof5]

Lovely group of kids you have! And that snake, Speckle...she is huge! I thought the mama garter living under my house was big...next to Speckle, she's a scrub...beautiful snake!

Thank you. When the kids were young they all looked like me. They all grew out of that homely stage:D Thank goodness.

Speckle is a sight to behold and to hold. I call her my young bull snake.

[ZombieKitty]

Great pics, Speckle is a giant! A very cute and adorable one though :)

[guidofatherof5]

Here's a few of my ladies. They got to stay up late this evening as I was feeding babies. They all get to sleep in Sat. morning.
These aren't the only girls that live in this enclosure.
Everyone that does live there is growing and maturing into big girls.
At this point I've only got Daisy slated to breed from this group and she's plumping out nicely.
I can't wait for babies.(my favorite time)
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/girls21.jpg

[gregmonsta]

They look like a happy bunch :D

[guidofatherof5]

Here's some video I shot last year. Hope you enjoy.

K75dOd4ys5s

[erinlovessnakes]

Hi Steve nice snakes you have I wish I had those snakes.:D

[erinlovessnakes]

Why do you call your snake LG Steve?:confused:

[guidofatherof5]

Why do you call your snake LG Steve?:confused:

Hello, Erin.
LG stands for "Lucky's Girl". She's the daughter of our girl Lucky.
Great question.;)

[EasternGirl]

Great video...my son and I both enjoyed watching all the babies eat...

[guidofatherof5]

Great video...my son and I both enjoyed watching all the babies eat...

They are a great group. Glad you enjoyed them.;)

[kibakiba]

They are so cute. That makes me want a few hundred baby radixes... :D

[gregmonsta]

Why stop at a few hundred? :rolleyes:

[guidofatherof5]

Why stop at a few hundred? :rolleyes:

Yes, why.:D

[kibakiba]

Because, I'd be in debt trying to feed all of them, especially once they got bigger. I would happily get more than 100 if I had lots of money, though. :D

[EasternGirl]

If I ever win the Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes....which they keep telling me I'm going to win...I will buy a huge ranch and have Steve and Richard breed garters...and Chantel and everyone can come live there and we'll just sit around and count money and play with snakes...

[guidofatherof5]

What a great offer but my heart belongs to my radixes and the Ranch.
Maybe the Ranch could just be part of your garter snake monopoly.:D
A satellite location:D

[kibakiba]

Yay I can play with garters all day! :D!

... Wait... I already do that... Yay! Haha.

[guidofatherof5]

These first two photos are of my beautiful girl Boomerang. The flash washed out some of her red. I'm hoping she'll breed this year.
Next is my gorgeous Honda. To me one of my prettiest girl, right from the back yard.
Then comes my Nova. She's taking a chill. I check on my brumated snakes once a week. What I mean by check is to actually touch them to see that everything is still fine. They get a visual check daily since they are brumated in my worm fridge.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/boomerang.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/boomerang1.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/honda1.jpg
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/nova4.jpghttp://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/nova15.jpg

[gregmonsta]

I love how Boomerang looks like she's had paint flicked on her :D

[guidofatherof5]

I forgot to post this photo of Honda's belly. Looks like she got some over spray from the paint can.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/honda11.jpg

[mustang]

is the radix ranch really a ranch? if steve measures his lot in acers then after college or during summer i am definatly going to stop by (i want to breeze through radixvill any ways, you know driving by slowly with the door open and with my left hand extended just scooping up albinos, axanthics, blue albino axanthics:D you know like in the dream we all had (or similar mine actually had hundreds of monitor lizards on housman rd in dense fog)

[guidofatherof5]

Ranch sounded so much better than residence. :D
I do have a large lot but it's not a true ranch. Sorry.
You are still welcome to visit.;)

[guidofatherof5]

Here's a better look at Boom's color. That smaller red radix is hopefully her mate(Mr. Mansley).
Boom is a big girl and should have a large litter of little red ones.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/boomerang2.jpg

[kibakiba]

Lovely snakes, Steve. :)

[andycul]

Jealous so very jealous here :p As always Steve great looking snakes :D

[guidofatherof5]

Jealous so very jealous here :p As always Steve great looking snakes :D

Thank you for your comments.
I am a lucky man to be working with these beautiful snakes.

[EasternGirl]

Beautiful girls! I was also wondering if it was really a ranch. I want a snake ranch...

[guidofatherof5]

Here's a video I shot of Tank this afternoon.
Within the next week he should be at 5 lbs.
4 months ago he was at 2 lbs.
I could spend hours a day watch and observing this awesome turtle.
7rJz349TZSM&feature=feedu

[Mommy2many]

Very cool! Erin and I watched the video. Thanks for the blurb at the end. very important. I was just explaining that to Erin when it popped up.

[ConcinusMan]

Good stuff Steve! Keep it coming!

[zooplan]

Nice to see Tank acting.
He might get a star like Heidi from Leipzig:D

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to see Tank acting.
He might get a star like Heidi from Leipzig:D

I'm not sure he'll ever be as famous as she is. I saw a news article on her the other day. They've even made a song about her and the school children where sing it. She's one popular opossum.
Now, if Tank was only cross-eyed:D I have something.
Of course, I think I have something special with Tank.
He's a very unique turtle. He'll be a handful at 20 or more pounds. Heck, he's already a handful at almost 5 pounds.

[zooplan]

You shall train Tank some tricks ;)
If you can post an "unbelievable" vid on youtube,
he´ll become a Star!!!

Another way might include a pink sprayer:eek:
but I´m sure he wouldn´t prefere that:D

[guidofatherof5]

Not that it's unbelievable but when Tank is hungry and I stick my hand in the enclosure he will sniff and search my hand for food but will not bite.
He has bitten me in food situations(totally my fault as I put my finger in his way while he was biting at food) but he immediately released and caused no injury. He is more than capable of causing injury at his size.
He seems to be thinking about more than reacting to situations.

[ConcinusMan]

She's one popular opossum.


*shudders*

[Stefan-A]

*shudders*
Got that leg twitch again, did you?

[mustang]

Ranch sounded so much better than residence. :D
I do have a large lot but it's not a true ranch. Sorry.
You are still welcome to visit.;)
i bet its like a ranch on the inside....i want one of those snake infested properties....people underestimate their real value! my dream house is the snake house along with 50+ acers of hunting/fishing/partying/snake catching land!

[mustang]

I'm not sure he'll ever be as famous as she is. I saw a news article on her the other day. They've even made a song about her and the school children where sing it. She's one popular opossum.
Now, if Tank was only cross-eyed:D I have something.
Of course, I think I have something special with Tank.
He's a very unique turtle. He'll be a handful at 20 or more pounds. Heck, he's already a handful at almost 5 pounds.
make her like that one gator (yet another awesome pet to have if i become a game wardon and get permits) that came to people when they whistled

[guidofatherof5]

Here's a few of my girls taking advantage of the warm hide.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/hanging_out3.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Well now, don't they look all happy and comfortable.

[ConcinusMan]

She's one popular opossum.

I'm sure she'd be popular with my boot. Possums..:rolleyes: *shudder*

[guidofatherof5]

I'm sure she'd be popular with my boot. Possums..:rolleyes: *shudder*

Let's not go there.;)

[ConcinusMan]

Still trying to knock down the goose bumps and dreadful loathing just from the mention of it. Sorry. Like some people are with snakes, I'm like "get that thing away from me!" I think I'll just go get myself a beer and watch a movie or something to take my mind off of it.

[guidofatherof5]

Still trying to knock down the goose bumps and dreadful loathing just from the mention of it. Sorry. I think I'll just go get myself a beer and watch a movie or something.

Then why bring it up? It wasn't directed at you in any way.
Seems like not talking about it might be a better way of dealing with it.;)

[ConcinusMan]

Oh, I just read Roberts post and he quoted you. I guess that's what started it. I'm done now. Love the color on that biggest snake above BTW.;)

[guidofatherof5]

Love the color on that biggest snake above BTW.;)

That's Tourette. She's getting big and has a great attitude.

[Mommy2many]

Very pretty bunch of girls you have there.

[guidofatherof5]

Little Mama is in that mix. I think you'll love her and she'll do well for you.
Looking forward to sending her your way. It will be my first radix in CT.
One more State down.:D

[guidofatherof5]

While feeding a group ofT.s.parietalis (Red Sided Garter Snakes). I looked over(glass partition) and say this beautiful little female albino het. red phase.
She's about a year away from breeding.
Hoping to produce some that look like her Mother(Rita) R.I.P.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/het.jpg

Looks like this little parietalis could use a shave.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/shave.jpg

[kibakiba]

Haha! That is so cute. Maybe he hasn't had the talk... You know about the body changing and sprouting hair on his face when he becomes a certain age... Steve, how could you neglect telling him about that!? :D
Better get him a mirror and some clippers!

[guidofatherof5]

He may also be sporting that stash to try to fool security.:D

[kibakiba]

Hmmm.. True. He's running around with that disguise himself from you to see if he can make a break for it! :D

[guidofatherof5]

This evening Honda wasn't satisfied with the number of pinkies I gave her.
She only wanted 1 more. This bite started on the second knuckle.
As she worked her way down to the end of my pinky I was able to reach behind me and grab a camera.
She wasn't listening to a thing I was telling her and sank her teeth in. I applied a little upwards pressure to the top jaw and she let go right away.
Before anyone asks. Yes, I did feed her another mouse pinky after she let go.
Poor starving creature.:D
She can be a little pushy at times but she is one of my favorite snakes.
Love those eyes.
She's one of those special snake as I didn't catch her, she came to me.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/pinkies1.jpg

[gregmonsta]

Looks like she gave you some nice scratches to add to the fun :D

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like she gave you some nice scratches to add to the fun :D

That's fuzzy blood from the last one she ate. She was still swallowing it when she grabbed me.
She did sink her teeth but it was on the end of my pinky.
"There will be blood"

[guidofatherof5]

A couple of my gravid girls tried to hide from me in their hide.
The hiding days are over for these girls:D
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/pile1.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Does this hide make me look fat?

[gartergal]

:]awesome

[mustang]

This evening Honda wasn't satisfied with the number of pinkies I gave her.
She only wanted 1 more. This bite started on the second knuckle.
As she worked her way down to the end of my pinky I was able to reach behind me and grab a camera.
She wasn't listening to a thing I was telling her and sank her teeth in. I applied a little upwards pressure to the top jaw and she let go right away.
Before anyone asks. Yes, I did feed her another mouse pinky after she let go.
Poor starving creature.:D
She can be a little pushy at times but she is one of my favorite snakes.
Love those eyes.
She's one of those special snake as I didn't catch her, she came to me.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/pinkies1.jpg
those eyes remind me of another cool snake
http://i787.photobucket.com/albums/yy158/JJmustang/Checker%20My%20Amzing%20Pet/IMAG0265.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks, Robert.
Honda does have a set of gorgeous eyes. Always bright and penetrating.
I'd also have to say she is my most muscular snake. She's solid and holding her tells you he's strong. She also feels heavier than she looks.

[mustang]

Thanks, Robert.
Honda does have a set of gorgeous eyes. Always bright and penetrating.
I'd also have to say she is my most muscular snake. She's solid and holding her tells you he's strong. She also feels heavier than she looks.
yup....checkers eyes at times when hes looking up looks like there bleed black from underneath the pupil (but theyre really not), do hondas do that?

[guidofatherof5]

yup....checkers eyes at times when hes looking up looks like there bleed black from underneath the pupil (but theyre really not), do hondas do that?

I can't say that they do but I know what you mean.

[mustang]

I can't say that they do but I know what you mean.

yay! the few out of a hundred people that understand me mostly congregate here!:D
(please dont post ":confused:" as a response to this:p)

[guidofatherof5]

(please dont post ":confused:" as a response to this:p)

How about :D as a response to :p or maybe :eek:

[mustang]

How about :D as a response to :p or maybe :eek:
i meant dont act clueless to the last post:rolleyes: so dont post :confused: as a response to the whole post in general
the :p wasnt what i was saying not to reply

[guidofatherof5]

i meant dont act clueless to the last post:rolleyes: so dont post :confused: as a response to the whole post in general
the :p wasnt what i was saying not to reply


I know what you meant.:p
I might be older but not stupid.
Boarderline stupid but not completely though.
In my opinion.:D

[mustang]

In my opinion.:D
thats the only one that counts(besides mine, God's, and people i deem respectable enough in my eyes:rolleyes:)

[guidofatherof5]

That's why I talk to myself. Sometimes it's the most intelligent conversation I'll have all day.:D

[kibakiba]

I usually talk to Mama, she usually doesn't say much... But she does make some good points every once in a while. Like tongue flicking, that's the way to solve everything in her opinion... And asking for food. She also knows that hissing and nipping will always let her get her way :D Now I know what I have to do when I want something... Haha.

[mustang]

That's why I talk to myself. Sometimes it's the most intelligent conversation I'll have all day.:D
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D im also not the only one who says that!(also playing chess against ones self is fun and the difficulty is set just right (it seems like "I" has gotten into my head and slaughters me every now and then:p))

[mustang]

I usually talk to Mama, she usually doesn't say much... But she does make some good points every once in a while. Like tongue flicking, that's the way to solve everything in her opinion... And asking for food. She also knows that hissing and nipping will always let her get her way :D Now I know what I have to do when I want something... Haha.
checker is a good listener:D

[guidofatherof5]

This large group of large female T.radixes are special. They are situated right next to my computer area so they get the most interaction from me. It seems to be paying off. After opening an enclosure this is what I met by. All smelling for food or climbing onto my shoulders. There is very little startle response from any of them. I've got a couple gravid girls in this mix and expect more albino hets with the next 2 weeks. I wish you all could visit and see and interact with these girl. Visitors to the Ranch always comment on how calm the snakes are. Most say "I never knew a garter snake could be calm/tame"
These ladies are a delight and I look forward to every encounter.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/group5.jpg

[gregmonsta]

That pic just makes you want to join in :D

[guidofatherof5]

"No, really Dad. You didn't give me a worm"

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/no_really.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

My Little Mama is looking more like a ghost radix.
She's growing to be a fine adult radix.
She's a great looking radix but after a shed she's gorgeous.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/ghost_radix.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

I don't know Steve, they kinda all look the same to me.:cool:

[RicMartin]

"One more State down"

Steve, you do know that radixes love sunny California, don't you?
I'm sending tourist literature to the ranch!

[guidofatherof5]

I don't know Steve, they kinda all look the same to me.:cool:

Oh well.
Maybe it's interpretive.

[guidofatherof5]

Nova was trying to hide from me but when you are as red as she is it's a little hard.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/hiding_nova.jpg

[kibakiba]

She's so pretty.

[guidofatherof5]

"One more State down"

Steve, you do know that radixes love sunny California, don't you?
I'm sending tourist literature to the ranch!

I would love to have some radixes in sunny Cal.
None there, yet.

[RicMartin]

Whenever you are ready to painfully part with one of your squiggles,
he or she has basking spot reserved here.

[guidofatherof5]

I was beginning to wonder if I had any radixes outside. It's been a funny Spring and there's been no activity for about a month.
That all changed this afternoon when I found this male out along my foundation.
Nice little guy.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/1stmale2011.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Make that 2 young males.
Found another in the garden area.

[RedSidedSPR]

Dang, i need your herping secrets.

[guidofatherof5]

Dang, i need your herping secrets.

No secret. I just live in radix heaven. Everyone in my area is out numbered by the snakes.
I love it, not many do.;)

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like I'll have to get someone their own log on.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/tankweb.jpg

[kibakiba]

Awww. He's so cute. I bet he'd be posting pictures of himself all the time ;)

[RedSidedSPR]

That pic is freakin' rich. I love it.:D

[brain]

Nice little guy.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/1stmale2011.jpg

You sent me 1.1 in this green phase love em. Next year I will, start breeding, I need to refresh that piece on burmation. Room temp at 75 just now and heat pads underneath.

[PINJOHN]

Looks like I'll have to get someone their own log on.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/tankweb.jpg

what a photograph Steve its superb

[ConcinusMan]

You might have to help with the typing, and imposable thumbs issue, but I'm pretty sure Tank can figure out the rest on his own. He seems to have a handle on what's going on out here in the online world.

He could be our next Bill Gates or Chris Hughes.:p

[Stefan-A]

You might have to help with the typing, and imposable thumbs issue,
Opposable. Imposable thumbs might get you sued.

[ConcinusMan]

haha, that's what I get on relying on my browsers automatic spell check. I didn't see any red underlined words, so I assumed I typed it right. Of course I meant to type "Opposable" Don't know what happened there. :rolleyes:

[guidofatherof5]

Today was a yard work day. Lots of yard work.
My Son Kale was moving a wood pile and found this little 2nd year female. Sweet little lady.
She has some kind of injury to her mouth.
She's been relocated to the basement until her mouth clears up.
I'll be treating it in the hopes she can return to the backyard soon.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/mouth.jpg

[kibakiba]

Awww. Poor little girl. I hope she heals up super quick!

[RedSidedSPR]

Hope she heals

[guidofatherof5]

One of my little T. ordinoides (Northwestern garter snake) took it's first pinky today.

Actually 2 of the 4 tried them out.
Great little snakes. Don't get near as big as other garters but are very docile and easy to handle.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/missing_2.jpg


http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/missing1.jpg

[kibakiba]

This is one reason my mom loves Mama. Shes small, and super tame. When I'm checking her if I notice something might be wrong, she just lets me do it. If I'm watching a movie with my mom, she likes to curl up in my blanket with me. She's always a good friend. :D

[guidofatherof5]

Comfort snakes.;)

[kibakiba]

Indeed they are. Mama and Runt are both very comforting when I hold them and seem to enjoy the attention.
They keep most people away from me, though... No one in my neighborhood likes snakes. But, I have you guys, and my precious snakies to keep me company. :D

[guidofatherof5]

Indeed they are. Mama and Runt are both very comforting when I hold them and seem to enjoy the attention.
They keep most people away from me, though... No one in my neighborhood likes snakes. But, I have you guys, and my precious snakies to keep me company. :D

No doubt about that Chantel ;)

[ConcinusMan]

Nice Steve. Sometimes it can take a while to get them to eat pinkies and/or fish. Took a year of nothing but slugs and worms for Miss Piggy to suddenly decide she'll eat pinkies and fish. Now she doesn't even hesitate.

And yes, If I'm not mistaken, northwesterns are the smallest garter. Adults average 12-18 inches. The largest I've ever seen topped out at 30 inches but that's very unusual, at least for wild snakes it is. Seems contradictory when you take into account their huge numbers where they occur, but they also have very small litters. Usually 2-7 offspring.

[Mommy2many]

Comfort snakes.;)


Unless you have a snake, you can't quite relate to that sentence. Most of us here, however, know exactly what you mean;)

[guidofatherof5]

As many times as I report that my awesome snapping turtle Tank is so much more than common, then he goes and pulls this.

This is Tanks first Spring as a mature turtle. While he was out cruising the living room today he came across this bike helmet.
He was a little confused. Poor, poor Tank.:D
I lost it and couldn't stop laughing at him
I'll be glad when Spring is over and Tank can settle down.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/poor_tank.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Poor 'lil guy. I don't think he approves of your "life of celibacy" plan. Was he saying "Wow, wow!" as he.. Oh, nevermind.

[PINJOHN]

now we know what tank was doing on that computer, cruising the porn sites :D

[guidofatherof5]

Poor 'lil guy. I don't think he approves of your "life of celibacy" plan.

I checked Craigslist and did see any "Female snapping turtle wants to meet male snapping turtle" ads.:D
He's been sleeping very little lately and his appetite is way down.

I guess I could always drop him off at the lake down the street.:D

[ConcinusMan]

That type of ad would be prohibited Steve. I know, I tried it when I was looking for a male for that female Pueblan milk I used to have. If you drop him off at the lake, be sure to tell him, don't forget your protection, and to be home by 11.:p

[Didymus20X6]

Turtles always have their protection on: the shell.

(I could make soooo many Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle jokes).

[Sonya610]

As many times as I report that my awesome snapping turtle Tank is so much more than common, then he goes and pulls this.

This is Tanks first Spring as a mature turtle. While he was out cruising the living room today he came across this bike helmet.
He was a little confused. Poor, poor Tank.:D
I lost it and couldn't stop laughing at him
I'll be glad when Spring is over and Tank can settle down.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/poor_tank.jpg

That is hilarious! Poor little guy, seems cruel to laugh at his predicament but it is just too funny.

[PINJOHN]

Steve did you know that many years ago a snapping turtle was instrumental in bringing a serial killer to justice ?

[guidofatherof5]

Enlighten me, please.
Oh this is going to be good:)

[PINJOHN]

Enlighten me, please.
Oh this is going to be good:)

OH ye of little faith! :D
would i kid you ? :rolleyes:

but it will have to wait until this afternoon when i have a little time
dont forget i am a one fingered typist, ;)

[BLUESIRTALIS]

Steve was you playing some Marvin Gaye when Tank stumbled upon that helmet.

[drache]

it's spring
and that some nice bike helmet

[guidofatherof5]

OH ye of little faith! :D
would i kid you ? :rolleyes:

but it will have to wait until this afternoon when i have a little time
dont forget i am a one fingered typist, ;)

Never any doubt. Looking forward to seeing it.;)

[PINJOHN]

right Steve its story time , are you sitting comfortably?
i dont have all facts on this case and what i do have comes from a book called encyclopedia of reptiles amphibians and other cold blooded animals[octopus books 1975].
keeping in mind your former career i may have slanted this story slightly in favor of the police.

the time the 1920's the place USA the state not specified.
a group of dunce like detectives had arrested a man who they felt certain was responsible for a number of murders,these fumbling flatfeet however could not produce even one body to make their case stick, never the less these calamitous coppers were firm in their belief that he was the guilty party.
It was suspected that the killer had sunk the body's in the local lake,a somewhat murky stretch of water, finding them would be extremely difficult perhaps even impossible as this was before the invention of the aqua lung.
with no further clues and even less idea what to do next our inept investigators made several trips to the lake, where they did no more than just stand on the banks and stare across the water, hoping perhaps that a body might surface and give them the break they so desperately needed.
on what they had decided would be their last visit to the lake our gauche gendarmes were approached by an elderly Indian who claimed he could locate the body's of the victims.
the offer was received with some derision by our obtuse officers and they were about to refuse when one of their number with infallible logic suggested they accept the old Indian's help, after all he argued what have we got to lose,its a loverly sunny day just the weather for being outdoors and any way by the time we get back to the station all the doughnuts will be gone so whats the rush.
the decision to accept the assistance was proving a good one as they could barely contain themselves as the old Indian produced a huge snapping turtle with a line attached to its shell , they were laughing so much one of their number had to take a trip to the nearby trees before he wet himself.
unfazed by the gross disrespect being shown to him the Indian released the snapper into the lake and watched as the string played out further and further into the lake , when it stopped the Indian went to the spot and found the snapper feeding on the body of a victim, and using this method the old Indian located all of the body's

thats the story Steve and although you probably never noticed i might have embellished it just a Liiiittle but the main facts are in there.

perhaps using your silky sleuthing skills you can track down this story to it source, after all you were known as the herlock somes of Ohio :rolleyes:

[guidofatherof5]

after all you were known as the herlock somes of Ohio :rolleyes:

But I don't live in Ohio and have never visited that State, yet :D

Great story. Thanks for taking the time to post it.

Ancient Chinese used flies to catch a killer;)

[PINJOHN]

sorry about the wrong state Steve DOH! some times my dyslexia comes through :D

[PINJOHN]

[

Ancient Chinese used flies to catch a killer;)[/QUOTE]

now that story i would like to hear:confused:

[Didymus20X6]

sorry about the wrong state Steve DOH! some times my dyslexia comes through :D
Yeah. He comes from that state where they grow all the potatoes. :D

[PINJOHN]

Yeah. He comes from that state where they grow all the potatoes. :D

it seems the Irish never move far from their potato's:D

[drache]

Yeah. He comes from that state where they grow all the potatoes. :D
I thought that was Idaho

[guidofatherof5]

I live in IOWA:D

[guidofatherof5]

[

Ancient Chinese used flies to catch a killer;)

now that story i would like to hear:confused:[/QUOTE]


Well here you go. This story was told to me 30 years ago by one of my instructor at the Law Enforcement Academy. The story itself took place over 200 years ago.

In a small Chinese village there was a murder. The victim had been murdered with a knife used by all the farmers, so finding the murder was going to be difficult.
The wise village leader called all the men together. He had each man hold out his knife. Looking at all the blades he found them clean with no signs of blood or any other evidence that might point to the killer.
The village leader was patient and waited. After a few minutes he knew who the killer was.
The leader knew that the killer had cleaned the murder weapon but knew he couldn't hide the evidence from everyone.
You see, as he waited the flies could detect the microscopic amounts of blood on the knife. They gathered on the murder's blade for the feast.

[PINJOHN]

great story Steve, you realize of course that you have just established that the Chinese's invented forensics :D

[PINJOHN]

I live in IOWA:D

calm down calm down, jeez Steve do all you Texans have such a short fuse ?
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[guidofatherof5]

calm down calm down, jeez Steve do all you Texans have such a short fuse ?
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Most of us.:D

[RdubSnider]

Good story Steve.

[guidofatherof5]

This big female radix grabbed 2 large night crawlers out of the food dish and wanted more.
I guess that's why she's a big girl.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/another.jpg

[kibakiba]

That looks like a VERY happy snake!

[RicMartin]

Good radix girl!

[Selkielass]

Yum Yum!

[guidofatherof5]

Here is an awesome adult female radix. She was born here.
This is the "Enforcer" She's a one solid, strong snake. She is an overly aggressive eater and I'm working with her to calm down some.
She's made some progress but is still a handful. Even as a young snake she was a strong eater.
This morning she came out to me, climbed onto my shoulder and relaxed.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/enforcer.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

well, than i'd say there's no reason to calm her down ;)

Awesome snake, man.

[guidofatherof5]

Just wish she was a little more ladylike. :D
She is an awesome girl. Love having her here. She'll be 4 this year.

[RedSidedSPR]

awesome. How big?

[guidofatherof5]

Not sure. I don't measure my snakes as a rule. She's probably around 220 grams. I'll bust out the scale and check.

[guidofatherof5]

awesome. How big?

195 grams.

[RedSidedSPR]

Cool, You weren't off by that much.

I know you don't really but... How do you measure a snake?... i used to measure the skin after he shed.. but then i leaned that the skin is longer. I know there's a software you can download that lets you do that. but...

I just want to measure my babies.

[guidofatherof5]

I have 4 water snakes. This is the largest. She's a pig.
I have to watch her or she'll leave nothing for the others.
She's in opaque phase right now and not in a good mood.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/grumpy_water_snake.jpg

[RedSidedSPR]

Nice!!! Northern right? I LOVE WATER SNAKES (in know i've said it before :rolleyes:) I just really want one.

Awesome snake(s)

[guidofatherof5]

awesome. How big?

She's 195 grams.

[guidofatherof5]

Here's another photo of the Enforcer.
I think there was a song that said something about taking 2 steps forward and one step back.
That's where she's at. Calm somedays and others, well.......
I opened the enclosure with a few night crawlers to feed off.
Enforcer approached and immediately when into the strike position.
She did strike, but as always they are false strikes to me. If I pick her up she calms down. I usually hand feed her.
She's a big, solid, strong snake.
She'll be breeding next year.
I already feel sorry for the male I put with her.:D
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/enforcer1.jpg

[RdubSnider]

She looks like she is serious. Nice picture Steve

[ConcinusMan]

"I isss ssseriousss ssssnake.... Issss ssserioussss thread"

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data/500/medium/enforcer1.jpg