Pozer Pics

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Well first I will tell you a little bit about Pozer. He is sooo funny . From the time he was born he really liked me . Always curled up in my hand or wrapped around my fingers and weaving in and out. I can stick my hand in the tank and and he comes out to where ever he is at and want to be held. He has a great attitude and he is always making us laugh. When I start snapping pics he knows and comes out of where ever and well... seems like he is posing for me. Hell great me all the time but tilting his head or tipping it back to see me. His mom I caught and 2 days ago I released her because I didnt have the room that she wanted and she was a biter after having her babies. Anyway I have a few pics of Pozer right now and I will post more later.

Pozer is the one on the bottom. He is always around this other baby. I dont know if she(?) is a boy or or girl and I will post later with a tail pic of her (?) but anyway these 2 are always hanging out together.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/stuff_to_sort_thru_no_kids_aloud_412.jpg

This is the kind of thing that I am talking aboutwith the posing. He loves it . after I put the babies in the bigger tank which had a bigger water bowl and they were able to swim... oh man he loves it. But this pic seems like hes either posing or looking at me like" whats you doin" Soooo cute.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/stuff_to_sort_thru_no_kids_aloud_397.jpg

This a pic of Pozers first time outside. I took him outside and never relized how bright his colors are. And he hasnt even shed yet except for the one right after being born. Makes me wonder if they will brighten up even more then they are here
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/stuff_to_sort_thru_no_kids_aloud_506.jpg

this is Pozer looking around or trying to put a trance on something. Im not sure but kinda goofy.lol
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/stuff_to_sort_thru_no_kids_aloud_466.jpg

[jitami]

Poser is sooooo cute! I love the one outside with his little head on the rock :)

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Here are some other pics of Pozer. I did a tail shot so I can see if I am calling him a he is right....lol
The 2nd pic is of him being goofy like he always is and hes playing peeka boo. He did that for a good 5 min. up and down ...up and down....lol such a goofball. I love him. Oh and I didnt tell you all. All the babies are 1 month old today and they are all doing wonderful. Im not nervous anymore about any eating cause they all do and they all move around great and flick there tongue a lot as well. Im proud of my babies.

I dont know if Pozer is a boy or girl...help me find out please.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/stuff_to_sort_thru_no_kids_aloud_483.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/stuff_to_sort_thru_no_kids_aloud_490.jpg

I dont know what pic to use for the contest so if any of you have an opion please let me know.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Poser is sooooo cute! I love the one outside with his little head on the rock :)

Thank you.I like that one of Pozer also and I wa thinking about that one for the contest. Which room do I post the pic in that I choose and I hope its not to late.

[RedSidedSPR]

Just post it in the "August Photo Contest".

He's awesome!! Nice pictures, cute baby!

The picture to me looks female, but I have no idea cause I can't sex babies.. plus that may just be his fatness from eating. He looks pleasantly chunky in these photos.:D

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Just post it in the "August Photo Contest".

He's awesome!! Nice pictures, cute baby!

The picture to me looks female, but I have no idea cause I can't sex babies.. plus that may just be his fatness from eating. He looks pleasantly chunky in these photos.:D

Pozer is just that big. 5 of the babies look about 2x the size they started but no sheds yet. They are very very heathy and very active.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Well I have more pics to say if Pozer is a boy or girl. I hope that these are good. If not please let me know. Thank you

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/POzer_003.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/POzer_015.jpg

These next ones I took just cause....

I think there is emaressment here....lol
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/POzer_012.jpg

This was just because I thought it would look cool and Pozer seemed to like it.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/POzer_019.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Female.

[jitami]

Pozer looks like a girl and a very very cute one at that! Sorry for getting her name wrong earlier :)

[ConcinusMan]

Female. No doubt. 100% positive.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Thank you everyone. I thought a boy but Im happy either way. Now I dont have to guess. I will compare with her friend and Ill let you know what it is.. If I have questions I will post a page for that one too. and either way I guess that Pozers friend is named Furbie. Haylee my youngest daughter(4years old) wanted that name and so it shall be....lol thanks again all.

[ConcinusMan]

Just between you and me, females seem to be more intelligent anyway. And they get bigger.

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah, that's the best thing about females... big.:D

I wouldnt know, but it seems weird that females are more intelligent..

[kibakiba]

Oh they are. Mama is one smart snake. Females of a certain species aren't always that bright though.... :rolleyes:

[RedSidedSPR]

hehe...

Didn't know that. I do not think that is always the case. My male is one hell of a smart snake.... in the ways you guys praise those big female radix.

[ConcinusMan]

There are always exceptions. I was speaking generally. By far the smartest and tamest snakes I've ever had, were all females.

[RedSidedSPR]

i know you were.. just didn't see why a certain sex of garter snake would be smarter. But i was wrong, obviously. Again.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

The females Ive had have been more tame then males . Idk about smarter.
I love how Pozer like to maked people laugh. She seems tooo always know when to do it the most too. Ive never had a snake that did any of the stuff she does. I love it. I looked at the one she hangs out with which is big too. I believe bigger then Pozer. I believe its a fem also.

[ConcinusMan]

The females Ive had have been more tame then males . Idk about smarter.

Definitely smarter. The "tamer" part is often a by-product of that intelligence. Remember, "tame" is nothing more than a snake that has learned to trust you. "Learned" being the key word.

[kibakiba]

Snakey is a really smart snake, probably the smartest boy I've seen. :D

[RedSidedSPR]

My babies, especially my concinnus, are really really really tame. I'm talking... well, tame.

My adult has come a long way, and is getting there too.

Btw Pozer will become a nice red over time. Almost like a flame.

[ConcinusMan]

Btw Pozer will become a nice red over time. Almost like a flame.

Not necessarily.

[RedSidedSPR]

Well not RED like a flame...

I should have said "will probably get redder over time"...

[ConcinusMan]

Or not. Either way, that's a beautiful snake as-is.:)

[RedSidedSPR]

Ok. Nevermind than.

Yup. awesomely beautiful as-is.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Thank u guys. I dont care if she never gets and redder or loses it after time. I willl love her anyway. Shes awesome.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Well I am wanting to tell you some news about Pozer. Something she likes and I found out today is that when I am holding her she slithers between my fingers and then she looks at me and lifts her head up. at first I couldnt figure out what was up but i figured I would try to rub under her chin. She LOVES it. Its sooooo cute. Shell just relax and lean against my finger. If I try to move my hand she will go to any one of the tips of my fingers so I can do it some more. I think that is so awesome. Does anyone expierence anything like this?

Also is there another way to figure out if a snake is male or female? like is the vent slightly lighter for one or the other ? just wondering.

[guidofatherof5]

Also is there another way to figure out if a snake is male or female? like is the vent slightly lighter for one or the other ? just wondering.

Don't think vent color will help in this situation.;) Interesting idea though.

Being retired law enforcement I just check their ID:D

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Heres a curiosity question. I am wondering .... if you are holding your snake and there not moving and there fine of course but how do you know there asleep. I dont know that much about snakes to know if they even have eyelids. Sorry I feel a little weird asking that but I am really curious. Is there even a site online too that would tell EVERYTHING about garters. Even the little stuff like this?
Also at what age do they start musking.. I think its called that..Sorry i forgot the name. Its a duh moment.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Don't think vent color will help in this situation.;) Interesting idea though.

Being retired law enforcement I just check their ID:D

Thats funny Steve.:D. I know that Pozer is a girl thanks to you all. I kept calling her a boy...lol Whoopsie..lol

[guidofatherof5]

You're on the premiere site for garter snakes. A community that will answer all your questions.
I have found that when a garter snake has its head down on the substrate it is usually sleeping.
Mine get so comfortable that I have to touch them to wake them when I open their enclosure.
Then they slowly raise their head and look at me like "what".

[RedSidedSPR]

not sure what you mean "light" vent, but something I've noticed with a few of my males is it's pinker, cause of you know... what's back there.:D

[RedSidedSPR]

My snakes look all dead when they're sleeping. One time my concinnus just had his head hanging 3 inches off the tree he was on. Very awkward looking.:D it was like he was trying to reach the groun and fell asleep suddenly.:rolleyes:

He does that sometimes, he's tired cause of all his mobility.:eek:

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I was asking about the vent being lighter because Ive noticed that some of the babies since the belly is lis like an pail olive type color that just the vent is like a shade lighter then some of the others.

I was asking about the falling asleep thing because when I was holding Pozer she was relaxed which she always is when I hold her but either she was hanging like Red said or her head was down like Steve said. To me they look like theyre staring all the time so I was wondering. What kind of protecttion does there eyes have then that protect them from dirt and things of that sort.

I do agree about this being the best site for things like that but at night when no one is on here or theres only 2 people or whatever I think of things out of the blue. I guess I can just come on here and write it and then wait til mornign when everyone is on. Thats cool cause I do love this site and you all are the best. I wouldve gotten this far with the babies if it wasnt for you all. Thank you.

[RedSidedSPR]

They have scales over their eyes for protection. (no eyelids obviously)

[guidofatherof5]

The eye lens is pretty tough.
They also do a good job of keeping their eyes clean.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Heres a curiosity question. I am wondering .... if you are holding your snake and there not moving and there fine of course but how do you know there asleep. I dont know that much about snakes to know if they even have eyelids. Sorry I feel a little weird asking that but I am really curious. Is there even a site online too that would tell EVERYTHING about garters. Even the little stuff like this?
Also at what age do they start musking.. I think its called that..Sorry i forgot the name. Its a duh moment.

I am wondering this and I dont think anyone saw it. I am wondering cause none of mine have done it. Is it because they arent old enogh or is it because they are just that comfy with me.

[RedSidedSPR]

They only musk in denfense. Your babies just aret scared of you!
My new little checkered (very young) along with biting, musks. Its just not as strong a smell...

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I knew that they arent scared of me. But I just didnt know when they started that.

[kibakiba]

They start at birth. It gets stronger depending on what they eat, though ;) Just get a whiff of Snap's musk, she'll knock you out.


I find that when my snakes are asleep, you can see their eyes pointing down and their bodies are a little bit limp.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Thank you for sharing. I was thinking that about the limp part before I asked cause Pozer was doing it but I wasnt sure. Thank u

[d_virginiana]

Haha, I know mine's asleep because that's about the only time he stops moving :D

idk if I haven't seen this thread before or saw it and forgot, but Pozer is very cute! Neither of mine have ever musked me either. Didn't even know snakes did it until I came on this site! It's a good sign that they don't musk though, means they're comfortable with you. :)

[guidofatherof5]

It's a good sign that they don't musk though, means they're comfortable with you. :)

Or they're preparing a big surprise for you.:D:eek:

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Or they're preparing a big surprise for you.:D:eek:

Oh wow that would be a lot of build up. you might wanna get the nose plugs out and set the fans up and open all the windows. UH-OH:eek:....lol

[katach]

light a match....

[kibakiba]

Matches are a godsend when Snap shoots poop in my room.

[ConcinusMan]

I am wondering this and I dont think anyone saw it. I am wondering cause none of mine have done it. Is it because they arent old enogh or is it because they are just that comfy with me.

I've personally been musked by several species of garter snakes not older than a few days. Believe me, they're capable. It's just that they are so small it's not readily apparent if you have been musked. It can easily go unnoticed. Sometimes they just squirm a little and I notice a bit of moisture on my finger and not much more. I hold it up to my nose and sniff, then there is no mistaking that I have been musked.

[ConcinusMan]

The eye lens is pretty tough.
They also do a good job of keeping their eyes clean.

Yes, the lens is very tough. It's really a clear scale. Behind it, the actual eye sits in a pocket of fluid (which comes from a tear duct and drains out of another duct) No need to blink and no worries about dirt in your eye.

Over time you will sometimes begin to recognize when your snakes are asleep, but not until you wake them up, if that makes any sense. It's that moment when they go from "asleep and clueless" to "awake and aware" (especially if you woke them up prematurely) that you will begin to recognize.

[RedSidedSPR]

Hold my baby checkered, and you will learn just capable babies are.:eek:

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Heres a question I was curious about. They other day when I opened the piece of salmon I had gotten I notice that it still had the silver part of the fish on there. No scales but the silver was there. When I prepaired the fish I didnt put any of that part in cause I wasnt sure if that was ok for them. So is it ok for me to add that part in or should I just remove it. I know that if it is ok I wouldnt just do that part but I need to know . Thank you .

[kibakiba]

Silver is scales, they don't usually look like scales at all when you buy the fish... Unless you mean the grey part underneath thescales before the meat, where the skin peels off. Most people say to feed them scales, skin and all, but I only feed the actual meat. When I first fed salmon with the skin, my snakes regurgitated.

[ConcinusMan]

Same here. Just the meat. Any skin, with or without scales is just very tough. My snakes don't like it and if they happen to eat a piece it comes back up later.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Sorry it is the skin part cause its smooth not scaley. So shouls i try a little to see if the will eat it. Not just that of course there would be the meat also with it. I was gonna feed them soon and depending on what people said about that I was gonna try but as long as it wont hurt them then Ill try it. Thank you.

[kibakiba]

Fish scales are smooth, it doesn't feel anything like snake scales if that's what you're going by.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Ok well Maybe I will just try a small amount with the meat and see how it goes. If it doesnt work then I wont give them that part any more. Thank you all

[ConcinusMan]

Fish scales are smooth, it doesn't feel anything like snake scales if that's what you're going by.

I know what she's talking about and it's not scales.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

i decided not to give them that part anyway cause when I decided to try to cut thru it even with a filet knife it was tough like you were talking about so thats why. Plus I have decided that after this salmon is done Im not getting salmon again cause they dont seem to thrilled with it anyway but they really liked Tilapia. They had some other fish in that section that I cant remember the name right now but i will find out and let you all know and maybe you can tell me some others I can give them.
I took some pics of them tonight while I was feeding them and I got some to really show there colors. But then my camera died and I couldnt take anymore so when my camera charges again i will take some more but tonight (early morn) i will put the ones that I did get.

[ConcinusMan]

i decided not to give them that part anyway cause when I decided to try to cut thru it even with a filet knife it was tough like you were talking about so thats why.

yeah, like trying to cut leather with a butter knife. It's like trying digest leather too. Just doesn't work and comes back up.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I figured that I would take the chance and just not give it to them. But I noticed that they are not even a real fan of Salmon so I wont have to worry about it. Tilapia and worms from now on or atleast til I find something else.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

i have some pics of Pozers friend and I please would like to ask you to sex it.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Pozers_friend_4.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/POZERS_FRIEND_1.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Pozers_friend_3.jpg

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/Pozers_friend_2.jpg

Please help me .I will take full body pics of them seperate and together. But this baby is 2x the size of Pozer.

[katach]

Looks female

[RedSidedSPR]

I'm guessing female.

Don't go by me though.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

wow thats amazing how much of a different size they are Ill measure tomorrow. There docile enough where I can use yarn or string and then measure that. Ill also see about one of the pics together to really show the difference. The coloring on Furbie is a lot different too. Its awesome. Im hoping the other one I like isnt female too cause I want more babies when they get bigger . I dont ever find different then these to much anymore that I can breed with them. Sence there easterns ...what kind of variations are there that I can breed with them. Could you please show me pics cause that would be cool, or even a link to the different kinds of colors for them. But like I said Pozer and Furbie are so different that who knows if they have ones that there able to have when older. If I have 2 females and 1 male could both have babies at the same time still even thought there would only be 1 male.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Now here are some recent pics of Pozer and Furbie.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/109_7337.JPG


Top one is Furbie and Bottom one is Pozer
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/109_7343.JPG


Look at the beautiful colors in them
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/109_7338.JPG

these 2 ladies are best friends...Always going aroud the tank together.And I mean Always. Its awesome so thats 1 reason why I couldnt seperate these 2.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Now here is another one I am for sure keeping. That means there are 2 that I might give away to someone or something but the 2 remaining ones are actully the littlest and craziest. But now here is the one I need help with sexing and I cant wait til I am able to do it by myself but some reason it is so hard to do and I dont know why. Can someone explain in dummy ters how to sex them please.

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/109_7348.JPG

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/109_7354.JPG

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/109_7353.JPG

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/109_7349.JPG

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/109_7355.JPG

[guidofatherof5]

Female.
Check out post #13 of this tread.
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/breeding/5069-sexing-pics.html

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I have a really quick question. I have 2 babies that I have decided not to keep . Is it to late to let them go still.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Female.
Check out post #13 of this tread.
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/breeding/5069-sexing-pics.html

Thank you Steve and everyone for your help. It looks to me like out of 23 babies that Pheobe had I kept all females. What are the odds. that is a question I would like answered. When a snake has there babies what are the percentages of male vs. female. Is there more females always born ?
That thread that you posted Steve I triied to find that yeaterday and I coulndt find it. Well I know now that anytime I need it, it will be in here and I know where thats at....lol Thank you for posting the link.

[guidofatherof5]

They need as much time as possible to learn their area and find a den or other suitable place to brumate. It all depends on how soon Winter will set in.
If they don't get the needed time to learn the area and eat enough to store fat they may be in trouble.
It's just my suggestion but if you are in doubt as to whether they have enough time then keep them until Spring.
That will give them a fighting chance at survival.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

ok Spring is how many months away Im having a brain fart...lol

[guidofatherof5]

ok Spring is how many months away Im having a brain fart...lol

Don't know. I'm in Iowa.
I'm sure it's a little different in Michigan ;)

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I guess I just heard from the hubby thats its about 6 months away. So will 5 garters be ok in a 20 gal and then moved into a 30 gal and still the size be ok til spring. The 30gal is a long tank?

[guidofatherof5]

Shouldn't be a problem.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

well I guess I have someone asking for the 2 little babies . But my question now is...if I do it how old do they have to be to ship, what do I do for them before I ship and how much does it cost to ship.

[guidofatherof5]

Once they are an established eater they can be shipped.
It's impossible to give you a shipping cost. Different companies have different rates. Overnight, before 10:30am delivery, before 3pm delivery. Too many variables to give you a number.
Where it being delivered to also effects the cost and of course the weight.

[guidofatherof5]

If you have the weight and box size you can calculate the cost on-line with many companies.;)

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Well ok here it goes ther is a great chance Im getting one of shannons stripless easterns(male I hope) and it depends on the shipping really if I can do it. I can pay for the snake np but I dont know about the rest. I really want one and i hhoping it doesnt cost 35-40 total like I think its going to be. Cause then I cant. I sure hope with everything that I can. Her snakies are so beautiful and I want one so bad and I have never had the oppurtunty to get something so cool. So I dont know how much the weigh or anything like that.

[katach]

Overnight shipping is expensive. I don't know where Shannon lives but I've priced shipping out and it can be more than $100. I'm not sure if that would be the case for you, but don't be surprised.

[ConcinusMan]

I don't think so. Portland, Oregon area to Shannon, (She's in rural Pennsylvania) on multiple occasions, using USPS express Mail, has cost about $36 to ship snakes overnight to her. Same back to me.

For that price to apply, box must me no bigger than 12 inches on any given side/direction, and of course, about a pound or less. Something like that. In any case, it's always been under $40 and arrived about 18-20 hours after it left, alive and well.


Once they are an established eater they can be shipped

I thought I said that numerous times Steve. But you seemed to disagree. don't even go there. Don't even respond. I don't want to hear it.

[katach]

I was pricing with fed-ex. They are the only company that will ship knowingly reptiles (that I know of).

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I live in Durand Michigan. I dont even know where to go to check or anything. See even if it was 40total I couldnt do that right this sec. And thats bothers me cause I have food for the snakies all the time and an encloser and everything. It just sux knowing that itll cost that I couldnt do it then. Im gonna try but I hope its still less. Ill prob see if Shannon can check it out so that I know. This is sad knowing I might not be able to do this. Fingers crossed. Maybe cause my bday is Dec.1 i can ask family to do it for an early bday gift. I dont know though what they would say. I hope I hope I hope. Fingers crossed that this can happen.

[ConcinusMan]

I was pricing with fed-ex. They are the only company that will ship knowingly reptiles

Not true. I've received numerous USPS express mail (overnight (in most cases) US MAIL) packages clearly marked "LIVE HARMLESS REPTILE" and you're also missing some very important details. You must be a certified reptile shipper before fedex will ship any live reptiles for you. Not sure what that involves, but when I heard that, and saw their extremely high pricing, I heard enough.

Also, it doesn't freaking matter if you're shipping a live reptile through USPS or not. They don't give a darn what you are shipping as long as you can answer "NO" to the questions they ask

Anything perishable (they mean food), liquid, potentially hazardous, etc.. etc..

Other than that, they don't even need to know what's in it. You can choose to tell them it's fragile, but from what I've seen, they don't treat it any differently.

Quite simply, pack them right, don't even tell them what's in it, and use USPS express mail. it's as simple as that.

There are lots of do's and dont's but I really don't have time to go through all of them here. You do need to check the weather, mainly at the destination zip, and check to see what the transit time will be. Sometimes express mail can't do it one day, especially to some rural locations.

In any case get yourself some sheets of 1-inch thick styrofoam insulation from a home improvement/construction supply store such as Lowes, home depot, etc. that kind of store. Cut the pieces so they line your box nice and tight.

As long as it's insulated properly like I described, snakes are packed rather tight so they don't get bounced around, I have shipped in 40 degree weather, on up to over 100 degrees.

Only 1 fatality ever occurred and that was the one time I used Fedex (again, I didn't tell them what I was shipping. If it's not hazardous, it's none of their damn business) instead of USPS. But it wasn't the shipper's fault. Baby snake got his head somehow wedged between the lid and container I had him in.

Maybe Jason or someone else that has recently recieved snakes from me will be kind enough to describe how I packed, or show pics of how to pack them. No matter what carrier you use, it's all in how they are packed and insulated, as to whether or not they survive the trip.

I just wish I had time to write an all out guide with pics and all that to show "newbies" how to ship. I've had a very good shipping record. perhaps hundreds of boxes and/or snakes. All but one baby arrived safe and sound.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

WOW i wish u could write that book too. So when U first started shipping where did u get ur info on how to do it.

Please please please someone put pics of those hes sent to u.
Hubby andd I were talking and I could make the box up send it to shannon and have her send it back and it would cost ALOT less. Could I use a box that is about 6x6 . One of those flat rate boxes that cost around $5 to send. So I could ship the box with the money in it and of course all packing stuff inside like it has to be done. So she would just have to open ,put snake in, close and ship off .Then shannon could send it back for the same amount. So it would cost me $10 shipping plus confermation (.77 each way) and then the price of the snake. Does that sound about right? Please tell me it does cause THAT I can do.

[ConcinusMan]

I didn't say I would write a book. A simple article in the wiki pages of the forum would do. This comes up so often, like the issue of what substrate to use, what foods to feed, etc... I'll try to get one started on how to ship. Some help from others with experience and some time to contribute to the article would help. I'm already working on getting it started. patience please.

[drache]

there are a couple of companies that buy bulk reptile shipping from fedex, and have better pricing, such as shipyourreptiles, or reptileexpress
to become a fedex certified reptile shipper, they want you to send a sample of your packaging to some main admin hub
shipping live reptiles through the USPS is illegal, and because they're a federal agency, it makes it a federal offense - remember mail fraud?
in addition to it being illegal, I was also informed that they will randomly x-ray packages with levels of radiation not deemed safe for live organisms, so I personally will not take that chance
shipping has gotten pricey, but let's not forget that we incur expenses with our animals along the way, and not being able to afford shipping now, may indicate that should the necessity ever arise, we may not be able to afford the vet either

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I havent decided who would get the first slug. Its a baby slug so Im able to feed this one whole. Im not sure who will get it but I will try and then take pics and let eveyone see what happens. Also this is the first thing that I have put in there with then that is whole and not cut up. I am interested in seeing what happens and with in an hour I am gonna try to see what happens.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

Hubby was at the store and I had him check at what kinds of fish that they have from the same company and the way its done s I can see about other choices for my babies.. Now I know that Talopia is ok and so is Salmon(they dont like that one) but they also have....Cod,Ocean Perch and Scallops. It all comes unseasoned and frozen already. so which of these are ok for my babies so that I can get some of the others to give them more of a variety other then the worms I give them already. I would like to get them tomorrow so hopefully I get some answers by then.

[guidofatherof5]

I would not buy anything frozen.
Buy it fresh and freeze it yourself.
Just my opinion.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I bought the talopia already before and everyone said its ok. I dont have the money to buy fresh and thats why everyone said that it ok I guess as long as its not seasoned or anything. Its just the fish and thats it.

[guidofatherof5]

I just worry that pre-frozen has been processed in some way and that scares me.
Don't let babies fill up on it.
Maybe mix it with some worm chunks.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I always mix my fish with worms. Ive always done that. I have never given just fish during a meal. I just know that the fish is plain with nothing added and it is cut into filet sized pieces. 2 in each.
So from those kind of fish that I mentioned what ones are ok for them to eat.
ANd Steve I very much respect anything that you have to say and when I am able to buy fresh I will. Just right now I have to go with this.

[guidofatherof5]

I think the mixing you've been doing is a good idea.
I lost some babies to frozen fish once.
I just think fresh, never frozen is safer.

[Mrs N1ntndo]

I understand . But even before I got it I came here and asked and everyone was cool about it. I keep and eye on them all the time. I love to just watch them. Sometimes I catch myself just staring at them and go into my own little world. Its so fun and some people dont understand that even ataring at them is so much fun.
I do understand steve and every meal I give them doesnt have fish in it also. sometimes its just worms. I tried slugs and they didnt want to have nothing to do with them at all but maybe when then are older the might try them who knows.
So which are safe as a fish though....

Ocean Perch
Cod
Scallops

[guidofatherof5]

I would say none.
Check the safe fish list.
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husbandry/6654-safe-fish-list.html

[RedSidedSPR]

Yeah, I wouldn't even try them. No reason.