Search found 353 matches

by jayder85
March 6th, 2017, 10:57 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: marbled salamander
Replies: 15
Views: 21298

Re: marbled salamander

There is much I wish were different in the design of exo terras, especially the top, the mesh grade and the general quality of the plastic frame. But the full opening front is why I have some. I especially like the hinging to the side. Doors that drop down can easily create a ruckus. As can a slidi...
by jayder85
March 4th, 2017, 11:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: West Tejas- Summer of 2016
Replies: 4
Views: 2952

Re: West Tejas- Summer of 2016

Barry R wrote:good stuff :D
Thanks Barry!
by jayder85
March 4th, 2017, 11:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: West Tejas- Summer of 2016
Replies: 4
Views: 2952

Re: West Tejas- Summer of 2016

Super, JD, :thumb: As goes life and luck, we never connected with even the first Mojave on the trip. The excessive rain and unseasonably cool temps made even the snakes we did find very welcome sights. It's the "big one that got away", that keeps us returning to these wonderful places. Th...
by jayder85
February 11th, 2017, 11:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Clever Snake Mom?
Replies: 32
Views: 18154

Re: Clever Snake Mom

Really interesting observation. I have never seen anything like this before.
by jayder85
February 11th, 2017, 10:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: West Tejas- Summer of 2016
Replies: 4
Views: 2952

West Tejas- Summer of 2016

Life has kept me so busy that my posts here are few and far between these days. I had time to scroll through some posts and realized that I allowed my favorite herping trip of the year to go unposted! So here it is. Working at the KY Reptile Zoo (although for a more lax schedule to spend more time w...
by jayder85
March 7th, 2016, 3:15 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo
Replies: 11
Views: 16637

Re: Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo

PS- Kelly, here I set, two years out, still waiting on photos of your pic side mounted plants. HAHAHA
by jayder85
March 7th, 2016, 3:14 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo
Replies: 11
Views: 16637

Re: Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo

I will try to get some video of the next time we use a brush. All of mine are voluntarily feeding, but another keeper has some venustus that she is brushing lol. I like the red light idea and will see if I can talk the other keeper into giving it a try.
by jayder85
February 18th, 2016, 8:33 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo
Replies: 11
Views: 16637

Re: Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo

Glad to hear of your successful transition in work sectors. Congrats. This too interests me greatly - from several perspectives: We have found that the linger, the babies can stay with mom, the better they tend to do. At least it applies pretty well to live bearing species. Generally, we keep them ...
by jayder85
February 10th, 2016, 7:16 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo
Replies: 11
Views: 16637

Re: Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo

So cool! Great specimens- I'll look forward to seeing more pictures sometime. Interesting note on the neonates thriving better if kept with the mother. Have yall been officially documenting that or is it just anecdotal right now? And, interesting meention the horridum and their attitudes. I'd alway...
by jayder85
February 9th, 2016, 3:41 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Pics of some critters, just because it's been a while
Replies: 16
Views: 15499

Re: Pics of some critters, just because it's been a while

Fine looking animals! Man that Diamond is a stunner! I have had those on the radar for quite some time.
by jayder85
February 9th, 2016, 5:26 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo
Replies: 11
Views: 16637

Snakes of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo

It has been some time since I have posted in any real amount. I have been working at the KRZ for a year now, after transitioning from my job in state government as a biologist. In this past year, I have adjusted well and have expanded my experience in working venomous to exotics of various kinds. A ...
by jayder85
February 8th, 2016, 2:46 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Questions About Breeding Diamond Pythons
Replies: 4
Views: 6972

Re: Questions About Breeding Diamond Pythons

By the same token, a backup female is always handy if one female only produces slugs, small and poor babies, etc.
by jayder85
February 8th, 2016, 2:25 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: A little Crypto Paranoia
Replies: 4
Views: 21472

A little Crypto Paranoia

I would just like some thoughts and opinions of others more knowledgeable than I. So back 8n the fall I acquired a small group of Pituophis to add to my collection. I have observed all quarantine protocols and continue to handle them last. After getting the group and clearing quarantine, I was made ...
by jayder85
July 28th, 2015, 6:26 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: think this one will hatch?
Replies: 18
Views: 12880

Re: think this one will hatch?

I had a nearly identical egg hatch this season. In fact, the little Corn pipped right out of the nasty looking end. This is the very reason that I will never discard an egg until I am 110% sure that it is bad.
by jayder85
July 8th, 2015, 7:55 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?
Replies: 51
Views: 35077

Re: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?

Kelly, we strive and were trained to be minimalists with the animals. Less contact and interaction is safer for both parties. However, due to our setups for the large volume of snakes that we maintain (1500-2000), contact is made daily in the form of cage cleanings, medicating and in the case of our...
by jayder85
July 8th, 2015, 9:35 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?
Replies: 51
Views: 35077

Re: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?

I don't keep any hots in my personal collection, but work with them daily where I work. Currently in my care is as follows. Agkistrodon contortrix complex Agkistrodon piscivorus complex Agkistrodon bilineatus Crotalus atrox Crotalus viridus Crotalus horridus Crotalus durissus vegrandis Crotalus adam...
by jayder85
July 8th, 2015, 9:26 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Sand for mixed habitat for softshell turtles?
Replies: 35
Views: 14758

Re: Sand for mixed habitat for softshell turtles?

Wow! Been away too long! I had an exciting five minutes there but very glad it has all been worked out.
by jayder85
July 8th, 2015, 9:18 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: hairy herpetologists
Replies: 9
Views: 7374

Re: hairy herpetologists

I am in love with that wooden caging! Great setup for everyone!
by jayder85
July 8th, 2015, 9:14 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Keeping Two-toed Amphiumas (Amphiuma means)
Replies: 4
Views: 4331

Re: Keeping Two-toed Amphiumas (Amphiuma means)

I kept a large (42 inch) Three Toed Amphiuma for many years. He thrived in a 60 gallon aquarium. Just a good filter that he cant get sucked into, a gravel substrate that can be vacuumed and a few nice rock caves were all that he needed. He fed on f/t baby quail and ducklings without hesitation as we...
by jayder85
January 11th, 2015, 9:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mississippi herpers
Replies: 12
Views: 3675

Re: Mississippi herpers

I used to live there and helped the Hattiesburg/ Desoto area extensively. Lots of good stuff to see there, from EDBs and Corals to Black Pines and Rainbow Snakes!
by jayder85
December 30th, 2014, 3:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights
Replies: 8
Views: 2615

Re: A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights

Thank you guys! I do enjoy my KY herps and all of the wildlife I am fortunate enough to have in my back yard!
by jayder85
December 21st, 2014, 7:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Theme 3 - "Herp-in-habitat" shots, habitat only
Replies: 32
Views: 8503

Re: Theme 3 - "Herp-in-habitat" shots, habitat only

Eastern KY Velvet Tail ( Timber Rattlesnake habitat. http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jayder85/Deer%20and%20elk/Snakes%20In%20the%20House/E4667037-5C52-4102-B95B-C268EB1AF8E5_zpscbdxt0qw.jpg SW Virginia habitat where Timbers, Copperheads and many dry ridge top species can be found. Journeyin...
by jayder85
December 20th, 2014, 8:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights
Replies: 8
Views: 2615

Re: A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights

Thank you Jack! I seldom make it out of KY to herp, but to be honest, I am perfectly content just seeing everything Kentucky has to offer.
by jayder85
December 19th, 2014, 7:53 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Year in Review....kinda
Replies: 12
Views: 3436

Re: Year in Review....kinda

Great post! You were well traveled!
by jayder85
December 19th, 2014, 7:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights
Replies: 1
Views: 1297

Re: A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights

Feel free to delete this thread. For some reason my phone posted it twice.
by jayder85
December 19th, 2014, 7:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights
Replies: 1
Views: 1297

A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights

I would first like to say that due to so much going on in life, I haven't spent much time at all here on the forum, save lurking from time to time. I was fortunate that work allowed me a little more time in the field this year. Work occupied so much time along with my future herper (daughter) being ...
by jayder85
December 19th, 2014, 7:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights
Replies: 8
Views: 2615

A Wonderful Life- 2014 End of the Year Highlights

I would first like to say that due to so much going on in life, I haven't spent much time at all here on the forum, save lurking from time to time. I was fortunate that work allowed me a little more time in the field this year. Work occupied so much time along with my future herper (daughter) being ...
by jayder85
August 10th, 2014, 5:19 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Heat in back of the rack vs belly. What is your preference?
Replies: 7
Views: 6353

Heat in back of the rack vs belly. What is your preference?

I am getting ready to begin construction on a new rack. I have some longer strips of flexwatt and wondered how it would perform on the back wall of the rack instead of on the shelf itself (which is how all of my current racks are set up. Which do you prefer and why?
by jayder85
July 27th, 2014, 7:25 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?
Replies: 51
Views: 35077

Re: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?

Currently, I am only keeping a Crotalus horridus and an Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen. They are for educational use. I love keeping them and natives are as far as I will ever take it, but I appreciate those of you who responsibly keep hots!
by jayder85
June 27th, 2014, 7:09 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Eastern gray ratsnake query
Replies: 6
Views: 7849

Re: Eastern gray ratsnake query

Bill hit the nail on the head and drove both points home. My personal animals are all kept seperately, even those of the same species. Yet, at the same time, many of the display animals at work are kept communally. I keep a Black Rat and a Corn together on display because they do well together, they...
by jayder85
May 23rd, 2014, 4:24 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013
Replies: 44
Views: 13305

Re: Secret Knowledge of Backroads...2013

Dave, I feel ashamed that I am just seeing this post. I don't get to visit this site often and Nigel clued me in on this post. What a year! Many awesome places and finds! I am just waiting on you to post up a Gator Snapper one of these years! If you are ever out this way just give me a holler!
by jayder85
April 29th, 2014, 7:13 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Justification.............
Replies: 95
Views: 76309

Re: Justification.............

I justify feeding toads to my Heterodon platirhinos by finding and freezing fresh road kill amphibians after a rain. Toads are already dead, I didn't have to do it. Also for years now I have been attempting to breed Anaxyrus terrestris in captivity and it has finally paid off! I got a large string ...
by jayder85
April 29th, 2014, 6:13 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Feeder Hamsters
Replies: 16
Views: 10199

Re: Feeder Hamsters

I appreciate the feedback everyone. I may give them a try small scale and see what happens. I should have some baby Corns born this year and if nothing else maybe they will provide a good starter pinky source to get them going. If worse comes to worse I can throw them in the garbage disposals ( Flor...
by jayder85
April 28th, 2014, 7:54 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Feeder Hamsters
Replies: 16
Views: 10199

Re: Feeder Hamsters

These are dwarf hamsters that my friend is wanting to give me some starter animals. I assumed that nutritional value is the same, and figured I may give them a try.
by jayder85
April 28th, 2014, 7:12 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Feeder Hamsters
Replies: 16
Views: 10199

Feeder Hamsters

Any of you guys feed hamsters? A bird rehabilitator friend of mine breeds and raises hamsters to feed the birds. He raises them to the size he wants and then freezes them for later use. What are your guys thoughts? Will a snake that is feeding on mice pretty easily make the switch? He also said that...
by jayder85
April 9th, 2014, 7:28 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Subs
Replies: 36
Views: 17019

Re: Subs

Excellent topic! I find myself wanting to explore substrate often, but it normally doesn't go past the computer screen (free time hasn't allowed it). I am really enjoying taking all this in. Currently, all of my collection resides on aspen in tubs. I have recently acquired some nice aquariums with s...
by jayder85
April 5th, 2014, 9:23 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: snake regurge question- what would you do?-another update
Replies: 36
Views: 14514

Re: snake regurge question- update, what would you do?

One thing that I may mention since sterilization was brought up. I know that ammonia is the recommended agent for Crypto. What is acceptable treatment for other protozoa? It seems that I read somewhere that undiluted peroxide is another acceptable agent.
by jayder85
March 24th, 2014, 6:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A most EPIC week in Florida. (Same as Main forum)
Replies: 7
Views: 2753

Re: A most EPIC week in Florida. (Same as Main forum)

That Mole King is STUNNING! Looks like it was an awesome trip.
by jayder85
March 24th, 2014, 6:16 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Conecuh Weekend Results
Replies: 14
Views: 3731

Re: Conecuh Weekend Results

Great trip and finds! I HAVE to find my Indigo!
by jayder85
March 24th, 2014, 6:10 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Justification.............
Replies: 95
Views: 76309

Re: Justification.............

Here is a perfect example of working around the natural habits of a "snake feeding" snake. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAps6pYM0us Jack maintains a large collection of Eastern Corals for venom work. Imagine the number of snakes that need to be collected to feed them or the number of roa...
by jayder85
March 15th, 2014, 3:49 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Justification.............
Replies: 95
Views: 76309

Re: Justification.............

I think it is a great idea and would be happy to lend what help I could provide.
by jayder85
March 13th, 2014, 8:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southeast Chapter Member Biographies (2014 update)
Replies: 31
Views: 17166

Re: Southeast Chapter Member Biographies (2014 update)

Jayd Raines here. I am from the most eastern county in KY (Pike County) and just a stone's throw from Virginia. I am a Park Naturalist by career and my attentions are forced to be focused on all aspects of natural and cultural history. Ornithology, dendrology and botany takes up an enormous amount o...
by jayder85
March 10th, 2014, 2:59 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Justification.............
Replies: 95
Views: 76309

Re: Justification.............

No problems here, Bill! I had to be away from the internet for a while and it is nice to see the conversations continuing. Basically, this thread was born of annoyance at some folks in a Facebook group asking for and selling wild caught "feeder snakes", offering to collect and sale feeders...
by jayder85
February 25th, 2014, 9:38 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Justification.............
Replies: 95
Views: 76309

Re: Justification.............

I really like the input and conversation going on here. Like I said, I am not trying to start any argument, just get thoughts, views and opinions. As a kid, I thought that there was nothing cooler than watching an Eastern Black King Snake constrict and consume a Garter Snake found in my yard. I have...
by jayder85
February 24th, 2014, 3:52 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Justification.............
Replies: 95
Views: 76309

Re: Justification.............

One other way to make feeding herps to other herps a little easier to stomach is if not much is known about captive husbandry for the species in question, and the keeper takes lots of notes and contributes to the body of knowledge. I have no issue about this at all. So much has been learned about n...
by jayder85
February 24th, 2014, 12:55 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Justification.............
Replies: 95
Views: 76309

Justification.............

This isn't a thread intended to start an argument. I just wanted to get thoughts and opinions. I have been a long time herp keeper. Some have been wild caught over the years while others have been bred and born in captivity. I see time and time again on various forums and Facebook the prospect of co...
by jayder85
February 19th, 2014, 6:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Tropical Frogs
Replies: 6
Views: 1821

Re: Tropical Frogs

Thats awesome! I love frogs! The Kalophrynus puts me in mind of our Gastrophryne.
by jayder85
February 19th, 2014, 6:09 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Year In Pennsylvania
Replies: 4
Views: 3169

Re: My Year In Pennsylvania

Great post friend! I always enjoy seeing pics of Timbers!
by jayder85
February 19th, 2014, 6:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New to the forum. Pictures fixed*
Replies: 9
Views: 2772

Re: New to the forum.

Welcome to the forum Tyler! Yea I am curious to your location as well. I am in southeast KY.
by jayder85
February 18th, 2014, 8:14 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Some of the critters here at the homestead! ( photos added)
Replies: 4
Views: 3666

Re: Some of the critters here at the homestead!

Thanks guys. Gila, I enjoy the natural versions as well. There are hundreds of "morph" Corns out there but none of them hold a candle to a nice natural coloration. And there is plenty of variety among natural animals. Tspuckler, I love this Cal King. I got it as a type specimen and have ne...