Search found 673 matches

by VICtort
May 3rd, 2015, 12:22 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: What part of AZ in late May
Replies: 1
Views: 2416

Re: What part of AZ in late May

I think you can stay occupied and amused in the Grand Canyon area for a long while. Remember, the dramatic elevation change you will experience between the rim and the river brings you into distinctly different life zones, so you have a lot of species to see. The rim is so different from the bottom,...
by VICtort
May 2nd, 2015, 3:40 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Recent trip to Southwest Arizona
Replies: 11
Views: 4778

Re: Recent trip to Southwest Arizona

Wow, you really had a successful trip, finding some not so easy to see specimens, all of great beauty. The Gila and Rosy are stunning, the Speckled too, and the Coachwhip (?) , ventral view is really an interesting and uncommon shot. Thanks for posting. vic
by VICtort
May 2nd, 2015, 6:42 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Bullsnake/Gophersnake feeding question
Replies: 2
Views: 2672

Re: Bullsnake/Gophersnake feeding question

Yes indeed....but bantam chickens and pigeon eggs were better. The key to getting them to feed on them is fresh bird scent, the eggs from under a setting hen are perfect, the washed and cold eggs from a store bought carton not often taken, seemingly unrecognized as food? I think a few eggs are an OK...
by VICtort
April 17th, 2015, 4:18 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Sand for mixed habitat for softshell turtles?
Replies: 35
Views: 14759

Re: Sand for mixed habitat for softshell turtles?

Your humble apology accepted, we are moving on...I wish I had a dime for every time I said something silly and impulsive. Vic
by VICtort
April 4th, 2015, 10:02 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Snake nest boxes, what media do you use?
Replies: 28
Views: 15695

Re: Snake nest boxes, what media do you use?

I used to go with vermiculite and all of the other commonly used substrates. Then I switched, making it simple, and have had zero problems for the last 6 or 7 years. Paper towels. Go ahead, flame me. Works magnificently for me. :) Scott Scott, I am all for it, simpler is usually better in my book. ...
by VICtort
March 29th, 2015, 2:27 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: CB rosy bites vs WC rosy
Replies: 36
Views: 16277

Re: CB rosy bites vs WC rosy

Oh contraire...I may be one of the few in history to be "attacked" by a feeding response Charina bottae bite. It was a 1:100000000 snake, in the zoo lab at West Valley Jr. college. It would eat anything, including liver strips! The Zoo instructor was not real skilled at herp care, and yet ...
by VICtort
March 28th, 2015, 7:20 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Snake nest boxes, what media do you use?
Replies: 28
Views: 15695

Re: Snake nest boxes, what media do you use?

Kelly, Pete, others interested, Kelly, placing something in the egg box can indeed be good idea. FR, the highly experienced and innovative breeder did some experimenting with that, and you both, separately made me think of it. He would sometimes put a pane of glass on the media of a deeply filled la...
by VICtort
March 27th, 2015, 11:39 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Snake nest boxes, what media do you use?
Replies: 28
Views: 15695

Re: Snake nest boxes, what media do you use?

While I am just getting into using an actual lay-box, I find it curious that snakes prefer different substrate types for laying. I have worked with two species (not for breeding) that have deposited eggs on far less than optimal mediums. A pine snake deposited duds (she had no male) on ground walnu...
by VICtort
March 27th, 2015, 10:59 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Snake nest boxes, what media do you use?
Replies: 28
Views: 15695

Snake nest boxes, what media do you use?

A discussion about moss as an egg laying medium is on another thread. I was curious what folks prefer for various egg laying snakes. That is for egg laying boxes, not to be confused with incubation medium , which likely varies. For Indigos (Drymarchon couperi), I offer them a choice, but over the ye...
by VICtort
March 23rd, 2015, 11:57 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Article on Opossum and antivenom development
Replies: 3
Views: 1810

Re: Article on Opossum and antivenom development

I agree with Bryan, as we so often hear of exciting potential advances in medicine (gila monster venom/diabetes, various and sundry Viperidae or Elapidae venoms for X therapies, etc.), but rarely do I hear of follow up or if the hyped benefits in fact materialize and come into practical use. I guess...
by VICtort
March 22nd, 2015, 8:45 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Sand for mixed habitat for softshell turtles?
Replies: 35
Views: 14759

Re: Sand for mixed habitat for softshell turtles?

Dear Skippy, who are you to judge Kelly for using vocabulary that you apparently are unfamiliar with? Why do you think you speak for laymen? You have great options, just skip it and move on to those you are more comfortable with or possibly make an effort to educate yourself, consult a dictionary an...
by VICtort
March 20th, 2015, 11:28 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: zoo med excavator clay
Replies: 79
Views: 99202

Re: zoo med excavator clay

Dear Simus343, please watch for PM, somewhat related but I decided "off topic" Thank you, Vic
by VICtort
March 12th, 2015, 10:52 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Garter ID
Replies: 5
Views: 2113

Re: Garter ID

I had a confusing time with Thamnophis in your area, especially going North up to Mt. Shasta/Castella area. I think an area of intergradation adds to the mix.

Vic
by VICtort
March 12th, 2015, 3:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: January in Peru (lots of pics)
Replies: 17
Views: 10334

Re: January in Peru (lots of pics)

Marisa, some really nice photos herein, you are getting better and better. The aracari birds and the Green vine snake perhaps my favorites, but all were impressive. The "farewell" too.The photo of the caracara with a fish in its talons is interesting, I don't recall seeing a caracara carry...
by VICtort
March 11th, 2015, 12:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Southern CA and Baja Trip
Replies: 13
Views: 3595

Re: Southern CA and Baja Trip

Travis, you have an interest in catching Humboldt Squid? If you visit Santa Rosalia area, (where Hwy 1 X's the peninsula and meets the Sea of Cortez) camping at San Bruno or San Lucas Cove, you will likely get into them. No trouble to find, at least when I have visited, as this is an artisan commerc...
by VICtort
March 7th, 2015, 6:11 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: history and availability of Santa Cruz gophersnake?
Replies: 1
Views: 2191

Re: history and availability of Santa Cruz gophersnake?

Well Joseph, you have come up with something of mystery. I distinctly remember some being advertised on the website named after a snake, a few years ago, and thinking to myself, "there is no doubt an interesting story how this animal made it into the trade, and not necessarily lawful". I b...
by VICtort
March 6th, 2015, 7:40 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Argentine black and white tegu feeding
Replies: 5
Views: 4037

Re: Argentine black and white tegu feeding

Wow, I did not realize that vegetarian cuisine was a substantial part of a tegus diet. What %, roughly, is animal matter and vegetable? Are the Argentine Tegus different in diet than other species of tegus? They are amazing lizards, I need to learn more about them. Are your tegus inside or out or bo...
by VICtort
February 27th, 2015, 9:06 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings)
Replies: 128
Views: 130836

Lampropeltis zonata and quail

If you look at #3 at G.Bs neck - he is swallowing last of a "nest" of 4 thawed pinks I gave him as his first spring meal. I put in cork log for him to "find". I am thinking of ordering some frz quail for enrichment, variety. He is attracted to avian tissue. I scent his mice with...
by VICtort
February 19th, 2015, 8:06 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Incubator Inquery
Replies: 21
Views: 8147

Re: Incubator Inquery

To beat a dead horse, you may not have good eggs if you are having that many problems with mold on vermiculate. I have hatched a few species of turtle/tortoise eggs using vermiculate, straight sand, dirt, and mixtures of the above. With vermiculate, which I use exclusively now, I wet it and then sq...
by VICtort
February 19th, 2015, 10:17 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Incubator Inquery
Replies: 21
Views: 8147

Re: Incubator Inquery

Regarding Sans Incubation Medium SIMS: this is quite popular with Green Tree Python, Heloderma, Phelsuma, and some other breeders. I tried it with indigos, and it did not work out...not sure if I erred or if it just is not the way to go, I was losing eggs that I think were healthy and fertile... I w...
by VICtort
February 18th, 2015, 8:57 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Incubator Inquery
Replies: 21
Views: 8147

Re: Incubator Inquery

Incubators may be delightfully simple in theory, but may be problematic in reality, depending on the species of eggs you have, and your climate and micr-climates. I have hatched many eggs without an incubator, and I know folks who never use incubators with great success. Their room temps ( a defacto...
by VICtort
February 18th, 2015, 6:58 pm
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: A practice run ......
Replies: 3
Views: 12881

Re: A practice run ......

Kerby, tell us more...is this a painting or a mount? Looking at the dorsal fin makes me think it might be a mount. If not, what a precise painting, you are quite the skilled artist/biological illustrator. How did you catch the grass carp? I have seen some huge ones, they are so large they startled m...
by VICtort
February 18th, 2015, 6:48 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Breakfast - the most important meal of the day
Replies: 12
Views: 5134

Re: Breakfast - the most important meal of the day

That is amazing and refreshing to see folks shoot photos of rattlesnakes (without killing or harassing them). I often wondered if snakes would eat an adult chuckwalla, now we know... Fascinating photo, be sure to see the other post of C. ruber consuming a bunny.

Vic
by VICtort
February 15th, 2015, 8:32 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Cuban Crocodiles
Replies: 4
Views: 3663

Re: Cuban Crocodiles

Dear Barry, I don't recall seeing this species before, hence thank you for posting it. I have heard zoo keepers say this species is a real hand full, they can jump amazingly high when lunging at food etc., not for the timid. Anyone know their status in the wilds of Cuba? Are you personally caring fo...
by VICtort
February 6th, 2015, 11:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2014 - The Southwest (CA, NV, UT, and AZ)
Replies: 17
Views: 10932

Re: 2014 - The Southwest (CA, NV, UT, and AZ)

Beautiful work, the Sonoran whip snake is one of several stunning photos. The Nevada banded gila equally so...You really have this figured out, I hope to be so fortunate.

Vic :beer:
by VICtort
February 5th, 2015, 7:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Possible Country Records for the US
Replies: 196
Views: 629539

Re: Possible Country Records for the US

I too am in Ribbits camp regarding veracity of this Bipes report. In todays courts, Judges usually direct jurors to consider discounting all the testimony of a witness that is found to by lying...indeed attacking witness credibility is a foundation of most cases. However, Don Cascabel exhorts us to ...
by VICtort
February 2nd, 2015, 10:42 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: rattle snake venom in eye?
Replies: 17
Views: 9395

Re: rattle snake venom in eye?

This "products of snake husbandry " in the eye seems so unlikely, yet at least two of Ye have had venom, and another unfortunate fellow some time ago had a frightening infection from a trace of fecal (?) matter in his eye while cage cleaning. I wear glasses, and I have been sprayed with va...
by VICtort
February 2nd, 2015, 10:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Replies: 18
Views: 6841

Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015

Nice work, what a pleasure to see some Asian mammals (not caged in the Bangkok markets). I loved the photo of the flying bats, and others as well. Seeing a wild Asian elephant is indeed a privilege, thanks for sharing it. That hornbill is spectacular.

Vic
by VICtort
January 30th, 2015, 6:11 am
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: 14 days aboard the longrange boat Intrepid
Replies: 7
Views: 14898

Re: 14 days aboard the longrange boat Intrepid

Congratulations on that fine YFT, and also your endurance. It looks pretty rough out there near the aptly named Hurricane Bank. Great photo of you in the starboard corner. Also a nice one of you and your fresh tuna, still aglow... there are few sights so beautiful as a "lit up" tuna or mar...
by VICtort
January 27th, 2015, 6:54 pm
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: Koi carp .....
Replies: 6
Views: 21379

Re: Koi carp .....

Kerby, your wonderful drawing of a Koi reminds me of something, maybe an opportunity for a man of your talents/artistry? My sister remodeled her bathroom, and she is a fish "nut". She found some tiles with fish on them, but we were both disapointed in the lack of realism available, and als...
by VICtort
January 20th, 2015, 10:21 pm
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: My first fish ......
Replies: 3
Views: 12489

Re: My first fish ......

That is amazing, really nice, not static, it looks like it is swimming. Your first? Clearly you have talent, I hope you keep at it and I look forward to seeing your hundredth...if it doesn't swim off the canvas.

Well done, Vic
by VICtort
October 31st, 2014, 10:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: URGENT URGENt :AZGF is changing the rules on keeping herps.
Replies: 8
Views: 4108

Re: URGENT URGENt :AZGF is changing the rules on keeping her

Chris 's report is consistent with what I was told when AGF called, in response to letters I sent. I am relieved, but I don 't see it as " winning ", but the " take away" has been lessened. We should all be concerned by the apparent lack of stakeholder involvement , the rather ob...
by VICtort
October 29th, 2014, 8:34 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: URGENT URGENt :AZGF is changing the rules on keeping herps.
Replies: 8
Views: 4108

Re: URGENT URGENt :AZGF is changing the rules on keeping her

Arizona breeders of animals that are Federally Listed as Threatened (which are distinct from Endangered) will be added to Restricted Wildlife list, and there is an onerous Veterinary health certificate for all "wildlife" that shall be imported or exported from State. As I interpret it, tha...
by VICtort
October 6th, 2014, 10:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: URGENT URGENt :AZGF is changing the rules on keeping herps.
Replies: 8
Views: 4108

Re: URGENT URGENt :AZGF is changing the rules on keeping her

Dear Dave and informed persons, I am alarmed and bewildered to hear this. I may be personally affected, I have a lot to lose. Does anyone know and will you explain who is behind this effort? What is the motivation to enact these new restrictions? What is the perceived problem(s) the proponents think...
by VICtort
September 8th, 2014, 8:49 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: rattle snake venom in eye?
Replies: 17
Views: 9395

Re: rattle snake venom in eye?

Dear Pahothand, That is a serious and unusual situation, and you are probably anxious... Given the lack of experience many US Physicians have with envenomations, particularly in the eye, I would encourage you to seek other opinions if you have any doubt you are getting the best care. Certain facilit...
by VICtort
August 17th, 2014, 8:49 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: What kind of rattlesnake is this?
Replies: 4
Views: 1800

Re: What kind of rattlesnake is this?

I concur. They are common all around Napa Valley and through the hills extending Easterly and North. They are quite variable in color, some brownish, greenish, grey, etc. Juveniles often reddish and lighter hues. They are only species of Crotalus native to your area. See Cal Herp website and/ or Owe...
by VICtort
August 10th, 2014, 7:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Bite Stats?
Replies: 20
Views: 7622

Re: Snake Bite Stats?

Captain Jack, I am not sure what limitations your study has, attacks or accidents...? Consider the frequency of salt water catfish punctures/"stings ". These fish are quick to take almost any bait, are wide spread and naturally are caught by even the least experienced tourist/beginning ang...
by VICtort
August 6th, 2014, 7:11 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Mediterranean Chameleons
Replies: 7
Views: 5502

Re: Mediterranean Chameleons

I have often wondered the same, it seems they would easily adapt to many US climates, especially California, Texas coast , etc . It was a real breakthrough when pioneering herpetoculturalist first learned to keep and breed chameleons after decades of failure. It also seems only a half dozen species ...
by VICtort
July 31st, 2014, 2:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Game Warden Feedback (TX Specifically)
Replies: 130
Views: 535014

Re: Game Warden Feedback (TX Specifically)

I have to catch back up with all the new additions, but I couldn't let this pass uncontested... This below I agree with wholeheartedly. Note the logical contrast with the sentence preceding it in the original - in effect it says "government" should not trick or nudge normal, "97% goo...
by VICtort
July 28th, 2014, 9:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Game Warden Feedback (TX Specifically)
Replies: 130
Views: 535014

Re: Game Warden Feedback (TX Specifically)

Dear Chris, Tanks, others, I am not sure it is as you say in every state... and those who are critical of LE, please consider they get lied to frequently, by persons from all walks of life, not just "bad guys ". Further, almost every defendant/subject has an excuse, rationalization for beh...
by VICtort
July 28th, 2014, 7:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My first Retic, and a touch of blue (video added)
Replies: 5
Views: 2063

Re: My first Retic, and a touch of blue

What a thrill that must be, seeing such a large and impressive creature in the steamy black tropical night! How did it react to your presence? Retics often have a "spicy" demeanor, and one that large might be a formidable beast. Often we see photos of them thin, but that one is robust. I a...
by VICtort
July 23rd, 2014, 8:10 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Pipa pipa toad question
Replies: 8
Views: 5442

Re: Pipa pipa toad question

Steve, I am curious and disappointed no one responded...yet. Fascinating and bizarre creatures that I have seen displayed at various zoos and aquariums. In addition to internet/literature search, you might want to contact Zoos and Aquariums directly and see if you can locate a keeper with experience...
by VICtort
July 21st, 2014, 5:59 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Pattern variant C. oreganus
Replies: 22
Views: 9711

Re: Pattern variant C. oreganus

Over the last 30 years I have seen a dozen C. oreganus from that area and I would describe them "Typical", with colors/patterns as Richard Hoyer described. That specimen is very different than others in that area in my experience. As others observed, a handsome animal indeed. Thanks for po...
by VICtort
July 20th, 2014, 11:39 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Red Tailed Boa Issue
Replies: 14
Views: 5954

Re: Red Tailed Boa Issue

Kelly, please explain your comment in re: Cannonized Myth. Have I perpetuated an untrue statement or solution? :?:

Thank you, Vic
by VICtort
July 20th, 2014, 11:32 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Red Tailed Boa Issue
Replies: 14
Views: 5954

Re: Red Tailed Boa Issue

Your formerly neglected snake MAY have developed a conditioned response, it may associate human visits to its enclosure with feeding...which results in feeding response strikes. You can break the response the same as you/others unwittingly "trained" it. Make sure you don't have food ( bird...
by VICtort
July 18th, 2014, 11:07 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Found some snake eggs
Replies: 17
Views: 7285

Re: Found some snake eggs

Dear CC, that is an uncommon event, snakes are very secretive with eggs. Did an animal dig up a nest and leave a few intact for you to find? In captivity, eggs on the surface (not in nest)are often problematic. Who knows in your case, but I commend your effort and I always urge to "give life a ...
by VICtort
July 5th, 2014, 8:09 am
Forum: News
Topic: animal cruelty charges for rat abuse
Replies: 3
Views: 3629

Re: animal cruelty charges for rat abuse

Pretty sad and alarmingly common for folks to get overwhelmed and apparently not deal with the problem. We seem to hear about these pathetic and embarrassing to our collective hobby cases every year or so. Why did he not just sell cheap and liquidate ? Would he do the same thing to his ageing relati...
by VICtort
June 20th, 2014, 8:00 am
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: Recent carp .......
Replies: 5
Views: 14386

Re: Recent carp .......

Kerby, Thank you, we learned something. I marvel at your skill and patience, the painting techniques are amazing and your craft is amazingly realistic relative to that of our grandfathers. That cutthroat and the carp are amazing. I notice some items at the base of the carp mount, did you win a conte...
by VICtort
June 20th, 2014, 6:44 am
Forum: Bird Forum
Topic: What was your last lifer?...
Replies: 381
Views: 998529

Re: What was your last lifer?...

Varied bunting, Cochise County, AZ. I saw several near the Slaughter Ranch close to the pond in the big trees.
Vic
by VICtort
June 19th, 2014, 10:29 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Looking for feeding syringes
Replies: 26
Views: 11234

Re: Looking for feeding syringes

I think these feeding needles are easier to use than the French catheters, though they too prove useful, especially when dispensing medication. To open the mouth of tiny snakes is a challenge. You want to avoid trauma...so think how to do it. I use a thin, smooth piece of plastic, a very thin credit...