Search found 673 matches
- 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,...
- 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
- 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...
- 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
- 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. ...
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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
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
Vic
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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
Vic
- 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...
- 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
Vic
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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
Vic
- 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...
- 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...
- 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
Well done, Vic
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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
Thank you, Vic
- 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...
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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
Vic
- 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...