Quick Link to Fight S373

It can't get any easier than this. Click on this link to submit letters to your senators urging them to oppose S373, aka the Python Ban.

http://www.rallycongress.com/united-states-association-of-reptile-keepers/2705/tell-us-senate-to-stop-python-ban/

Austin Reptile Expo

Saturday my wife and I spent a couple of hours at the Austin Reptile Expo at the Dell Diamond United Heritage Center in Round Rock. If you've never been to a reptile show you should take a trip out and try it. This is where to find top notch breeders who can answer your questions and help you decide which reptile pet is right for you. And if you're not ready to buy, just enjoy the eye candy. I guarantee there will be animals there that will blow your mind; things you will never see in a pet store.

My favorites this weekend were some of the sweet Honduran milks from Don Shores and, of course, the absolutely stunning pythons and boas produced by Bob Clark. These are two great guys to talk to and deal in some of the most spectacular snakes you will ever see. 

Our time was cut short this weekend, as we had to pick up my brother and cousin from the airport, but I'll bring you more pics and news from the next show. If you're in the Austin area, check out this expo some time. If you're somewhere else, click here to find a show near you.

How Do You Keep a Snake?

Part 4: Water Bowl

Your snake should have clean, fresh water to drink and soak in at all times. This is pretty simple, but I've learned a few things when it comes to snakes and their water bowls. First, I've tried a number of different types of bowls and some work better than others. I've tried everything from simple plastic butter tubs to the fancy fake rock pools that they sell at pet stores. For a while, I used ceramic dog bowls.

As my collection grew, I determined that I needed something that was inexpensive, easy to clean, hard for the snakes to tip over (which they will do!) and available in a variety of sizes. I finally settled on Van Ness crock-type bowls. You can order them from the Bean Farm or other online sources, but I've found that the prices at Wal-Mart were just fine.

Sometimes a snake will insist on tipping over the water bowl or repeatedly defecating in it or even pushing it's bedding into the bowl. For these stubborn snakes, I like to use a small plastic container, such as an empty butter tub, dip container, sour cream container, etc. I cut a hole in the lid about twice as big around as the snake's body, snap it onto the container and fill the container about half way with water. The snakes can easily drink from this setup, but they almost never spill or mess up their water when the lid is on. Another advantage: they're free.

Humane Society of the United States

Those commercials sure do tug at the heartstrings, don't they? You've seen them, right? Those commercials with all the sad-faced puppies and the voice over calling for you to send money to the Humane Society of the United States to help rescue all those little homeless dogs and cats. Guess what: that's not the main agenda of HSUS. They are an animal rights extremist group. In fact, they are the same group that is lobbying to pass s373 and other bills to hurt and effectively kill the pet reptile trade.

I've known about this for some time now, but I never thought it would be investigated and make news. I never thought that local animal shelters would speak up. Take a look and decide for yourself if HSUS is really the best way to donate to help animal shelters.

If you love animals, consider donating to your local humane society directly rather than to HSUS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8M0_WZ8IRc

Kill s373!

If you have any interest in reptiles at all, please help USARK (the United States Association of Reptile Keepers) stop s373, a.k.a. the Python Ban, by participating in this grass roots letter writing campaign. A similar campaign last year  generated 50,000 letters, resulting in a similar bill, HR669 being killed. Visit the link below to find out more.

http://www.kill-s373.com/

Reptile Presentations

In 2008 I was asked to perform two reptile presentations to the Kathy Caraway Elementary second grade classes. The interest in the shows—from students and teachers—was overwhelming. I was asked to return in 2009, this time to perform four shows.

These presentations have made an impact not only on the students and staff, but on me as well. I realized how much I enjoy talking to people about these fascinating, often misunderstood creatures. After last year's shows, with the encouragement of school staff, I made the decision to offer more shows at more schools in the Austin area.

Currently, I'm offering presentations for grades K–5. The shows are designed to captivate students while exposing them to important grade-appropriate information with TEKS coverage, a variety of live reptiles, engaging discussion and fascinating reptile facts. The small group setting allows the students an up-close and personal experience.

Presentations generally consist of 6–10 reptiles, primarily snakes, but also include lizards and or/tortoises as available. Availability is determined by the reptiles' feeding, shedding and breeding cycles. Reptile eggs and hatchling reptiles may be included when available. NO venomous or aggressive reptiles will be included in the presentations.

Special presentations can be tailored to fit middle school and high school curricula, including lessons on genetics. I'm happy to present to scout groups, birthday parties and other groups.  

If you want to know more, contact me. I'll send you an information packet with all the 411.

How Do You Keep A Snake?

Part 3: Substrate

Once you have an enclosure for your snake, you need some sort of substrate or bedding to cover the cage floor. Snakes like to burrow in their substrate and hide between layers of paper; it makes them feel secure. There are several substrates that are suitable for most snakes. We prefer to use Aspen shavings for our hatchlings and juvenile snakes and newspaper for our adults. Cypress bark is also an acceptable substrate.

Wood shavings and bark should be spot cleaned every few days and replaced every few weeks—or more often—as needed. Newspaper should be changed at least once a week or as it becomes soiled. It is very important to keep your snake's enclosure clean to avoid potential health issues.

NEVER use cedar shavings as the oils in the wood are toxic to snakes, Pine shavings have received mixed reviews, so we avoid using this in our cages. Also avoid sand and other soils, as they may be ingested and cause intestinal impaction. They're also more difficult to clean.