#snake info

[dracanthropic]

Are there any garter snake experts here on Tumblr?

We have a couple of MASSIVE garter snakes in our yard. Biggest I've ever seen. I love having them, however, they find the top of the compost pile (right under the tarp) to be a prime location. We have to chase them away when we want to turn the compost.

Today there was a huge one curled up on top of a slightly smaller one. The smaller one was duller in color and had blue eyes so I'm assuming it's time to shed.

Was the big guy protecting the little guy? Do mates stay together for a bit? Or were they just curled up for warmth?

Anyway. Snakes are cool. Would love to learn more about garter snakes.

[reptilemother30]

Rescue Ball Python

This is the young male ball python i got today as a re-home. I am shocked and saddened that people can do this to their animals. This is why it's SOOO important to do your research before acquiring any animal. If you don't know how to properly care for it, don't get it just because you “Seen it and had to have it” so you could not care care of it correctly for a year or more. I have spent hours working on removing stuck shed cleaning and throwing out all the things from the old enclosure and putting him into a clean safe enclosure for his quarantine time. I have put medication on his sores and am working with a trusted professional to help (hopefully) rehabilitate him through this healing process. This poor guy could have a multitude of problems that will need to be checked and monitored closely for a good amount of time. This is why I am here sharing the proper information to help animals like this and prevent this from happening through education. I started out this day excited at the thought of a new addition to my family and ended it saddened and have cried a lot for this animal. he was sitting in little plant beads for like bamboo plants and aspen bedding, with standing water in the bottom. They said it was female...it is a male. They also said it's just a normal morph but its very yellow in color compared to a normal. They also told me it was 1 and 1/2 years old. He is now comfortably resting and de-stressing from today's activities safe and sound. I hope this poor boy has a speedy and uncomplicated recovery, but it's too soon to tell. The time to prepare through research and learning is BEFORE not after acquiring a pet of any kind! There is so much information out there and it is our responsibility to these animals and the hobby to make sure we are doing everything with the most trusted information available and not just get a pet and leave it in a tank to rot.  

[phoenixfire-thewizardgoddess]

From the Australian Snake Identification, Education & Advocacy Group

[sasukesnipple]

So, there’s a really long story behind this beauty but I think it’s mine now??? Anyway, I know nothing about snakes so if anyone has any information as to how I can be a proper pasta pup parent send me a message please

[i-m-snek]

So what are those small holes in the front of some snake's snouts? (not the nostrils)

Those are called heat pits! They allow the snake to sense heat to make it easier to hunt prey :) Think of it as a personal thermal imaging camera for the snakes face :)

[snakesneakers]

I am going to be moving from Pennsylvania to Arizona soon and was wondering if you could tell me a safe and easy way to transport a 4 ft ball python and 75 gallon tank with me

Wow, long trip!

I’ve only had to transport my snakes once, but it was a much shorter trip. I would suggest a decent size plastic container with holes drilled into the sides/top with newspaper or paper towels. Some sort of heating element could be used too. I think you can get some reptile heating packs of some sort for this.

Many suggest to hold off on feeding a few weeks before hand as well, and wait another week or two after the move before trying to feed. Make sure to get them established as soon as possible though! Crucial to avoid stress!

Now the tank, all you basically need to do is cushion it either with newspaper or uhh….like, old clothing or whatnot.

I hope this was helpful!

[i-m-snek]

If your snake is gonna lay eggs should you really be handling her as much as you seem to be doing? I know nothing about snakes so sorry if this is a dumb question >.<

No worries anon! I appreciate your concern :) I gently take her out about once a day to check her progress, and I always support her body. It’s only for about thirty seconds or so and she goes right back into her cage. I snap a few pics every few days to document her progress. Once she does her pre-lay shed I will not be handling her at all until she lays. She was out for five minutes for the photoshoot, and I might actually just stop handling her all together soon even before her shed. She doesn’t act stressed at all, and as long as I am extremely gentle with her she should be fine. But, like I said, the bigger she gets with eggs the less I am going to handle her until I just stop completely. :) Again I appreciate the concern!