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Posted by Kathi H. on November 20, 2002 at 10:50:06:
In Reply to: an idea and possiblechange in philosophy of bp caging... posted by Rob Carmichael on November 19, 2002 at 10:34:44:
:For many years I have preached the importance of keeping things simple when it comes to husbandry: paper substrate, hide area, water bowl, heat, light, etc. After all, my snakes have thrived, fed well, and bred even better in these conditions. Their cages, after all, mimicked a small micro-climate of their natural element and that is one of our goals.
~~Hi Rob! I was really glad to read this post and enjoyed reading of your intrest in this. I understand and appreciate what you have taught of the proper husbandry from all that you have learned in your experiences in the keeping of reptiles.
I am a NOVICE hobiest with one little snake. I in NO WAY mean to slam anyone who chooses to keep snakes for WHATEVER reasons in the rack systems...or those trays. But my heart broke the other day when I veiwed pictures someone had posted of their beautiful snakes with the rack system in view in the background, with the tray open, newspaper substrate in full view. It struck me, what a shame for such beautiful creatures to be kept for 20-30 years in such a way. Again I know that the basic needs are being met and I don't mean to "anthropomorphisize" (not sure how to spell that one) creatures with a reptilian instinctual brain. But quality and enrichment of any life is important. I realize this is an important issue for any zoo or such a place that keeps any creatures in captivity. But just look at how much those animals have improved when extra natural stimulation is brought in, and efforts are made to make their environment as natural as possible. Like you mentioned, you then can enjoy and observe the animal in a way that more closely reflects its real nature.
You may remember that upon getting our hatchling BP we immediately set it up in a 75 gallon natruralistic setting tank and nearly scared it to death! Your advice to me was to put it in a plastic shoe box to meet its needs for security. I KNEW you were right, but couldn't bring myself to do that. I did put it in a 10 gal. tank with all the proper husbandry, but I did include a small log with greenery that she does climb in and use to ambush her "prey" as someone else posted. She does very well. I have noticed increased interest on her part (again I am not assigning human qualities to her) when there is increased stimulation such as an open window during a rain. I have assumed she can pick up smells from outside carried on the increased moisture particles in the air. Again, in how she pops out of her hide as soon as she "hears" the vacuum running. She IS responding to stimuli from her environment. What ever way someone can enrich their captive beautiful creature's life has got to make an improvement in the quality of that life. I am so interested to hear of how this project evolves! Pleas keep me informed.
Someone just informed me that (cut and pasted for anybody else's interest here)
"In April, the Chicago Herpetological Society will celbrate the 10th
anniversay of ReptileFest, one of the largest, purely educational reptile
and amphibian shows in the U.S. This annual even is a great chance for kids
and adults to see hundreds of reptiles and amphibians, attent "Pet and
Learn" sessions and buy reptile-related products. Because no animals are
sold at the event, it's a great way for enthusiasts to learn more about the
animals before they buy. For more information, go to www.chicagoherp.org."
I was wondering if you were involved or if you would be there... Thanks for this post and causing us all to ponder the philosophy of the way we tend the creatures in our care! ~Kathi