Actually I was...

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Posted by Jim Demirjian on February 17, 2002 at 10:05:00:

In Reply to: I can see where you're coming from, Jim, but..... posted by Terry Cox on February 16, 2002 at 18:52:36:

I was referring to egg incubation when I spoke of using more natural mediums. As far as my own collection goes, I use a variety of enclosures, substances, and surfaces for my animals. Some are natural and others are far from it. With the incubation of eggs though, I believe that observing what the animals have used in the wild is a good indicator of materials (or like) to use in captives for the given species. To do this one only has to get out in the field, I don�t know why you mentioned catching animals and releasing them�wouldn�t that nullify most natural behaviors? *Not to mention the danger this pose to wild populations. I personally bring more cameras out in the field, rather than collecting bags.
I agree that captive animals are very different from wild specimens (in my opinion this is not in a good way), but does the animal physically change? Do their eggs? Nope
I totally agree with you in that everyone should find what works for him or her best some don�t have access to the same materials etc. Ones own observations are always priceless insight! Thanks
JD

: I can see where keeping everything natural is nice and maybe you get to see more of the real herp. I like to learn as much as I can from the natural behaviors of the species I'm working with, however, I feel that as soon as you've had them in captivity for a short time, you've made some changes in that herp. You add in the fact that in most states you can't release them after about a month, or so, and basically we have a pet. I took me a long time to reach this conclusion, but I do feel that we have a pet, and we are gradually changing that animal over time. I like to think we change them for the better and end up breeding the best pets we can make and then can share with other people. Just my 2 cents worth. Hope ya' donna mind.

: PS: I've always pretty much gone by my own instincts and observations. Sure, much in the literature is valuable, but I like going by what's best for me and my animals. I'd say you're on the right track as far as I'm concerned. Do you do much field work, Jim? It has helped me a lot through the years.

: Good luck this coming year.

: TC

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I may have been a little off track..... Terry Cox 02/17/02 (1)
- it is always good to know that others share.. Jim Demirjian 02/17/02 (0)

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: I was referring to egg incubation when I spoke of using more natural mediums. As far as my own collection goes, I use a variety of enclosures, substances, and surfaces for my animals. Some are natural and others are far from it. With the incubation of eggs though, I believe that observing what the animals have used in the wild is a good indicator of materials (or like) to use in captives for the given species. To do this one only has to get out in the field, I don�t know why you mentioned catching animals and releasing them�wouldn�t that nullify most natural behaviors? *Not to mention the danger this pose to wild populations. I personally bring more cameras out in the field, rather than collecting bags. : I agree that captive animals are very different from wild specimens (in my opinion this is not in a good way), but does the animal physically change? Do their eggs? Nope : I totally agree with you in that everyone should find what works for him or her best some don�t have access to the same materials etc. Ones own observations are always priceless insight! Thanks : JD : : : I can see where keeping everything natural is nice and maybe you get to see more of the real herp. I like to learn as much as I can from the natural behaviors of the species I'm working with, however, I feel that as soon as you've had them in captivity for a short time, you've made some changes in that herp. You add in the fact that in most states you can't release them after about a month, or so, and basically we have a pet. I took me a long time to reach this conclusion, but I do feel that we have a pet, and we are gradually changing that animal over time. I like to think we change them for the better and end up breeding the best pets we can make and then can share with other people. Just my 2 cents worth. Hope ya' donna mind. : : PS: I've always pretty much gone by my own instincts and observations. Sure, much in the literature is valuable, but I like going by what's best for me and my animals. I'd say you're on the right track as far as I'm concerned. Do you do much field work, Jim? It has helped me a lot through the years. : : Good luck this coming year. : : TC

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