Re: reptile behaviour

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Posted by Holmes on August 08, 2000 at 19:42:31:

In Reply to: reptile behaviour posted by Tracey on August 08, 2000 at 16:30:51:

Agreed, Tracey.

Reptilian behaviour is a most fascinating subject.

Over the years, I have decreased the number of animals in my collection to facilitate larger enclosures, thereby allowing for a more natural circadian rhythm for those I am working with. The results have been fantastic, especially with regard to agonistic behaviour.

So many of the species that have been considered sedentary in their lifestyle would amaze you when given the room to wander and select different microhabitats.

My backyard is fully enclosed and substrate secured. (I have a pair of 30 pound sulcattas that free range in the summer months). Occasionally, I will allow one of my adult Gaboon adders to wander the yard while I observe from a distance with field glasses. I prep the yard by heavily watering one area and the action takes place when there is an appreciable amount of shade around. The topography of my yard is quite varied and it is most interesting to observe the animal explore and interact with the tortoises. Sometimes I will "plant" a thawed rabbit for it to find. I have placed obstacles in its path to determine what height it will attempt to climb and what height will cause it to circumvent.

It is interesting to note ground temperatures that the snake seems to find preferable as well as water depths it will access and avoid. The Gaboons always seem rather interested in the piles of greens and squash that are placed for the tortoises! They will spend many minutes with accelerated tongue flicking at these feeding stations. I believe they are probably catching the scent of the many birds and squirrels that frequent the food piles. All in all, 'tis a most pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning!

I would like to send you a recommended reading list of publications I think you may enjoy, if you do not mind. It is nice to see someone else caught up in the behavioural aspects of the reptilian world.

Regards,

-Holmes

Follow Ups:

Re: reptile behaviour Melissa 08/09/00 (0)
recommended reading... Tracey 08/08/00 (3)
- I'm going to ditto that... MsTT 08/09/00 (2)
  - I'm glad to know... Tracey 08/09/00 (0)
  - I shall do so.... more.... Holmes 08/09/00 (0)
recommended reading... Tracey 08/08/00 (0)
In The Zoo Community, Putting An Animal In A Stimulating--> Hanna 08/08/00 (1)
- Re: In The Zoo Community, Putting An Animal In A Stimulating--> Tracey 08/09/00 (0)

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: Agreed, Tracey. : Reptilian behaviour is a most fascinating subject. : Over the years, I have decreased the number of animals in my collection to facilitate larger enclosures, thereby allowing for a more natural circadian rhythm for those I am working with. The results have been fantastic, especially with regard to agonistic behaviour. : So many of the species that have been considered sedentary in their lifestyle would amaze you when given the room to wander and select different microhabitats. : My backyard is fully enclosed and substrate secured. (I have a pair of 30 pound sulcattas that free range in the summer months). Occasionally, I will allow one of my adult Gaboon adders to wander the yard while I observe from a distance with field glasses. I prep the yard by heavily watering one area and the action takes place when there is an appreciable amount of shade around. The topography of my yard is quite varied and it is most interesting to observe the animal explore and interact with the tortoises. Sometimes I will "plant" a thawed rabbit for it to find. I have placed obstacles in its path to determine what height it will attempt to climb and what height will cause it to circumvent. : It is interesting to note ground temperatures that the snake seems to find preferable as well as water depths it will access and avoid. The Gaboons always seem rather interested in the piles of greens and squash that are placed for the tortoises! They will spend many minutes with accelerated tongue flicking at these feeding stations. I believe they are probably catching the scent of the many birds and squirrels that frequent the food piles. All in all, 'tis a most pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning! : I would like to send you a recommended reading list of publications I think you may enjoy, if you do not mind. It is nice to see someone else caught up in the behavioural aspects of the reptilian world. : Regards, : -Holmes

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