Bushviper wrote:Blet that is so true. Unfortunately very few vets know enough about reptiles which compounds the problem. Self diagnosis and dosing can be a bigger problem.
When I see people taking their snakes for "walks" I want to beat them. They do not enjoy that. If it is for educational purposes for a short period of time then that is still acceptable. If not then leave them in the environment which they have to be in.
Amen to all the last comments!
I was at cars in the park this year and came across a guy with a +- 1.7m red tail boa around his neck. I gave him a puzzled look and he asked if I'm scared of snakes? Too which I answered "No, I just don't understand why you would bring your snake here". Keep in mind this year at Swartkop race way it was less than 10C in the morning and it got to around 20C in the afternoon with chilly winds all day. He told me that the snake goes everywhere with him, upon which I replied in question if he knows that he is killing his "pet"? He told me snakes can handle it and that he is keeping the snake warm under his jersey. I felt that I could strangle him, but knew that I was wasting my time, when he told me that it was his 3rd RTB I just about lost it. He was in his early 20's and realizing that a RTB can grow to older than what he was, he already killed 2! I can only imagine what conditions the snake is kept in at home, a cage, water bowl and heat pad, maybe? He just turned around and walked away!
Some people should really not be allowed to keep reptiles. The longest my snakes have ever been out of their enclosures was 2 hours during a move from JHB to PTA. I take them out while cleaning cages, and that would be around 30-45min while my uncle usually holds them as it is the only time he gets the chance and he absolutely loves it. He usually stands in the sun with them to allow them a little natural sun light. I know its not necessary but 30 min every fort night shouldn't do any harm. After everything has been disinfected and the cages is up and running again, the snake goes back in left for 2 days then fed.
Oh and BV after the husbandary course I managed too get my the hide for my female RTB stable temp to 32.4C, with a drop to 30.5-31.2C during night time. I'm still working on the rest of the cage as it is 28C day time, but drops to 24C night time, running 7 heat pads so far, with 3 underneath the hide and one stuck to the roof of the hide for heat from above and too prevent heat loss through the roof. I'm getting a panel heater also so that I will be able to open up another vent as the cage is constantly wet from condensation, placing 3 vents on the cool side and only one on the warm side to prevent a draft forming inside the cage. I'm also hanging a lint from the roof to monitor for a draft as the plastic plants doesn't move that much. Hopefully moving into a new home early Feb with a granny flat that will become my snake room then her cage will be constant cold side 27C. Hold thumbs.