I do believe I have a lot of knowledge about my reptiles. I have studied the species I have a lot, and I also am the one at the vet office that commonly diagnoses the snakes and he double checks me and gives me meds, if needed.
As far as me asking questions, I often see the most experienced 'experts' ask questions on here also. My questions on here are not 'I just got a snake what do I do?' 'Can I house 2 snakes together?' or 'My snake is wheezing what does this mean and what do I do?'
I asked a question that you answered (thank you) about whether or not my boa is gravid. I stated that I learned a lot from The Boaphile's article that I base my breeding knowledge on, and I also own 'The Captive Husbandry and Propagation of the Boa Constrictors and Related Boas' by David Fogel and 'Boas' by Doug Wagner as well as many books related to corns and other herps I have had in the past. I have many printed out tons of care sheets from the internet in my files and refer to them also. Asking a question 'is my boa gravid' does not mean I have not researched it. It simply means that I have never bred boas and am looking for a second opinion. As far as my books go, she seems gravid in many ways. I took pics and posted them and her most recent record hoping someone could take a guess so I have a better idea of if my guesses are correct, whcih you generously offered your opinion. I'm sorry that I have never bred boas before and want to.
My question about the mineral oil and mites also does not say that I have not researched my animals. I asked my vet about the treatments listed in my books (No-Pest strips, Trichlorfon, Sevin dust, Mycodex, soaking, etc...) and he said all those have risks and are not that thorough at getting rid of the mites. He said that a mineral oil soak (in paper towels) for 20 minutes twice a week along with disinfecting the cages each day with bleach is the best bet at getting rid of them. I did this for a short while before asking advice on here about what I should do. I didnt think it could hurt to use mineral oil (I was wrong) so I got one treatment out of the way and then asked on here. I wish I would have looked into it sooner like I usually do but it's too late now and all I can do is learn from it.
Anyway, this is not my soul source of information.
My vet has a degree in reptiles and has treated them for 10 years.
Thank you for the reference to the up to date medical book. I will look into it immediately.
I do have a basic knowledge (more than basic, I believe) of all my animals.
I appreciate your help (greatly!) but I think you have misunderstood me. It happens. I know I made a mistake about the mineral oil and I have learned from it. I'm sure you have done the same in some other issue. I dont think it is something to judge me by solely.
Take care,
Nicole

-----
Nicole Gustafson
Coal's Constrictors (formerly Coal's Cold-Blooded Creations - changed to simplify and there is another 'Cold Blooded Creations'...I'm not trying to hide from anyone or anything!
Cook Minnesota

BOAS:
Gavin, Lydia, Hailee, and Jade ~ Dumeril's
Wyatt, Sheena, Shaylee, and Mary Jane ~ Columbian
Desdemona ~ Peruvian
Madeline ~ Surinam
Avery ~ Bolivian

CORNS:
Kiana and Sierra ~ Amel
Casper and Kissa ~ Anery
Tripp and Scarlet ~ Bloodred
Aidan ~ Ghost
Skylar ~ Anery Hurricane
Ariel ~ Striped Amel
Lily ~ Blizzard
Ambur ~ Creamsicle
Neva ~ Snow
Sage ~ Normal

BEARDED DRAGONS:
Divine ~ Silver Pastel
Christopher ~ Sandfire Red x Sandfire Yellow
Baby ~ Snow

CAT:
Morgan ~ Calico Tabby

DOGS:
Maximillion Vasco von Katzel and Len-Mar-'s Lexed Leas ~ AKC German Shepherds

HORSES:
Mateo ~ Palomino Paint Quarter Gelding
Chic ~ 3/4 Quarter 1/4 Arabian Bay Mare
Rayna ~ 7/8 Quarter 1/8 Arabian Palomino Filly
Dallas ~ Palomino Quarter Gelding
Banner ~ Red Dun Quarter Mare
Chance ~ Buckskin Dun Quarter Stud Colt

[ Show Entire Thread ]