Hi Gerard,

I think you just answered your own question with your turtle example. I have done the same thing, I've supported my turtles enough to allow them to lay up to 8 clutches a year. I've also done the same with my kings, by supporting them to the point where my females would triple clutch. Now I am controlling my kings by not supporting them to that point, I simply do not want that many baby kings to care for every year. It is a conscious, controlling choice on my part. I choose to limit my support to effect their reproductive output. Was my support better in the past? Heck yes it was. It allowed them to achieve their potential. Should the snake police come and hassle me for neglect? Nope, because I all I'm doing is slightly limiting my support to allow one big clutch a year. I guess I'm simulating a series of average years for them, and I think that's ok too.
I am certainly controlling their behavior just as we all do on some level. I just think Rainer is controlling his animals less by giving them more choices.

Also, I'm not jumping to Rainer's defense here. He doesn't need that, certainly not from me, as him and I have gone several rounds in our history here. But I do agree with him on this issue because I honestly believe that his way is better for the snakes. If they don't want to eat so much, he has some leftovers. But if they do want the calories, they have the choice and that allows the snakes some measure of control to do what they are designed to do. Good conversation. Thanks.

Will

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