Reptile & Amphibian Forums

to split brain a pinkie and lizard scent a pinkie? Also, does it really matter what type of lizard you use?

Earless lizards (Cophosaurus) and spinys (Sceloporus) seem to work best for scenting mice. You can keep the same specimen in the freezer and use it over and over again for years if necessary. Start by lathering up a pink with just a spot of liquid soap, rinse and dry it off well, then simply rub the frozen lizard against it. No need to even thaw the lizard out!

Mediterranean geckos are a common introduced species in my area, I've had relatively good success using them for scenting. In some cases I even use hatchling geckos or gecko parts to start alterna off. I'm always careful to freez the prey item well beforehand to reduce the chance of passing along any parasites. This is a good idea regardless of what species you use, especially if it's alien to alterna. Split-braining is pretty straightforward, just poke or cut open the pinks head to expose the brain. Hope this helps...
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I had a question for ya, I met you out in Sanderson this summer. We had a little chat along with my freind Robert Pelaez. Hollister was there as well. I had asked you about your green ratsnakes you used to keep....

Anyway, I was just checking out your website and noticed that you are one of the few people who insist on shipping animals via the airlines only. I am trying to get set up to ship using a few different airlines but had a question on packaging animals for airline shipments. I am told that the airlines requires that you ship animals in packaging that meets IATA standards. Do you happen to have a picture or could you give me a good description on what exactly that entails? Would a thin plywood box with some airholes drilled into it with deli cups inside suffice or must I use screen to cover the airholes like it shows in the pictures in the IATA manual? Any help would be appreciated.

Hi,
I haven't used the airlines since 9/11, but I was looking into shipping snakes to Europe a few years ago and read the IATA requirements. I have received venomous snakes shipped with Delta since 9/11 and none of the holes have had mesh covering them. Unfortunately, it only takes one jerk in the cargo office to make shipping difficult for you. I had my fair share of problems using the airlines, the door to door services have been just as reliable for me and a lot cheaper.

Andrew