Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone ...

Well, I added about a teaspoon of lab mouse hair to the incubation chamber and sprinkled it over the eggs (it's a small chamber). So far the eggs look great, nice and round and mostly white, I keep them on moist moss in a container designed not to fluctuate temps. No apparent fungal/ bacterial infections because of mouse hair. And I spent about five minutes chopping off the tails of frozen mice, but I only have about twelve, just enough for one feeding. I will have to release about half of them because I do not have enough to last me until the next reptile expo near me, when I can get mice cheaper than at the pet store.

I will definitely post pix when they hatch, but how do I do this?

crocacutus

that releasing snakes, even ones that have just hatched, may be illegal at a local, state, federal, or even all three levels in your area. You could face heavy fines and/or jail or prison time if caught. I don't know where in the country you are, but it's something to be aware of and is often overlooked by the general public. Many folks also have a moral issue with releasing animals into the wild which have had contact, direct or otherwise, with captives. They can harbor diseases not found in wild populations.

That said, if I were you, I'd look into buying mice on-line. They're MUCH cheaper than at the local pet shop. If you're seriously concerned about feeding the little buggers, I'm sure there are a number of folks on here who'd be willing to take a snake or two off your hands and help you reach a managable number.

I hope I didn't come across as rude. I simply want to present you with information that will allow you to make an informed decision.

Good luck and take care
-Cole

L. t. multistrata - Yellowstone Co., MT

Thanks for the info ...

I just looked it up and yes, it is illegal in my state. I'll just have to do my best, I guess. I don't know very many people in my area who keep snakes, but I'll be on the lookout.

crocacutus

where abouts are you? im just outside of buffalo NY I would help you if needed! if not gl with them they are awesome snakes!
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www.myspace.com/apabana

Upstate NY is LOADED with milks! If you spend some time in the field I'm sure you will be rewarded!

And about mice online, I checked some sites and shipping is VERY expensive because they have to be kept frozen. I'm planning to wait until the end of August when I can go to the nearest rept. expo and get lots of frozen pinkies for a much lower price. I think I have enough mouse tails to last until then.

crocacutus

Shipping is certainly expensive, but if you buy enough mice, it's still cheaper than buying from a pet shop.

Good luck - if you need any other assistance, feel free to e-mail me.

-cole

Those hatclings may not eat till sept. anyway

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"He's down in the basement staring at his snakes " My Wife

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Doug L

A few weeks ago someone asked the best time to feed babies. Simply, when they are hungry. I know I have left a pinkie in there too long and the poor baby got rotten pinkie smell, which can turn them off for a while. Better to wait for them to tell you when they are hungry.

PA is like that....tehnically cannot release snakes into the wild after they have been exposed to captive snakes....

technically cannot sell them...

technically cannot give them away either...

what to do?....legally...you accidentally keep a wild snake and it drops kids...you have to give them to the PA Fish Commission...

if you get wild snake eggs from a mulch pile and hatch them...release them right awy before they are exposed to anything actually....

we won't tell on anyone....for releasing wild babies...

..........the chances they make it to adulthood are not perfect in the wild either....

....free Willy.....

....!!!!!!
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..................the air was thick with catcalls..../ no pun intended....not even a muscle in her neck did twitch as she......

policies.....and interpetations....citizens and leo sometimes get confused over species vs subspecies....etc.....in pa i think one of the boy scout merit badge requirements are now illegal???