Large Constrictors as Pets.

The first time I had fell in love with large snakes is when I was in the 1^st or 2^nd grade. My teacher had read a children’s book titled The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble. The huge Boa Constrictor in the book just excited me. As she read on I realized that I had to have one of these “Big” snakes as a pet. That childhood book was the first time I came into contact with these wonderful creatures called boas or pythons.

Large Constrictors are impressive to look at and some species are quite popular in the pet trade. While I think some people are capable of taking great care and caution when raising one of these magnificent creatures, they are not for everyone. It takes great devotion to an animal that could reach 20 feet or more and weigh at or over 100 lbs.

Snakes that reach an adult size of 8 feet (2.44 meters) or more are considered to be large (http://www.anapsid.org/handling.html).  Many pythons and boa species can easily obtain this size in a relatively short period of time.  For instance in a year or so a baby Burmese Python can turn into 9-12 foot snake. While some species are easier to handle some have vary nasty attitudes. Examples of more manageable snakes are the Redtail Boa and Carpet Python. Others such as the African Rock Python or the Reticulated Python may be more for the experienced individuals. Most Burmese Pythons tame down quite well if handled regularly but there are some that have bad temperaments as well.

These large constrictors can be as dangerous as a loaded gun in the hands of a child. A large python or boa can potentially kill a human being and if that human happens to be an infant then the risk is more significant. If your bitten by one of these larger snakes, one way to get them to release from the bite is to place a little vinegar in their mouth around the bite. They also can be a danger to your friends and family because all reptiles can have salmonella on their bodies without proper hygiene then this bacterium could make someone very sick. In warmer climates if allowed to escape they can pose a serious threat to the environment. So if this is your pet of choice be cautious and do your homework.

Most large constrictors can be kept at temperatures around 85-95°F with a basking spot at around 95°F. The best substrate for them is something that is easily cleaned and holds some moisture like a reptile carpet that is sold in most pet stores. Cyprus and repti-bark could work as well. Depending on the size of the snake you would either feed it every other day to weekly. Babies to juveniles will eat every other day and the large snakes will it once to twice weekly. Snakes do not need UVB lighting because the prey items have calcium (Bones) along with other nutrients. While it doesn’t hurt to have a UVB light it isn’t necessary. They heat light should be relative to the size of the enclosure. Temperature and humidity gauges are a must for most all reptiles. 

A few years back one of the most amazing pythons ever came into my life. He was an albino Burmese python named Zeus. When I got Zeus he was around 8 feet long. As I took care of him he just grew and grew. I eventually ended up having my Dad make him a cage out of a cargo crate. He was one of the gentlest snakes I’ve had for his size. Zeus would look up from the cage when I came up to it, showing me that he wanted to be let out. Before I had to adopt him out, he got to a size of about 14 feet. He was a BIG boy. I had to feed him a large rabbit once a week. Looking back I remember how beautiful he was. I was always cautious but he never attempted to strike at me. 

This is a photo of Zeus back in 2006.

I can’t condemn people who want large constrictors as pets. They are truly amazing giants. Most folks can not see the beauty and grace these animals have but just looking into their eyes seems to be inspiring in its own sense.

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Children and Pets

My Cat Creature Winking

Picture this: A young boy of about 9 running through an overgrown hay field with his black lab faithfully running behind him or a little girl having a tea party in the front yard of her suburban home with her best friend Molly the green parakeet on the back of the chair opposite her. Seeing this would help you understand why a child should not miss out on a pet.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child spending quality time with their pet. It is magical to watch the way they interact with the animal; Petting, talking with, and hugging on their best friend.  So what makes pets great for kids? Pets are incredible educators for children in many ways. Pets are ambassadors to friendship, responsibility and compassion. These are important characteristics that every parent wants their child to learn and grow up with. There are many pets out there that may seem well suited to be kept by children but the truth is there are many things to consider when bringing the proper animal into our homes.

Many of the same questions we ask ourselves before bringing one home are the same for children but with more emphasis. One huge aspect of a child’s pet is the ability to hold and often times cuddle with their newfound friend. So which pet is suiting for your child? 

Starting a child off with a pet can often times be challenging because things like space, affordability, and amount of care are imperative factors in the decision. A child’s age is another aspect to take into consideration as well. Most children between the ages 4 and above have potential to enjoy a pet without harming them or the animal. This of course also depends on the child’s maturity level. 

There are 7 pets, exotic and domestic, that I find is suiting for children around this age group.  While there may be others, these seem to fit most children and adults. 

·      Leopard Gecko- This reptile is hearty and meek in just about every aspect of its husbandry. Children can carry them around on their shirts as they play around in the house or apartment. These lizards do not need UVB as they are nocturnal. Which means they only wake up at night. Heating is essential but not as demanding as some other reptiles. Leopard Gecko’s are insectivores devouring any cricket or mealworm their eyes are aligned upon. 

·      Bearded Dragon- These particular lizards aren’t too difficult to keep as long as you maintain their heating requirements. While “Beardie’s” are relatively small when born they will reach lengths of about 1.5-3 feet. Like the Leopard Gecko’s they are also insectivores. For temperament, you couldn’t ask for a better lizard. 

·      Dogs- All dogs make wonderful pets for children but, I would stay away from the smaller breeds as the child may unintentionally injure them. I personally grew up with a Black Labrador that we named Crazy because he would partially swing inside our tire swing. He sure was something else. I loved that dog.

·      Ball Pythons- If the child loves snake then this python is a great fit. It doesn’t get as huge as most pythons do. Nor does it come with the aggressive nature that others do. They are hearty in that Ball pythons are forgiving in less than perfect habitat settings (Not Recommended) like if a heat light is cut on for a day, they are not likely to get sick. 

·      Cats- Cats make great pets for a number of reasons. The biggest is they are low maintenance. Most will be happy if left alone and fed. Plus there are some breeds that act like dogs in their personalities. An example is the Angora. These particular cats are known for learning to play fetch.

·      Parakeets- From green to yellow to blue, parakeets come in a variety of colors. Just like their colors vary so do their personalities. These perfect little parrots can learn to mimic and do tricks. While they can be a bit on the messy side, they can be quite affectionate. The secret to keeping these beautiful birds happy and healthy is a clean water bowl, food daily, and out of a drafts way. 

·      Fish- For a child that isn’t the touchy, feely type then maybe a Betta Fish would suffice (Thanks Kathy Hollis). This is a great starter pet because they are not expensive and they are easy to take care of. An interesting fact, as a person watches fish in an aquarium that persons’ stress level decreases. So they are not just great for kids, they may even be good for you!

As the time comes when your child wants a furry scaly or feathery friend, you will have some insight into which pets are suitable for them. Hope this helped.

 Hope you enjoyed the Post!

Questions or suggestions email me at James DWard24@gmail.com

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Amazons Are Amazing!

Pete The Blue Fronted Amazon Parrot

The beauty and talents of Amazon parrots can be astonishing but it does come at a price for some folks. Most talk so much that you’ll be wishing for just one moment of silence in any given time. These particular parrots aren’t for the faint of heart. It takes a great amount of time and energy to "tame" so to speak these birds down. If not properly trained they can become quite territorial and highly aggressive. Their intelligence has a tendency to get them into loads of trouble.

These amazing animals are found throughout South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In the environment their intelligence and great ability to vocalize helps them find food and stay alive.  They are full of personality and can be delightful if one puts all the blood, sweat, and tears into the relationship. This bird can have a particularly stunning ability to mock human speech. Like most parrots, these are no different in that it is a must to stimulate them mentally regularly.

If this doesn’t happen they will find other means to place that brainpower. From managing to escape the cage and tear something up in the house or scream for someone’s undivided attention. Those issues may seem pretty devastating however the worst would be for it to begin mutilation by ripping feathers completely from its body sometimes bringing blood. Amazons aren’t as probable to do this as some of the other parrots. Still yet, it could and has happened.

Birds are emotional creatures that need our love and devotion. As time passes on the bird and owner relationship can either get better or worse. Amazon’s aren’t a short-term commitment either. They can live 40 plus years in captivity and may even out live you. I know a lady who’s had her Amazon for well over 55 years. She eventually passed and a family member began taking care of him. For a certain amount of time the parrot grieved over its missing owner. This is something that we should certainly consider when thinking of them as potential pets.

Amazons are amazing (AAA)! I remember when Pete, my Blue Fronted Amazon, came to me. His owner didn’t realize he was actually a she. The “other” owner placed him in a cage with another female and expected them to mate. This caused terrible problems for both birds. Pete took it the worst, eventually plucking his chest feathers because of the stress. She’s an amazing bird who loves to sing and dance. The lady had her in a cage that was completely metal. There wasn’t a trace of wood or anything chewable for that matter in her cage.

Amazons love to chew things. So what I gathered was the stress and nothing to chew on caused the plucking. I heard about her from a friend and went to adopt her. The lady was glad to send her home with me. She’s doing incredible now, loving and living life to the fullest. Pete still doesn’t trust many folks though but with time I hope to change all that.

Thanks for reading!

Any questions or suggestions email me at JamesDWard24@gmail.com.

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Exotics vs. Domesticated Pets

While most people don’t realize that more people are attacked and fatally wounded by domesticated animals more than exotic pets. Most would argue that it is in part because of the popularity of domesticated animals. This is sort of true but looking at the numbers shows a different story. National Geographic reports: more than 20 people in the past ten years have been fatally injured by pet pythons in the United States (http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/wild/community/blogs/inside-wild/_pet-python-attack). That number might seem quite large but when compared to Man’s Best Friend isn’t quite as stunning. There were 33 fatal dog attacks just in 2010 (http://www.dogsbite.org/bite-fatalities-2010.htm). 

There reason for this is most canines will stand their ground when confronted and snakes will usually cower away. Reptiles see animals bigger than them as dangerous so why would they waste their time and energy fighting when its easier to conserve that energy for a meal and run away. Rover don't have to worry so much about energy expenditure because he's fed by us. The interesting part is the media doesn’t report dog attacks as often as a python attack. This makes me wonder why? 

 Could it be that dog attacks are just more common? I think so. Things that don’t happen that often are appealing to the media because it gets viewer attention. Exotic pets have lots of potential to be quite dangerous but with proper education and responsible pet owners they aren't as bad as some might think. The secret to good pet ownership is prevention and education. This is a practice that should be drilled into every pet owners mind. Preventing by locking cages, socializing your puppy, and many more.

One thing that is definitely preventable in most exotics is Stupid Feeding Errors (SFE’s). These errors are made when feeding snakes, monitors, and other carnivorous pets. A good example is feeding a python inside its cage. This allows the snake to assume that any time the cage door opens it could be time to eat. By feeding the python in another area this can be prevented.

Exotics get a bad rap. Some exotics shouldn’t be pets for everyone but others aren’t as bad as the media make them out to be. I think exotic or domesticated animals both have the potential to be dangerous. In the end Man’s Best Friend is no more docile than a properly contained python. 

I can recall many times throughout my life keeping reptiles that I have made a mistake and gotten a nasty bite. I didn't blame the animal for what happened, I held myself responsible for it. I remember a time when Rocky my African Rock Python, who already had an attitude problem, took a good bite into my hand. The reason he had done so was because I was feeding the other pythons that I had and went into the cage with the scent of a rat on my hands-an SFE. So it was only natural for him to attack it. I never blamed him and continued to love him everyday after that.

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