Got Snakes??

[Bxrlvr in KC]

Great Thread!

My husband and I breed boas. We have about 30 adult breeders. All of our snakes are boas, but we have several sub-species, including Colombians, Argentines, Trinidads, Surinames, Guyanas, Peruvians and Brazilian Amaralli. We house our animals in 6’ x 3’ x 18” cages which are stacked four high.

Clyde and Cricket don’t really pay much attention to the snakes, but occasionally, if they see one moving, they get interested. A couple of times Clyde has moved too fast in front of a cage and the snake has tried to strike. Of course, the snake just hits the glass (1/4” tempered) and scares the daylights out of Clyde! Kind of funny, actually, but not very safe for the snake, so we try to avoid those situations.

My mother-in-law has a picture of my husband’s first boxer, Penny, with a boa crawling on her. I’ll see if I can borrow it and scan it for you guys to see. I understand that that boa (Gidget) and Penny were great friends.

Yes, we have both been bitten several times. It’s not fun, but it comes with the territory.

If any one is interested in boas, check out http://boaphile.com/. Even if you’re not interested in owning boas, there are some fantastic pictures there.




"Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?" -Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

 

[Greg]

Love That Snake Chatter

Hi Bxrlvr in KC, Thanks for your imput to "Got Snakes"wormicon thread. Boy you have a hand full of Boa's. I only have two Ball Pythons, I like the smaller size, easier for me to handle. With 30 breeders do they get much handling and socialization with humans?? I love the web site you put on baophile, great pictures. I've never been bit (knock on wood) yet and don't look forward to it. They strike to fast and hard. I've had Gloria about eight years and Monte Python for a about three years. I feed large rats, more in warmer weather and less in colder weather. They are more active in warmer weather. They are very well socialized with people, I have them out daily and introduced them to the boxer boys Bugsy and Oskar. Luckly everbody gets along under supervision, I never leave them unattended if they are out. I only allow one boxer boy at a time so the boys don't get to agressive. I have never had the two snakes together, I don't know how they would get along. Once again Thanks for answering "Got Snakes" thread. Hope to hear more from you about the life and times of The Boa's

 

[Cherokee]

Hey Greg i finally got a chance to tell my hubby about the post. Sorry to have kept you waiting. He said you sound very knowledgeable and is considering some changes. Once again thanks.

 

[Greg]

OK

Hi houseofski, I'll be glad to help anyway I can. Did you read the post from bxrlvr in KC, she and her husband breed Boa's. She put in that site http://boaphile.com/. Now that was very interesting. I was amazed at all the snakes those people have. I'll be checking the "Got Snakes" thread to see how Akasha is getting along and, of course to hear more about your beautiful baby, Cherokee

 

[Bxrlvr in KC]

No, ours don’t get much handling. It would be almost impossible with that many. They really aren’t pets. It is a business for us. Keep in mind that snakes aren’t like our beloved Boxers in the sense that they don’t need to feel a part of the family. They get used to frequent handling, but it’s not something they expect if they’ve never had it.

I do have one pet snake. She is a Mexican Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigritis). She is beautiful. Solid black, about 5 feet. Small in diameter, compared to the boas. She is quite special, because if it weren’t for her, I probably would never have met my husband. I purchased her from him when he was still working in a pet store. Went shopping for a snake, and found a husband, too! Her name is Onyx. We handle her quite frequently.

The Boaphile’s site is wonderful, isn’t it? Jeff Ronne (aka The Boaphile) is a great guy who cares a lot about his animals. He is a full-time breeder and is one of the most well respected in the industry. He has also co-authored at least one book. Talk about having a lot of snakes…..He claims to have the largest collection of boas in the US. While I don’t know that to be a fact, it certainly wouldn’t surprise me one bit.

I borrowed that picture from my mom-in-law that I was telling you about. It had been a couple of years since I’d seen it, so my memory was a bit off. Gidget was a reticulated python, not a boa. Anyway, here’s the picture. It’s somewhat hard to see, but Gidget’s head is right on top of Penny’s. Too cute! I never knew Penny, but my husband tells me that she would do anything if she thought it made you happy! Typical Boxer, huh?

 

[Greg]

Great picture

Hi bxrlvr In KC, Great picture of Penny and Gidget. Amazing how Penny just lies there with Gidget on top of her head. Thanks for putting that picture up. I may have missed it conversation, but you talk of Gidget in past tense. Does that mean she's no longer with your mother in law? What about Penny, is she here? Sorry just being nosey. Does an American Black Kingsnake constrict it's food like pythons do? Oh yes, I'm so glad you told me about Baophile site, thanks I'm still looking at all of Jeff's pictures. Talk to you again, Thanks

 

[Bxrlvr in KC]

Hi, Greg.

Penny and Gidget have both crossed the bridge. I never met either of them, although I feel like I know Penny, as I’ve heard so many stories about her.

Yes, Mexican Black Kings do constrict their prey. Onyx eats pre-killed food (mice or rat pups), but she usually constricts even though her meal is already dead. Our boas all get pre-killed food as well (mice, rats, or rabbits, depending upon size of the snake) and some of them constrict, too. Some don’t. Personal preference, I guess.

I was re-reading my previous post and forgot to mention we also have Bolivians. Sometimes I lose track!

Take care.

 

[Boxerworld]

Originally posted by Bxrlvr in KC
I borrowed that picture from my mom-in-law that I was telling you about. It had been a couple of years since I’d seen it, so my memory was a bit off. Gidget was a reticulated python, not a boa. Anyway, here’s the picture. It’s somewhat hard to see, but Gidget’s head is right on top of Penny’s. Too cute!

This is a fantastic picture!! I love it! I should create a section dedicated to pictures of boxers with other pets

Olly

 

[Greg]

"Got Snakes"

Hi Michelle, Yes I tried frozen pre-killed food, but my guys didn't like it. After awhile the pre-killed started to smell. I had to toss it out. My guys like the large size live rats. I think they get into the hunting mode, because they sneak up very slowly and take their time, then strike very hard and fast. Olly also liked the picture of Penny and Gidget. It would be great if he started a picture section of boxers and thier house buddies. Bet you get great pictures sent in Olly. I've got great pictures, but I haven't fiqured out my scanner yet to send them in. Working on that problem now.

 

[Bxrlvr in KC]

Great idea on the "boxers and other pets" section, Olly!! Feel free to use the picture I posted if you decide to go ahead with that idea.

In regards to feeding habits, it is often difficult to change or break a habit that has been established. You mentioned the "hunting" mode they go into, Greg. Many of our animals do this with the pre-killed food. We try to give freshly killed food, but we often have to give frozen, as we buy our rabbits by the dozens sometimes. Yes, we have a freezer just for the snake food. No, I don't have a frozen rabbit sitting next to the frozen pot roast that we're going to eat for Sunday dinner. :D (Can you tell I've been asked these questions before?)

Good luck with your scanner, Greg. I'd love to see some pics of your kids.