Cold-Blooded Chronicles In This Issue:
____________________________ Howdy gang, it is time for yet another Cold Blooded Chronicles. As the temps cool off, we are just heating up here at Kingsnake. First off, Jeff, Les, PHWyvern, PHFlame, and I would like to say thanks and it was a pleasure to all who came out and said howdy at the NARBC shows. It is really nice to put a face and voice to the name of folks we spend so much time with on a daily basis. Enjoy those t-shirts and wear them with pride! Our December guest chat was with Robyn Markland, manager of Pro Exotics, and the man behind their amazing breedings. If you missed it, you can view the transcript here: For more info on Pro Exotics, their breeding programs, their own line of products and to learn a little more about Robyn, Please take a moment to visit www.proexotics.com. For those who missed the November Chat with Kevin McCurley From NERD, you can read the transcript at: http://www.kingsnake.com/articles/KevinMcCurley.html If you haven't visited our chats yet, you can do so at:
Our Chat schedule is: And speaking of chats, Chat week is just around the corner. Do you have an idea for a guest? If so please let us know here. Don't know what chat week is? Chat week is a week of solid guest chats. All regularly scheduled chats are put on hold and every evening we at kingsnake.com bring you the best in the industry. Get your chance to ask some of the biggest names in the herp field questions about everything from breeding advice, health issues, to what really happened when the cameras turned off on their television show! You want them, we bring them. Take care gang, and keep those herps warm through the winter!
Cindy Rampacek
____________________________ The lines at the bookstore getting you down? Don't have time to drive to the bookstore? Then check out the kingsnake.com Bookstore! There is a wide variety of books to chose from and even calendars and magazines. What's more, we have a new, free email newsletter all about books. To sign up for this free newsletter, called PetTales, go to:
It is vitally important before obtaining any new reptile that you thoroughly research the new animal. What kind of habitat does it come from? How much humidity is best? What sort of temperature levels does the animal need? What kind of food does it need? Where will you obtain that food? Where will you keep the food until it is eaten? How much space will the reptile require at this time? How much space will it require when fully grown, both floor space and climbing space? What is the best kind of container to keep it in? Is there a special need for extremely secure caging, such as a venomous reptile might require? Several of the questions might be answered by reading care sheets or by reading books about the specific reptile in question. Another place to find some of these answers is by visiting the forums on kingsnake.com and posting specific questions there. Be sure to use the search function and read any responses that have been made in the past to your specific questions. Where will you obtain your new reptile? Some sources include rescue organizations. You might want to buy your animal directly from a breeder. Or perhaps you will want to visit the classifieds. All of these resources can be found right here on kingsnake.com. Another important step many of us neglect is to consider the feelings of others in the household. How does your significant other feel about adding another (or maybe even the first) reptile into the household? Is there a problem with the landlord? Is there a problem with city or state ordinances? Are there young children in the household who might be curious and try to hold the animal without proper supervision? And the final question is how many animals do you have now? The reason for this question is to evaluate if you have enough time and/or money to provide for a new reptile without neglecting any of your other reptiles. Remember that you should always have money set aside to provide for veterinary services that your new (and other) animals might require. Once you have answered these questions honestly, you might be ready to buy a new reptile. Enjoy your new animal!
'Twas the night before... oh no, that's the wrong story! 'Tis the season for brumation again, When our reptiles want to retire under their rocks in a snug little spot where they can lay their weary heads, and dream of the wonders of spring. Each year as fall approaches and the temperatures begin to drop, we have to think about brumating our reptiles. I am a lizard owner and breeder so I will speak from my experience. Brumation, or a cooling of a reptile in captivity, occurs by lowering its temperature for about 2 to 4 months, to simulate conditions during the winter season in the wild. This is not like hibernation of mammals. Brumation triggers the physical changes that stimulate egg production in females, sperm production in males, and the breeding response necessary for successful captive propagation. Some reptiles will go into a brumation on their own, and decide to stop eating and retire to their place of resting. But some have to be forced into this state, mostly for breeding purposes.So we as owners have to set the atmosphere they need to brumate properly, by slowly decreasing food intake, then shutting off heat, and finally turning off UVB lighting if used. For those people who wonder how your brumating lizard will look, they can either be asleep, or just appear to be in a fog, or daze. Though their metabolism has slowed considerably, they can perform various levels of activity such as drinking and moving about. After the appropriate amount of time has passed, you reverse the procedures you started with. Turn UVB lighting on, then after a brief time, include their heat for basking again, and begin feeding. And it should now be spring again, or close to it. The flowers will bloom, temperatures will rise, days will be longer. Our reptiles will wake from their long winter's nap, and hopefully your tanks will soon be filled with slithery, scaly, cute little youngsters, that will bring a warm Springtime smile to your face.
Do you want to get an alligator? What about a Caiman? Are you sure you are ready? Whether you have an interest in Crocodilians from afar or are looking to own one, The Ultimate Guide to Crocodilians in Captivity will be right up your alley. What it lacks in size, it MORE than makes up for in information and completely lives up to its title. From basic health issues to the advanced issues such as adult caging, this book guides you through crocodilian ownership with the feeling that the author is there and helping you along the way. Chris breaks things down in language we all know. He shares the knowledge gained from experience. He also addresses the pitfalls that people tend to exhibit in their ownership of crocodilians. With wonderful photos of crocodilians in all locations and enclosures, you get a good feel of what it REALLY takes to own one of these giants of the reptile world. He also makes a point of explaining exactly what kind of person should own a crocodilian. He does an excellent job of explaining that while these are some of the most phenomenal reptiles alive today, they really are not for everyone. The book is divided into two sections. One portion addresses captive care and management, while the other looks at the basic natural history as well as availability in captivity. Also included is an excellent reference section with all the state contacts to assist owners and prospective owners in addressing ownership laws. You can also find a listing of vets that are known to treat crocodilians. Something every owner can love! With a forward by Dr. Adam Britton, you have the impressions of some of the most renowned crocodilian experts all in an easy to read book.
If you want that pet crocodilian or if you just want to learn more, I would highly recommend this book. It was a true learning experience. As someone who deals in passing with these incredible beasts, I can safely say I learned a great deal.
Cold Blooded Chronicles is copyright 2004 by OnlineHobbyist.com unless otherwise specified. All rights reserved.
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