Topic: IndyShark, another Snake question... (Read 8769 times)

Sirgod · « **on:** March 21, 2006, 10:29:24 am »

Is there anyway to build a Hypernaculum for Garter snakes and the like , that would be protected from Copperheads, Rattlesnakes etc? I'm trying to get my niece and Nephew more interested in the animals we have out here, and a Garter snake would be perfect for them to stdy and learn.

I did a google search, but didn't find anything.

Stephen

IndyShark · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2006, 08:35:35 pm »

I am sure there would be. I don't have any plans, but I am sure with a little research on kingsnake.com, we can find something. It might be easier to buy something, but if you are determined to build something, I am sure we can go that route.

I have one concern though, homemade cages are notorious for having holes the snakes use to escape. I have had three snakes escape from "escape proof" cages built for snakes. (I read the owner's manual to them and explained that kind of behavior wasn't acceptable....)

I would also point out that garters are cheap, but not good snakes. They eat a lot of different things (that's good), but they tend to smell more and they will musk you. (That will be bad.) Garters don't eat mice, so you'll have some trouble getting them appropriate food. I will admit they could be fun, but I'd steer clear of them. I suggest you get a book on them, before you go that direction. In fact, I think I have one I can loan you if you are interested.

I'd suggest a corn snake. You can get them pretty cheap in a couple of months on line, or at a local reptile show. The are the best pets and are a mouse's worst nightmare. Once they start eating, you usually won't have any problems with them.

IndyShark · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2006, 08:44:32 pm »

Ok, here's some more information for you

Garter snake forum
http://forums.kingsnake.com/forum.php?catid=71

Cage building forum

http://forums.kingsnake.com/forum.php?catid=4

Here are some adds for cages and cage designs for sale

http://market.kingsnake.com/index.php?cat=22

I can't find any designs but I know I've seen them. I'll keep looking

Just plain old Punisher · « **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2006, 08:57:34 pm »

I lived in Arizona for a time when I was younger. I still visit my family over there. I learned from them that snakes are good for shootin, not much else =)

I hate snakes. Hate em with a passion.

Dracho · « **Reply #4 on:** March 21, 2006, 09:18:19 pm »

Quote from: Punisher NCC-2000 on March 21, 2006, 08:57:34 pm

I hate snakes. Hate em with a passion.

I really only dislike 4 kinds..

Big ones
Little ones
dead ones
live ones

Father Ted · « **Reply #5 on:** March 22, 2006, 08:07:25 am »

Many moons ago, when I was about 5 or 6, we were fishing at my grandparent's pond. I was walking along the bank and stepped on a clump of grass that was only an overgrowth over the edge of the pond. My leg went straight down. My uncle grabbed me and pulled me out, right ahead of a 5 foot cottonmouth who had a very cranky disposition since I'd disturbed his naptime. I've had a very real fear of snakes ever since. I try my best to stay away from them, and they stay away from me.

Sirgod · « **Reply #6 on:** March 22, 2006, 08:16:04 am »

LOL, well I can understand of you guy's fears.

Indy I should have mentioned, the one I want would be for outside, and the Natural Garter snakes we have out here.

Stephen

Father Ted · « **Reply #7 on:** March 22, 2006, 08:46:10 am »

The really weird thing is that as scared as I am of snakes, I find them fascinating. I usually skip over Animal Planet, but if they're running some special on snakes, especially venomous ones, I'll chuck the remote for an hour. Part of it is morbid curiosity(anybody who's seen the documentary on the fer-de-lance, complete with pictures of arms and legs bitten by one will know what I'm talking about), part is knowing which countries not to go for a nature hike in.

Sirgod · « **Reply #8 on:** March 22, 2006, 09:18:59 am »

Yep I know the one your talking about. some of my favorites where the hunts for the Giant Boas/Pythons/Anacondas on NGC.

Stephen

Dracho · « **Reply #9 on:** March 22, 2006, 09:42:14 am »

Here it is in Black & White:

Genesis 2

14And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel

So, I'm just doing my part, with the bruising the snake's head and all... and I have steel-toed boots.

Actually, I've gotten much better about not killing them on sight. Now, I at least try to determine if it's venomous or not. I do have a snake living in my retaining wall that I can't figure out. He's slate-gray like the rock, and about 3' long. Mostly he leaves me alone and I stay away from the retaining wall, because I really dislike rats.

Same reason I don't kill the tarantulas. They're butt-ugly, but they eat scorpions and that makes them welcome at my house... sort of..

Just plain old Punisher · « **Reply #10 on:** March 22, 2006, 08:49:32 pm »

I'm not really afraid of snakes...what really gives me the "Creepy crawlies" are spiders. Anything with more than 4 legs gives me the creeps.

Nemesis · « **Reply #11 on:** March 22, 2006, 09:34:48 pm »

Takes notes of peoples vulnerabilities.

Just in case its needed someday.

762_XC · « **Reply #12 on:** March 22, 2006, 10:35:35 pm »

I LOVE snakes. We have a black racer named Bob that lives in our yard.

One day I will feed the evil cat to him.

P.S. This Google thing freaks me out. Snake cage sale.

Just plain old Punisher · « **Reply #13 on:** March 22, 2006, 11:15:58 pm »

Quote from: IKV Nemesis on March 22, 2006, 09:34:48 pm

Takes notes of peoples vulnerabilities.

Just in case its needed someday.

That's why the good lord invented poison spray my friend. No spiders in my yard! Sure, you loose your hair from all the toxic fumes, but it will eventually grow back. At least that what it says on the bottle.

Dracho · « **Reply #14 on:** March 23, 2006, 10:44:51 am »

Quote from: 762_XC on March 22, 2006, 10:35:35 pm

I LOVE snakes. We have a black racer named Bob that lives in our yard.

One day I will feed the evil cat to him.

P.S. This Google thing freaks me out. Snake cage sale.

We have some black snakes that live under our foundation that are at least 7' long.

Nemesis · « **Reply #15 on:** March 23, 2006, 06:02:20 pm »

Quote from: Punisher NCC-2000 on March 22, 2006, 11:15:58 pm

That's why the good lord invented poison spray my friend. No spiders in my yard! Sure, you loose your hair from all the toxic fumes, but it will eventually grow back. At least that what it says on the bottle.

That explains why my poison resistant spider breeding has resulted in hairless spiders. You would be amazed how much a tarantula in a toupee looks like William Shatner .

Sirgod · « **Reply #16 on:** March 23, 2006, 06:08:29 pm »

Quote from: IKV Nemesis on March 22, 2006, 09:34:48 pm

Takes notes of peoples vulnerabilities.

Just in case its needed someday.

I'm Vulnarable and scared of cash. Just in case you know Nemesis.

Stephen

Nemesis · « **Reply #17 on:** March 23, 2006, 06:37:06 pm »

Quote from: Stephen NCC -73070 on March 23, 2006, 06:08:29 pm

I'm Vulnarable and scared of cash. Just in case you know Nemesis.

Stephen

Unfortunately the "cash breeding" experiments have hit some snags.

Tus-XC · « **Reply #18 on:** March 23, 2006, 09:48:13 pm »

I love snakes... my mom hates them... prolly explains why i love them

. I am however petrified of spiders.... *shudder* so unnatrual looking *shudder*

762_XC · « **Reply #19 on:** March 25, 2006, 02:00:56 pm »

Quote from: Dracho on March 23, 2006, 10:44:51 am

Quote from: 762_XC on March 22, 2006, 10:35:35 pm
I LOVE snakes. We have a black racer named Bob that lives in our yard.

One day I will feed the evil cat to him.

P.S. This Google thing freaks me out. Snake cage sale.

We have some black snakes that live under our foundation that are at least 7' long.

You really should get out of the rainforest.

Nemesis · « **Reply #20 on:** April 02, 2006, 12:09:31 am »

What not to do with your pet snake

Quote

Witnesses reported seeing Courtland Page Johnson, 30, of East Naples, driving erratically before he crashed his PT Cruiser into several barricades at about 9 p.m. Tuesday. He got out of his car, wrestled with the snake and then drove off, reports said.

IndyShark · « **Reply #21 on:** April 02, 2006, 11:17:34 am »

I never thought of taking my snake for a drive. Personally, I don't blame the snake. It probably didn't like the cool air and did the only thing it could to stop the car.

Sirgod · « **Reply #22 on:** April 02, 2006, 11:51:13 am »

Many moons ago, When I was about 13. I had a close family friend, Named Kenny Savage. Anywho, he had a python that was about 9' long. We went out one day to sonic, and he always took his snake with him.

There was a new waitress there, and Kenny always had his Defrost going, as The Python, loved to sit on his dashboard. So this young girl comes along and notices his ( Dashboar art thingie.) So she sticks her head in the window to get a good look.

Now picture this, A nice looking young lady on roller skates, backpedeling as a Snake rases It's head out of curiosity or Perfume, I know not. Needless to say, two strawberry shakes where left on the parkway, and I laughed so darn hard, that I embaressed myself by doing the same thing the Waitress did.

Stephen

IndyShark · « **Reply #23 on:** April 02, 2006, 04:58:24 pm »

Quote from: Stephen NCC -73070 on April 02, 2006, 11:51:13 am

Many moons ago, When I was about 13. I had a close family friend, Named Kenny Savage. Anywho, he had a python that was about 9' long. We went out one day to sonic, and he always took his snake with him.

There was a new waitress there, and Kenny always had his Defrost going, as The Python, loved to sit on his dashboard. So this young girl comes along and notices his ( Dashboar art thingie.) So she sticks her head in the window to get a good look.

Now picture this, A nice looking young lady on roller skates, backpedeling as a Snake rases It's head out of curiosity or Perfume, I know not. Needless to say, two strawberry shakes where left on the parkway, and I laughed so darn hard, that I embaressed myself by doing the same thing the Waitress did.

Stephen

That's too funny!

Sirgod · « **Reply #24 on:** April 02, 2006, 05:30:47 pm »

I tell ya Indy, I'm about ready to Buy you a ticket down here. Your on the short list of People I have either met, or at least talked to on the phone. Given our love of Snakes, I figure we would get along in person just great.

Stephen

IndyShark · « **Reply #25 on:** April 02, 2006, 05:31:58 pm »

Stephen, it would be my pleasure! I am sure we'd have a blast! You are my kind of people!

Sirgod · « **Reply #26 on:** April 02, 2006, 06:09:16 pm »

Quote from: IndyShark on April 02, 2006, 05:40:00 pm

BTW, I should mention that most people find me kind of intimidating!. I am 6;5" tall and weigh 340 pounds. Most people assume I weight about 240 because I go to the gym 2 or 3 times a week. I work out with 240 pounds (5x10reps) on the bench press and 280 (5x25reps)on the squat machine. (I prefer reps over large weights!) All of the trainers at my gym know me on a first name basis, since I like to throw the cute females into the air. My record is 12 to 14 feet...... LOL!

I think that rep is totally inaccurate! I can't help it if people are fun to throw up in the air like volleyballs!

Ahh hell Bro, I wrestle Bulls for breakfast.

Just ask Mush about Sirgodhand.

Hey I'll Pm you my phone number again, And your welcome to call me collect.

As for the Hight thingie, I worry more about Smaller people when Faced with that situation. To be honest, I'd rather face a goup then one on one, as It's more demoralizing to hem, when you ake out one or two. Graned, I go for the smaller people, I just sems easyier.

But man If I where 6'5, ['d own the world and be selling parts to Punisher.

as an aside, I'm about ready to run up on Dracho, and try and catch that black snake he's go in his Wall. 7' is something. OK So I've been watching too mch NGC ,so sue me.

Stephen the one who wrestled with a Corral, and made a friend because of it.

Damn dyslexic Color blind Bastards that I am.

IndyShark · « **Reply #27 on:** April 02, 2006, 06:15:31 pm »

Stephen, if you catch that 7" snake, I want pictures! What is it, an indigo?

Sirgod · « **Reply #28 on:** April 02, 2006, 07:42:48 pm »

I'm not sure too be honest. Dracho mentioned It too me. I tell ya, I've never seen a Garden snake that big.

Stephen

Dracho · « **Reply #29 on:** April 03, 2006, 10:35:34 am »

Quote from: Stephen NCC -73070 on April 02, 2006, 07:42:48 pm

I'm not sure too be honest. Dracho mentioned It too me. I tell ya, I've never seen a Garden snake that big.

Stephen

There's a whole family of them. We call them "Black Snakes". The short one is 6' long. I think it is one of these:

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Blackratsnake.cfm

IndyShark · « **Reply #30 on:** April 03, 2006, 05:56:27 pm »

Quote from: Dracho on April 03, 2006, 10:35:34 am

Quote from: Stephen NCC -73070 on April 02, 2006, 07:42:48 pm
I'm not sure too be honest. Dracho mentioned It too me. I tell ya, I've never seen a Garden snake that big.

Stephen

There's a whole family of them. We call them "Black Snakes". The short one is 6' long. I think it is one of these:

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/FactSheets/Blackratsnake.cfm

Damn! some people have all the luck. I wish I had those snakes around. I'll bet you don't have a problem with mice! LOL

Dracho · « **Reply #31 on:** April 04, 2006, 09:14:36 am »

I don't mind those, but in my retaining wall, I have a light gray snake that is about 2-3' long, and has the classic flat-head and eye ridges of a pit viper. I've only seen him twice, but I know of no grey pit viper in North America, and it has me perplexed.

I supposed it could be a gray rat snake, but I'm just sure he has the facial pits, and I am therefore not about to pull him out for inspection.

GE-Raven · « **Reply #32 on:** April 04, 2006, 09:28:48 am »

My Favoirte snake in our area is the Milk snake.

http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/reptiles/snakes/eastern_milksnake.html

The red ones can scare the bejeebus out of people because they think "red" = poison.

They you get the Bull snake a hissing constrictor (I was amazed at age 10 when I discovered that we had "constrictors" in Wisconsin) that often gets confused for our most feared snake resident:

http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/factsheets/herps/timber.htm

Yes the Timber rattler (as it is called in these parts) is pretty much harmless as over half the bites in the last 20 years come from drunks playing with em.

GE-Raven

Sirgod · « **Reply #33 on:** April 04, 2006, 10:15:38 am »

Quote from: Dracho on April 04, 2006, 09:14:36 am

I don't mind those, but in my retaining wall, I have a light gray snake that is about 2-3' long, and has the classic flat-head and eye ridges of a pit viper. I've only seen him twice, but I know of no grey pit viper in North America, and it has me perplexed.

I supposed it could be a gray rat snake, but I'm just sure he has the facial pits, and I am therefore not about to pull him out for inspection.

Well shoot , after last year, I'm so shot up with anti-Venom, that I'll make a trip up there. I don't know if you remember, But Indy and I became close friends, over this stupid Corral Snake I had when I was a young lad. I honestly thought it was a king snake, and when I brought my "pet", into college, the proffesser told me , how dangerous it was. Now I draped this Reptile around my neck, Heck I even kissed It on it's head, and the snake was just fine.

Little did I know, that the Snake would easily kill me in a heartbeat. Anywho, IF there's any chance that your snake is a pit viper, then we need to take care of that Really fast. I'd be upset, IF Something happened to you or your wife, Because of a snake in your wall.

Stephen

Dracho · « **Reply #34 on:** April 04, 2006, 10:27:23 am »

Actually, a coral snake does not have fangs, so it would have to get you in an area where it could inject venom through a regular toothed bite, such as the flesh between your fingers, an earlobe, etc.

Most can't bite you on the leg or foot and get enough venom into the wound to seriously harm you. Still doesn't mean you want to grab one though.

Remember: Red on black, venom lack.
Red on yellow, kill a fellow.

I got the biggest kick out of a king snake out at our place. I found him fighting with a frog. He'd grabbed the frog by the nose in an attempt to eat him, but the leopard frog had puffed himself up too large for the snake to swallow him, so there they sat for 15 minutes. Finally the snake said screw it and left. The frog had a ring around his nose.

Sirgod · « **Reply #35 on:** April 04, 2006, 10:41:39 am »

Your right, also Corrals do this NErve toxin thingie, and basicly Rotate there head back and forth while Gnawing on ya. IT reminds me of those old Indian burns.

I tell ya, I got so tickled with Sethan last year, he had came up here for my birthday, and Brought as a gift, Two snake bite kits, and a box of 12 gauge Shotgun shells.

The latter has seen a lot of use.

Seriously, If your concerned about a possible Viper, I'll be more then happy to come up there and remove it. IF It is a viper, we could Probably donate it to the Tulsa Zoo. BTW, is that Rattler at the zoo, still next to the rabbit?

Stephen

Dracho · « **Reply #36 on:** April 04, 2006, 11:11:40 am »

No, I think the rabbit filed a hostile work environment suit against the city and the union arbitrator made them move his office.

IndyShark · « **Reply #37 on:** April 04, 2006, 08:31:18 pm »

Dracho, where do you live? I'll research snakes in the area for you. I think you are right thought. It sounds like a member of the viper or crotalid family. If you tell me where you live, I bet I can narrow the list down.

Dracho, a coral does have fangs, it is "rear fanged" and very deadly. The fangs tend to be very small and they may have many of them, rather than two like the rattlesnakes. The coral snake does not tend to be very aggressive unless you step on it or harrass it. That's what saved Stephen. He was nice to it and even fed it out of his hand. You would not want to try that with any of the snakes in the Viperid family. They have nasty dispositions (and make poor pets) and are very aggressvie. These snakes include the rattlesnakes and vipers. The crotalids include copperheards and these also make poor pets (LOL!)

If you have a rattlesnake or copperhead, you need to get rid of it quickly. With springtime around the corner, it will be very hungry and come our looking for food. It will bit WARM things that will inlcude you, your wife and children.

I would suggest you get a snake stick.

Check out this website and happy hunting!
(I suggest the tongs, not the hook!)
http://www.tongs.com/

Sirgod · « **Reply #38 on:** April 04, 2006, 10:14:37 pm »

Indy, Dracho lives not too far from me here in Oklahoma, and of course, I'll be up there in a heartbeat for him and His.

The only snake I worry about is Copperheads, and of course Rattlesnakes. But Then again, If It's a problem at a homestead, I'll be there.
Stephen still watching his friends back when it comes to a toxic snake.

Dracho · « **Reply #39 on:** April 05, 2006, 09:08:35 am »

I live 8 miles west of Tulsa, OK in the Osage Hills (very rocky). I know we have: Missouri Copperheads, Osage Copperheads, Prarie Rattlers, King Snakes, Black Rat Snakes, and Water Snakes (the non-poisonous kind). I live on 3 acres where I grow rocks, so the snakes generally don't get up close to the house, but I've killed Missouri Copperheads in my garage, and the one king snake tried to come into the house.

The black snakes have burrowed under the slab.

I'm selling the place on 6-28 though, and moving over near Lake Keystone in Cleveland, OK. The bigger nuisance at my house are the scorpions and brown recluses (and occasional black widow). We also have tarantulas, but they don't bother me.

Sirgod · « **Reply #40 on:** April 05, 2006, 09:13:38 am »

Well, It would be awhile of course now for me to make the trip to Help out. But the good news is, That the Tractor is working again.

You know, IF It would help, I'd buy Indy a ticket to help with your snake problem. Just let me know If that's a viable option.

Stephen

Dracho · « **Reply #41 on:** April 05, 2006, 09:40:27 am »

I don't really have a snake "problem".. they stay down by the retaining walls (50 yards from the house) and I leave them alone. They come near the house and have fangs, and I still don't have a snake problem, they have a people problem.

If they are non-venomous, I shoo them away. We also have little brown leaf snakes that only get 8-10 inches. The wife catches them all the time and plays with them. I've learned to tolerate snakes, but I'm not picking one up unless it's shaped like a pair of cowboy boots.

IndyShark · « **Reply #42 on:** April 05, 2006, 07:49:58 pm »

Dracho, it sounds like you know your snakes! I'd still get rid of that grey snake you mentioned. Poisonous snakes don't help the resale value of your house! LOL

Here is a nice website that shows you what kind of animals live near you. Just type in your zip code and pick what you are interesting in. Mammals, birds reptiles, whatever!

IndyShark · « **Reply #43 on:** April 05, 2006, 07:51:39 pm »

Stephen, my sunglow laid 16 eggs today. I am not too happy since they don't look viable. There are two that look pretty good, but small. I put them all in the incubator and will watch them. They normally take 9 weeks to hatch.

Sirgod · « **Reply #44 on:** April 05, 2006, 09:37:25 pm »

Roger that. Here's hoping they take though. I know your like your snakes, as I am my Boston Terriers, They are Family when you get attached to them.

Stephen

Dracho · « **Reply #45 on:** April 06, 2006, 06:13:08 am »

Quote from: IndyShark on April 05, 2006, 07:49:58 pm

Dracho, it sounds like you know your snakes! I'd still get rid of that grey snake you mentioned. Poisonous snakes don't help the resale value of your house! LOL

Here is a nice website that shows you what kind of animals live near you. Just type in your zip code and pick what you are interesting in. Mammals, birds reptiles, whatever!

Forget the link?

Just plain old Punisher · « **Reply #46 on:** April 06, 2006, 06:28:50 pm »

Bah! I hate snakes! Kill em all! Make chili out of em!

IndyShark · « **Reply #47 on:** April 06, 2006, 08:01:35 pm »

Sorry!

http://www.enature.com/home/

IndyShark · « **Reply #48 on:** April 06, 2006, 08:06:17 pm »

Quote from: Punisher NCC-2000 on April 06, 2006, 06:28:50 pm

Bah! I hate snakes! Kill em all! Make chili out of em!

Snakes are like people. There all all kinds. Some are good and some are bad. In India, 26% of the food produced in that country are eaten by rodents and people starve to death there.

In America, we actually have more food available and could be overrun with rodents if we did not have some of the world's most effecient rodent predators including owls, coyotes and snakes.

75% of snakes are colubrids like corn snakes, milk snakes, king snakes and garter snakes. Harmless to people, but they are hell on mice and rats. I'd rather have a few snakes that hide all the time than mice in house.

Besides, how can you not like this snake????

Just plain old Punisher · « **Reply #49 on:** April 06, 2006, 08:31:24 pm »

Sorry, I lived in the boonies of Arizona for a time when I was younger, there was no such thing as a harmless snake =P

Sure, they have their purposes, and I won't go out of my way to kill a snake, but they need to stay out of my way. I'll stay out of theirs =)

IndyShark · « **Reply #50 on:** April 06, 2006, 09:21:16 pm »

I hear you. I don't have any interest in poisonous snakes. They are nasty. Now corn snakes are cool!

Dracho · « **Reply #51 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:27:30 am »

When I was a kid, my next door neighbor's son wasn't quite "right in the head". He kept poisonous snakes in the house. One time an eastern diamond back got out of it's cage and they couldn't find it in the house. They'd put newspaper down on the floor and could hear the snake moving around at night, but they never caught it.

IndyShark · « **Reply #52 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:31:17 am »

Damn, how could they sleep at night????

Dracho · « **Reply #53 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:34:17 am »

Quote from: IndyShark on April 07, 2006, 09:31:17 am

Damn, how could they sleep at night????

These folks were.... special..

GE-Raven · « **Reply #54 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:52:12 am »

Hey lets get this moved to hot and spicy :-)

003:014
And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done
this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast
of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt
thou eat all the days of thy life:

003:015

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between
thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou
shalt bruise his heel.

GE-Raven

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Topic: IndyShark, another Snake question... (Read 8769 times)