New Articles: Urban Herping-Snakes of NYC; Hot Weather Herp Tips

findi said:
Hi All,

Please check out my new articles:

Urban Herping: Hunting Snakes in NYC

Hot Weather Herps: Summer Tips for Reptile/Amphib Keepers

Comments and questions appreciated, thanks.

Take Care and Enjoy, Frank
Click to expand...

I enjoyed both articles! The Hot Weather Tips article provided a lot of helpful information especially. I care for two Gilas at a nature center, and I was curious to have the best success would you recommend rack system type caging or to stick with the usual terrarium style? I have heard different opinions on both.
 
Hi,

Thanks for the kind words.

I've never kept them in a rack system, and would be concerned about ventilation. Even though they favor high humidity, air flow seems essential, at least in captivity, if fungal infections are to be avoided. Also, it's difficult to create a thermal gradient in most rack system containers. In a large terrarium, you can provide an ambient of 75-80 with a warm spot (90 F) and containers with damp moss as retreats; also easier to provide a deep substrate - they dig often, and sometimes paw at the container bottom if kept in shallow enclosures.

Sorry if you are aware of this, but please keep in mind that handling by the tail. while well-accepted with adults, does not work well with juveniles., They can spin "up" the tail to a surprising degree. I was bitten by a hatchling Beaded Lizard in this way.

If you have a chance., please consider posting an occasional comment on 1 of my blog articles, as readers would enjoy reading of your experiences. Article need not be directly on point, I can re-locate if need be.

Please keep me posted, enjoy, Frank
 
Well I would be keeping them in a freedom breeder rack with a screen top, So ventilation wouldn't be an issue. I probably could even modify the sides so they had a bit more ventilation if necessary. However I do understand how keeping the thermal gradient they need may be an issue. Thanks for the advice.

Ouch! I never talked to anyone who has been tagged by a heloderma. How was your recovery? Both of ours are adult animals, but can be nippy when they want to be. We typically secure our Gilas by pinning them then keeping a firm grip on them. I will make sure to post a few comments.
 
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