Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers's topics - tribe.net

All the Pretty Snakes... (& Bellydancers)! - a creative collaboration and photo project

weathervanedance — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:42:29 GMT

Tribal Bazaar and Weathervane Arts are collaborating on a project involving both snakes AND bellydancers!

“All the Pretty Snakes… (& Bellydancers)” will be a 2010 calendar and poster set. Doing this project has not only kept us up day and night with set design, development and location scouting, but taught us much about snakes. We are looking forward to reaching our halfway mark soon by finishing the 6th of our planned 12 shoots and being able to design and print the calendars just in-time for the holiday season.

The following videos offer a snapshot of our collaboration… watch them in order and you will very much have a sense of the development of this project! We hope you’ll also get a good laugh, but more importantly, inspiration!

Shoot 2 - the bizaarre Bazaar
http://vimeo.com/7279936

Shoot 3 - Garden of Eden
http://vimeo.com/7244214

Shoot 4 - Innocence
http://vimeo.com/7400449

If there are any photography geeks out there, we've also posted lighting diagrams and other technical info on our Facebook fan page.
Join Tribal Bazaar and many other snake, photo, and dance lovers! --->
All The Pretty Snakes...(& belly dancers) www.facebook.com/pages/All...2066378945
The Blog... http://alltheprettysnakes.wordpress.com
Twitter... http://twitter.com/prettysnakes

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Must be the full Moon

Altaira — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:44:58 GMT

But I really want to hurt someone. Work was making me cranky, and I have been trying to 'relax' by watching some snake dancing videos and found THIS (insert horrid look upon my face): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ISccqLymlE&feature=related

I want to hurt her. The way she was whipped that snake around, UUGHH!!! AND MUST every other snake dancer be a sorceress / witch / pagan goddess. I really don;t care what you do in your private rituals at home (hell, I have my share) but I swear I feel like the odd agnostic outcast when people ask me if am a witch ...."BUT, you are a snake dancer right? I thought all the snake dancers were witches (because that is all they see on you tube"

I need to go howl at the moon right now.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

Mystic Hips Selimah & Soraya New Snake Dance Video

Darkdove — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:56:20 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-6Hj25N3hk

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

snakes and there hungry tummies ;-)

Paul — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:46:20 GMT

Have your Babies started into there feeding frenzy yet?

Ours seem to be getting more hungrier as we are getting closer to Fall.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

Sherry Wheatley and her partner..

Paul — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:41:11 GMT

are pictured here in this link:

http://tribes.tribe.net/sherriwheatley/photos/df329b15-a956-4478-86d8-0c410afb5e3e

Check them out! Enjoy!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

New baby brings me up to 11 snakessssssssssssssss

Darkdove — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:38:21 GMT

I just got a Columbian Rainbow Boa only 2 months old. I will find out this Sunday what sex it is. Then the fun of naming it.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

Ball pythons... sigh

Mandy — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:00:45 GMT

My adult male ball python is going threw another of his fasts. He only does this about once a year but I was curious what other snake mamma's do. How often do you offer a meal? Do you handle your snake during this time? How long do you wait before you start to worry?
I hope you all and all your snakey babies are well,
Mandy

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

First Rat!

Altaira — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:50:54 GMT

Iolaus got his first rat yesterday, He seems to have grown ‘like weed’ in the last couple of months, and the hoppers that used to placate him seemed small in comparison to him now, so I gave him a small rat yesterday at feeding time. He ate it like a champ! Which leave me with a large bag of hoppers, but Gabby the corn snake will get big enough for this in less than a year so they certainly won’t go to waste.

My babies are growing up!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

Possible Ban on All Pythons in the State of Florida

Kira — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:13:23 GMT

This is from United States Association of Reptile Keepers, it is a group dedicated to keeping track of all activity concerning reptile laws in our government. It was only a matter of time before this occured with the recent activity that has happened in Florida, but unfortunately, many times, laws are passed that are blanket rules, not taking into account all the other python species that are not harmful to humans at all. Please, if you live in Florida, take a moment to read over this and act upon it. Action really does work, this was proven recently with a law that was shut down that was going to stop the transport of reptiles over state lines.

Kira

DANGER: Python Ban Goes to Committee

HR2811 (House version of S373) Sponsored by Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), will go to Mark-up (amendment) in a subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday the 28th, and then to the full committee on Wednesday the 29th. This bill has been called the Python BAN. If passed as written, it will BAN the IMPORT, EXPORT and INTERSTATE TRANSPORT of the entire genus python. Once it passes Mark-up it will go to a vote on the floor of the full House of Representatives. Anyone who doesn't believe that this is an immediate threat to the entire Reptile Community has their head in the sand. If the Reptile Nation does not wake up and take massive and decisive action right now we could lose ALL pythons.

USARK has worked hard and spent a lot of money to make sure the Reptile Nation has the best information available regarding the fate of our community. We make our positions clear and operate with complete transparency. We have no conflicts of interest. Our only allegiance is to the Reptile Nation. We are asking you to TAKE ACTION NOW to save this industry. No one else can do this for us. We hold our fate in our own hands. That is why we created USARK, to take control of our own destiny.

We have the best lobbyists, contacts and strategy to address the situation. This is not the time to panic or get angry. It is time for calm deliberate action. We need to engage in a massive phone and fax campaign on Monday the 27th. Get everyone you know to call. Spread the word to every forum and social networking site you frequent.

Phone & Fax Campaign: Monday July 27 (call & fax ALL Congressman at ALL numbers)

Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL),

Washington DC: phone 202-225-4506; fax 202-226-0777

Miami: phone 305-690-5905; fax 305-690-5951

Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL)

Washington DC: phone 202-225-5792; fax 202-225-3132

Punta Gorda: phone 941-575-9101; fax 941-575-9103

Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)

Washington DC: phone 202-225-3001; fax 202-225-5974

Boca Raton: phone 561-988-6302; fax 561-988-6423

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)

Washington DC: phone 202-225-7931; fax 202-226-2052

Pembroke Pines: phone 954-437-3936; fax 954-437-4776

SCRIPT: My name is...... I want to register a NO on HR2811. If passed as written this bill will destroy thousands of Florida voters, their families and small businesses. There is not a shred of scientific evidence to support banning all of the different species in the genus python. Please amend the bill to address only the IMPORT of the Burmese Python. Thank you for your consideration.

Click here to donate $10 with dollar for dollar matching from Zoo Med

http://usark.org/donate.php

THIS MUST BE BIG!!! SPREAD THE WORD FOR MONDAY July 27th 2009!!!!!!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

Snake Bytes on You tube..

Paul — Thu, 21 May 2009 18:00:52 GMT

Just wanted to share that I have been viewing video clips from You Tube of fun entertaining and informative info from Snakebytestv. Here is a clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzg1zic-zQU

They do have a main website which is: http://snakebytestv.ning.com/

Enjoy!
Paul.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

Snake Poop Stinks!

Altaira — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:26:00 GMT

Uugh. My snake are eating on a very regular basis and are therefore pooping like crazy. And it is STINKY.

Yuck!

Seriously, after raising a child and dealing with cats and ferrets I thought nothing could be grosser, but OMG they stink when they poop! At least the three big one do. Yuck yuck yuck!!!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

What are you housing your BIG BOIDS in??

Altaira — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:18:00 GMT

I have a really nice 4 stack high (421 http://www.boaphileplastics.com/421t.html ) - 4x2x11.5 foot wide Boaphile rack I bought for my move to Alaska, b/c I knew that heat and humidity would be bigger problems here than I had faced in Florida where I could use big glass cages without negatively affecting my snakes. These area great for the ball pythons, the smaller BCI, and corn snake. Even the Honduran Milk Snake seemed to like being in a level until I moved him into the larger wood cage 9though he doesn’t seem to like the larger wood cage, I think it is too dry for him, and too big).

I also have one 4 foot “Herp Enclosures” that has the same footprint http://people.tribe.net/altaira/blog/bbb329d6-cb9b-434e-8214-a6bca7e0961c (this was my post, I returned one of the cages pictured here in favor of the 4 stack Boaphile). The quality fo this one is not as good, and hubby and I are having to do some work on it to secure (it doesn’t come with any sort of lock, just sliding glass doors) and the track that glass sits on has come unglued so I need to fix that too. It will be a great home for the Milks Snake once I ensure it is secured, especially since he is my total escape artist!

However, I feel like I need something bigger for the bigger boas. Originally I had a BIG wooden cage made to house them together, but now that I know they are different genders, I need to house them separately (no desire to breed).

Maybe I need a couple of the 6 foot Boaphiles; I rather like the ones that come with a built in hide too: http://www.boaphileplastics.com/big_cages.html - but holy cow are they expensive!!!!

Wonder how high I can stack these?? 2 bigs one on the bottom, and then stack 5 of the 4 footers?? Plus a stand since I hate a cage being on the floor….

What do you folks do for housing for the bigger boids (over 5 feet)??

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 8 replies

2 new Boas!

Yasemin — Sat, 23 May 2009 02:06:18 GMT

I have got to stay off of Craigslist!!!
We have 2 new girls now, an adult Hypo who is just beautiful - very orangy, and a Dwarf Boa.
I was asking about the Hypo, but decided to pass her up and went to see the small one, but she was much more beautiful in person. I plan to train her for dancing, tho she is a bit heavy.
The dwarf boa is a 2 year old Cay Caulker. Really cute, but small.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

Savu Pythons?

Mandy — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:14:05 GMT

The title sums it up pretty much. I was just wandering if anyone has had any experience with Savu Python's? A friend of mine is interested in adopting a pair but there is not a whole lot on the net about they're temperament and how well they do in captivity and whatnot.
Thanks whole bunches,
Mandy

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

Females not getting along….

Altaira — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:22:36 GMT

Me and my big female snake, Joxer, that is.

Joxer, who I thought was a boy, and turned out to be a girl, is still SUPER cranky. I had a similar problem with another female snake, Ms Cleo, and ended up having to get rid of her because I was a little afraid of her, and she just couldn’t be handled by me (men on the other hand had no problem so I thought she could sense my gender, though in retrospect it was probably just my fear at the time).

I don’t have the fear problem anymore (now that I know what it feel like to be bit HARD) and I don’t have a uterus anymore so Joxer can’t be sensing gender via menses, and yet, she still strikes at everything! Rather frustrating I tell you!! And now that spring has sprung she is really hungry too and feeding is even becoming an issue. I have taken to just tossing in the food into her cage because she is so jumpy, and I HATE not feeding in strike box.

So, any ideas on what I can do? Besides just handle her, very likely get bit and hopes she calms down??

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

snake dancing & the law....

Moniq — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:10:23 GMT

ok. so i hear parts or all of the US are having laws introduced in regards to owning exotic species... including snakes...?
well for good reason this has been the case here for a long time.
but i am more interested to know how you all would react if they then changed the laws again for dancers.

thats what happened here a few years ago. they brought in the 'demonstrators licence'
so basically you have to apply like a business plan which is fair enough.. and i think its good to keep check on these animals.
and i would be happy to pay a heft fee to apply (BUT you still loose if they say NO..... OUCH!).

i enquired some time ago and sussed out my chances, they didnt believe people like us should be allowed.
only if you wore karkee outfits like bindee irwin (who lives near me funnily enuf) would they take you seriously.
i have been to many parks around my state and there really isnt much difference bar the fact my animals are in a loving home and not just thrown on every tourist that comes along.
basically they wont accept that the few of us out there actually LOVE our animals and spend alot of our time educating the public out there.
apparently we cannot possibly educate wearing something other than karkee.

i am about to try the authorities again... but really curious to see how you would challenge this ruling if it came to your area.
ideas anyone?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Just curious...

Mora — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:11:49 GMT

Does anyone else kind of "gear up" for summer with their snakes? Maybe because mine all go off feed for the winter, but I tend to handle less in the winter - just taking them out about once a month to check on their weight and condition. Now that they're back eating, I'm working iwith them more. The newer guys, the two that are still very young and haven't been danced with yet, are getting the most handling. The "old guys" (experienced at the whole dance thing) are being handled more to "re-aquaint" them with us (and oftener than not, the dancer needs more work at this than the snake). I only have the 5, and was just curious how everyone else handles the seasons. :)

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

Yah! Everyone's FINALLY eating!!!!

Mora — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:50:17 GMT

Just got my last, smallest (of course!), picky ball python eating as of this hour! I hate the will-he-eat, won't-he-eat drama every spring, but LOVE my ball pythons! At least I've now got my daughter past the "Oh, my snake's gonna die!" freakout of winter shutdown. She's very blase about the whole thing now, and leaves mom to deal with the not-eating-yet stress.
But they're ALL eating now!! CELEBRATION!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

Mites!

Yasemin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:43:22 GMT

I've got them, and they're spreading.
A snake I got at a reptile show came home with them. I didn't see them when I bought him, but saw them soon after. I keep new snakes quaranteened anyway, but these have taken forever to get rid of, and now a few others have them too.
I used the mites spray the reptile stores sell, but conclude they are pretty worthless.
I do daily bathing and frequent spraying and cage cleaning, they are still here.
I thought of using a stronger insecticide, but don't want the snakes getting affected.

I read somewhere a flea collar cut into 1 inch pieces and placed under the substrate works.
Has anyone tried this? Is it safe?
Is there a better way?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

Sacred Serpent Workshop at TF9

deviantdance — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:23:25 GMT

HI folks, this workshop is about invoking your inner serpent. I learned how to do this by spending much time with my snakes, of course!

Tribal Fest 9 in Sebastopol, CA. There's still some room! Here's a description with new info...

5/13/09 12:30-2:30pm
SACRED SERPENT
Class Description: Explore the sacred sensual mysticism of the serpent. Learn how to move like a snake--Deviant style. One of the most powerful symbols in the human psyche, it is no accident that snakes are such a strong element in belly dance. In this workshop, we will address the singular, unmistakable quality of movement that a serpent possesses. Instead of dancing with a live snake, we will embody the spirit of the serpent within ourselves, invoke our own inner serpent with natural trance techniques, and slither. Written class notes will be provided.
Register now: www.blacksheepbellydance.com/tf9...html

Grace and the Serpent: A long-time reptile enthusiast, Grace has worked with all kinds of serpents, from rattlesnakes to rainbow boas. Owning a reptile store for five years, she spent her days caring for these mysterious and magical creatures. In a very unusual accident many years ago, Grace was bitten and constricted by a 16 foot long python (both snake and human were okay), and the spiritual bond was galvanized. The deep connection remains, and Grace performs with serpents to this day.

Grace's Bio: Grace is a performer and instructor of world fusion bellydance based in Portland, Oregon. In addition to her solo work, she is the director of Deviant Dance, and a member of Serpent Sirens and Dreams of Cleopatra based in the Bay Area, directed by Tatseena. Grace won Zaghareet Magazine's Golden Belly award for Best Kept Secret in 2008. Grace's solo dances are always improvised. Deviant describes her philosophy: that each dancer must be different, deviating from everyone else, for every dancer has a unique spirit, and a singular mythology; only you can describe the beauty that you have experienced and imagined. www.deviantdance.com

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

I think everyone should check it out.

Mandy — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:59:34 GMT

I found (completely by accident) This awesome weekly online mini show. Anybody who digs snakes should check it out. Go to www.snakebytes.tv

Brian is really quick to respond to any questions you may have about the keeping or breeding of almost any kind of snake.

Let me know what you guys think.
~Mandy

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

Greetings snake lovers :) I have a question....

Amber — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:42:35 GMT

Hi!
I have been taking bellydance classes for 2 years, and I also happen to have a beautiful Ball Python I call Buddha. He is a darling.
My boyfriend suggested that I should dance with him, but to be honest, I'm not sure how one would go about it. I am not sure how Buddha would feel about all that, and I am concerned that I might hurt him, or he may fall to the floor, since he is not an arboreal species.
I have taken him for walks to the pet store for his dinner during the warm season, and he seemed quite content to coil around my neck and perch himself there, without incident.
I guess I would like some advice on snake dancing, and how do you know if your snake is not stressed out by participation? I love Buddha, and I don't want to stress him out.

Thanks in advance,
Amber

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 6 replies

First snake dance

Asha — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:30:27 GMT

Not a bellydance, but this was my first performance with my pure Guyanan red tailed boa 'Sheba'... she's almost 7ft long!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dpvssDLnMrc

This was at a rock night I run locally... it has a different theme every month, with our NYE night being 'From Dusk til Dawn'!

Rehearsal actually went much smoother! When we were actually in front of the audience she decided she didn't want to stay put at all!!
I think I should have cleaned the pheasant feathers in my headdress before putting it together... Sheba hadn't eaten in almost a month so the feathers were probably a little enticing (she kept trying to climb up to them!) I would have fed her a week before the performance but the pet shop was short on rats that week so it had to wait til the day after in the end... nice treat for her!

Anyway, it all went ok in the end and I don't think anyone really noticed!!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

A fun time was had...

Kira — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:19:20 GMT

I haven't danced with any of my snakes for a long long time. Probably about a year and a half. Abby got too big (my albino burm) and my pair of corn snakes were a little small, although I did dance with them last. My very large Grey Rat Snake has finally grown up and calmed down, so I decided to dance with him at a small performance arts event last weekend. It was a small (about 80 people) non-belly dancer crowd, but they were fantastic, yipping and even zaghereeting for us. We had seven soloists, one being pretty much a first timer for a solo, she was a little nervous, but did well keeping herself together. It was a very tiny dance space, on thick carpeting.

Phil the Snake did great. He really got into it, was easy going and fun to work with. He coiled the length of my arm nicely and was very cooperative in creating a serpent crown even. Knowing that I wanted to see if he would perch up their on my little ole head, I made sure I did some smooth and secure headwear. It didn't budge even an inch. Something I did not realize was the very very low ceiling fan (don't worry, it was off), which made things difficult for our taller dancers. Since the space was same level as the audience, I had to improvise the basket placement, normally I would have done a bit of floorwork with the basket...but oh well :)

Anyway, the local paper put up some photos and a video clip on their website, so we are pretty tickled about that :) This is probably the first video clip I have ever shared of myself...so kinda scary scary :)

The Video clip is called 'From Jazz Piano to Snake Dancing"
http://www.newsherald.com/video/index.php?bcpid=1184417205&bclid=1171892348&bctid=8541139001

Here is the photo gallery
http://www.emeraldcoastphotoseast.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=674310&CategoryID=28403&ListSubAlbums=0

Seh'Layha

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

"I know I'm gorgeous..."

Michele — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:21:19 GMT

OK, so I had to soak Dexter last night to finish off a bad shed (even with the humidity box, my apartment gets so dry that he has a hard time sometimes). Anyway, after he soaked and I massaged the rest of the loose skin off him, we were hanging out in my bathroom with the heater on (the only way I can take him out in the winter since my apartment is a giant icebox (especially this year).

Anyway, Dexter really seemed interested in the mirror. Kept going back to it, sniffing it....it LOOKED like he was looking in it.

Now, I know BPs are nearsighted and go by scent and heat signature a lot. But when he gets nose-to-nose with his reflection like that, can he "see" the other snake in the mirror? Is he checking out the competitor or possible friend? Trying to figure out why the other snake has no scent? Does he know his own reflection?

Or is he just investigating a smooth cool surface wondering what it is?

I wish I had my camera in there with me, because it really looked like he was admiring himself after a shed and telling the world "Yep! That's right! I'm gorgeous!"

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

Anybody have any idea's

Mandy — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:19:15 GMT

I just posted a pic of my new baby Athena. She is a lovely snake but I have hit a snake. The breeder I purchased her from claimed to feed all the animal f/t rodents, but when I went to feed her at home she would not take it. I tried three times and finally I have gave her a live just to see what she would do. (plus I was starting to get worried that she was going too long without feed) She gobbled it right up. This makes it hard for me to believe she has been fed f/t. I could take her back and demand my money back but I'm already very attached to my baby so that is no longer an option. Anyone have any good idea's for how to get a picky ball python baby onto f/t?

Thank you so much.

...and if you breeder claims to feed f/t, ask them to prove it.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

Classes and Workshops update some with snake dancing

Shetan — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:53:21 GMT

Hi everyone,

Hope you all had a great holiday season. Here is info my upcoming classes and workshops.

Gothic Belly Dance
Located at Practikal Magick Store
23833 John R road.
HAZEL PARK ,Mi
Thursday 7:00pm,
$10.00 walk-in

Beg.Belly Dance Class
Barnard Community Center
415 N.bernard rd
HOWELL, MI
1-517-546-0693
Monday Nights 7:00pm
4 weeks/$40.00

WORKSHOPS
I will be teaching 3 different belly dance workshops
at The 2009 Convocation, Feb 19-22.
Feb 19th
Thursday Night 8:30pm Gothic belly dance with intro to snake dancing.
Feb.20th
Devil of a Belly dance workout- learn to isolate muscles and teach your muscles a lesson they will not soon forget.

BRAND NEW FOR 2009
SUNDAY 9:30am
FEAR NO EVIL
a lecture and workshop focusing dealing with and OVERCOMING IT!
topics include:
Fire
Snakes
Insults
Stage Fright

To register for the workshops please got to http://mec-mi. org

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

New B-day snake!

Yasemin — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 15:30:58 GMT

Went to a Retile Expo yesterday and came home with some nice new cages for the big guys, and also a Beautiful Albino Boa girl.
Shes a year old, and so sweet. Haven't named her yet.
My partner went with me and he's hooked now too. He even suggested going back today ;-)

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

First snake dance

Michele — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:35:16 GMT

OK, so I've more or less volunteered to dance with Dexter in the spring at a Hafla Benefit for a Bird Sanctuary.

A couple questions.....

Other than when I brought him home the first time, I haven't taken Dexter on any far trips that require planning as far as transport container. Any suggestions? I've heard about using coolers, but I was wondering if there was anything considered more appropriate? Pet carrier?

Any do's and don'ts as far as costuming? I know not to wear any sharp metals, and for my costume to be sturdy to support his wandering tail. But are there other suggestions? Hair suggestions? I have been trying to wear my hair loose instead of in a turban. But Dex tends to like a ponytail to grab on to. Any ideas on a nice way to wear a ponytail that won't look like I just slapped it up there? Can't wear a lot of hair doodads, because he knocks them out.

Any other suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Dex and I dance together at home all the time, but that's just me in my sweats, so there's no real pressure (other than playing avoid the kitty - Dex is very interested in my one female cat and she HATES him and wants to swat him.......keeps me on my toes when we're dancing).

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 15 replies

Stinky Snakes!!!

Altaira — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:33:52 GMT

Dang, spent a couple hours cleaning cages on Sunday, as is normal, and three of the seven snakes made some seriously stinky poops in their waters! I even had to give Ares a full fledged bath because he decided to swim in his poopy water. Gross!!!!

And everyone is hungry! I thought they should all be bromating by now, but NO……even at -20 all my snake babies want to eat! Sheesh.

How is everyone else's snakes doing during this winter??

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 9 replies

Feeding time this week

Altaira — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:29:16 GMT

It is so nice to have food on hand! Even with it getting dark by 3pm up here in Alaska, everyone still has an appetite!

Just fed everyone and put them back in their cages, and now everyone at Joyce's Reptile Emporium (I kid!) has a nice full belly!

This is what was one the menu for tonight:

2 lg rats - Joxer (BCI female)
2 med rats - Autolycuase (BCI male)
3 small rats –Ares (Honduran Milksnake Male )
1 sm rat - Gozer (Ball Python Male)
1 sm rat - Monty (Ball Python Male)
3 hoppers - Iolaus (BCI) – need to increase feeder size
2 fuzzies - Gabby (Corn Snake)

How is everyone else's snakes eating? Anyone brumating??

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

Naming the new corn snake!

Altaira — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:33:35 GMT

Light colored, and a bit of a clingy snake (loves hanging out with me in front of the computer, so I think I might name the new snake Gabrielle, Gabby for short :)

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

Corn Cob the corn snake coming to live with me

Altaira — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:51:10 GMT

Psoted in my blog too, but I am picking up this little snake on Saturday. Totally will be renaming this creature though!

Have not told hubby yet. Does that make me a bad wife??

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

My first Mail Order of Frozen Rodents

Altaira — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:07:38 GMT

Finding snake food up here in Fairbanks has been hard. The only supplier in town is Petco, and their frozen selection is small, and very pricey (for example a single medium rat is $4.99) without options to do bulk orders. I have searched for local suppliers, tried to find other snake lovers that might have an ‘inside connection’, and found one, but he had already placed his big order for the winter and doesn’t have a lot to spare. So, I had to start researching how to make the best deal for a Mail Order of Frozen Rodents. After lots of emails between the two biggest / best rated providers (Mouse Factory and Rodent Pro), I have gone with Rodent Pro since they have everything I need right now, and will ship “ups next day air” to ensure the items arrive frozen and quickly. Once the order gets into Alaska the frozen part should not be a problem since we have been below freezing for a couple week now, but the timeliness and speediness of the shipping was probably the thing that sealed the deal for me.

While Mouse Factory quoted me approx $100 cheaper on shipping, they were sending the package by ‘ground, where as Rodent Pro insisted on “ups next day air”

So, I just spent my entire last paycheck from UAF and then some, to cover the order of $537.38. I should get 2 boxes of rodents containing 300 items of varying sizes and type, in about 13 days. I’ll let you all know when it arrives!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 10 replies

My Snake Stack is nearly done!

Altaira — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:43:16 GMT

My Snake Stack is comprised of 4 Boaphiles and a HerpEnclosure on the bottom.

I still need to get heating for the HerpEnclosure, and lighting for all of it (for my viewing pleasure). Then every snake I have will live in a proper home! I also need to build a stand, since we tossed the crappy one we had when we left Florida (there was no room in the trailer or anywhere for that matter, and it was falling apart!)

Feeling very pleased with what I have, and feel like I am finally gettting close to finishing this project of getting all the snakes into enclosures that hold humidity well (important now that I live in a climate that requires heating my home and therefore drying out my home all winter)!

image posted here: http://snakebellydancing.tribe.net/photos/66e4cc62-fe2a-4327-92e6-5e0b1f9374ab

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

Humidity advice

melaney — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:31:45 GMT

So this is my first winter with my snake and I live in a house heated by a wood stove. For those of you that use this you know that there is no such thing as moisture in the air. I mist her tank at least twice a day and always keep her bowl full of water. Still, I'm having a really hard time keeping her humidity levels up. Any advice out there of another way to do this? Thanks.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 9 replies

A nervous Mommy and baby.....

nocturnalgoddess — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 07:46:24 GMT

My baby bloodred corn is 3 months old.

He and I are both a little nervous with handling. As soon as I touch him, he's off and running into his hide. He comes to me when I call him from outside his terrarium, and we have a very strong bond, but when it comes touching, we're both a little scared.

Any tips?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

New Boa

~Sakeena~ — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 20:13:54 GMT

I've posted a new pic of our latest addition along with his bio~~

This is our new snake and first boa. The owners didn't want him anymore so we brought him home. They said he's a 10 yr old red tail???

He's over 6 feet and weighs less than 4 pounds. The owner has been traveling a lot for work and the wife was taking care of him by throwing him a rat every couple weeks.

He was eating live but has already converted to F/T. He ate 2 small rats and a mouse someone else refused and still acted hungry.

Any suggestions on what he really is would be helpful.

~S~

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

Finally!

Nienna — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:10:33 GMT

I've been so busy lately, hardly had time to check tribe at all, let alone post, but I just needed to post this here.
I'm finally getting a snake! :D
This saturday a friend of mine is bringing me one of her black rat snake hatchlings that hatched back in mid June. I'm so excited! It took me so long to decide on what kind of snake I wanted. But when I went to see her collection and handled her male black rat, Sid (the dad of the hatchlings) I completely fell in love, and then some! And the fact that she had just hatched some babies practically felt like a sign LOL
The best part is that it's from somewhere local so I don't have to worry about shipping and all that stuff, and I have met both the parents, they are lovely.
Hopefully I'll be able to get some pics of my new baby, but when I last saw them they were sooo tiny and wiggly that photos were hard to take lol
Anyway, just had to say YAY
:D

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

I'm the profile pic?! LOL!

lilbitlizz — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:16:01 GMT

Just tuned in after posting that photo of myself a few weeks ago...to see that it's now the profile picture! LOL! how funny. And weird at the same time.

Just got a new sunglow corn snake, can't wait to get new photos made up of us!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

Little Loki died :(

Altaira — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 03:35:14 GMT

My littlest snake Loki died during our trip, and it was totally my fault. I had the A/C on for the cats and ferrets, and for some DUMB ASS reason I turned the AUX vents on and he froze during the day.

Bad snake mommy I am. I feel horrible :(

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

KHS

Darkdove — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:31:49 GMT

I finally danced for my kentucky Herpetological Society this past Sunday evening. They loved it. I posted a couple pics.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

question for Austin (or nearby) dancers

tz — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:28:18 GMT

Does anyone reading this live in Austin (TX), and if you do, would you consider letting a snake (or several) of yours perform with another dancer for a weekend?

I am planning to be in Austin as part of the Maker Faire on October 18 & 19. We will have a little retro spot with a stage show, and I am usually a "snake charmer" but I live in California and cannot bring my snakes with me on any airline I checked.

I know it's a really odd request, but if any of you lovely dancers would consider it, please write to me! If you think you might but want to ask more first, I'd be happy to answer any other questions. I'm a nice person and take good care of my snakes, but I can totally understand that you'd want to know more before entrusting yours to me :-)

many thanks,
Tansy

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

Welcome Foxfire!

melaney — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:32:20 GMT

So I finally got a lovely little ball python a couple weeks ago. She's so tiny! Her name is Foxfire and we immediately became best friends. She's so cuddly.
I've wanted a snake for five years now, but never had the room. Now I just don't know how I made it so long without one. She's such a companion. I'm so excited.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

Safe and Sound

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:21:40 GMT

Narah is back home! My grammie actually found her! She heard crash in my apartment and went upstairs to find Narah wrapped around my tea pot. I guess she wanted a cup of tea! Or she knew I was coming home and decided to be kind to make mommy a nice cup after a long day.

I am proud of grammie though! She actually picked her up. Whilst my grammie never admits it, she has a slight fear of snakes! She picked her up and held her until I got home! I immediately went out and bought a new screen cover to replace the torn one and Narah is happily awaiting her din din!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 7 replies

Upset...

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:19:30 GMT

My grandmother went to my apartment yesterday to shut the windows (she was afraid it was going to rain). Well she dropped something on top of my Narah's tank as she was leaving and tore a huge hole in the screen. Well it was large enough for her to crawl out of. I came home from work and I always say hi to my "kids" and she was gone. I am so scared I wont find her because she is one of the snakes I dance with....and I have had her the longest. Since was a baby. I was sick all night thinking about it. She left a "trail"of knocked over items throughout my apartment so I am hoping she is just hiding in a spot I cant see. My apartment is not that big after all. Still I am so upset and freakin out.

My grandmother is upset to because she obviously didnt mean to tear the screen. So now she is feeling guilty. Oy ve!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

Glastonbury Goddess Conference

Marisa — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:21:24 GMT

Two friends and I had a really great day today doing a snakedance set at the Goddess Conference in Glastonbury. We were all a bit aprehensive, as you never know what's going to happen just as one dancer with one snake, so a trio with 3 ... We just went with what the snakes wanted to do and it really was a wonderful experience and what a welcoming audience! Thank you to the Great Snake Mama for guiding us and keeping the ground smooth beneath our feet.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Cool

Lena — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:20:46 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk4Wp2_uRos

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

Joxer the Bitey is ....a girl??

Altaira — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:58:24 GMT

I really think that Joxer might be a female. Joxer has been co-habitating with Autolycus for months now (since August 2007 - http://people.tribe.net/altaira/photos/0a36029f-29f6-4d47-bc2f-3051e524360a ) and thus far to my knowledge there has been no stress or problems between the snakes as they have plenty of room if their fabulous big enclosure ( http://people.tribe.net/altaira/blog/e42c98f1-3bd9-4a3d-ac86-856057a1adf3 ) and get they get feed frequently.

However, in the past month or so, Joxer has seemed to be 'on edge'. I know how much it hurts to be bit by him, so I have been extra careful about using the hook to pull him out, making sure he gets fed whenever he seems hungry, etc. to ensure there is nothing in his external environment to stress him out (besides the cohabitation). I had taken Autolycus out last night to feed him (Joxer got feed over the weekend), and decided to take Autolycus outside for a bit. He got to slither around on the grass for a while, and then I brought him in and put him in his strike box to be fed. I figured I needed to be 'fair' to my 'kids' so I got Joxer out, and took him out front the grass as well. He seemed to enjoy the grass, but as soon as I went to bring him in, I could tell there would be trouble. I had him by his back side, and he started tensing up, and turned around and tried to strike me, full mouth open! And I gently used my foot to pin his head on the grass, he tried again to bite me 2 more times, but I was able to grab him behind the head and bring him in before he could.

Funny, this is just about the same time as when he bit me last year....perhaps it is seasonal mating instinct or something??

I have also noticed over the past year Joxer has gotten considerable fatter than Autolycus, and 'his' tail length from vent seems shorter than Autolycus'. That could just be because they are different kinds of Boas, but I just have this nagging feeling. I wish there was a decent herp society in town so I could get him sexed, but I certainly don't want to do it (I understand the concept of how it is done but don't want to take any chances with possibly hurting him).

Either way, I think I need to seperate the boas. If Joxer is a girl I do not want babies, and if it is just stress due to cohabitation I want to remove the stress, so now I am going back to the herp store and will likely be re-buying the smaller of these two (since it will fit in the stack with the Boaphiles) - http://people.tribe.net/altaira/blog/bbb329d6-cb9b-434e-8214-a6bca7e0961c

What do you all think?? And I have enclosed a history of other posts I have made about Joxer to see if I could see a pattern:

=====================================================================================================================

Snake Bite Wed, June 6, 2007 - 7:21 PM
http://people.tribe.net/altaira/blog/cef209fb-1f9e-4507-840a-08abf2f2c695
=====================================================================================================================

Snake Charmer?
topic posted Mon, June 25, 2007
http://snakebellydancing.tribe.net/thread/2d386df3-502f-47ad-ad38-f0bd40e7a8ca

Hello!

For those that have not read the latest saga with my snake, my pretty little boy Joxer the "Bitey" bit me a couple weeks ago. Go have a look af my blog here people.tribe.net/altaira/b...abf2f2c695 to see the nasty bite he gave me!

Of course it was totally my fault, but I still have some scabbing on my wrist to this day that is yet to heal and I was a little concerned that for some reason he had gone 'mean' on me (I had a female Hogg Island Boa get 'bitey' when she came of sexual maturity and I eventually had to get rid of her after unsuccessfully trying to re socialize her for over a year!)

However, now that it has been two weeks after biting me, he enjoyed a HUGE meal of 5 rats, and a shed yesterday it looks like Joxer might be calming down! I took him out to clean his cage today, and was able to handle him without having to use the hook to pin his head (though I did use the hook to pull him out of his cage and then I carefully moved him to a safe box until the cage was cleaned!).

Now he is taking a nice cool bath and seems quite calm and content; he is just sniffing the air in a very non aggressive manner. Hooray!

Did I charm him, or did he just calm down??

What do you think??

=====================================================================================================================

Argh!! Biting!!
topic posted Thu, September 13, 2007
http://snakebellydancing.tribe.net/thread/aef857ec-7d89-4f3b-a723-aa43a1dfa62b

Zehara,

I totally feel your pain! I don't have much to offer since I am dealing with similar issues. Just when I thought Joxer (the bitey!) had calmed down, on Sunday he scared the heck out of me when he snapped at the glass of his enclosure as I walked by it! I know he is fed right, his temps are right (I even bought a temp gun to check temps) with a hot side and a cool side, his enclosure is plenty big enough (that was his last stressor I am sure), so I am not sure what the deal is with him...he is sharing a tank and while the two snakes eem very content, perhaps that is what is stressing out Joxer.

Anyway, the above are things to check ...stress can make them bitey.

In my case, I think it is just a socialization issue; since moving three months ago I have fallen out of my routine of regular snake handling (I am still trying to unpack) and I think I need to handle the two bigger ones more often! Got back into handling the smaller ones last week and I am going to work on the bigger ones starting again this week....

=====================================================================================================================

learned something new about male snakes!
topic posted Fri, December 28, 2007
http://tribes.tribe.net/0d2b0c85-38a5-4350-8a27-4a0283b2557f/thread/0cedb084-2974-4aea-9b5a-7dd8fb0166dc

I have two males that are housed together.... I have housed snakes together in past, but this if the first time I have had two male boas in the same enclosure and I noticed that the two males will wrap around other and appear to try to copulate with each other! And they figure out wit won't work, but he keeps trying. You would think that since they 'know each other' and live together, they would give up, but I keep seeing the smaller younger male (Autolycus) lying on top of the larger older one (Joxer), and he keeps wrapping his tail around his older buddy in a very suggestive manner.

Also, one day I came home and found the Autolycus curled up in the hide with Joxer (which is normal), but Autolycus was basically upside down, showing his belly for about 2/3 of his body! It freaked me right out, since the only other time I have seen my snakes upside down for any length of time was when one died. he is fine, but that was odd indeed!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

Frozen rodents

Nienna — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:54:12 GMT

Hey ladies!
I made myself a friend through my local herp society recently and she has a huuuuuge collection of snakes. So over the weekend I got to go visit her and get some hands on experience with them, and I really fell in love (see blog for details).
Anyway, she has some babies she'll be selling soon, that coupled with the fact that Jason and I will be moving into our new house in August means I will finally be getting my little snakey friend! :D
Now I have just one question/issue. Jason doesn't mind snakes and reptiles (he's told me he doesn't really 'get' the appeal but he doesn't hate them or anything) so he's ok with the whole thing except he got a little queasy looking when I mentioned keeping frozen mice/rats in the kitchen freezer lol poor guy. I offered to get a mini freezer (expensive) so they wouldn't have to be in with the food, but him, being a reasonable man said he would be ok with them being in the main freezer if I could PROMISE him that it wouldn't make the whole thing smell of frozen rat.
So I was wondering if there is any way I can actually guarantee this? I was thinking, if they were all individually sealed in ziplock bags, then in a tupperware container, then in another sealed ziplock freezer bag, that would do the trick wouldn't it?
Perhaps it's unnecessary but I just want to be extra sure there will be no smell.
Thanks!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 11 replies

Holy Crimminey!!!

Michele — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:56:16 GMT

So I was feeding Dexter yesterday morning. While the rat was warming up in water, I had him out and around my neck so I could clean up his tank, fresh water, yadda yadda. He was in an especially loving mood. Even let me stroke him on the head without flinching.

I put him back in his tank.

Now, I have tongs that I should use, but whenever I try to pick up a rat with the tongs, I drop it. So I've taken to just dropping the thawed/warmed rat out of the plastic bag that it was warmed up in. Never had a problem. Until yesterday.

I went to drop the rat and Dex grabbed the whole thing out of my hand, bag and all! Scared the living daylights right out of me!!!

So now he's wrapped around the rat which is partially in the plastic bag! And I'm trying to pull the plastic bag away from him. In case you're wondering.....doesn't work. Once he's wrapped around his food, he's not giving it up for anyone!

Fortunately for me, my snake is somewhat smarter than I am. He managed to separate the rat from the bag and promptly devoured the rat. And, once he decided to go in his hide box and lay down, I was able to recover the plastic bag for disposal.

Anyone have a secret to NOT dropping the rat when picking it up with the tongs? Any suggestions on a better way to drop it into the tank?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 6 replies

Snake Baskets

Kira — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:12:30 GMT

I don't know about the rest of ya'll...but the search for the perfect snake basket is an ednless and daunting task that results in your home being invaded by basket after basket until you finally stumble upon the right one! I can't even count how many I own, but it's a lot. At least they come in handy for storing gear and whatnot.

Our little town finally got a World Market. I didn't know what one was, but was really tickled when I went in on opening day yesterday and found snake baskets galore. I purchased this one....

http://www.worldmarket.com/baskets/storage-baskets/Oversized-Bamboo-Basket/lev/4/productId/8365/Ne/1100001/sectionId/2920/N/1100431/categoryId/1100431/pCategoryId/1100429/Ns/NEW_ARRIVAL_FLAG%7C1%7C%7CCATEGORY_SEQ_3098%7C0/index.pro

It is huge! It would not be suitable for carrying your snake distances in...but it will make for a terrific one for on stage! It's large enough to comfortably hold a 6 to 8 ft snake, depending on its girth. They have some others ones, but I liked the shape on this one better than any I have seen in the past.

Anyway...thought I would share!

Kira (Seh'Layha)

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 7 replies

Okay, weird, out-there question

Mora — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:14:47 GMT

This is the only snake board I'd ask this on, but...do you guys find you have a special bond with one particular species of snake that you dance with? I'm asking because I've always had a special relationship with my gray-banded kingsnake, Boris, and feel more relaxed and calm when he's on me. I've even forgotten for a brief time that I'm in front of an audience when I'm dancing with him; because I get so caught up in his beauty.
I always thought it was just because he and I have danced together so long, but I got a new gray-banded a year and a half ago, and he's finally now big enough to start dancing with. I find myself as fasinated with him as I am with Boris. I've danced with ball pythons and even other kingsnake species and not had this level of bonding. Even both of these snakes seem more bonded with me - both trust me more than the rest, and both want to be with me over other people (even slithering to me over shoulders and the back of a couch).
Is it possible to have a special link with one type of snake, or is that too far out there?
Anyone else have this experience?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

Joxer is one Cranky Boid!

Altaira — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:29:16 GMT

++ cross posted from my blog ++

My Joxer is really baffling me. He has been on edge for some time now, and had the same behaviors last year around this time. A couple week ago when I took him out, he did strike at me several times, and while I managed to dodge those strikes, I do need to be able handle him for feeding and to ensure he stays 'socialized'. he will never be a dance partner, or an educational animals (he was a rescue and they had named his 'Striker' since he was so skinny and hungry when he arrived that he would strike at anything. These days he is nice a filled out, and has wonderful big cage to live in. At one time I trusted Joxer to just hang out with me, but this aggression and striking has got me wondering and worrying!

His cage mate Autolycus, my Boa that I can dance with due to his lovely temperament, is as sweet as they come, and though I really liked having the tow boys together in the huge cage, I am planning on separating them to eliminate the possibility that their co-habitation is stressing Joxer out. Joxer is the bigger of the two, and tends to get what he want in the cage (Autolycus seems to move whenever Joxer is trying to get into the bigger hide, or wherever he seems to want to be), so I don't see that the co-habitation is the cause. But I would really like to figure out what the cause of Joxer's Crankiness is coming from so separation for the next month to see if that helps!

Another stresser that I can think of is the co-habitation is stressing our Joxer because maybe he is not a boy! I am going to get him probed to find out both his gender and his cage mates Autolycus' gender for sure, to ensure that if they do go back to co-habitating that they are the same gender (I don't want any snakie babies) but I can't meet up with the lady to do it until the end of the month. The rescue I got him from said he was a boy, so I am thinking that maybe Autolycus is a gender different that what I think....should have answers by August and I keep you all posted when I find out!

The other stresser could be his eating, or lack their of. Joxer has not had a great 'return to a normal feeding schedule' since coming out of brumation this year, unlike Autolycus, so I figure maybe his crankiness is food related. He is very thick still, so I am not worried about weight, but maybe the boy is just hungry! I needed to feed him and fully expected to get bit, but I didn't (wohoo!).

So, I fed Joxer last night, 3 "medium" rats, which are the same as his girth. As a matter of safety, I feed frz, and in a strike box (since he currently co-habitates with another big boid among other reasons); I put the snake in the box, cover it with a towel, and then return to the box with the food item in a dish so that I can remove it with tongs/hemostats to place it in the box.

Given the current price of frz rodents (I bought 8 mediums and paid about $30), and the fact that the last time I fed the smaller snakes I threw away 3 small rodents (I put them outside so at least something will eat them and it is not a total waste of the rodents life), I decided to be cautious about how much I would defrost to feed, and only defrosted 2 to start. Before I even put one into the box, Joxer was striking at the sides, at any movement from me, or the towel being moved around. Finally give him one, and once he is done it is obvious he is still "hunting" so I give him the second. After about 30 minutes, I go back to check on him, and he still seems to be hunting, so I defrost another 2 9since I wanted to give Autolycus one too), and 30 minutes after that he got his third.

He still seemed like he could eat more (no more striking but still very agitated movement in the box), but stopped at 3 since I didn't want to engorge him and risk regurg. To eliminate any possibility of him biting me, I put his whole tub into his enclosure, and removed the top before closing his cage so he could make his way out on his own (thanks Joseff for this idea, I would have never through to even try this!)

I am hoping that with a few days to settle down and digest, he will calm down a bit and I will just keep feeding him every week until he finally decides that I am not anything to try to bite!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 6 replies

cleaning up a rubbermaid

Nienna — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:50:07 GMT

Hi everyone!
My boyfriend and I are moving ever closer to getting a house of our own and so the last few days I have been (yes prematurely) daydreaming about that day when I can finally bring home a baby snakey. While we were going through things for our yard sale this weekend I realized that I have I nice sized clear rubbermaid tub already, the kind that has a hinged top with two little snap locks. I've seen it suggested before that when snakes are small one of these would work great so I'm going to keep it in hopes of using it one day soon :D
My question is what should I use to clean it up? It housed some art supplies, mostly sealed tubes of acrylic paint, and I want to make sure it's nice and clean without using anything that might leave harmful residue. Should I just use vinegar and water? As I don't actually have any snake equipment yet I don't have any of that special reptile spray that I hear of some people using. So what would your suggestions be?
Thanks!
:)

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

Gozer is a Snake on the Loose!

Altaira — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:22:01 GMT

+++ cross posted from my blog +++

Gozer is Loose again! I might start to call him the great escaper.....I fed him, along with everyone else last night, and when I went to put him back in his cage this morning HE WAS GONE!

He escaped last October from his strike box http://people.tribe.net/altaira/blog/8a98f9b8-4b0a-444f-b897-5811d6944ad6 and was found that same month http://people.tribe.net/altaira/blog/07865d17-993e-4506-bc08-f184f5702d8f

To prevent this from happening again, I have since been putting a 5 lb weight on the lid to his box to ensure he stays in when I leave him overnight to eat (which is 80% of the time - he is a slow eater!)

Fortunately my office is a lot more tidy since the last time he escaped, but I still didn't find him this morning. I have one more pile of boxes left to sort through and think he is probably in there someplace....

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 8 replies

Um..Interesting?

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:50:03 GMT

Found this on Youtube..Interesting..Some are well done others are a joke....

The chick with the burmese had me falling out of my chair laughing---I dont think she knew what to do with a snake so big!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vSbp5j7youU

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 16 replies

Found this on youtube

Michele — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:04:04 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZk8Vp3pGoo

I thought it was pretty well done. She seemed very focused on caring for her snake. And I liked the way she handled interaction with the audience. She always turned so they could touch the snake on its back, always kept the head away from people.

She really seemed in control of the situation, rather than letting the number of people overwhelm and control her.

I liked it.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

finally

Phoenix-Dancing — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:32:30 GMT

So my ball python girl finally starting eating about 1 month ago...she had stopped in late august/early sept. I was getting worried since we were coming up on 9 months.

Now...she is a little piggy. I fed her one the other day and then walked by the cage to see her poke her head out. So I gave her the next one...last one in the pack (was planning to order this week thinking I had a week). She snapped it down too. Now .. I walk by and she is still hunting.

She is about 3 years now.....guessing we are about to hit a huge growth spurt. I am excited but do not want her to over do it....

Weighed her to find out that she is finally over 2 lbs now....yep....as I told her "her comes the booty growth"...hahaha....

Phoenix (www.phoenix-dancing.com)

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

I'm A New Momma

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:30:21 GMT

...again....

To an 11 year old ball python! I My friend came over today to give me her 11 year old ball python Kaala.

Kaala was used for reptile shows for 8 years. My friend can no longer do them but wants to see Kaala continue to help educate the public and thought she would be good fit for me. She is a pro at entertainment and being a star, so she's got this in the bag! Shes full grown and beautiful.

We are going to dance this weekend! Yahoo!

Pix to come!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

Ssssssoooooo..... How many do you have?

Darkdove — Sat, 10 May 2008 20:08:48 GMT

Sssssssssso..........

1. How many snakes do you own?
2. What kind of snakes do you own?
3. What is your favorite and why?
4. If I could have any snake I wanted it would be a __________.
5. Your favorite snake dance partner?
6. Do you breed or plan on breeding you snakes?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 25 replies

Eye Caps

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 19:07:35 GMT

Any tips on safely and easily removing eye caps? One of my snakes shed perfectly, but noticed her eye cap was still one! DOH!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

Carrying Multiple Snakes

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:30:36 GMT

I am dancing at a huge event next weekend for two days. I am taking three of my snakes with me.

What do you use when you have a show with multiple snakes to carry them in?

They are three different species, so cant slither around together in the same container.

Also, they are going to be with me outside (its like a Ren Faire) and I am worried about over heating??

Any ideas?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

Review: Customer Service from Big Apple Herpetological (BAD!)

Altaira — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:48:45 GMT

I blogged about this today as well, but since it applies to snake lovers, I thought I would share.

I bought some stuff from Big Apple Herpetological and it arrived yesterday.

Very happy with the Thermostat, but of the 2 "Big Apple Digital Hygrometer & Thermometer" that arrived, one is defunct, giving off readings that are about 10 degrees off (confirmed by my temp gun) so I emailed them about returning it. the very promptly sent me a authorization to return it, but apparently I am supposed to pay to return this BROKEN ITEM. If it was just me returning the item for an unspecified reason and wanting a refund, I could understand but the item is BROKEN!

I shan't be buying from them again. Making the customer pay for THEIR MISTAKE is not the way to build customer relations. They screwed up, they need to fix it.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

Looking for a book

melaney — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:48:19 GMT

Hello. I'm doing research on ball pythons right now because I'm considering getting one. I was wondering if any of you could recommend a good book or two on the care of ball pythons. There are so many out there and I'm not sure which one would be the best. I know when I got my first tarantula I purchased multiple books before I found a good one.
Also, if anyone wants to through in some tips/advice for a first time snake owner just for the heck of it feel free!
Thanks. Melaney

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

another BP joins the "eating force"

Altaira — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:02:51 GMT

Gozer ate on Monday for a the first time in a few months. He only ate one small frz rat (he could easily eat 3), but that was good enough for me!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

Books for Sale

Altaira — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:43:42 GMT

Trying to eliminate excess items before our big move and have read through these and don't really need them any more so figured I would see if anyone here could use them. If they don't sell, I will take them with me though!

Ball Python Manual (note this is VERY different from Kevin McCurley's "The Complete Ball Python" ) - contains beginner type info:
http://snakebellydancing.tribe.net/photos/bb7a5ca3-41e5-4979-95a5-b2ed42b11997

Assortment of Herp books:
http://snakebellydancing.tribe.net/photos/0c7b6654-81fe-483d-8f47-c857b52dfb50

Any book for $5 includes shipping to the continental USA.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Julien's first Dance Outing

Mora — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:45:31 GMT

Julien's two now (my youngest graybanded kingsnake), so I thought I'd start getting him used to being out with me around people at dance events. We do alot of Renaissance Faires, so I brought him for a weekend. I only took him in in the daily parades, and took him around to meet some of the folks I knew were snake-friendly. He did pretty well; he even started relaxing in the sun on my shoulder the second day while we waited for the parade to start. But wouldn't you know it - the wind gusted suddenly and one of my soft yarn dreads popped him right on the head. It didn't hurt him (I make my own lightweight dreads because of my snakes being in and out of them) but it sure startled the poor little guy. He only had a couple little snake "spazs" as I call them (when they dive down my top or just suddenly speed up their movements), but he REALLY liked the little cardboard box I brought along for a hide inside his carrying tub. I think he's gonna need some more outings before he's ready to be an actual dance partner. :)
My daughter will be bringing our young pastel ball python, Claude, to his first Faire day the weekend after next. Hope he likes it better than Julien does! LOL!
Of course, we still bring the experienced snakes for dancing so folks aren't disappointed...:)

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

Portion Control??

Altaira — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:39:12 GMT

For the first time EVER, my Honduran Milksnake Ares didn't "clean his plate"!

Since I adopted Ares over 6 year ago, he has always eaten everything I have given him. He frequently eats the leftovers the BPs won't eat too! These days I usually give him 4-5 small ratsicles and he quickly devours them, and he is one of the few snakes that I usually don't have to leave in a strike box overnight (since he is such a good eater)

Last night I geve him 4, and he only ate 2! He only ate one last week (becuase I was out and that was all I had), and for the last week he has been 'hunting' in his enclosure like crazy, so I figured he was really hungry.

So I was tossing out two small rodents this morning. Yuck! The neighbor scavengers will take care of it, but I hate wasting money like that! And what is up with only eating half of what I give him?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

Kingsnake smell??

Fri, 30 May 2008 23:56:57 GMT

I recently adopted a sweet Grey Banded King snake.

I noticed when he was shedding he gave off this terrible odor--

Is this normal for king snakes??? I know some snakes musk.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

Is It A Python Thing??

Sun, 18 May 2008 21:42:24 GMT

I own 6 boa's all of whome are not picky eaters and eat f/t food no problems....

I adopted 2 pythons, one in Jan and one in March...who ARE picky eaters and will only eat live---

So is it a python thing?? Do pythons prefer fresh live food over f/t??

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

U.S. Exporting?

Nienna — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:25:45 GMT

Did something change recently in regards to laws for exporting snakes or possibly cost of shipping or something? The reason I ask is because I just looked back over a bunch of sites that I had visited before, some of which I was SURE would ship to Canada, and now I can either see no info claiming that, or they specifically say 'we do not export'. It might just be me being crazy, that wouldn't be a surprise, but I was just wondering if there have been some changes recently.
Thanks!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Expos?

Nienna — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:48:23 GMT

The reptile industry is pretty mediocre in Nova Scotia from what I can tell, but apparently there have been a few small expos over the years. There is talk of having another one this year on one of the herp forums and I'm hoping they continue to grow and get themselves better organized so that I might get to visit one when I'm ready to bring home a new baby.
My question to all of you is, are expos worth it?
My initial thoughts are that it would be a great place to buy a snake since you can examine it and handle it a bit before you make the purchase (as opposed to buying online). But then on the flip side of things, is it a stressful time for the snakes? Are people trying to haggle with you to buy this or buy that? Is it possible in the hustle and bustle of the whole thing that you walk away with a less than healthy snake, or paying way too much because the guy at the table 'convinced' you to? I have no idea what it's really like at one of these.......
Any thoughts?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 11 replies

Prom snakes pics up

Darkdove — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:55:57 GMT

Yes snake dancing at an Egyptian themed prom. We had a blast.
We took five snakes in our nice display boxes and let them meet and great, touching only. And performed main stage for the kids.
One young lady told me after touching Osiris she will remember this the rest of her life. I still have to fight back my tears.
What a great night.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

Devastated

Sat, 10 May 2008 18:53:49 GMT

One of my baby snakies died and I am so devastated. I dont even know what killed her. She ate and pooped fine, and up until last night she was slithering around her tank in perfect health......I cant stop crying.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 4 replies

The Right Substrate for Plastic Cages....

Ela — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:36:33 GMT

I am wondering what you all use for substrate for those of you that have *plastic* snake enclosures?

We just ordered her "house", and I am hoping to use papertoweling or unprinted newspaper for the bottom. Will this work okay? (The heat source is a radiant heat panel, that mounts to the ceiling of the 36X18X18 cage.) Any other suggestions welcome! :)

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

Strange behavior?

Erika — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:23:29 GMT

Allright snake loving friends, I just fell into having a new three foot ball python (yeah for me!) but I am a little worried about her behavior. I got her last friday, it was her second move in 4 days (the people who had originally bought her were not able to keep her due to land lord issues) so I have only taken her out a total of thee times so as to let her get used to her new surroundings. the first day or 2 she was all over her cage sniffing and what not, she was very amiable towards hanging out with me when I took her out as well, but since last sunday she has been hiding out under her water bowl! She has a lovely little half log which the former owners told me she was quite fond of, I have all her lighting set up properly, she is not due to be fed for another week. I have had BP's for 6 years but have not seen this sort of behavior, the only thing I can think of is that her tank is near a window that recieves a some indirect light, perhaphs it is to bright? Any help would be greatly appricated! Thanks!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

all the great snake pics and dancers in our tribe

serpentessa — Thu, 08 May 2008 06:17:25 GMT

Sssssssss all,

I needed to unwind after crazy long day. So I enjoyed my time gazing at the beautiful photos of all of us! Too many to comment on and as I said, I just wanted to space out and relax. Can't wait to ssssssee what my dreamsssss will be like tonight!

I really wish I had a big enough snake room to add some other species in, but 9 boas are already too many with the types of homes I have for 'em right now. If I could only afford some Boaphile homessssss. Maybe after this year's repairs on this 100 yr house of ours.

Hugssssss "n' hissessssss,
Serpentessa

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 1 reply

Whee!!!! Dex finally ate!

Michele — Mon, 05 May 2008 21:34:17 GMT

Last time he ate was in September!!!

Saturday, the dear darling boy ate a small thawed rat. But I think he was still hungry because on Sunday, he was super active. Usually after a meal, he is lazy for a few days while he digests.

I'm going to offer food again this weekend.

He's such a good boy.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

snakes at the prom x-post

Darkdove — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:24:24 GMT

Yes five snakes at the prom, you read that right.

http://tribes.tribe.net/mystichips/thread/2e4fbbc9-4153-4a3a-b03d-45bf115425cc?newpostingid=4b3379e3-43d2-4dea-9314-b7b0884f7f58#4b3379e3-43d2-4dea-9314-b7b0884f7f58

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Bp ate after 233 day hunger strike

Darkdove — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:32:45 GMT

Finally after 233 days Rashwan my male BP ate a f/t mouse last night, tail first and with lots of work but he ate! YEA!!!!!!!!!
I think it's beacause it finally got warm here. The temps are up in the 70' to 80's.

Anyone else?????

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 8 replies

Hunger Strikes?

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:37:33 GMT

So one of my boa's--about 1 year old, has been refusing food. She wont eat, live or thawed. Her last meal was the end of Feb. Heat and all that is fine in her tank.

Should I be worried?? She's thick, no sign of illness, very active, not in the blue....just refusing to eat.

Is it normal for a 1 year old to refuse food???

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

Proposed Federal ban on Boas & Pythons

serpentessa — Thu, 01 May 2008 21:14:05 GMT

Here is what has been sent by Kingsnake, http://kingsnake.com/USFWSBoaPythonResponse.pdf , the large online forum.
Let's keep our fingers crossed that USFWL respond reasonably and realize that there are many more responsible caregivers than not.
btw- I have not yet read the whole thing, just briefly scanned it.

Your friendly neighborhood snake priestess,
Serpentessa

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Bugs!

Altaira — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:16:49 GMT

Crap crap crap! I was taking out my snakes tonight for a little one on one attention, and as I took out Loki, the littlest one, I noticed three little bugs on my hand that had fallen off his log that he likes to hide in. Not knowing exactly what they were, I tried to photograph them to see if I could get ‘close up’ – that didn’t work, so I SMUCHSED the little bugs and they are little red smears of blood on the piece of paper I put them on. Pretty sure they are some sort of mite that probably came in with the Aspen bedding I have been using. Crap!

It looks like it is just the little guy’s space that has the bugs, but I am going to have to clean out everything since this is the top level in the Boaphiles stacking system and I’ll be they can easily travel from one stack to the next. And I am going out of town on Friday, so it will have to wait until next week since it will be a big job and I just don’t have time to do it right before I leave. Crap!

And whatever you do, do NOT tell my hubby. He hates the idea of bugs in the house due to pet (fleas are a huge problem with our cats in the summer) and the fact that my snakes have them could send him over the edge into the “NO MORE ANIMALS” territory. Crap!!!!

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 9 replies

Trust in Me.....

Darkdove — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:05:49 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6viMCGOVpQ

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 9 replies

Good homes for babies needed

elliah — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:36:37 GMT

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/pet/648120018.html

DC area, no shipping

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Me & Thoth performing at Conglomeration Sci-Fi convention 2008

Darkdove — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:32:06 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9GbnTxwku8

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

UK Snake Performance rules & regs

Asha — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:35:22 GMT

Thought I'd post details of the documentation required for legal snake dancing in the UK:

1 - ANIMAL PERFORMANCE LICENSE

It is against the law for anyone to train or exhibit a performing animal unless they are registered under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925. The Act is designed to cover using animals in stage performances such as:
* circuses;
* as part of an exhibition; or
* educational programme;
even where there is no charge for the performance.
Once you've got your registration you don't need to renew it.

The price of this may vary depending on your location and your council - mine is £46.25 and this payment is one-off (does not require renewal). For the application form you need to go to your local council website and search for 'Performing Animals Application' and you should find an Adobe Acrobat application form. This just needs the details filling in and you then post it with a cheque for the payment.
Very simple and there's no excuse not to have one.

2 - UK ANIMAL TRANSPORTATION LICENSE

This has been a legal requirement from 5th January 2007 - not only for breeders, but anyone transporting animals for profit within the UK. However, recently the regulations were altered to include people transporting animals for ANY kind of economic gain (which includes performers paid for the work, even if you only get travel expenses).
Individuals transporting pets they own are not required to have one (although this is aimed more at things like dogs & transporting to vets). But breeders taking snakes to buyers, or to reptile shows MUST have a licence.
Originally aimed at farmers and livestock to improve transport conditions, it has now been extended to all animals except insects/bugs.

Their main concern is that you have a road-worthy vehicle (although this is more important for farmers, you should be fine as long as you've passed your MOT), and that the animal is properly transported in suitable conditions. This means not only heatpads... but WATER. Obviously you cannot drive around with a water bowl full... so you must document all rest stops on your journey and log the times you OFFER water... it doesn't matter if the snake doesn't want any, but it must be offered.

Hopefully the majority of us would never get checked, but spot checks are now being conducted for UK drivers going in and out of most reptile shows, and also those who travel to Germany for the Hamm reptile shows. It is best to have your back covered with a license and good paperwork to show you are a responsible owner... or you risk having your snake(s) confiscated.

The good news - the license is FREE. Go to http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/transport/documentation.htm

There are 2 application forms, one for journeys up to 8 hours, one for any length and over 8 hours. This form needs to be posted to the State Veterinary Service.
It is also worth downloading the Animal Transport Certificate. This should be printed for each journey you do and kept with the animal - it's a handy log for you to record all details of the journey and when you offer water.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 2 replies

New Homes for my smaller snakes!

Altaira — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:51:04 GMT

I am so excited!!!

I am picking up two new cages built by "Herp Enclosures" after work tonight for my little babies (Monty and Gozer, the two Ball Pythons, and Ares, the Honduran Milksnake). They are both black enclosures, with sliding doors, and both are 4' by 15" high; one is 24" deep and the other is 30" deep (so I can stack them, hooray!). It will take me a while to set them up (I don't have the right kinds of heat sources, lighting, or even a place for them since I have to rearrange the office and remove a REALLY big bookshelf that their two critter cages currently live on).

Heating and lighting had to go inside the enclosures now, and I REFUSE to heat heat rocks (don't get me starting on those evil things!), so I have been looking at radiant strip heating sources. Does anyone have experience with any of these?

http://www.bigappleherp.com/Kane-Heat-Mats_2
http://www.bigappleherp.com/Big-Apple-Desert-Rays-Radiant-Heat-Panels

or have other ideas??

And I need some slim profile interior lighting too. Suggestions??

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 8 replies

Venting about last hold-out ball python...

Mora — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:48:35 GMT

Pete, my last ball python refusing to eat this spring, is really getting my goat (wish he'd eat that!). We dangle the mousie, make it retreat, make it s-l-o-w-l-y turn away, make it dance and sing and he still is uninterested. I left it in on his favorite hide overnight, just to find in the morning that he'd retreated to his other hide way across the tank to escape that yucky mouse. AAAHHHHH!!!!!!
Okay, better now, thanks for listening, deep breaths....
I do know he'll eat eventually...he does this to me every spring....

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 10 replies

USFW potential ban on boas & pythons and what else you can do

serpentessa — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:43:12 GMT

Also, in response to some queries here from some of you:

We can all become memberes of PIJAC, The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council http://pijac.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

As a hobbyist, it is $35 a year. PIJAC is the main advocate working with us on the issues we as Snake lovers face now and in the future. This includes more than just the current Boa & Python issue.

Now I realize that many of us choose not to be in the public eye of assisting people to understand their responses to snakes which is where I am. Some of you may be figuring no one will ever know you have a snake/s which is quite possible. But if this issue doesn't get addressed it will affect who you buy your rodents from, your snake habitats, what vets you can go to, etc. Not to mention breeders!

It is up to us to speak and be activists on our beloved snakes' behalves. Please do whatever you can.

Your friendly neighborhood snake priestess,
Serpentesssa

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

4/30 is Deadline to reply to USFW Boa & Python Inquiry - Here Is How!

serpentessa — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:27:49 GMT

Hello Snake lovers,

Please take time to read this (it is long) as you may have pertinent info that you can send in response. BUT even if you don't, we must remain informed on what is going on AND you can forward this to your local breeders, vets and reptile dry goods suppliers. Let them know that they can answer all or some of the questions. It is an inquiry and not a mandate.

Here is the link as well: http://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1509844,1509844

Letter below.

Thank you,
Serpentessa

From jeffb@pethobbyist.com

I don't think that I can add much to what PIJAC recommends below, other than to say that we are working hard to have some data here over the weekend to help fill in the blanks. Some of the information regarding state laws has been posted here in the forums this week and may also be located in the Reptile Law Resource Center, but we plan on having data available for each states laws, numbers of pets stores that sell reptiles & supplies, numbers of vendors on kingsnake.com and what animals and products they sell.

Please check our Herp Law/CITES Forum located at http://forums.kingsnake.com/forum.php?catid=13. Also, if you have knowledge of your state's laws concerning boas & pythons, please help us with a survey at http://forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1508430,1508430

In the meantime I recommend that everyone review the information below as it not only is a useful tool for responding to this request, but may be utilized for responding to other requests at the federal, state, and local levels.

I do recommend that even though the PIJAC suggestions do not mention dry goods, that the economic information regarding dry goods, caging, food, and other supplies and equipment utilized in maintaining these animals be included. If you manufacture cages, produce feeder items, or sell any other goods associated with keeping boas and pythons please make sure to include that data in your response.

Please note: Due to formatting issues you may have problems following the recommendations outlined below. If you have difficulty following the text you can read the original .pdf document released by PIJAC at http://kingsnake.com/AdviceforResponse.pdf

ADVICE FOR RESPONDING TO THE NOTICE OF INQUIRY ON PYTHON, BOA, AND EUNECTES GENERA
APPROACH
Establish rapport and credibility. Rapport needs to be in place so that the agency reviewer wants to hear what you have to say. Credibility encourages them to take what you say seriously.
• Lay your submission out in a business letter format.
• Make the letter your own. Avoid duplicating what other people have written. Duplication gives the appearance of a pressure campaign and/or laziness (i.e. lack of concern for the issue). You can draw factual information from others, but package it in a way that is uniquely your own. Your individual voice matters.
• Limit the submission to 1-3 pages. Keep in mind that the agency staff will likely have to review over 1000 submissions. You want them to be able to process your message quickly.
• Strategically organize the letter so that the reviewer can easily find the main points (PIJAC provides a suggested outline below). Use bullets to “mark out” key information rather than burying it in long paragraphs.
• Use polite language throughout the letter.
• Present the information from the perspective of being “helpful” rather than “defensive.
• Refer to the federal register notice as a “Notice of Inquiry.” It is NOT a proposed rule or a ban and if you refer to it as such you will lose credibility.
• Stick to the facts and avoid being overly emotional.
• Spell check your letter and/or have someone proof read it.

CONTENT
(The following can be used as your letter outline)
Be clear, concise, and accurate. Whenever possible, back your statements up by referencing credible literature (author’s name, publication title, date), websites (URL), and other resources. When you respond, please indicate if the figures you provide represent actual numbers, approximations, or averages.
• Open the letter with a polite address: “Dear Ms. Williams”
• State why you are writing: ‘I am writing in response to the Notice of Inquiry entitled, “Injurious Wildlife Species; Review of Information Concerning Constrictor Snakes From Python, Boa, and Eunectes genera,” dated 31 January 2008.’
• Establish your credentials. Indicate relevant academic degrees, business operations/occupation, professional memberships/affiliations (e.g., PIJAC membership), publications, and/or snake keeping experience. (Limit to one paragraph)
• To the best of your ability, respond to one or more of the questions listed in the Notice on Inquiry (One paragraph per question recommended):
• What regulations does your State have pertaining to use, transport, or production of Python, Boa and Eunectes genera? [Note: If the States already have effective regulatory and/or non-regulatory in place, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is less likely to perceive a need for Federal regulation].
• How many species in the Python, Boa and Eunectes genera are currently in production for wholesale or retail sale, and in how many and which States?
• How many businesses sell Python, Boa and Eunectes species?
• How many businesses breed Python, Boa and Eunectes species?
• What are the annual sales for Python, Boa and Eunectes species? [Note: If you provided confidential economic data to PIJAC, note this here.]
• Please provide the number of Python, Boa and Eunectes species, if any, permitted within each State.
• What would it cost to eradicate Python, Boa and Eunectes individuals or populations, or similar species, if found?
• What are the costs of implementing propagation, recovery, and restoration programs for native species that are affected by Python, Boa and Eunectes species, or similar snake species?
• What State-listed species would be impacted by the introduction of Python, Boa and Eunectes species?
• What species have been impacted, and how, by Python, Boa and Eunectes species? [Note: This is one of the most important questions for evaluating whether or not a species is “injurious.” Points to consider making include:
• To the best of your knowledge, only two species in these three genera (Python molurus bivitattus and Boa constrictor) have established reproductive populations in the United States, both in southern Florida
• The state of Florida, relevant federal agencies, and stakeholders are already working to understand the dynamics of these populations, limit their impact, and prevent future introductions into the environment;
• The establishment of both of these populations was likely aided by unusual circumstances (e.g., hurricane and/or intentional establishment by an individual), and there is no evidence to indicate that large-scale, repeated releases by or escapes from snake keepers are responsible.
• The Everglades is a subtropical, highly modified environment with low human population density which offers a rather unique opportunity for the establishment of some non-native species.
• At this time, there are insufficient data available for evaluation of the potential benefits (e.g., as prey for native wildlife and predators of invasive species), impacts (e.g., as predators of endangered species), or spread of Python molurus bivitattus and Boa constrictor.
• There is a decline in the number of P.m.bivitattus being imported and propagated in the U.S. and thus the risk of this species being introduced into the environment is diminishing.]
• Provide information on projects/programs that you are involved with that limit the potential for Python, Boa and Eunectes species to:
• Escape or be purposefully released into the environment,
• Establish reproducing populations in the environment,
• Spread over a wide geographic area, and
• Cause harm to native species, humans, or the economy. Examples include HabitattitudeTM (www.pijac.org), “amnesty programs” (i.e. programs in which people can surrender unwanted pets without consequence), and your facility’s containment processes (including during transport).
• Conclude your letter by indicating that you:
• Appreciate the opportunity to respond to the Notice of Inquiry;
• Hope the USFWS will make a science-based evaluation through a transparent process that fully considers the costs and benefits of potential policy decisions to all relevant stakeholders; and
• Will continue to follow the process and engage in it as necessary.
• Sign off formally, “Sincerely, X”
SEND TO
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posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Where to eat?

Ela — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:08:20 GMT

The "Venting about last hold-out ball python" thread got me thinking....

Where does everyone feed their finicky eating snake? (Again, I am soon to adopt my very first snake ~BP~ within the month, and still have a few gray areas.) I like the idea of feeding her in a big/clear Rubbermade tub with locking lid (with holes drilled for air) - instead of her tank. I don't want my hand to be a daily snapping target, thinking I'm coming in with food. I would want her to associate the Rubbermade tub in the room to be where she is fed.

My question is, what if it takes her overnight, or longer to eat? The Rubbermade tub does not have a heating unit or temp gauges inside. Would she be okay in there - and how long before I need to put her back in her tank & toss poor mousie?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 10 replies

Big tank issue...

Ela — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 18:08:19 GMT

It is now time that our snake-house shopping has begun! We are getting close to adopting our Ball Python (1st pet snake). She most likely will be close to a year old, or a bit older. The heat source I am really wishing to get for her glass critter tank will only fit into a 40 gallon size tank, due to the heating specifics of the gradient heat panel. My question is this: Would a tank that big scare her at all? I've read that BP's can be stressed if their new environment is too large. We would be filling her space with 2 *big* rock repti "caves" (hides) in either end, plus a good size water/soaking dish in the middle. I've also heard that you can crunch up balls of newspaper to place inside as well. (As an adult, this would be her correct size habitat.) Would a 40 gallon tank be okay for a 1 year old BP?

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 5 replies

Thermometers & Humidity Gauges

Altaira — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:34:48 GMT

I want to get a couple Thermometers & Humidity Gauges for my snakes (in prep for my move to Alaska where temps might be harder to monitor than here in relatively mild Florida) and I am not sure if I need the single probe or double probe to get good readings.

Does anyone here have experience with these Thermometers & Humidity Gauges (or something similar):
http://www.bigappleherp.com/Big-Apple-Deluxe-Thermometers-Humidity-Gauges?sc=2&category=16#

Do I need single or double probe and what is point of the two types (besides make it harder for me to figure out which one to buy!)

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 9 replies

My New little buddy Loki, or 'Update on that "Bitey hissing Snake"'

Altaira — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:21:41 GMT

I adopted this little snake from a couple that I bought another snake from because he was a "Bitey Hissing Snake". He has had a couple meals, and a shed since then, and while he seems a little more nervous that the bigger one I originally went over for (and got as well), he has not hissed once, and has only struck at the camera once after I subjected him to too many pictures with the flash making him a little testy.

Picture can be seen here: http://people.tribe.net/altaira/photos/2f0d7c1f-dbe2-4755-8276-b7ad9b554fe2

I think me and Loki and going to be great friends :)

Joyce

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 3 replies

Thanks to all of you

Darkdove — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 03:40:50 GMT

I am the new moderator on the Boas tribe.

Thans again! See you here and there.

http://boas.tribe.net/

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Serpentessa Snake Dancing Workshop

serpentessa — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:53:57 GMT

Would you enjoy a sensual dance journey with a powerful yet gentle Serpent into the mystery of your Being? Learn with Serpentessa to merge body, mind and soul with a snake in a graceful interspecies dance.

Date & Time: Sunday, April 27, 2008 from 9:00 am- 12 noon

Location: Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts
957 Route 82, West Taghkanic. NY.
For directions> www.hvapa.com

**For those attending workshop, Dance at the Hafla Party with my Snakesss! Hafla Party begins @ 1 pm.

Wkshp format:
1. Snake handling orientation provided. No prior snake knowledge necessary.
2. Learn the basic positions to hold a snake that are safe and sensual.
3. Belly dancing framework. Choreography within the improvised phrase captivates your audience.
5. For Sisters of all ages, shapes and diversities.

Cost: $35 includes afternoon party. Limited enrollment & Pre-registration closes 4/24.

To register: 518-851-5501. Registration confirmation via email. Further questions, pls check website or email serpentessa@templebellydance.com

www.TempleBellyDance.com

See Events here for photos.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Sachamamma, Serpent wisdom and Shamanic Studies

serpentessa — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:17:11 GMT

Journey with a live gentle snake under the guidance of Serpentessa, a 21st c Snake Priestess. Our intention is to Shed the stories we no longer need. Enrollment limited to people studying Peruvian shamanism.

Date & Time: Sunday, April 13, 2008 1:00 PM- 6 Pm
Location: East Setauket, NY

$60

More Info: 631-751-3477 or
asherahscauldron@msn.com

See Events here for photos.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

Charge of the Goddess - Eve & the Serpent

serpentessa — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:07:03 GMT

What if the Charge of the Goddess was a sacred text? What insights does it hold for us? How does the myth of Eve and her serpent wisdom relate to our relationship with Goddess? Serpentessa and her snakes collaborating with Asherah to explore these questions as we observe the body wisdom of the Serpent.

Date & Time: Friday, April 11, 2008 7:30 PM -10 pm
Location: East Setauket, NY

$20

More Info: 631-751-3477
asherahscauldron@msn.com

See Events here for photos.

posted in Belly Dancing Snake Lovers/Snake Dancers - 0 replies

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