New Sand Boas

I made a purchase with Jason at Jason's Jungle. He is great to deal with.

Anery male, het anery femal, and normal female

Stripe anery female and stripe het anery female

There are two more females somewhere in my house- 1 normal and 1 anery. They escape their original housing, to which I'm still not sure how. These guys are all tiny, so they could be anywhere. I actually had three escape, but by pure luck found one.

If anyone has any tips on finding snakes about the size of a pencil but shorter, please feel free to advise. I've checked under the fridge, under racks, between things, etc. They're somewhere, but I have no clue where.

November Dixie Reptile Show

If you're going to be in the Birmingham area, November 19th, make sure to stop by the Dixie reptile show.

I'll be there with a few ball python babies, gargoyle gecko juveniles, and maybe a crested gecko or two. Most of my table will be filled with Repashy CGD,  Large and XL kritter keepers, fake plants, and other supplies.

I will also bring some of my jewelry, such as earrings and bracelets.

Bring cash or credit card, I accept both.

If you want more information, check out dixiereptileshow.com

Yellow Crested Gecko Picture

I'm a huge fan of bright yellow and orange crested geckos. I've had a few babies this year that I've held back, and plan on waiting till next year to decide what I'm going to do with them.

I've recently purchased a new yellow crested gecko female that I hope will be a nice addition to my yellow group.This girl has a few spots, brindle patterns, and a gorgeous golden yellow color. She'll go great with my male, which is a partial pinstripe with spotting.

As you can see I'm not only a fan of yellow, but I'm a fan of yellow crested geckos with pattern.

Dwane Nimmer is awesome!

New P.I. Chahoua Geckos

After playing around with a few new geckos and a random light bulb that I found in the reptile room, I snapped a few shots. These aren't the best, but it's not that easy to keep a light bulb with a gecko on it still. Neither of these two chahoua geckos have names yet, so I'm up for suggestions; when giving suggestions for gecko names, please keep in mind that I currently have Tag, Nimz, Skittles, Veyron, and Sahara. I don't generally pick reptile names based on themes.

Gecko 1 - Dervish (Name to Change. Name that was used on the breeder's website)

Gecko 2 - Honeyduke (Name to Change. Name that was used on the breeder's website)

Both geckos were purchased from Erica at Crown Jewel Reptiles.

After uploading the pictures, I'm considering renaming Honeyduke to Pixel, as every picture that I took of him, his markings looked like bad pixels. Time will tell if the name sticks.

Langley the New Leachianus Gecko

Here's my newest leachianus baby. He's a temp-sexed male, but it will be a few months, at least, for me to be able to attempt to sex him. Currently, Langley is about 3 weeks old and teeny tiny.

Both Quinby and Milo were small when I got them, but Langley is crazy small.

This leachianus gecko baby is a GT Type B, which is why I'm really hoping for a male. I have had trouble finding GT Type B leachies that I like, much less males or possible males.

I have Quinby, who was supposed to be a male, but was easily sexed as a female when she arrived in her UPS box last year.

Anyway, I was having fun with geckos and light bulbs, so I thought I'd show off Langley.

Your Trash Causes Turtle Deformities

It's very important that you reduce waste, utilize recycling benefits, toss trash that can't be recycled into a trash can or garbage bin, and rethink how you dispose your waste.

When you throw out your old McDonald's cup and burger wrapper, you really can't comprehend what you're doing to the environment and the animals within it. You're not giving prisoners something to do. You are creating deformed animals, sick animals, dead animals, and a bad environment for everyone.

Before you discard your trash, make sure that you consider the animals and environment around you. When you toss out 6 pack rings and any other type of ring, make sure that you cut them so that they no longer create an enclosed area.

When a small turtle swims or climbs through the ring, get stuck, which will inhibit proper growth as their exoskeletons grow around the ring. Fish, mammals, and birds ingest these plastic rings, causing digestion blocks and death.

Milk jug ring surrounds the shell of this female snapping turtle

 

Your pollution harms sea and all water life.

Corkbark for Sale

I have this extra-large piece of cork bark available for sale. It was much larger than I had intended, and I don't feel like cutting it into smaller pieces.

The piece measures about 4.5" at the shortest point and 8" at the tallest point. The inner core is about 7", excluding the actual bark.

I'm asking $15 for this piece. Shipping is additional.

Used Reptile Clamp Light Fixtures for Sale

I'm cleaning out some of my supplies that I no longer use. I haven't gotten very far in my search, but I'm starting with these used clamp light fixtures. Both work and are in good conditions. I didn't use them for very long. You'll get great usage from either fixture.

I've used the stock images below, so that you can see what exactly I have available.

Each fixture is $5 plus shipping. I will be vending at the Dixie Birgminham show in November, for free pickup.

Zilla Clamp Lamp holds up to 150V bulbs
Retails about $21

Exo Terra Clamp Lamp holds up to 120V bulbs
Retails about $20

Repashy Seller

I just wanted to remind everyone how great the Repashy Superfoods line of products is for Rhacs and other animals.

Recently, there have been additions to the line, to include Bug Burger and Hydro-Load, which are both great products when rearing your own feeder insects.

Also, keep in mind that more chameleon and day gecko breeders are starting to introduce Repashy meal replacement into the diet of their animals.

There are new flavors to include peach, mango, fig, and banana. If you're not sure how your rhacodactylus will like these flavors, the original, strawberry-banana, is still offered.

I try to keep stock in original CGD, but I also try to keep a few flavors, such as strawberry, mango, and peach. I'm going to start keeping stock in the Repashy Super Hatch, as well as the calcium and vitamin supplements.

I try to keep competitive prices for all prices.

Red For Tortoises for Sale

I am having to downsize my collection a little. I have two tortoises that I'm willing to sell to a good home. One is a northern red foot, and the other is a Brazilian cherryhead red foot tortoise.

I'm not too happy about having to downsize my tortoise collection, but I'm trying to downsize all of my reptile collection. I've recently sold one of my leachianus geckos to a good home in Birmingham, Alabama. I will soon begin selling a chahoua or two, as well as a few breeding crested geckos. I am holding back most of what 2010 and 2011 crested geckos I have left.

First is Queenie, the temp-sexed female red foot tortoise. She hatched 1/22/11.

$100

The Brazilian is un-named. It is not temp-sexed for any particular gender; hatched on 2/15/11. I will  get a better picture upon request. The tortoise would not come out of its shell, but you can see the red coloring of the legs and head.

$150

 I prefer a local pick-up, but I will drive half-way, up to 2 hours for a confirmed sale. I would rather not ship tortoises.

September 17 Dixie Reptile Show

It's that time again. The original Birmingham show is back this month, and I'll be attending. I didn't think that I was going to make it, but it turns out I will be in town.

If you'll be in Birmingham, Alabama this weekend, make sure to stop by and visit the monthly reptile show that Terry Heurig prepares.

If you're not sure where the show is located, check the official website: Dixie Reptile Show

Leopard Gecko Stuck Shed

Leopard geckos are pretty hardy animals. When given proper housing and diet, they tend to live long lives, but there are times when you may have concerns about the health of your leopard gecko.

Generally, they will shed completely and will eat all, or most, of their old skin. When your leopard gecko leaves some of their skin, you may find that the gecko could either 1) be ill or 2) have improper housing.

It's always best to include a humid hide when your leopard gecko is in shed, so to aid in the process.

If your leopard gecko doesn't normally have problems shedding, I wouldn't worry about one or two mishaps, but if it becomes a constant problem with stuck shed or the bulk of the shed lying about the enclosure, you may need to consider what could be going on with your leopard gecko's health.

My Gecko Didn't Shed Properly - Leopard Gecko Problems Shedding

Tortoise Tattoo

I've been meaning to post a picture of my tortoise tattoo. It was a birthday present to myself back in July. The picture was taken right after completion, so I need a new picture to update with, but this is all I have right now.

The center of the tortoise shell includes the South Korean flag, as my grandmother is from Seoul, South Korea.

Pictures of Red Foot Tortoises

I took the babies out today, as it wasn't overly hot. I took them out in shifts, as I always tend to misplace one or two when all 10 red foots go outside. Even still, I managed to misplace Yertle, but I did find him on the second shift of babies.

I've included just a few pictures of my red foot tortoises. You may be able to spot the Brazilian cherryhead tortoises over the normal Northern red foots.

Split Scutes

Both turtles and tortoise may be born with split scutes. There is nothing wrong with a turtle with split scutes, and this does not hinder the health in any manner.

I have three tortoises with split scutes, and these guys eat, sleep, and explore just like the rest.

Split scutes may come in a variety of appearances, from a zipper-back appearance, one or two extra scutes, many extra scutes, etc. As you can see to the right, Scuttle, one of my red foot tortoises, has many extra scutes; instead of the average of 13 scutes.

There is no defined reason as to why split scutes arise. Some believe it has to do with high incubation temperatures, whereas others believe it may have to do with genetics.

In most cases, a split scute will take up the same space as one regular sized/shaped scute. In other cases, it may reach into the area of two scutes.

News in Personal Life

I'm extremely sad to say that my boyfriend of 2.5 years has broken up with me. Given that I'm having some issues processing and comprehending what's going on with my life, and of course he's of no help as to why this relationship ended so quickly and out of the blue.

But anyway, with the added stress in my life, I have decided to sell some of my reptiles. I'll be releasing pictures of at least one leachianus gecko, chahoua, a breeding trio of crested geckos, and three proven female gargoyle geckos.

goReptiles Joins Etsy

It's been some time coming, but I've finally started up my store on Etsy. It's pretty simple, but I should be adding more to it, so that it is more appeasing to the eye.

Check it out : goReptiles Etsy

I will be updating with more products this weekend.

On a regular basis, you will find keychains, collegiate keychains, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and various supplies.

Tonga the Sulcata

Tonga is my new tortoise. I have wanted a sulcata for some time, and even had my doubts and reservations. When it came down to it, I knew I just wouldn't be happy with a leopard tortoise or another larger tortoise species.

I found this 12-13 month old tortoise, and got her/him. The gender is still unknown, but what is known is that this is a nice looking tortoise. The scutes are a little raised, but nothing too terrible. There is an extra scute in the back, but again, nothing to stress. (I have two red foot tortoises with extra scutes).

I will defintely post better and more pictures when I have my camera. For now all I have is the one shot with my cell phone.

sulcata update

So, the husband of Tortles sold all three of their sulcata babies. Oh well. The wife wanted me to get one, but she wasn't at the table when he sold them. I guess it wasn't meant to be. Still time to prepare and find the perfect one.

Maybe an ivory will fall in my lap. Ha.

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selling not buying at a reptile show

I'm supposed to be selling. I've sold one gecko and donated one to the usark auction.

I may come home with most of my animals plus a sulcata tortoise and a Mexican red leg tarantula.

Looks like Dixie here I come. Next week I will be in Birmingham at the Dixie reptile show.

There has been loads of traffic at the Atlanta Repticon, but that's been about it. The vendors around me haven't sold much either. Same with a vendor down the way that I know from the pangea reptile forum. Just appears more walk throughs than buyers. Here's for hoping for a better day tomorrow, selling more products and jewelry and at least a few animals.

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Attending a Reptile Show

If you've never been to a reptile show, you'll want to make sure that you know what to do, how to act, and proper etiquette.

First off, vendors are there not just to make money, but to ensure that their animals and hard work is going to be taken care of in a good home. They expect you to know a little or at least to inquire about care. Many vendors will actually have care sheets available, so if you're considering buying something, it doesn't hurt to ask for a care sheet in case one is available.

Ask questions if you aren't sure.

Personally, I'm not a fan of seeing customers dressed poorly. Now, I'm not saying wear your best Sunday clothes, but dirty, holey, and stained clothes tells me that you do not care about your appearance, and may not care about properly for the animals. That may sound snobby, but I'm sorry. Tee shirt and jeans, I'm all for it, but stained and dirty clothes is a turn off. Luckily, I haven't seen too many people dress this way.

Haggling is ok, but never try to undercut drastically. All vendors price their animals to what they feel is appropriate and what they think the animals are worth, minus a little competitive pricing. If an animal is priced fairly at $25, it may not be the best idea to offer $10 unless you're buying multiples. (By fairly priced, I mean around average for that species and morph.)

I don't mind bargaining and coming up with a price that is fair for both me and you, but I don't want to be taken advantage of.

I don't recommend talking poorly about a vendor's animals in front of the vendor. If you believe that the animals are sick or not taken care of properly, find someone in charge of the event.  If you tell the vendor, it may create a scene, depending on the vendor and his/her defensiveness over the animals.

For the most part, be polite and patient. Sometimes there are a lot of people at one table, so you may have to wait your turn to speak with someone. Treat the vendors and other customers as you want to be treated.

Atlanta Repticon July 2011

I will have not one but two tables at the July Repticon in Atlanta. I am super excited. I'm really hoping that I can make up my costs for the tables.

In January, my table felt cramped, and the past few Dixie shows have been cramped with one table. I've added a few things since January, so I figured, I'd go big with two tables.

Expect to see 2010 and 2011 unsexed crested geckos, unsexed 2011 gargoyle geckos, sub-adult gargoyle geckos, and possibly adult crested geckos. I will, also, have my jewelry, which will include choker necklaces and earrings, as well as lampwork necklace and earring sets. I will have toys for kids, a few decal cups, hopefully decal beer mugs, various books,  and whatever else I can come up with.

More than likely, the stuff will make my sales worth the trip, but I'm hoping to find homes for some animals too. I won't be able to bring too many 2011 babies because most of my cresteds are just now hatching. I have an incubator full, and many of what has hatched has been more recent. Depending on their sizes right before the show, will depend on who and how many 2011's actually make the trip.

Anyway! Come see me in Atlanta. I'll have goodies for all!

Kenyan Sand Boa Bite

I was feeding the snakes last night, and apparently one of my Kenyans was so hungry, he grabbed my finger before even seeing I had a fuzzy mouse.

It didn't feel all that great, but as always, I had to take a picture or two.

All snakes can and will bite, so when picking out a pet snake for you or your child, all you can do is do the research for a good beginner snake.

Kenyan sand boas are great beginner snakes, as they are a slower and smaller snake, but as you can see, they do bite. Younger snakes tend to be more nippy, and this guy is about a year old. He's never bitten or tried to bite before, but never say never.


Always keep in mind that no mater what snake you bring home and no matter what size the snake is, you always want to supervise children when handling snakes.

If you your pet snake does bite you, I have found that running cold water over the snake's mouth, where it's latched onto you, will entice the snake to release. Basically, the snake must choose from breathing or drowning. The snake will release fairly quickly, and you can move back to whatever you were doing, handling, feeding, cleaning, etc.

Ball Python Babies

I'm pretty stoked. I purchased a lot of 25 ball pythons. These are normals, but who doesn't like a normal ball python. In the day where everyone wants to create some rare and expensive, we can always fall back on a normal.

I have a friend who believes that one day, the normals will be so hard to find that their price will start to climb again.

I bought these ball pythons wholesale from Josh at Outback Reptiles. I was leery at first, but decided that the comments on Fauna BOI, were sufficient for me to take the change. I've got some of them feeding on F/T fuzzies, but the others are feeding on live.

I will probably hold back a few of them that stand out, but for the most part all of the ball python babies will be for sale. If you are interested, please contact me for prices. I have males and females, and I will guarantee the sex.

25 ball python babies. All were separated after this picture. I just needed somewhere to put them while unboxing

Baby BP in forefront, is one that is prone to strike.

A few 2011 Crested Gecko Babies

I've been meaning to post a few pictures of babies I have hatched this year. Now, that I have some time, here they are.

Yellow group:

Red Group:

 

I knew that I was going to have nice babies from my yellow group, but I did not know what to expect. I am hoping that they will turn more yellow, and I expect that they will, as everyone in my yellow group is a solid yellow. The male is a pinstripe, and one of the females is a partial pinner. I am stoked with this project, and will be holding back all crested geckos from my yellow group. This will make my sales at shows limited, but I want to see what I get before I start selling those from this group. Selfish, but hey, I put in the work and money, I deserve it. Ha.

Getting Prepared for Repticon

I know the Repticon show in Atlanta is still a month away, but I'm trying to prepare now more than ever. I bought two tables, but I still need to find hotel accommodations, which depends on whether I decide to drive up Friday night or Saturday morning.

I have purchased more Solo deli cups today to ensure that I have enough. I don't have too many from the last show. These cups are nicer to use because they are clearer. I generally ship reptiles in the Twin-Pack or Fabri-Cal cups, as they're cheaper. I, also, use these cheaper cups at the Dixie show. They do fine, but since Repticon is a bigger show, I'd rather something a little nicer, and $100 later after buying two sizes of cups and lids, as well as cup liners, I've got what I need.

I am still working on more jewelry, as the jewelry seemed to be a big hit back in January. I even bought a few more displays for earrings and bracelets. I need to get a few decals printed for my beer mugs, and decide if I want to do more cups. I seem to be holding on to the last few that I have from January.

The toys and books are all packed up and ready to go.

Now, all I need to do is get animals ready. I know that I'll have gargoyle geckos and crested geckos there for sale, but I may also buy a group of ball pythons to bring with me, since my geckos are just now starting to hatch in larger numbers.

I'm really hoping that I make a larger profit, especially since I'll be spending more money with two tables instead of just one. But, I figure by spreading out the products and animals a little better, people can better view everything. When the products are all bunched up, it's hard to scan, which means lower sales. If people can't see anything at first glance they may be interested in, they keep walking.