Reptiles, June 2006, Black-Headed pythons

Reptiles, may 2011, King of the Mountain

Reptiles, February 2006, Diamondback Terrapin

Diamondback terrapins are phisically variable turtles, they have different shell patterns, skin color. Also they have large back hind feet so they can swim through strong tidal currents, and have better mobilty in water (webbed Feet). They have strong claws for climbing riverbanks. Dimondback terrapins are medium sized turtles. They have A grayish black carapace, and plastron is usually yellowish or greenish gray. They have white skin thats patterned in black and gray, also they have markings unique as human fingerprints. Male Terrapins are about 5 inches long, and females are about 9 inches. Terrapins live more than 40 years old. They are found in brackish water, saltmarshesand lagoones along the atlanticand golf coasts from New York to Texas. Adult terrapins need at least a 60 gallon tank waith a large basking area, and should have a heat lamp that keeps temperatures in the 80's (F), the water temperature should be at 78 (F). Providing captive terrapins with saltwater is important (1/4 cup of salt per 20 gallons of water). Good filteration is essential to maintaining their health. Dimondbacks are addapted for eating hard-shelled pray; aquatic snails, crabs, small bivalves, Also eat carrion, fish, marine worms, and plant material. In my opinion dimondbacks would be somthing fun to have in the house, with a huge tank to keep them in, and make somthing amuzing inside the tank so its not jus water with a log in it. They shouldnt cost much to take care of aswell.

Reptiles, March 2011, The other BOA

Dumeril's boas. They are found in the islands of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, just off the eastern coast of Africa. Theirs also other two species of boid snakes that share the island as well, the Madagascarground Boa (B.madagascariensis) and theMadagascar tree boa (B.manditra). The Dumeril's Boa are found in dry scrub and thorn bushes, dry forests, and near human developments. Often live in caves and crevices, heavy brush, leaf litter and abandoned mammal burrows. Also they make their homes near a permanent source of water. In the wild their diets are almost anything they can hunt down or find (to catch); small mammals, birds, and even lizards. Practically no boas are imported from the wild. They are medium sized and have a stocky build, which means it’s powerful, so you must handle them with percussion. Adult sizes range from 4 to 6 feet. Boas can array of colors, such as peaches, tans, browns, grays, green, reds, and mahogany. A cage is a good idea for this kind of snakes (4Lx2Wx14inch.T); this should be a good cage size for a adult Boa, with plenty of space. They need cool temperatures of 75 (F) and warm side of 85 (F) in its cage, but they spend most of their time on the cool end. Their diets can consist of mice, rat’s guinea pigs or rabbits. A good feeding regimen consists of one appropriate sized food item every 7 to 10 days. For adult, sized Boas feed them every 10 to 15 days. Always provide fresh water, it’s a must. Overall I wouldn’t want a Dumeril's Boa in my house because it’s a pretty good sized snakes which I don’t think I could be their for it at all times when needed, and its a dirty job and clean after them. 

Reptiles, June 2006, The Southern Hognose Snake

 I chose to write about this reptile artical because i wanted to learn more about the Southren Hogsnakes. I like this article because it provided many information of where their found and what they find to eat. It also provided many pictures so you can get an idea of what they look like. Also everything was in deapth detail. , and It wasnt a boring article.  I've learned that you can find them in notrth america, west of the mississippi river to the rocky mountains and from above the canadian border to below the mexican border. They also are a small snake, and come in different types of colors. Hognose snakes are not that hard to maintain as well. I quetioned myself asking if theis snakes are extinced. i wouldnt want to purchese one because im not the biggest snake guy out their but i like handeling them. the current market price is from $50 to $250 depending on the morphs. heres a site; http://www.hognoses.co.uk/?cat=4. Their are 4 different color morphs. They are not endangerd in the wild. Their are no special capativity with theis snakes at the moment. The care requirment sare making it a safe home, an appropriate cage for its size, fresh water and food, just some little maintence because theis snakes are a beginner pet to keep. The most interesting thing about this snake it the little sharp tip on the front of their nose.

Reptiles, November 1999, Anaconda attack guidelines

Gaboon Viper

I read an article on the Gaboon Viper by: Gregg Madden.

The gaboon viper is one of the top 5 deadliest snakes alive. You can fin the the gaboon viper in high grasslands and dense forests in All of Africa. The gaboon has 2 inch fangs makes them the biggest in the world.Gaboon vipers are hard to take care of, but if your a serious breeder there a cool snake,Everything must be perfect for the snake!. Make sure no Glass aquariums or opeing tops keep it in a 9x5 cage and atleast 85degrees. These snakes usely feed often so if its not fed in about two weeks the snake gets sick and dies.