OUR REPTILES

	INTRO: Several years ago, I wouldn't even remotely dream of going near reptiles, especially snakes. My wife, girlfriend at the time, thought I was absolutely silly. After constant whimpering and begging each time we entered the local pet store specializing in reptiles, as well as more education on my part, I broke down and started what has become more than just a hobby.

WHAT WE HAVE: My first purchase (March 95) was a juvenile Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus exanthematicus) followed shortly by an Iguana (Iguana iguana) that was about a year old and quite tame. While I was out on patrol, my wife fell in love with a 3 mo. old Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus). Upon returning home, I was pleasantly surprised. Next, the other Savannah that was housed with ours at the pet store begged and pleaded with me that he was getting very lonely so he and a young Schneider skink (Eumeces schneideri algeriensis) came home with me. Next came an adult Yellow-throated plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus flavigularis), again while I was on patrol. Continuing in our desire for large lizards, we purchased a Common tegu (Tupinambis teguixin). This was followed by a Rainbow skink and a small Roughskin newt which I caught while out hunting Bambi (no luck this year). Finally, while I was on patrol again, Penny purchased a juvenile Nile monitor.

This purchase has quite the story: Originally, this Nile was priced at almost $200, well out of our price range, but I drooled anyway. She is a fine specimen about 2 foot in total length. She was housed in a common tank with 7 Iguanas divided by a wood partition. One night the Iguanas decided to make a break for it (as all lizards strive to do......must...escape......). Unfortuneately, they made a break for it right into Tag's cage!! Suppertime!! Tag ate five of seven, leaving only the sickly ones and two tails. Needless to say, the pet store, which had already been experiencing financial difficulties, couldn't afford to keep her around any longer and marked her down to $25. As it happened, my wife had just arrived to get some food for the other loving lizards and told them not to even finish writing the new price. Tag came home that day in a 55 gal. tank for a grand total of $70.

As of 7 Jan 96, we added a beautiful little golden tegu (Tupinambis teguixin) to the clan. After long and deep thought, we decided to name her Chomp, based on a nasty habit she had of trying to bite whenever I got near. The longer we have had her, the worse this habit has become. Unlike any other lizard I have dealt with which tends to shy away trying to avoid contact, this @#*!% goes out of her way to charge at full speed, usually going for my face. While working inside the cage a few days ago, she finally got ahold of me pretty good. Luckily she didn't rip, but she held on for a good bit. I bled like a stuck pig, and it took several weeks to heal. For a few days, I could barely move my finger.

ANOTHER NEW ONE: On 13 Jan 96, we brought home a rather beautiful albino corn snake (Elaphe guttata guttata). It had been on hold in Portland, OR for quite some time, but we told the store owner to call is if things didn't work out. Needless to say, things didn't work out. Oh well, bad luck for some, good fortune for others. Almost a year later, she is doing quite well, and has quite changed my attitude towards snakes.

CASUALTIES: The Schneider died as a result of complications associated with a broken back (Carelessness on my part). The Plated died after a two month battle with skin and parasite problems that existed from the time we got her (wild caught and not well maintained). We released the Newt when it was discovered that it is illegal to possess this species in Oregon. Finally, the Rainbow skink died without warning as a result of worm infestation.

ESCAPE!!: During the move from Oregon to DC this past summer, all the beasts went into a temporary cage in the back of the Bronco. Upon arrival, the weather was beautiful, so I decided they would all be happy out on the balcony for a while (2nd floor). This went fine for a few weeks. One day after coming home from work, I discovered the larger savannah (Wondermut...My personal favorite) was gone. Haven't seen him since, and I really don't think we'll be seeing him again. The very next day after Wondermutt's disappearance, Chomp turned up missing. Needless to say, the rest of the beasts were returned to their permanent cage in the house. Unwilling to give up completely, I maintained a vigil on the back porch. A day and a half later, my perserverance paid off. When my downstairs neighbor came out onto her porch, I saw something rustle at the base of the bushes. I quickly charged down the stairs, and "rescued" Chomp. Liberty pass revoked!!! The rest of the herd are very much healthy and eating better than Penny and I.

YET MORE ADDITIONS: For Christmas 96, I just got Pen two very beautiful Royal (Ball) Pythons on Dec 16. I originally ordered captive bred babies from JP Pets in Florida; however, one problem after another arose, and after a month of waiting they finally sent a pair of sub-adults. I can't really tell if they are CB or not. On one hand they are very docile and well behave. On the other, one of the two had a few small wound marks, and both had several ticks. Oh well. They are both doing quite well and are absolutely beautiful. I'll go camera crazy sometime eventually and get some pics up.

Front page	playing around	ride sheets
bike page	Collin	Penny