qustion about...

[orbitalmutiny]

I see a lot of pictures of people with there boas in the grass, I have never let any of mine do this. I have all ways been worried about them getting bit by ants or a spider... Is this just me being over protective? :-/ I want to let them play in the grass in the evening just after the sprinklers turn off.

also Jeff, I'm sending some Arizonains your way.. we like yo ur cages ;D

[ratman]

I don't know but would like to also. I've always wondered myself.

[John_Lokken]

I am sure it is not that big of a deal. I really wouldn't worry about ant or spiders. It is the things that you can't see. LOL!

My biggest worry about doing that is.........My boas have been caged their whole life. Their immune system is "build" for a "clean" environment. If I put them outside thiis "may" cause them to become sick because they will encounter something that they have not build an immunity to yet. And, you think you are cautious! LOL! I am sure that getting them accustom to the outside would be the best thing to do. Small doses at first.......So on, and so on.

I do think it would be good for them once they are "safe" from outside factors. They will get natural sunlight which I feel would be great for them. And, they will get to exercise. That is another biggy!

A cautionary note. If you try this......Be aware that you are putting your animal in a totally new environment with new smells, etc. This "could" cause your animal to become a lot more defensive than normal.

John :P

[Jon-e-Boy]

I wouldn't do it. Especially if you are from a warm climate. Ticks and other parasites find it easy to attach themselves to a "snake in the grass." Anyway, I don't do it and if I do, it is for picture purposes and the snake is not on ground, but you can see the nice scenery in the background.

Jon Falco

[bcijoe]

The last thing I would be worried about is an ant or spider bite.

My concerns would be ticks, mites and flea's, amongst other parasites, that make their home in the grass.
My other concern would be any fertilizers or pesticides that might have been sprayed or used on the grass.
What about the waste of other animals laying around?
And another thing, as mentioned, about the snake becoming defensive because of the new enviorment.... I feel the same way, but also because it is no longer 'enclosed'.
I've had the tamest snakes go wild when trying to get them to go back in their homes. They are now in a much bigger enviorment, to them, as big as the world! They have a sense of freedom now, at least more so than they ever had in a cage, and they will be willing to defend that very much!

It's different when your hand approaches their cage, and then when your whol body approaches their whole body...
I think in most cases the snake would be much more defensive.
my $.02

thanks, Joe

[bcijoe]

I believe the pics are mostly for a natural pose, for the contrast, and for the light which comes from above and reflects off the grass, especially when wet.. thanks

[orbitalmutiny]

I take my snakes outside, they get out of the house about once a week. I'll walk around the yard with them, and sit out there. So they are acustom to the out doors. I only go outside after dusk, when it's about 90. I think that they would enjoy slithering around in the cool wet grass.. We don't usefertilizers or pesticides, and no other animals crap in my yard. Well I have to go mow my yard now that I think of it.... ;) I'll have to think about ever putting them on the ground.

[YVP]

I agree with the freedom statements. I've seen many dog tame caged boas freak out once they feel free and one goes to grab them to take them back in. Only two of my five are really friendly at the moment, and I don't wanna risk that by giving them 'major freedom' and then taking it away and pissing them off. s4.gif

[Darrin_Brasher]

Good points about pesticides and other chemicals that are possibly present . When you take a snake out of a cage that has been there its whole life and start letting it roam free get ready for nose rub . Albinos ofcourse do not need to be in the sun at all for any length of time . I may take em out to snap quick shots but some will get snappy once in the sun .