The newest member of my family..

AlexN · #1 28-02-2010, 07:18 PM

Meet Squirt..

I've had squirt now for about 4 weeks. He is a 1.5yr old Eastern Water Dragon.. He's not the best handler yet, but he's growing accustomed to me patting him and picking him up on occasion.. Currently he's about 45~50cm in length, and should grow to 110cm in length by the age of 5...

Currently he's kept in a 4ft enclosure, however I've started construction on a 6ft x 3ft x 6ft (LxWxH) enclosure that will feature a waterfall, large pond area complete with fish and living vegetation for him to feed on.. Currently he's eating berries, grapes, water melon, crickets, grasshoppers, small offcuts of meat and dandelions...

Cheers.. I'll get some better photos next week, this was just a rushed shot on the spur of the moment..

[1ponders] (Paul) · #2 28-02-2010, 07:39 PM

Don't know how you do it Alex. Having a dog is enough for me now.

jjjnettie (Jeanette) · #3 28-02-2010, 07:39 PM

Congratulations Alex.
I'd love to see some images of the new enclosure.

AlexN · #4 28-02-2010, 07:55 PM

Hey guys, There will be plenty of photos of the new enclosure once its done... I've bought a fiberglass pond already, and made the rockwall for the waterfall, water pump and inline filters, aerator setup etc.. its just a matter of getting some glass doors made up and get a few heating elements and extra equipment to make him happy... Should be ready for him in a few months...

Paul - 2 dogs, 4 snakes, 3 lizards... Never a lonely moment

I will say this, sometimes the feeding regime gets a little busy. but most of the time, the animals provide nothing but happiness.... The reptiles are great, they require absolutely no attention.. so if I'm busy, they don't fret about not seeing me, as long as they get fed 3 times a week, or one really big meal a week, they are quite happy... the dogs require constant attention...

Without my pets my days would be boring... one of my snakes is nocturnal, so I've even got a pet who handles my late nights!

troypiggo (Troy) · #5 28-02-2010, 09:55 PM

We could have a BIMBO session on your menagerie...

AlexN · #6 28-02-2010, 10:03 PM

Lol..

you could.. Although my lizards are largely friendly, the snakes generally are not... One of the snakes is incredibly anti-sociable, striking at the glass of the enclosure when people walk by etc.. Being that this snake is the most venomous species of snake on this continent, and in the top 5 in the world, I tend to keep my hands well clear of this fella

Chillie (Henry) · #7 01-03-2010, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexN

Being that this snake is the most venomous species of snake on this continent, and in the top 5 in the world, I tend to keep my hands well clear of this fella

Alex, I don't know what species you're talking about but I thought the Inland Taipan was the most venomous snake in Australia as well as the world.

BTW I think that you are spoiling Squirt. He should be very happy with his new enclosure.

AlexN · #8 01-03-2010, 12:32 AM

G'day Henry,

Yep, its a female Inland Taipan... I was quite aware she was the most venomous in Australia, however I thought the Pit Viper was more venomous? Having just done some reading, it is less venomous, but kills more regularly, it was referred to in a few books as being more deadly, because more people come in contact with it.

Yes, He's being spoiled.. But he makes me happy, so I'm going to make sure I make him happy too...