Hi Aussie Pythons,
We are very new to reptile keeping, also new to forums and discussion such as this, but we've recently caught (accidently) a young male (?) Mountain Dragon. He is the love of our life... already. We have our DPIWE permit, and the great advice of our local pet supply place, but not a lot else in terms of information or support for their particular needs. I guess we will learn as we go along.
Currently he is housed in a small tank with natural sand substrate, scoria rocks at one end, sphagnum moss at the other, a screen mesh lid, a hygrometer, a generous misting of rain water when required, milk bottle water dish and enjoying a lavish diet of approx. 6 live crickets a day, plus occasional small grasshopper and he's being rotated to a sunnier spot on the deck for the afternoon sunshine. What a life!
Yesterday we cleaned out the tank, and obviously - it was quite stressful for him, being handled is not ideal - invoking natural defence response ie biting... Does anyone have any tips for how best to manage taking him out without undue trauma? Also, realistically… how often do people actually clean out their tanks?? I am feeding with tweezers (loves it) and consequently not much food is being wasted. Once a fortnight? Not sure...
Also worth mentioning a bug called Salmonella Mississippi - very prevalent in rural Tassie - transmitted by skinks, also currawongs and possums. I contracted this from handling garden variety skinks and ended up in hospital - hand hygiene is paramount after playing with these delightful little critters.
Thanks for the great site everyone - I will "try" and upload a photo of our "Wendy the Wizard" at some point.
Have a beautiful day
We are very new to reptile keeping, also new to forums and discussion such as this, but we've recently caught (accidently) a young male (?) Mountain Dragon. He is the love of our life... already. We have our DPIWE permit, and the great advice of our local pet supply place, but not a lot else in terms of information or support for their particular needs. I guess we will learn as we go along.
Currently he is housed in a small tank with natural sand substrate, scoria rocks at one end, sphagnum moss at the other, a screen mesh lid, a hygrometer, a generous misting of rain water when required, milk bottle water dish and enjoying a lavish diet of approx. 6 live crickets a day, plus occasional small grasshopper and he's being rotated to a sunnier spot on the deck for the afternoon sunshine. What a life!
Yesterday we cleaned out the tank, and obviously - it was quite stressful for him, being handled is not ideal - invoking natural defence response ie biting... Does anyone have any tips for how best to manage taking him out without undue trauma? Also, realistically… how often do people actually clean out their tanks?? I am feeding with tweezers (loves it) and consequently not much food is being wasted. Once a fortnight? Not sure...
Also worth mentioning a bug called Salmonella Mississippi - very prevalent in rural Tassie - transmitted by skinks, also currawongs and possums. I contracted this from handling garden variety skinks and ended up in hospital - hand hygiene is paramount after playing with these delightful little critters.
Thanks for the great site everyone - I will "try" and upload a photo of our "Wendy the Wizard" at some point.
Have a beautiful day