That’s fair, ao long as you’re fact checking! My concerns come when it’s used as a resource for something that’s difficult or impossible to fact check. AI is a tool, like any other: great as long as it’s used safely!
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That’s funny because the first article I read on the internet was out of Reptile Magazine and it stated that the Texas Long Nose lived on sand……
I’m not familiar with using AI at all…….
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Just so you know, you can get live feeder lizards for about 4 bucks a piece (including shipping) from LLL. Still more expensive than mice and are also likely riddled with parasites, but there are options out there for lizard-eaters.
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I totally forgot about LLL! I used to get frozen rodents from there and the quality was good……
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New Moon Reptiles has feeder anoles a dozen for 37.00 which is about 3.00 per anole……
But of course the shipping and tax is not included….
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I’ll have to remember that for the future in case anyone needs to know about feeder lizards, 'cause all I was finding was Rainbow Mealworms who sell them for about $8 each.
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“ Choosing to work with a species that is not produced in captivity is risky even for someone with experience.”
I understand where you are coming from- and you may be correct in that it is not the appropriate project for us as newbies. I always value and appreciate your knowledge and opinions! Thank you.
My daughter and I still think it is worth our endeavors to at least try though, so thank you also for the good luck. 
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Btw, knowing there is another who also is a freshman may encourage her to interact. 
Too bad there’s not a kids section here. 
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Good to know. Maybe we’ll run into more acceptance with AHS hybrids.
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That’s what I’m talking about. The more people we have working with them, the more we accumulate data.
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I would personally use a 60% organic topsoil 40% play sand substrate mix. It works well for most arid/semi arid species and is very cheap and natural.
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“ Just so you know, you can get live feeder lizards for about 4 bucks a piece (including shipping) ”
Thank you, my friend.
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You are wonderful. 
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I understand the introvert for sure @guppyguy, but she can always join and “lurk” as I did for almost 2 years until I realized that everybody is kind here. I think she will like it here! Many of us are introverts too
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Love it!
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Now just look what you missed, Gina, for lurking so long! I sure am glad you finally spoke up because you are a joy to have around!
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Oh, I don’t have a long-nosed snake, I’ve just heard of them and seen them for sale a few times. I don’t really know much about them at all, aside from the fact that they’re adorable and have beautiful colours.
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Any luck on finding feeder lizards @guppyguy? I was thinking your daughter could buy an anole or some kind of easy to care for cheap lizard, keep it as a pet and use it to sent ft pinks or whatever size rodent the snakes are able to eat.
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I applaud the enthusiasm, @guppyguy. I’m all for all the parental support ever, any time, all the time, all the way. I’m also all about data and furthering accurate understanding. Sometimes support looks like cheerleading. Sometimes it looks like guardrails. Choosing to attempt something challenging is not inherently a negative act. Being willing to take risks and learning from failure is a valuable life skill.
That said, this particular challenge carries risks for other living creatures who have no say in the matter. I strongly encourage you and your daughter to develop a plan and a system for accurately and frequently evaluating these new snakes’ health and behavior. Particularly since you hope to add to scientific info, you will need to keep excellent records. Early recognition of issues may enable you to address issues and possibly/hopefully turn things around before they get too desperate.
If you haven’t yet located an exotic vet who will treat these snakes, you should priotitize this. Tomorrow. They’re going to need a fecal and will likely need treatment for parasites immediately. It’s also important to establish a relationship with the vet about these animals before there’s any problem. Be sure to practice excellent biosecurity while they’re in quarantine. This is extra important since they are wild-caught.
I do understand the passion. Believe me, I do. I do also have concerns for the animals. It’s obvious that the pre-purchase planning was richly invested with passion. Passion isn’t a substitute for solid preparation. I understand that there is much which simply isn’t known about this species, but for example, inquiring about a source for lizards after obtaining the snakes is worrisome in terms of preparation.
I truly do wish you and your daughter and the snakes the very best of luck. I hope that all the hard work to come will bring all the dreams to fruition.
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Right? We’ll see soon how they are to work with.
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