Snakes on the lawn?

[Philmul]

I'm just wondering whether I could let my boa explore on the lawn with me there. (I mean in the summer)

I've seen so many pics of other snakes on the lawn. But not sure in this country. I don't want them getting ill from parasites or bacteria?

[dinosaurdammit]

I let my boa roam on a good day, i think the main thing is to make sure you have an OPEN space to do it and watch them without fail. I dont think by letting it slither on the ground its going to get sick from a bug because what they eat is often far worse.

[Philmul]

I will make sure my rabbits and my two little dogs are not on the lawn. Lol

[dinosaurdammit]

I will make sure my rabbits and my two little dogs are not on the lawn. Lol

Also be warned that hawks or raptors might dive bomb your snake. I actually have seen this happen with a king snake and a falcon. Harmless fun and BAM snake takes flight. The likelihood is slim but be aware of your surroundings.

[Jendee]

^^ lol. I know here I used to think they could get mites from the ground until someone pointed out that mites only exists in captivity. then I thought about it and not single snake I caught out in the fails had mites that I knew of...now when the weather is warm I put up the chihuahua and let them Cruz!!

[Gungirl]

I don't want them getting ill from parasites or bacteria?

Snakes are made to live outside, they will not get ill from bacteria in the grass and unless you have a snake with mites in the grass then your snake won't get mites either.

Be smart, if you have a dog I wouldn't let my snake go in areas where I let my dog out to potty either. As long as you use common sense it is fine to let them stretch out and get fresh air.

[SnakeyJay]

mites only exists in captivity

I've got to say I believe your wrong there.. Pretty sure they exist in the wild. I can't find a link right now tho to show it :)

[Lankyrob]

Worst thing in the uk is the temperature, we probably only get a couple of days a year when it is warm enough to take them out.

[dinosaurdammit]

I've got to say I believe your wrong there.. Pretty sure they exist in the wild. I can't find a link right now tho to show it :)

I found something along those lines:

"Since adult ticks and mites are visible with the naked eye, infestations are fairly easy to diagnose. Though heavy tick and mite infestations are most commonly found on recently imported, wild-caught snakes or snakes kept in crowded unsanitary conditions, it's a good idea to carefully inspect your snake on a daily basis for these parasites as well as anything out of the ordinary."

cite: Mites and Ticks on Snakes (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=814)

[Gungirl]

Mites are in the wild.. where do you think they originally came from?

The reason you don't often see a snake with mites in the wild is because they shed and leave them behind. However when a snake is locked in a box and it sheds it still has to deal with the mites. Snakes have ways in the wild of dealing with mites that we can not recreate in captivity.

[Terranaut]

I take my boas outside when its sunny and warm. If its shorts weather and the sun is out 10 minutes outside is fine even if its not 90º out. Sometimes I let mi e lurk about my deck. The wood is nice and toasty from the sun by mid afternoon.
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j9/terranaut0/photo-445.jpg

[RandyRhoads]

Be very aware of your surroundings. I don't know how big your boa is but be cautious of neighbors, or neighbors pets running up to it to investigate. Nothing worse than having an ugly little pug run up and suddenly get latched on to....It's happened...

[Pirarucu]

Mites are in the wild.. where do you think they originally came from?

The reason you don't often see a snake with mites in the wild is because they shed and leave them behind. However when a snake is locked in a box and it sheds it still has to deal with the mites. Snakes have ways in the wild of dealing with mites that we can not recreate in captivity.This. In the wild, snakes will find mudholes and will shed their skin, and it's easy to get rid of mites. Wild snakes may have a couple but it's impossible for a full infestation to happen outside of a box.

Mostly it depends on the weather. If the weather is okay, just be sure to keep a close eye on the snake and you should be fine.

[SpOoKy]

Also be aware of any pesticide that may have been used on your lawn and or close neighbors lawns.

[dinosaurdammit]

Also be aware of any pesticide that may have been used on your lawn and or close neighbors lawns.

and dont forget ants

[Terranaut]

Be very aware of your surroundings. I don't know how big your boa is but be cautious of neighbors, or neighbors pets running up to it to investigate. Nothing worse than having an ugly little pug run up and suddenly get latched on to....It's happened...

Back yards. Never front .

[Philmul]

My dogs don't actually go on that lawn just rabbits. It's enclosed so no dogs from next door get in but just cats but I will be watching all the time.

We have had buzzards and falkens in the area but never been a problem with my rabbits. It be very stupid to try and lift a 5ft boa. Do they do that in ur area. We do get ants but will keep them away from those areas. Thanks for all the comments and advise

[RandyRhoads]

It be very stupid to try and lift a 5ft boa. Do they do that in ur area.
These things lift 5' gopher snakes, kings, jackrabbits, and babies(?!) all day long. 2 days ago I even witnessed one fighting, killing, and then eating another hawk. I don't think your boa would be too much of a problem for it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d86/randy666rhoads/photo1_zps4a1caeaa.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d86/randy666rhoads/photo_zps9348559d.jpg

[Pirarucu]

These things lift 5' gopher snakes, kings, jackrabbits, and babies(?!) all day long. 2 days ago I even witnessed one fighting, killing, and then eating another hawk. I don't think your boa would be too much of a problem for it.Gopher Snakes and Kingsnakes are much thinner than a boa... Jackrabbits as well are smaller, and that video was a fake.
It would be truly surprising to me if a bird went after a boa. From a predator's standpoint, it's never a good idea to go after something that can go after you. The individuals who try are usually selected against. Birds of prey can only pick up a maximum of about ten pounds, from what I know.
Honestly I would not worry.

[Terranaut]

A solo bird may have a hard time but even big snakes can't fight off a murder of crows or a group of vultures. But would a bird swoop down and steal your big boa from right in front of you. No!!

[Lankyrob]

Especially not in the uk ;)

[Philmul]

There is no hawks in this area or red kites. If there was I can't see it winning an attack on a boa although I'm sure the boa would be injured. I'm sure the bird would choose an easier meal like rabbits or chickens. We have loads in this area.

[infernalis]

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/cain_files/lawncane.jpg

[Jendee]

they lift goats, fox, small deer there's even a YouTube video of one picking up a toddler your average boa ways what 20 25 Ibs I think it's possible

[Jendee]

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/cain_files/lawncane.jpg

great picture!

[jarich]

Not trying to discredit anyone's argument, but that youtube video was a very good fake done by film students.

[Gungirl]

Ditto^ snopes.com: Golden Eagle Snatches Kid (http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/eaglegrab.asp)

[infernalis]

great picture!

Thanks. I adopted him from a crack head something like 7 years ago. She had him in her party room as a display to look cool.

The same room where they blare rap 24/7 till the floor shakes.

I think my nice silent, climate controlled reptile room is a better place to live out his years.

[Philmul]

they lift goats, fox, small deer there's even a YouTube video of one picking up a toddler your average boa ways what 20 25 Ibs I think it's possible

That may be so but like I said in this country they don't exist. Only in zoo's. I sometimes wish they did. It would keep away all the seagulls. Lol
I leave my rabbits to roam my garden all day and never lost any. Only threat to them is the foxes

[Jendee]

That may be so but like I said in this country they don't exist. Only in zoo's. I sometimes wish they did. It would keep away all the seagulls. Lol
I leave my rabbits to roam my garden all day and never lost any. Only threat to them is the foxes

haha ya woulda helped if I read the entire thread lol there are some magnificent birds of prey around your bunts are lucky Lols

that video doesn't look fake to me the same types of bop have been recorded dropping goats off of cliffs 0.o same size as a small child

[Jendee]

Thanks. I adopted him from a crack head something like 7 years ago. She had him in her party room as a display to look cool.

The same room where they blare rap 24/7 till the floor shakes.

I think my nice silent, climate controlled reptile room is a better place to live out his years.

that is horrible! my children aren't even allowed to play in the hall way or outside by the snake room window..peace and quiet is extremely important for most all exotic animals!

[dinosaurdammit]

that is horrible! my children aren't even allowed to play in the hall way or outside by the snake room window..peace and quiet is extremely important for most all exotic animals!

The reason my monitor is in the garage is he doesnt like loud bumps and noises that go on in my house. The snakes cages are built on a rolling pedestal that has cotton towels it "docks on". No floor vibrations for them to feel :3

[Philmul]

I watched a video of a zoo and the keeper was holding a parrot or something similar and a large bird of prey got out then in a split second it dived in the keeper blocked but it was heck of a fast and powerful. There beautiful but i would not like to be on the receiving end. Lol

[infernalis]

that is horrible! my children aren't even allowed to play in the hall way or outside by the snake room window..peace and quiet is extremely important for most all exotic animals!

Another benefit of being "old", My kids are almost all grown up, 2 gone, 2 to go.

Maybe I'm an exotic animal, because I am so looking forward to the peace and quiet.

[dinosaurdammit]

I watched a video of a zoo and the keeper was holding a parrot or something similar and a large bird of prey got out then in a split second it dived in the keeper blocked but it was heck of a fast and powerful. There beautiful but i would not like to be on the receiving end. Lol

I rescued a hawk once, i got a set of talons through my hand, like ALL the way through... its nasty

[Jendee]

Another benefit of being "old", My kids are almost all grown up, 2 gone, 2 to go.

Maybe I'm an exotic animal, because I am so looking forward to the peace and quiet.
lucky!
lol as my 5 yr old twins and my 7 yr old are loudly "trying" to play jenga on my living room floor......can't wait to be old!!

[infernalis]

lucky!
lol as my 5 yr old twins and my 7 yr old are loudly "trying" to play jenga on my living room floor......can't wait to be old!!

At least yours are close together. Mine are 30, 18, 17 & 13

[Jendee]

At least yours are close together. Mine are 30, 18, 17 & 13

well hey at least you know your solders have a long shelf life (proven) lols

[Philmul]

lucky!
lol as my 5 yr old twins and my 7 yr old are loudly "trying" to play jenga on my living room floor......can't wait to be old!!

You will miss them when they left home. Lol
I know I will

[limey]

I can't do it here because of bald eagles. We've got a lot of them.

And they've been known to pick up small dogs and fly off with them.... no kidding.

[Philmul]

No I wouldn't either if he was my neighbour he is stunning tho. How big do they get?

[infernalis]

You will miss them when they left home. Lol
I know I will

We all crave the peace and quiet, that is until we get it, then we miss the chaos.

[limey]

No I wouldn't either if he was my neighbour he is stunning tho. How big do they get?

They range from about 6 to 6 and a half feet in wingspan, depending on maturity.

The babies grow very fast (even by retic standards) and are incredibly cute and inquisitive. But they seem to get less and less inquisitive as they get older and gradually become more intimidating.

They are creatures of habit. I know a good spot where I can find at least 2 reliably hanging out every day of the week, no fail.

Anyway... back on topic... :)

[Philmul]

I was reading up on them yesterday. They at the top of the food chain coz nothing can get them so I would agree about snakes now reading about these guys. I'm glad they not in our area. Although it would certainly control the number of sea gulls we get around here. Do they ever attack humans?

[limey]

I was reading up on them yesterday. They at the top of the food chain coz nothing can get them so I would agree about snakes now reading about these guys. I'm glad they not in our area. Although it would certainly control the number of sea gulls we get around here. Do they ever attack humans?

Nah, not really. They know better than to attack humans around these parts. But they will sometimes get territorial if you're on their patch or near their babies. They seem to know their own size and strength and are not afraid to flaunt it either.

We have literally thousands of them living around this area. It's not uncommon to see 3 or 4 in an afternoon.

They almost went extinct at one point in time due to hunting and other human activities, but when America realised it had almost completely decimated the very bird that is the national emblem of it's own country, it got wise (just in time!)... bald eagles have made a good comeback since those days.

[Philmul]

Well we have sea gull around here. Thousands in fact and they are a pain. They crap on your car, attack you when you are tucking in to a nice burger and make a hell of a mess of your kitchen when your cat drags a live one through the cat flap. Lol