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In
a recent "Top Ten of Everything" poll by Reader’s
Digest, respondents were asked to name the most popular pets in the
United States. Predictably, cats, dogs, parakeets, small animals and
fish finished in the top five. Surprisingly a new pet has
"slithered" its way onto the list, passing perennial
favorites such as parrots, canaries and cockatiels: reptiles. One of
the most popular reptile pets is the snake. In a new addition to the
popular "Barron’s Unusual Pets" series, David Manning
explores the snake as pet in his book "Barron’s Keeping
Snakes."
According
to Manning, "snakes make surprisingly good pets. They are
clean, quiet and easy to care for creatures…although not as cuddly
as more traditional domestic pets, they are fascinating and low
maintenance animals." Manning introduces the reader to pet
snakes by explaining their biological composition, living spaces,
food and other useful information. He also identifies and discusses
12 snakes that make suitable pets for the family. They are:
•
Californian kingsnake
•
Sinaloan milk snake
•
Corn snake
•
Yellow rat snake
•
Ball python
•
Common garter snake
•
Rough green snake
•
Children’s python
•
Brazilian rainbow boa
•
Bull snake
•
Carpet python
•
Boa constrictor
Making
the decision to become a snake owner requires careful consideration.
Space requirements, handling and holding, diet, health, breeding,
and snakebites are important factors. It is also important to become
knowledgeable about the snake’s physical characteristics. External
features such as eyes, tongue, skin and the tail are part of a
healthy snake’s anatomy. Key to maintaining that anatomical health
is thermoregulation. Regulating the temperature in the living
environment improves the snake’s ability to achieve a proper
balance in warming and cooling their bodies. This balance is crucial
for the snake’s movement, digestion and energy reserves.
[to top of second column in
this review]
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Another
contributing factor to a snake’s health is the artificial home
(known as "caging"). According to Manning, "it is
essential to provide your pet snake with the correct environment —
in terms of heat, light, and space — in order to keep and maintain
it successfully." These containers are known as vivariums and
come in many shapes and sizes (glass, plastic or wood). The vivarium
must also be outfitted with the necessary support items —
heating-lighting, water, shelter, furnishings, arboreal (for
climbing) and substrates (base coverings of leaves, bark, sand,
etc.).
After
setting up a proper vivarium the next consideration is food. The
snake’s age, size and type of species determine the kind of food
for a suitable diet. Mammals such as mice, rats and rabbits work
well with larger species, while fish and invertebrates (crickets,
grasshoppers, worms, etc.) are better for smaller species. When
feeding a snake, it is important to remember these guidelines:
•
Consider feeding the snake in a separate container.
•
A diet of healthy prey eliminates the need for dietary supplements.
•
Frozen food should be thawed before feeding.
•
Use foods that are relative to the snake’s size.
•
Avoid overfeeding (obesity is a common problem).
The
author also recommends that owners keep a record card on their
snake. According to Manning, "snakes are difficult to follow
and study in the wild…observing and making notes will help you to
discover more about their habits." The information on the card
can include anatomical features (color, length, etc.), feeding times
and habits, skin shedding, and other behaviors.
David
Manning’s "Barron’s Keeping Snakes" is an
indispensable guide for any snake enthusiast. This colorfully
illustrated book contains all of the information necessary to join
the growing legions of pet snake owners. Especially helpful in the
chapters on the individual snakes is the key that easily explains
the desirable housing, diet, life span and length for each species.
A compilation of societies, magazines, books and online sites offers
resources for further information. This book is highly recommended
for all snake owners and anyone considering a snake as a pet.
For
more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217)
732-8878.
[Richard
Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]
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"To
reach out to the community and beyond, Classic Film Night will be
included in the Illinois Arts Council’s statewide campaign to
promote Illinois Arts Week," said Marshall Jacobs, president of
the local association.
"The
Illinois Arts Week theme ‘the arts are all around us’ captures
the important message that the arts are present every day, in some
way, in our lives. Arts Week helps to focus our attention on all the
arts activities and programs that surround us in our
communities," said Illinois Arts Council Chairman Shirley
Madigan.
Classic
Film Night will feature "Casablanca," courtesy of George
Kerasotes Corporation. The movie will be shown in its entirety on
the big screen, without commercial interruption. Admission is $5 per
adult, $4 for seniors and $2.50 for children.
"Logan
County Arts Association is pleased to be able to join the Illinois
Arts Council to be part of this statewide initiative. We hope that
the entire community and surrounding area will take the opportunity
to attend Classic Film Night and join the exciting statewide
celebration, " said Jacobs.
[News release]
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"Music,
Magic, and More" by Mr. Tone, a professional clown, is geared
to children's activities and set for Sept. 29. Classic Movie Night
featuring "Casablanca" will open on Oct. 11. An afternoon
performance of classical Spanish guitar by Spanish-trained Chris
Culleton is scheduled for Dec. 16.
"What
we don’t have," says Marshall Jacobs, director of the
association, "is an identifying logo that graphically shows who
we are! Here's where we hope you can be of help and have fun in the
process."
The
association is sponsoring a contest in Logan County schools for a
logo the arts group can adopt. Jacobs says this challenge can be an
exciting art project for students in middle school and high school.
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The
winner will be publicly recognized and receive a cash award and a
free membership to the association’s first-year activities.
Entries
should be sent to:
Logan
County Arts Association
303
S. Kickapoo St.
Lincoln,
IL 62656
Entries
should be postmarked no later than Oct. 10 to be considered in the
judging. For more information, please contact Jean Gossett, (217)
732-7542.
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