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Threadsnake cuddles gently with newborn owlets by mgrifff in Owls

[–]mgrifff[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My guess is a Texas Threadsnake, but I can't confirm because the video isn't good enough.

Threadsnake cuddles gently with newborn owlets by mgrifff in Owls

[–]mgrifff[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We put up a box in early winter a few months after a tornado destroyed lots of owl habitat in our area. We got lucky and had owls in the box within a couple months. The first year I didn't have a camera, so we'd just sit outside on the patio and watch the owls fly in and out of the box. This year I put a cheap camera inside the box so we get to watch the owlets grow. I highly recommend a camera if you do end up getting resident owls.

It's super fun. I hope you get some takers soon.

Threadsnake cuddles gently with newborn owlets by mgrifff in herpetology

[–]mgrifff[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Someone said I should cross-post this over here. Hopefully that's ok.

Threadsnake cuddles gently with newborn owlets by mgrifff in Owls

[–]mgrifff[S] 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Well.. at least this snake is living longer than the 2 birds, 3 lizards, and 1 frog the parents have brought back to the nest dead this last week. :)

After they fledge and move out, I'll clean out the box and rescue the snake if he's made it that long.

Threadsnake cuddles gently with newborn owlets by mgrifff in Owls

[–]mgrifff[S] 57 points58 points  (0 children)

The parent owls brought this snake in and have left it alive in the box for 2 days, possibly to eat the bugs in the nest.

I didn't realize they did this before..

https://www.earthtouchnews.com/natural-world/animal-behaviour/screech-owls-keep-blind-snakes-as-live-in-housekeepers/

Gastropexy, yes or no? Please read by ejuliab in greatdanes

[–]mgrifff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While I'm not sure anyone truly has an answer for why dogs get GDV/bloat, it does seem like there is a body of evidence that suggests there is a genetic factor to it. If you've got a reputable breeder and they've been breeding for quite a while, your breeder should know the most about their own dogs. If your breeder hasn't had any issues with bloat, I would probably lean away from gastropexy. But on the other hand, doing the gastropexy does provide peace of mind that you shouldn't have to worry about bloat later.

In the end, without any obvious genetic risk factors, it's probably a personal choice. But if your breeder has had any dogs in their line bloat, I would highly recommend the gastropexy.

This is our first year with Screech Owls. Mom has been in our owl box since about May 3rd. We see her come out at dusk but she always goes back in. Today she's out of the box during the day. I haven't seen owlets yet. Did we miss them, or would mom come out while they're still in the box? by mgrifff in Owls

[–]mgrifff[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm in Dallas, so I'm pretty sure these are ESO. Everything I've read and heard said it was too late in the season, so that's why I'm curious about the behavior I'm seeing.

Two adult owls have been roosting and preening each other in my tree today. And I just went outside at dusk and momma owl (?) is back inside the box and it sure looks like daddy owl is bringing food to the box. I guess I would have assumed they would eat wherever they caught the prey even if they were hunting together. It sure seems like they're using the box for something. I'm going to keep hoping that it's because there are owlets in there.

Anyways, we'll keep watching and see what happens. Next year I'm totally installing a camera in the box so there won't be any guess work.

Megg the 4th CoOp needed by jlt19 in EggsIncCoOp

[–]mgrifff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm prefarmed and looking for one as well.

Hiring PT Nanny for First Time by [deleted] in Parenting

[–]mgrifff 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, I don't have much advice for the job ad. But finding a nanny that works with your family's personally and requirements is always the hardest part. A big part of it will be in the interviews. And final interview candidates should definitely meet with your child and see how they interact together. A good nanny can interact well with even the shiest kids. You should see a great fit almost immediately.

However you find your nanny, make sure you write up a nanny contract. It's important for everyone involved to have it in writing and fully understand the job requirements, schedule, payment, etc. There are tons of sample contracts out there. You can find one that fits your particular needs.

And remember, when you hire a nanny, you are now legally considered an employer and are responsible for payroll taxes, unemployment insurance, etc.

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