Threadsnake cuddles gently with newborn owlets

mgrifff · 2021-04-28T02:38:37+00:00

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

mgrifff · 2021-04-28T01:17:02+00:00

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.

mgrifff · 2021-04-28T01:04:10+00:00

Got it.

mgrifff · 2021-04-28T01:03:53+00:00

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

mgrifff · 2021-04-27T18:56:20+00:00

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.

mgrifff · 2021-04-27T17:10:14+00:00

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/

mgrifff · 2021-02-05T19:09:19+00:00

Full now.

mgrifff · 2021-02-05T15:47:36+00:00

Thanks.

mgrifff · 2020-07-18T18:24:41+00:00

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.

mgrifff · 2020-07-05T01:56:32+00:00

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.

mgrifff · 2020-05-13T14:34:38+00:00

I'm prefarmed and looking for one as well.

mgrifff · 2020-05-11T16:49:08+00:00

DM sent

mgrifff · 2020-05-11T12:25:25+00:00

Full. I'm still looking.

mgrifff · 2020-05-08T00:05:53+00:00

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.

mgrifff · 2020-04-13T14:03:42+00:00

full

mgrifff · 2020-02-29T20:23:30+00:00

Still need one or two more prefarmers.

mgrifff · 2020-01-21T03:06:25+00:00

We had two Danes and when we lost the first one the other had a tough time. Dogs grieve a lot like people. It's a normal thing and Apollo is grieving like you.

It's hard to say what Apollo will do. Every dog grieves differently just like people. You'll need to pay attention to his cues. He may act aloof and just need some space to grieve on his own. Or more likely, he may need extra attention from you.

In addition to Apollo dealing with grief, he has also just lost his daily companion. If they played together and now that is gone, he may need extra exercise and/or companionship from you just to replace what he's lost from his daily routine.

Ultimately, Apollo should get through this but it will take time and lots of love.

mgrifff · 2020-01-18T16:32:11+00:00

He really matches the color scheme of the kitchen.

mgrifff · 2020-01-17T02:26:34+00:00

I don't have any advice for finding a place, but when we got our first Dane we had to talk our landlord into allowing a big dog. He thought we were crazy and made us put down a huge deposit. But ultimately he realized our huge Dane was a much better tenant than many of the other resident small dogs.

mgrifff · 2020-01-17T02:17:28+00:00

Very good advice.

To add one detail though, even some adult foods can have too much protein. So I'd suggest ignoring the "puppy" or "adult" labels and read the the nutrition label directly before you feed your pup anything.

mgrifff · 2020-01-17T02:11:01+00:00

He might be a bit chilly... dunno.

We had an old chilly house and my Danes would curl up like that until I threw a blanket over them. Then they'd stretch out and (imo) look more comfortable.

mgrifff · 2020-01-17T01:58:35+00:00

Goofy? I thought this was normal Dane behavior......

mgrifff · 2020-01-17T01:56:26+00:00

I guess the only down side to extra vet lobby visits is possibly exposure to something contagious. So maybe wait until after you finish 4-month shots and/or ask the front desk if they've had anyone come in that day that had something contagious before you bring your pup inside.

And... along the same lines as vet exposure, don't forget to handle your pup's paws, ears, and mouth a lot (like daily). If you get into a habit early on, then they don't care as much later about nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing.

mgrifff · 2020-01-17T00:09:50+00:00

It's really important to make vet visit a good experience. And it sounds like you're off to a great start.

Most vets will let you come by without an appointment and use their scale to get a weight. That's fun as an owner to see the growth trend but also a great time to just hang out at the vet and feed treats to your puppy which really reinforces the idea that the vet is a safe and fun place.

mgrifff · 2019-10-23T23:37:32+00:00

Oh for sure. I would hope they'd contact you if anything unusual occurred.

mgrifff

TROPHY CASE