I am not a believer -do you think you can convert me?

[Bruce Whitehead]

When I hear language such as "recycled" etc. it irks me.

This is not just random info that is being vomitted up for the sake of having something to type, but rather the collective qualitative experiences of myriad people that keep large numbers of BPs and have collections of thriving BPs.

Keep multiple BPs for an extended period, and throw caution to the wind and employ laissez-faire BP keeping and see how well they thrive.

If we were merely recycling info then all those early 80's manuals on BP husbandry would still be in print and not just being handed over when we rescue snakes that are near death.

The majority of these "recycled" guidelines are for new keepers that need a definitive set of rules that will ensure their snakes are well started and thriving. Most of us that promote them, may not even use them. Once you start keeping multiple snakes and you have a system that meets all the requirements, then you can start funking it up all you want while still meeting the snakes' needs.

The problems with people that are new, do not implement specific husbandry requirements, is that they make decisions on what they LIKE/WANT and not what the snake/s NEED.

That is a critical factor.

Stress is cumulative in a BP and without a proper understanding of BP behaviour and environmental needs, stress is often interpretated as "Look! The happy fuzzy lovey snakey wants to be picked up and draped around my shoulders while I shower it with kisses!!!"

I do not implement the newbie guidelines, for my established snakes, but I do implement them to a T when I get a rescued BP, and I know that those recycled guidelines can guarantee that I will get even the most stubborn BP eating again. I have received snakes that had been off feed for close to a year, and they usually eat for me within two weeks.

My established snakes still get all their needs met, but within a minimilistic framework. But I also know how to meet those needs. Where did I learn this? From other more experienced keepers and through trial and error implementation.

My arrogance and desire to give my snakes novel experience has definitely cost them at times, but that was part of the learning experience, that is why I will always admit to those mistakes in the hopes that others can learn from them.

Just my 0.02 dollars.

Bruce