matt2 - Welcome all to October's Kingsnake.com Guestchat, our Guest tonight is Rick Staub
matt2 - who has taken of his time to bew/us tonight
RickStaub - Thanks Bill

matt2 - I'll start off: Rick, what mt is in most danger of probs, ie suburbia etc
matt2 - mt king
RickStaub - In Calif it has to be the Santa Monica Mtn population. The canyons are being plowed up and filled in
RickStaub - Much of the range around the state is in Nat Forest so is somewhat protected
matt2 - (folks you can ask one q and a followup - advise w/followup
matt2 - also Rick, when you've finished your response, could you type next so I don't interrrupt

br[]ker - how big do mt. kings get? breeding age? clutch size?
RickStaub - Biggest one I have heard of was 50 inches at the Fresno zoo. Breeding age is 3-4 yr usually. clutch size from 1-9 next

HeRp-AdDiCt - Rick whats the one next to the ring neck in the feild photos?
HeRp-AdDiCt - please eexcuse my ignorance in colobrids
RickStaub - To the left is a Chionactus - common name I think is banded sand next

Viperbyt - Hey Rick, Just wondering, How many Pyros have you produced this year?
RickStaub - I got 6 out of 2 females. I moved again this year so threw everything off next

matt2 - my turn; Rick have you had the opportunity to work w/Rich Hoyer from OR?
RickStaub - Richard and I speak frequently via email and I have provided some rubber boas to him, but I have not actually worked with him

amBerJo - What's the biggest struggle having Mt Kings?
RickStaub - They can be finicky. Both with feeding and with health. Mitch Mulks down at UC santa Cruz
RickStaub - has done better than I have with the breeding and care end. next

Barry--4 - natural food source for Mt Kings are what --other snakes or are they primarily rodent eaters, and is their natural food source still abundant to support large populations of Mt Kings
RickStaub - Most Mtn kings are qued in on lizards especially as neonates
RickStaub - adults do switch over to rodents. Pyros are the worst in my opinion to get started
RickStaub - worse than gray-bandeds even. next

boaburmman18 - i have a baja mountain kingsnake and when i go to feed her a mouse she gets really skiddis of it for like 5 minutes then goes after it any idea why and whats the average size of a female baja mountain kingsnake?
RickStaub - Avg size is probably near 30 in for a good sized adult. How big of a mouse?
boaburmman18 - small
boaburmman18 - frozen thawed
RickStaub - they like fuzzies better than adults next

Slizarus - What was the first Snake you started breeding? Species?
RickStaub - well the frozen thaw is beyond me. Don't know why. next
RickStaub - First snake was a common boa. First litter was Aug 28, 1985. next

Viperbyt - How many wild Mt. Kings do you think you have found through out your herping years?
RickStaub - I stopped counting. especially since a lot of them are recaptures at my study site so
RickStaub - I do not really count them. Several hundred! guess. next

matt2 - my turn: Rick I have only one (and very nice) experience w/a w/c mt king OR..I have heard that many mt kings w/c have a bad parasite, any news on this
RickStaub - I have had good luck with wc mtn kings. Sometimes after laying eggs I'll get a parasite prob
RickStaub - mainly they just take longer to establish especially if you are growing them up. next

Viperbyt - Do you keep most of the ones you find for research?
RickStaub - No. I have not taken any from the wild for a few years now.
RickStaub - My breeding stock is mainly cb. next

Barry--4 - Are Mt. Kings actually rare or merely super shy snakesand difficult to find
RickStaub - Actually very common in their habitat.
RickStaub - I find more zonata (Cal Mtn king) than any other species where my site is in the Sierras.
RickStaub - True for other populations also. next

Bill_E - Do you have to brumate Calif. Kings before they will breed .
RickStaub - Yes. Especially so with Mtn kings since they come from high elevations usually. Next

rtd - A lot of my pyros have eaten frozen thawed anoles over time; if you were gonna worm them, would ;you do it before or after breeding?
RickStaub - I'd wait for problems then take them to a vet for a fecal unless
RickStaub - you have experience treating snakes yourself.
RickStaub - some drugs like Flagyl can be deadly if misapplied. next

Slizarus - What is the habitat you find Mt Kings most often? (rocky outcrops,etc?)
RickStaub - Easiest is rocky outcrops in the higher elevation populations.
RickStaub - Coastal pops behave differently. This is mainly for zonata
RickStaub - Pyros are a different ball game. Lots of walking. next

matt2 - my turn, Rick have you come across black/white only mt kings in wild
RickStaub - Not myself but a friend caught one in the Sierras. It wasn't actually black and white
RickStaub - but was aanethristic (sp) next

boaburmman18 - would it be possible for me to have my california albino king and my baja moutain king snake and where are good areas in southern california to find kingsnakes ?
RickStaub - All the mountains in So Cal have zonata.
boaburmman18 - well what are some good areas to look
RickStaub - I have not hunted Cal kings there
matt2 - boa, we mentioned earlier that Rick won't discolse personal areas of work/sites
RickStaub - look for sunlite rocky outcrops and please do not destroy the rocks.
RickStaub - put them back as you have found them
boaburmman18 - i dont i put them back
RickStaub - this is a big peeve of mine. next
boaburmman18 - well rick thanks for the help i am off to nice talkin with ya

SirRandal - "zonata disease" explain it
RickStaub - Not easy to explain
RickStaub - Seems to be very contagious but we do not know what causes it
RickStaub - Makes it very difficult to treat and prevent.
RickStaub - For those of you that have not heard about zonata disease
RickStaub - check this link http://forum.kingsnake.com/king/messages/10947.html next
RickStaub - Mainly it starts with dry skin like a bad shed and becomes nuerological. Usually fatal. next

Viperbyt - Where do most populations of AZ mt. kings live in Arizona? North?
RickStaub - They are pretty much throughout the State in the mountains.
RickStaub - I've hunted mainly in the south though I have been to the North Rim once
RickStaub - but found nothing.. next

matt2 - my turn, Rick could you repost your site again for those who haven't seen yet?
RickStaub - http://www.kingsnake.com/rrreptiles/rrreptiles_005.htm
matt2 - and my question is: have you been able to herp the Baja mt kings?
RickStaub - I made a few trips there before I became a researcher so am familiar with the area.
RickStaub - have not been there since 1993 but hope to go back next year with permits. next

Barry--4 - I have been told that paramyxovirus exists in wild populations of all snakes, if so with the near 100% fatality rate nearly all snakes in a hiberniculium should be dead within weeks of emerging---if they emerge at all any thoughts or is this disease more captive problem
RickStaub - Sorry Barry but I am not familiar with that disease. next

Bill_E - I live in Western New York. There used to be a lot of Eastern Kings. Now I haven't found any. Do you have any thoughts on why that is the case?
RickStaub - Probably the same story as in a lot of urban areas. People and development. next

rtd - Rick, what do you recommend as the best temp for pyros post-brumation & during breeding season? I've been told too warm, and males go sterile. True? and what's "too warm"?
RickStaub - A lot of opinions on this one, including mine..
rtd - just looking foryours...
RickStaub - Males have been thought to go sterile if spring or possibly fall temps get too high
RickStaub - how high?? I'd guess at over 95 degrees or maybe lower if prolonged
RickStaub - I keep mine with a well ventilated cage so cool side is always or almost always near or below 80. next

Slizarus - On your website did you find that horned lizard in California if so what area?
RickStaub - I think that one was from just over the Nevada state line on the east side of the White mtns
RickStaub - Sorry just checked it. That was in New Mexico near Animas. lol. next

matt2 - my turn; Rick do you still see deliberate habitat destruct by those looking for mt kings, crowbar thing etc.
RickStaub - I have seen it but only in the same spots as I saw it before. I have not made as many trips into new areas
RickStaub - Washington has got to be one of the worst. And they are protected. next

Bill_E - I keep my snake room where the Kings are at 81 to 82 during the day and 72 in the evening. Would you still suggest a basking area?
RickStaub - Yes. Mtn kings will bask but sometimes for only a brief amount of time

Guest8486 - What happened to that great Mtn.Kingsnake web site will it ever be updated? Also who works with true localit specific Baja Mtn. Kingsnakes?
RickStaub - The Mtn king site you refer to
RickStaub - was run by Matt Ingrasci but he is a grad student now with no time. He would probably like someone to take it over.
RickStaub - Ric Blair probably has the best selection of Baja zonata.
RickStaub - Back on the basking site
RickStaub - 85-90 degrees. They'll use it especially when gravid or digesting a meal. next

NickAsher - Rick where do you see your self with Mt Kings in 5-10 years?
NickAsher - and if so doing what
RickStaub - Maybe with 1 or 2 pair in captivity. Unless I find an albino...
NickAsher - what would u do wiht an albino
RickStaub - In the field I would like to eventually stick a telemeter in a couple of them.
RickStaub - I think captive breeding is the only way to stop poaching. An albino zonata would eventually
RickStaub - cause the CDFG to legalize sale of zonata. I don't think they should yet as there are too many issues
RickStaub - but eventually yes. next

Slizarus - Why'd the state of California make it illegal to sell Zonata in California?
RickStaub - They made it illegal to sell all herps 15-20 years ago. Three so far have been made legal
RickStaub - for sale as long as they are cb. No wc can be sold. next

matt2 - my turn, Rick I remember you doing research on the range(s) between zonata from cali-Wa..how did that go
RickStaub - More speculation than any real field work. I have a couple places I want to hunt
RickStaub - but have not had the time to persue it other than while passing through an
RickStaub - area and trying to judge whether it was suitable habitat. next

Bill_E - I have a 4 year old King that moves around in the evening a lot. When I go in the room he is searching for an escape route. He's in a reptarium that is 36 X 16 X16. Is he showing stress? When he does that, I take him out, and let him use my body as a roaming area.
RickStaub - Probably is stressed. 2 things to worry about -- temps and security. Remember they are secretive so hiding spots are a neccessity.
RickStaub - Both on the hot and cold sides. Don't make them choose between temp and security. next
RickStaub - and i thought i was a slow typer

Slizarus - When you say all herps don't you mean all kingsnakes?
matt2 - my turn: Rick; we're coming up on the hour..would you like to continue on for an additiona 30 mins, max?
RickStaub - I can do that

matt2 - also: would you like to have folks ask you about herps other than mt kings?
RickStaub - Cal kings are actually legal to sell now. But this has only been so since 1992. next
RickStaub - Anything. I'll let them know when I don't know!

Bill_E - Rick I appreciate the help you have given me. Pass
RickStaub - thanks

matt2 - my turn: re the african lizs, did you herp there?
matt2 - liz on your site
RickStaub - I visited Namibia in 1998 for 22 days
matt2 - cool, I spent 3 yrs in Zimbabwe
RickStaub - did lots of herping in the northwest of that country. Very cool. want to go back. next

jefflbs - do much herping here, now
jefflbs - states
RickStaub - All the time in the spring.
RickStaub - Also go to AZ almost every summer. Nevada too. next

Slizarus - Are you attending any shows? If not was there any show in the past that left a favorable memory?\
RickStaub - I went to the San Diego Show this year. Took the family. had a great time.
RickStaub - I went to the Florida expo in 1991. Probably the most memorable
RickStaub - mainly because it was fresh back then. Everything was new. next

matt2 - my turn: Rick have you had much luck in the Huachucas for pyros?
RickStaub - I have seen 2 sheds and 3 pyros.

Bill_E - Are there any Pines in my area. I think they are all but gone, (Western New York). If so, in what habitat would I find them. It shows on snakes maps that they live here. ?
RickStaub - Caught 2 of them.
RickStaub - I lived in New Jersey once but was too young to become familiar with the area. Don't know. next

jefflbs - which of the mt. kings do you prefer, for looks, temperment, ease of care?
RickStaub - Probably the Santa Cruz Mtn zonata. Look awesome. Not as picky about the climate

Diplodactylus - Not about Mt Kings but - Did you bring back many species of gecko from your trip to namibia?
RickStaub - I was with a researcher from UC Berkeley. He brought back several species.
RickStaub - Chondrodactylus, Rhoptrophis, and a few Pachydactylus. Sorry about the Latin

katey - just a general kingsnake question, we have a prarie king and he will every couple of month's stop eating for about 3-5 weeks, then start up again, he has ample hide spots and good temperature, handling before or not seems to make no difference, is this normal ? oh yes and he's captive bred,tho i'm notaware of his age he's about 32" long and we are feeding an adult mouse/week
RickStaub - I have not kept that species but my guess is that it is a male
katey - yes it was idetified as male
RickStaub - and they do that sometimes. Stop eating for no reason. next
katey - ok thanx :)

Slizarus - Was there any particular color or pattern that caught your eye while in the field?
RickStaub - I assume you are refering to zonata???
Slizarus - yes
RickStaub - Unfortunately I have never seen anything unique. I have found many that were out crawling and believe me
RickStaub - it always catches your eye!! next
RickStaub - add on

matt2 - Rick, what weather conditions and time frame are zonata most likely to be found
RickStaub - a 21 triad zonata on the Diablo range was pretty awesome. next
RickStaub - That really depends on where you are. Most people look when the weather is too warm. 80 degrees is too warm
RickStaub - Cloudy days are good at low elevations. Cool sunny days are best at high elevations.
RickStaub - Of course they can also be found out crawling during the breeding season (usually May) even when the temp is over 90. next

Diplodactylus_pass - What do you think the effect of Wild Collection will be on the species for the long term

jefflbs - How cold do you brumate Mt. kings, and during the season how warm would you keep them?
RickStaub - Brumation should be at 55. 50-60 for a range.
RickStaub - I would not go colder for any length of time. next
RickStaub - add on
RickStaub - During the season keep them in a gradient. 85-90 on the hot side
RickStaub - and under 80 on the cool side. I think a little night time cooling is good also. next

Slizarus - Besides geckos, On your page it said that you keep other lizards which? And what was interesting about the species that you began keeping them?
RickStaub - I have or the boys have a bearded dragon. I kept Jackson chams for over 10 years
RickStaub - The cool part about several of the geckos I have is that they are from Namibia where I saw them in the wild
RickStaub - Stuff in the wild is always more exciting especially when it is so totally unique
RickStaub - to anything you find in the states. Next
RickStaub - they grow on you

Diplodactylus - About your trip to Namibia - Was it safe? I am considering going in the next year or two and would like to hear more about your trip. What species of gecko did you keep from your trip?
RickStaub - I felt safer there than I often do in Berkeley. lol. We slept on the ground for a lot of the trip
RickStaub - no probs at all. I keep web-footed geckos, Chondrodactylus, and a couple barking geckos (Ptenopus genus). next

jefflbs - I personally prefer the pyros, any pros or cons to keeping them versus some of the others?
RickStaub - Just starting the babies on mice. I think breeding them is easier than for zonata. They are more resilient to high temps also. next
RickStaub - harder to find also

PHFaust - Ok I am not sure if this is in your area of expertise, but Im just curious and havent had time to do research. Are you familiar with snakes of Costa Rica and if so can you tell me a suspicion of what would be a smaller bodied snake (could be juvie) that is primarily blue/green coloration?
RickStaub - No experience at all with Costa Rica
RickStaub - It is about 4 down on my list of places to visit. next

plomosa - I live in Arizona and have had a horrible time trying to get my zonatas to lay good eggs. Any tips? Sorry if someone has already asked this, I just got here. Also, the temps during hibernation were cold enough to allow my rubber boas to breed successfully.
RickStaub - My guess would be temps judging by how damm hot most of AZ is.
RickStaub - probably temps judging by how hot AZ is
RickStaub - how about plamoso's q
RickStaub - Probably the temps especially at night or in hibernation
RickStaub - knowing how damm hot it is in AZ most of the time
RickStaub - Need about 3-4 mo in the 50's for hibernation
RickStaub - Cool side of cage under 80 degrees during the season. Especially before breeding. next

Slizarus - Any tips for the Newbie Jackson keeper? I keep them myself and are very fun lizards.
RickStaub - Again keep the background temps cool. Under 70-75 if possible
RickStaub - but give them a nice basking spot over 85. Nice dicotomy. next

Diplodactylus - Did you have collection permits through the person with you? How hard are the permits to get?
RickStaub - Yes he had permits. I got my geckos through the pet trade upon returning. The person in control of permits over there was born in So Cal
RickStaub - Still not easy to get. But not impossible either. next

jefflbs - whats the average breeding age of mt. kings, and how many months do they usually feed in captivity? I've heard you only get a few months to put on some good growth? Thanks for your time Rick.
RickStaub - Usually breed at 3 yrs. How long they feed depends on the location and the indiv.
RickStaub - I have some that I have to stop feeding in Nov. Others stop themselves in Aug. next

plomosa - Do you think there are new locales of Zs yet to be found in Nevada?
RickStaub - I have only heard of Z's being found in 2 locals on the east side of the Sierras
RickStaub - Makes Nevada unlikely. But many spots left in Calif and OR and WA to be found. IMO. next
RickStaub - forgot to say thanks to Jeff.

Slizarus - Ok....Last Q. I guess.....Ever seen a leucistic female C.J. Xantholophus jackson or a particularly beautiful C.J.Merumontana?
RickStaub - I actually have not seen that many Jacksons
RickStaub - I do hope to catch them in Hawaii eventually
Slizarus - Hope you spot a leucistic.
RickStaub - I was more concerned with keeping mine alive. Especially the babies. next

matt2 - well, folks our time is up, but on behalf of Jeff Barringer, myself and Kingsnake.com..our special thanks to Mr. Rick Staub for taking of his time here tonight
RickStaub - Thank you for inviting me
skaterguy - thanks
jefflbs - thanks again Rick, later