Dwarf Burmese Python Care (Python molurus bivittatus)

admin on 05 May 2008

For lovers of the huge Burmese pythons we all know and care about, who cannot afford the space that they need, a fantastic alternative has arrived. Dwarf Burmese Pythons were imported into the UK and USA for the first time in 2003. They occur from a small off-shore Island in South East Asia and grow to a maximum of 7feet. Adult males have bred at just 4feet, and females at 5feet. They have an almost identical appearance to their larger cousins, and youngsters will tame easily. The unfortunate side however, is their current price range. This has become the leading project in Python molurus for many breeders, aiming to breed this Dwarf into colour and pattern variants of its larger cousin, to ultimately achieve Dwarf Burmese Pythons in a wide array of colours and patterns.

Housing

When keeping any snake as a pet, you generally want to be able to view the snake from the outside of its enclosure, in the most natural surroundings you can offer. This will be more aesthetically pleasing and also aid in the general condition of the snake. If the snake likes its surroundings, it will have a better feeding response and generally grow quicker. A larger vivarium also offers more interest to the snake’s life, and by adding branches and other natural products you will enhance the quality of life the snake has, and stop it from becoming lethargic and overweight. Also, being stronger it should have more of a resistance to any viral infections or any other problems that it may encounter later in life.

For an adult Dwarf Burmese python, a vivarium 120cm Length x 60cm Width x 60cm Height is ample. Unlike their larger cousins, these snakes are very shy and prefer a smaller, darker more compact space. Even in this 120cm Length enclosure, a minimum of 2 hiding areas should be offered. I kept a number of Wild Caught adults in enclosures half this size with no light for many months before they became accustomed to captivity. As soon as they fed on a regular basis and became more comfortable with me, I gave them larger enclosures. Some individuals when put in these enclosures, reverted to being more aggressive and refused their food, while others took to it like icing on a cake. Juveniles should be treated in a similar manner, with a small enclosure being offered to begin with, and as time progresses the enclosure should grow with the snake.

Snake enclosures can be made from a number of materials. Most commonly used is a melamine coated wood which covers all sides except the front, which has glass sliding doors. Aquariums can also be used for juvenile Dwarf Burmese Pythons, although a specialist lid should be bought or made rather than the original aquarium lid. It is essential when thinking about what type of enclosure you use, you think about these 6 ‘SSSHHH’ factors:

1) Safety - Can the snake or owner injure itself from the enclosure or any appliances held within?
2) Secure - Can the snake escape through any small hole or cavity?
3) Size - Will the enclosure be appropriately sized?
4) Heating - Is the enclosure able to regulate the temperature properly?
5) Humidity - Will the enclosure last well in humid conditions? Is there enough ventilation for the moisture to escape?
6) Hygienic - Will the enclosure build up a lot of bacteria in small cavities? Is it easy to clean?

By following the steps above, you can have a suitable enclosure made from a variety of materials.

D

Tags: bivittatus, , , , , , , , , , , , , , Burma, burmese, care, china, dwarf, India, molurus, pet, python, reptile, snake, snakes, thailand

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Burmese Python Care (Python molurus bivittatus)

admin on 29 Apr 2008

Burmese Pythons have long been a favourite among reptile keepers. Their large size and excellent temperament has made them a very popular pet snake. Unfortunately, for many keepers their sheer size eventually proves too much. They often become very tame with handling, but are aggressive feeders. Adult females can grow to over 20ft, more commonly 15-16ft. This is a formidable force coming at you if they smell food. Burmese pythons make wonderful captives if they are given the right conditions; they are the real gentle giants of the snake world, but must never be under-estimated and should be treated with great respect.

For lovers of these huge pythons who cannot afford the space that they need, there are exciting projects in progress which may alter your decisions. Dwarf Burmese Pythons were imported into the UK and USA for the first time in 2003. They occur from a small off-shore Island in South East Asia and grow to a maximum of 7feet. Adult males have bred at just 4feet, and females at 5feet. They have an almost identical appearance to their larger cousins, and youngsters will tame easily. The unfortunate side however, is their current price range.

Housing

When keeping any snake as a pet, you generally want to be able to view the snake from the outside of its enclosure, in the most natural surroundings you can offer. This will be more aesthetically pleasing and also aid in the general condition of the snake. If the snake likes its surroundings, it will have a better feeding response and generally grow quicker. A larger vivarium also offers more interest to the snake’s life, and by adding branches and other natural products you will enhance the quality of life the snake has, and stop it from becoming lethargic and overweight. Also, being stronger it should have more of a resistance to any viral infections or any other problems that it may encounter later in life.

For an adult Burmese python, a vivarium 3m Length x 1m Width x 1.5m Height is ample. These pythons are one of a few species which are generally not worried about the size of their enclosure. The more room you can provide; the better. Many keepers decide to dedicate a whole room to their beloved python. Other keepers may decide to use a corner of a room as the back walls and ceiling of the enclosure, and simply build 2 front walls. This will cut down the costs of building and allow for a larger space for the python.

Snake enclosures can be made from a number of materials. Most commonly used is a melamine coated wood which covers all sides except the front, which has glass sliding doors. Aquariums can also be used for juvenile Burmese Pythons, although a specialist lid should be bought or made rather than the original aquarium lid. It is essential when thinking about what type of enclosure you use, you think about these 6 ‘SSSHHH’ factors:

1) Safety - Can the snake or owner injure itself from the enclosure or any appliances held within?

2) Secure - Can the snake escape through any small hole or cavity?

3) Size - Will the enclosure be appropriately sized?

4) Heating - Is the enclosure able to regulate the temperature properly?

5) Humidity - Will the enclosure last well in humid conditions? Is there enough ventilation for the moisture to escape?

6) Hygienic - Will the enclosure build up a lot of bacteria in small cavities? Is it easy to clean?

By following the steps above, you can have a suitable enclosure made from a variety of materials.

D

Tags: asia, , , , , , , , , , , bivittatus, Burma, burmese, china, large, molurus, pet, python, snake, thailand

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History of Chinese Furniture

admin on 01 Mar 2008

In ancient China, people used to sit or kneel on straw mats on the floor. Starting from around 471 to 221B.C., beds and mats came into being. Then people started to move their daily living from the floor to somewhere of raised heights. From then on, straw mats were used mostly on beds and couches.

Not only chairs and stools, various designs of furniture has arrived its summit in the Ming and Ching dynasties. In Ming dynasty, smooth, flowing lines and elegant ornamentation were the motifs at the time. In Ching dynasty, furniture design turned to richer ornamentation together with more coordinated engraved details. And in more modern days, most Chinese furniture designs are heavily influenced by the above two periods in history.

Since furniture has come in being, wood has been the major material used. With China ’s rich forest resources, it is nothing surprising. There are two main materials being used, lacquered and hardwood. Besides, bamboo and rattan furniture is also common in areas of warmer and sunnier weather.

The most frequently used woods in high quality furniture are huganhuali mu (yellow flower pear wood), jichi mu (phoenix tail or chicken wing wood) and zitan mu(dark-purple sandlewood).

Huanghuali mu was often used in both Ming and Ching dynasties. Huanghuali mu is one of the world’s most precious woods. It can reach up to 36 meters tall with a diameter of 1 meter. This wood is commonly found in Thailand , Burma and Vietnam . In ancient China , Huanghuali mu and Zitan were as precious and costly as gold and gem. Jichi mu is a kind of very hard wood. It is often found in Burma , Thailand , India and Vietnam . This type of wood is of even more rarity than both Huganhuali and Zitan. Its name came into being due to its feather-like pattern which resembles that of birds. Zitan mu is an extremely hard rosewood. This type of wood is just so hard and dense that it sinks in water. It is commonly found in America , Africa , India , Vietnam and Burma . It is said that it is very difficult for it to grow bigger than a diameter of 7 inches. That is why it is very difficult to get big trunks from this tree. It has a tree trunk of yellow color. But with enough exposure in the air, the yellow will change to dark red. It gives off fragrant smell and it is one of China ’s medicinal herbs. With a chair made of Zitan, people will receive good medicinal treatment by sitting on it.

For a long time, ancient Chinese furniture has been treasure of furniture aficionados. However, not much of what was produced in ancient China was kept because a piece of good work was not rated valuably. It was not until Ming and Ching dynasties that good pieces of furniture were valued and treasured by people. Even in the two periods, most furniture was either destroyed locally or looted by invaders from the West. In fact, similar situation lasted until recent China during the Communist revolution when communal chaos destroyed cabinets, chest and chairs for fuel and any possession of quality would be considered against the government at the time.

As a result, apart from the few items which managed to escape with their expatriate or diplomatic families to places like Hong Kong or to the West, a limited collection can be found in museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Palace Museum in Beijing .

In fact, with ancient Chinese furniture gaining more worldly attention and international status to its high quality and worth, prices of a true piece can command up to as much as one is willing to pay.

With increasing worldwide attention and appreciation, Chinese furniture is gaining its international position.

Asia Dragon is now offering its wide range of furniture design both in our website and our shop, The Oriental Centre, located in Headrow Centre, Leeds . As complement, we also provide home furnishing products, ornaments, accessories, clothes, kimonos and etc. Kindly visit our homepage or visit our shop in person and you will be surprised.

This article was produced by Asia Dragon. Visit us at http://www.asiadragon.co.uk where you will find authentic Oriental furniture, including Indian furniture, Chinese furniture plus Oriental rugs, soft furnishings and home d

Tags: asia, , , , , , , , , , , , Burma, cabinets, chests, Chinese, furniture, India, mats, straw, thailand, Vietnam, Zitan

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