naturejoe
New member
I like to mix species. I have done it for years very successfully. There seem to be a number of people that think this a very bad idea and I value their opinion on this matter. They can and should continue to believe how they choose to believe. I do not appreciate when they express their opinion as fact and the only truly accepted way to keep animals.
I love these forums because it gives me access to literally thousands of different people with as many different experiences. There is a lot of information to be had. When I offer my two cents on a topic I am careful to say what has worked or not worked for me. That does not make it the right or wrong thing to do. I can only imagine how confusing it must be when a beginner comes to the sight for information and one person says this is "right" and the other person says it is "wrong". Who can you believe?
For all those interested in mixing species, I thought I would post some tips (not facts) on this topic.
1) The most important variable for me in keeping animals is to "pay attention." Really pay attention to the animals themselves. How do they look (healthy, bloated, listless, skinny, etc.), act (defensive, aggressive, relaxed, etc.), and interact (fearful, social, predatory, etc.)?
2) Make the habitat as large as possible to allow the animals to display "normal" actions, yet not too large as to make them invisible. This depends on the species involved.
3) Vary the environment to suit different animals. Ex. Some land, some water, some branches. Each animal can then choose their environment to suit them. By choosing animals that inhabitat each environment increases chances for success. Ex. Toad on land, fish in water, anole in branches.
4) Use animals you are familiar with and have kept successfully. Knowing where animals hide, what they eat and when they are active are very important. This information can then be used to choose the right cage mates. Ex. A nocturnal (night active) animal without a proper place to hide will be awakened by a diurnal (day active) animal leading to possible problems later.
5) House animals from similar environments together. Ex. An animal like a chameleon that likes a lot of humidity does poorly in a desert environment. Often times you can do some research and find a similar animal that will work in your chosen environment. Ex. There are desert chameleons that will do fine with your leopard gecko.
6) Be prepared to move an animal out if the roommates don't get along well. This often happens with animals of the same species as well. Ex. I keep some iguanas with my parrots and they get along well. However, I once had an iguana that liked to grab the parrots tails so he had to move out.
7) Keep your mind open to the possibilities of what you are watching. Some of the oddest friendships have been documented among animals. I am sure many of you have seen the story of the mouse, parakeet and corn snake that lived together. Remember to "pay attention" to what is happening as often as possible.
A successful mixed species habitat is very enjoyable and if done with some care and thought will bring hours of entertainment to you and your friends.
All your thoughts are more than welcome.
I love these forums because it gives me access to literally thousands of different people with as many different experiences. There is a lot of information to be had. When I offer my two cents on a topic I am careful to say what has worked or not worked for me. That does not make it the right or wrong thing to do. I can only imagine how confusing it must be when a beginner comes to the sight for information and one person says this is "right" and the other person says it is "wrong". Who can you believe?
For all those interested in mixing species, I thought I would post some tips (not facts) on this topic.
1) The most important variable for me in keeping animals is to "pay attention." Really pay attention to the animals themselves. How do they look (healthy, bloated, listless, skinny, etc.), act (defensive, aggressive, relaxed, etc.), and interact (fearful, social, predatory, etc.)?
2) Make the habitat as large as possible to allow the animals to display "normal" actions, yet not too large as to make them invisible. This depends on the species involved.
3) Vary the environment to suit different animals. Ex. Some land, some water, some branches. Each animal can then choose their environment to suit them. By choosing animals that inhabitat each environment increases chances for success. Ex. Toad on land, fish in water, anole in branches.
4) Use animals you are familiar with and have kept successfully. Knowing where animals hide, what they eat and when they are active are very important. This information can then be used to choose the right cage mates. Ex. A nocturnal (night active) animal without a proper place to hide will be awakened by a diurnal (day active) animal leading to possible problems later.
5) House animals from similar environments together. Ex. An animal like a chameleon that likes a lot of humidity does poorly in a desert environment. Often times you can do some research and find a similar animal that will work in your chosen environment. Ex. There are desert chameleons that will do fine with your leopard gecko.
6) Be prepared to move an animal out if the roommates don't get along well. This often happens with animals of the same species as well. Ex. I keep some iguanas with my parrots and they get along well. However, I once had an iguana that liked to grab the parrots tails so he had to move out.
7) Keep your mind open to the possibilities of what you are watching. Some of the oddest friendships have been documented among animals. I am sure many of you have seen the story of the mouse, parakeet and corn snake that lived together. Remember to "pay attention" to what is happening as often as possible.
A successful mixed species habitat is very enjoyable and if done with some care and thought will bring hours of entertainment to you and your friends.
All your thoughts are more than welcome.
