Snakes on the lawn?

[Philmul]

I'm just wondering whether I could let my boa explore on the lawn with me there. (I mean in the summer)

I've seen so many pics of other snakes on the lawn. But not sure in this country. I don't want them getting ill from parasites or bacteria?

[dinosaurdammit]

I let my boa roam on a good day, i think the main thing is to make sure you have an OPEN space to do it and watch them without fail. I dont think by letting it slither on the ground its going to get sick from a bug because what they eat is often far worse.

[Philmul]

I will make sure my rabbits and my two little dogs are not on the lawn. Lol

[dinosaurdammit]

Originally Posted by Philmul

I will make sure my rabbits and my two little dogs are not on the lawn. Lol

Also be warned that hawks or raptors might dive bomb your snake. I actually have seen this happen with a king snake and a falcon. Harmless fun and BAM snake takes flight. The likelihood is slim but be aware of your surroundings.

[Jendee]

^^ lol. I know here I used to think they could get mites from the ground until someone pointed out that mites only exists in captivity. then I thought about it and not single snake I caught out in the fails had mites that I knew of...now when the weather is warm I put up the chihuahua and let them Cruz!!

[Gungirl]

Originally Posted by Philmul

I don't want them getting ill from parasites or bacteria?

Snakes are made to live outside, they will not get ill from bacteria in the grass and unless you have a snake with mites in the grass then your snake won't get mites either.

Be smart, if you have a dog I wouldn't let my snake go in areas where I let my dog out to potty either. As long as you use common sense it is fine to let them stretch out and get fresh air.

[SnakeyJay]

Originally Posted by Jendee

mites only exists in captivity

I've got to say I believe your wrong there.. Pretty sure they exist in the wild. I can't find a link right now tho to show it

[Lankyrob]

Worst thing in the uk is the temperature, we probably only get a couple of days a year when it is warm enough to take them out.

[dinosaurdammit]

Originally Posted by Snakey-Jay

I've got to say I believe your wrong there.. Pretty sure they exist in the wild. I can't find a link right now tho to show it

I found something along those lines:

"Since adult ticks and mites are visible with the naked eye, infestations are fairly easy to diagnose. Though heavy tick and mite infestations are most commonly found on recently imported, wild-caught snakes or snakes kept in crowded unsanitary conditions, it's a good idea to carefully inspect your snake on a daily basis for these parasites as well as anything out of the ordinary."

cite: Mites and Ticks on Snakes

[Gungirl]

Mites are in the wild.. where do you think they originally came from?

The reason you don't often see a snake with mites in the wild is because they shed and leave them behind. However when a snake is locked in a box and it sheds it still has to deal with the mites. Snakes have ways in the wild of dealing with mites that we can not recreate in captivity.

[Terranaut]

I take my boas outside when its sunny and warm. If its shorts weather and the sun is out 10 minutes outside is fine even if its not 90º out. Sometimes I let mi e lurk about my deck. The wood is nice and toasty from the sun by mid afternoon.

[RandyRhoads]

Be very aware of your surroundings. I don't know how big your boa is but be cautious of neighbors, or neighbors pets running up to it to investigate. Nothing worse than having an ugly little pug run up and suddenly get latched on to....It's happened...

[Pirarucu]

Originally Posted by Gungirl

Mites are in the wild.. where do you think they originally came from?

The reason you don't often see a snake with mites in the wild is because they shed and leave them behind. However when a snake is locked in a box and it sheds it still has to deal with the mites. Snakes have ways in the wild of dealing with mites that we can not recreate in captivity.

This. In the wild, snakes will find mudholes and will shed their skin, and it's easy to get rid of mites. Wild snakes may have a couple but it's impossible for a full infestation to happen outside of a box.

Mostly it depends on the weather. If the weather is okay, just be sure to keep a close eye on the snake and you should be fine.

[SpOoKy]

Also be aware of any pesticide that may have been used on your lawn and or close neighbors lawns.

[dinosaurdammit]

Originally Posted by SpOoKy

Also be aware of any pesticide that may have been used on your lawn and or close neighbors lawns.

and dont forget ants