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|  » Stats |
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| | Welcome to our newest member, Ruralman | |  | | 
12-06-2011, 04:36 PM
|  | Active Member | | Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Deepest Darkest Dorset
Posts: 71
| | | Slow worm as a pet?????
Just read (by accident) an old thread of 'keeping a slow worm as a pet' and thought you would like to see my 'pet slow worm'
Imagine my surprise on opening the compost bin to find him at the very 'top of the heap' surrounded by myriad woodlice!!!
He is a big brute of a boy (boys are a regal silver colour, whilst the females are a soft brown with a darker stripe down their backs) and seems to be doing very well in my compost heap.
I was hoping to empty the bottom layer as it is full to bursting, but am now worried about disturbing him and any others that may live there! Any advice??
Here he is,
King of all he surveys!  
Last edited by iminei; 12-06-2011 at 04:38 PM.
|
12-06-2011, 04:46 PM
|  | Dame Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: North Kent
Posts: 9,728
| | | Re: Slow worm as a pet?????
Obviously enjoying life in the heap. Glad it's not a real pet though. 
__________________
The female of the species is more deadly than the male.:p |
12-06-2011, 05:24 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: London
Posts: 4,925
| | | Re: Slow worm as a pet?????
Nice animal. I never realised they could become that colour.
If it were me I'd leave him to the compost heap. If it's full, can you start another nearby? |
12-06-2011, 05:32 PM
| | Active Member | | Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Deepest Darkest Dorset
Posts: 71
| | | Re: Slow worm as a pet?????
There's no question of taking him from his surroundings and 'keeping' him as pet!
I think I will just fill my neighbours compost for a while, much more enjoyable to have him 'in residence' for a while. |
12-06-2011, 05:44 PM
|  | Commander of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: May 2010 Location: Snowdonia, N. Wales
Posts: 3,924
| | | Re: Slow worm as a pet?????
I mentioned, some time ago on another thread, that a naturalist friend of mine has kept three Slow worms in captivity since the late 1950's. As far as I know, they are all still doing well, (they were when I last saw them a few years ago). They were always looked after extremely well, or as well as any creature can be in captivity.
Obviously, when he first collected them, such things were not frowned upon as they are today. Having handled them on many occasions I can say what lovely gentle animals they are.
Dorts. |
12-06-2011, 05:51 PM
|  | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vauxhall, London
Posts: 706
| | | Re: Slow worm as a pet?????
The same 3 from the 50`s ??  What sort of life span do they have? I assumed it would only be a few years.
Za |
13-06-2011, 09:39 AM
|  | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Posts: 867
| | | Re: Slow worm as a pet?????
Cool pics!! Might have to get me a compost heap now...  |
13-06-2011, 09:41 AM
| | Officer of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Posts: 867
| | | Re: Slow worm as a pet?????
Quote:
Originally Posted by Za  The same 3 from the 50`s ?? What sort of life span do they have? I assumed it would only be a few years.
Za | Typically, all things being equal, can be about 30 years in the wild. Have been known to live to over 50 in captivity!! |
13-06-2011, 02:18 PM
|  | Member of the Wild Empire | | Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 416
| | | Re: Slow worm as a pet?????
The best known record for a Slow Worm in captivity was an amazing 54 years at Copenhagen Zoo. This may well have been beaten by others that haven't reported or couldn't prove their unconfirmed records.
I personally haven't seen one as dark as the one photographed by the OP. It could be a melanistic example?
Best regards,
Jason
__________________
http://www.jasonsteelwildlifephotography.yolasite.com |
14-06-2011, 05:53 AM
| | Active Member | | Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Deepest Darkest Dorset
Posts: 71
| | | Re: Slow worm as a pet?????
I personally haven't seen one as dark as the one photographed by the OP. It could be a melanistic example?
Dark???!!!
He's a beautiful metallic silver!!?? Do you think he's particularly dark?
Melanistic? I hope that's not an insult because I would have to stand up for his honour! | | | |
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