2015 Bumblebee Ball Python Hatching

Herping in Southern California

Last night a friend and I went out road cruising in the White Water area of Southern California. We found several snakes, a couple geckos and over all it seemed to be a very active night. This photo below is of a Red Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) we moved off of a road. The Red Diamondback is one of California's 7 species of native Rattlesnake and is often confused with the Western Diamondback (Crotalus atrox). This species is most active after the sun goes down and is generally found in the Southwestern parts of California. Adults usually average 2.5-4 feet in length and rarely reach 5 feet. Males tend to be larger than females. Their venom isn't the strongest although they can make up for it with quantity. A mature adult can still deliver more than 3 times the lethal dose required to kill a human. Always remember that all snakes are non-aggressive if left alone. Rattlesnakes do not want to bite you nor do they want to waste their precious venom required for killing their prey. Approximately one third of rattlesnake bites are dry although it's always best to respect them from a distance and never attempt to handle them without proper tools and training.

Red Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber)

Help save the remaining 183 Ball Pythons!

   As a lot of you may already know earlier this week Animal Control officers raided a Santa Ana home to find over 350 ball pythons. Unfortunately about half of them were already dead and the remaining snakes were found in pretty bad shape. The Southern California Herpetology Association & Rescue has stepped up to save the 183 remaining snakes and they need our help! The cost of food, housing, and vet bills are stacking up. Any help is greatly appreciated! http://www.gofundme.com/6k852w

Check out my new Facebook page!

   Hello everyone and sorry for the lack of posts! I recently made a new Facebook page dedicated to my passion for snakes and other exotics. It will showcase my breeding projects, creatures, and future sale ads. I will eventually be turning it into a legitimate business although that's not really what I'm in it for. If you like snakes or other exotics please check out my new page!

www.facebook.com/MattHickamSerpents

www.facebook.com/MattHickamSerpents

Reptile Enthusiasts!

Our hobby is once again under attack an we are fighting more potential bans and additions to the Lacey Act! Look into this and fill out this form to oppose the USFWS categorical exclusion proposal from NEPA requirements. The categorical exclusion will give them authority to add species as injurious without full due process afforded under the law. Please help save our hobby! The link is listed below. It must be completed and sent by July 31, 2013. 

http://usark.org/campaign/usfws-categorical-exclusion/

Now accepting Credit & Debit!

I have finally got with the times and made the move! I now accept credit and debit cards for my services! There is a small fee of 2.75% per swipe to cover my taxes and fees if you decide to use plastic.

Under Construction

As some of you may have noticed my website has been changing a little. No need to worry though because I am not making any big changes. I will just be organizing everything a bit better so everyone can navigate through my work easier.