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He did respond to my email. He sounds like a knowledgable guy to talk with and open to the idea of me doing some work for him with his lizards! Nothing quite like hands-on experience with a master to teach me what I need to know to own my own!

So I've been doing a lot more research now that I'm going to be stationary in Colorado for the extended future about the possibility of obtaining a captive Gila Monster. In my research I found Mark Seward's website, a Gila and Beaded Lizard breeder/seller (his website; http://www.docseward.com)...

So I'm thinking about trying out a very simple small iwagumi scape for a small tank (really a vase but it holds a lot of water for a vase). This will be my first real attempt at an iwagumi style setup though, and I'm not really sure where to go with it. I've read a bunch of tutorials, watched...

I'm somewhat curious about whether or not something like this would work..Is anyone aware of a few species of medium to large sized snakes or lizards that would thrive in an outdoor aviary in Colorado year-round? I was thinking possibly a native species would work best but most still seem to...

Filtration will just be a small submersible filter in the water. It won't look perfectly organic, but it's a small concession to make. I don't have the time/resources/skill to hide it, but I'm not going to exclude something that will maintain the health of the animals just for aesthetic reasons...

I hadn't considered croc skinks. Think that's what I'm going to go with.

So I'm going to be living on my own here for a while and finally have the time/money to devote to setting up the paludarium that I've been wanting for a long time now. I've settled on the size - the Exo-Terra 18x18x12 terrarium. I'll have it filled with water up to the door line. The dry area...

Don't I know it. Just about every single caresheet presented has discrepencies with all the others. That's also why hands-on experience is going to be important.

I had considered previously not providing a water dish at all and overseeing directly all hydration/soaking myself, like some people do with venomous snakes. I was thinking in order to create a hide in the enclosure I would put some kind of plastic container inside the cage, then bury it (all...

That's a good suggestion. My largest concern is of course providing the best enclosure for the animal, but following that I would like to create a cage that can be displayed and is visually appealing. It sounds like what I need to find is a larger version of the ExoTerra caging or something...

Hm. Davo, you make a valid point about the basic needs vs. providing an enriching environment. Would you suggest the larger enclosure as a preferable scenario? I'd certainly rather provide the best environment possible.

Thanks! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Just trying to learn as much as I can about how others have cared for theirs at the moment.

I want a harem, but not of mice...

I completely agree with your characterization of the permit systems. It should be a tool to aid the individuals who want to properly keep the animals, not bar them from doing so. I have to admit, I am extremely excited about the prospect of eventually getting a Gila of my own. I never knew...

I've actually been a strong proponent of permit systems for a long time. I believe the training requirements for getting one in most states provides priceless knowledge on the animals you'll be taking care of, and allows you to not only have the ability to stay as safe as possible, but learn as...

Venom-Center is actually the HOT forum I was talking about. They have some very knowledgable members there, the problem is finding one who's active enough to answer your question. In a perfect world, when I go back to Colorado after school and finally get to a place where I could...

Recently I've found myself all but obsessing over the idea of at some point in the future acquiring a Gila of my own. If this happens at all, it won't be for a good few years, as I'm in no position to attempt to care for one at current, not to mention the fact I'm going to school in a state...

If I was ever in a position to set up a truly appropriate enclosure for it, and had the money to spare, I would seriously consider getting a Kinkajou. That would be after getting a Gila Monster though. And that's a LONG way off from now either way.

That's a bummer about the tank, and sucks you had to give up your turtle because of it. He looked to be quite the impressive beast before you had to let him go. That being said, may I be the first to humbly submit the suggestion that you turn it into a naturalistic desert vivarium for your...

Thanks for your comments everyone. I have been seriously considering telling him to shove it and getting whatever I feel like. What I'd really like to get is some kind of small bird. Personable, still "fluffy" ie not a reptile, independent enough to go for a bit on it's own, not smelly if you...