CROC & Mia's Menagerie

28/08/2024

27/08/2024

Not the news I was hoping to share this morning, but unfortunately I am saddened to announce the passing of Paisley the Chameleon. After struggling over the last few weeks with trying to provide supportive care, Paisley eventually became too week to recover and passed away peacefully this morning.
He was believed to be close to 6 years old, which is considered a senior for this species. Although most chameleons tend to be shy and reclusive, Paisely was special as he tolerated (and even seemed to enjoy) occasional handling and could often be seen out in the open of his enclosure inspecting things around him. He readily accepted hand-fed insects, and even participated in a few outreach programs. He was calm and gentle, and will be remembered for his brilliant coloration that he maintained into his final days.
Rest in peace Paisley. We will miss you.

21/08/2024

ISO new/nicer bird cage for our lovely dove “Moon”
We’ve been using an awesome flight cage that was given to us some time ago, but like all things over time it has succumbed to wear and tear. Unfortunately due to some of Moon’s less than tidy bathing and feeding habits some excess rust has started to form along the frame that holds the lower grate and tray in place, posing a potential safety hazard if not addressed soon.
We’ll be on search for a similarly sized flight cage for her (at least 30”Lx20”W - though bigger is fine) in good condition. Used with some minor wear is ok, but for safety and maintenance it should not have any broken or missing pieces.
If you have a bird cage kicking around that you’re looking to get rid of or sell for a discount please reach out to me. Willing to pickup within a reasonable distance of the upper valley area.

19/08/2024

I provide lots of nice naturalistic logs, rocks, hides, and other climbing enrichment in my animal’s habitats to give them choice... and yet the preferred option always ends up being BOX.
Enrichment doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive, or pretty to give an animal enjoyment and pleasure their senses. Changing things up now and then can also help keep your pet from becoming bored and keeps them motivated to forage for food and treats, which can have a huge positive effect on their mental and physical health.

15/08/2024

13/08/2024

Our lovely pekin duck “Cupcake” laid her first egg. We will likely get a few more before the end of the season. Duck eggs are often preferred by bakers for their large yolks and higher fat content, which helps to make baked goods extra fluffy, they can also be used to make a rich creamy mayonnaise.
Although we regularly hatch out our own quail, turkey, and chicken eggs we will NOT be incubating duck eggs. Compared to other poultry ducks require significantly more maintenance, are incredibly messy, and will require extra attention to their habitat to ensure they are ready for winter. For now, 2 ducks is plenty for us!

11/08/2024

You can now show your support for CROC & Mia's Menagerie by purchasing t-shirts and other fun accessories from our new print shop! A portion of all sales goes into our animal care and education efforts.
https://mias-menagerie.printify.me/products

10/08/2024

With the last summer camp program of the season complete, I'm accepting that it's time for CROC to step back and allow my daughter to really start to take the spotlight.
Mia's enthusiasm for sharing, story telling and being an advocate for animals is really starting to grow. We'll be putting more focus on helping her expand her own spin on animal care through her videos and outreach programs.
Stay tuned for more updates, and keep an eye on our YouTube channel for new content https://www.youtube.com/

04/08/2024

This weekend’s habitat upgrade project was more an aesthetic upgrade that was made to Sisu the axolotl’s aquarium.
I got this old sewing machine that belonged to my grandmother. I was hoping to have it repaired and refurbished, but after reaching out to multiple sources I was told it essentially “wasn’t worth fixing” and that the costs to do so would far exceeded any real monetary value it would hold.
The extremely solid impossible to disassemble cast iron base on this makes it exceptional for holding heavy objects… and in this case, perfectly suited for holding an aquarium.
Additional touches will include making a wood frame and cover for the aquarium itself to match the vintage look of the stand and bring it all together.

31/07/2024

Although some of our poultry participate in outreach programs, very few of our mature male birds earn the right to participate in public events. This is because in most species the males serve a primary role as protectors of the flock and can have a tendency to be fiercely protective of their perceived territory and mates.
Management of male poultry requires a little more in-depth knowledge of avian behavior, since this protective nature can sometimes be perceived as “aggression.” Unfortunately this nature can also pose some risks to small children and inexperienced animal caregivers.
Although these male birds may never participate in public outreach programs, I absolutely love having them around. They are cherished for their striking plumage and entertaining courtship displays, serving as protectors of their flock and ensuring the creation of future generations.

29/07/2024

This weekend I managed to find time in my busy schedule to squeeze in construction of another habitat upgrade. Although we had a fairly decent temporary enclosure built for our two ducks, there was a great need for something a little more durable and weatherproof. Thanks to funds received through recent summer outreach programs I was able purchase a new heavy-duty welded wire enclosure and a larger more appropriate shelter for our ducks. Some modification will still need to be made to close up gaps and make it more predator-proof, but for now Cupcake and Brownie seem pretty content with their new space.

25/07/2024

Jack, our bearded dragon who was adopted from HerpHaven Reptile Rescue and Sanctuary has been spending the summer visiting kids at the Haverhill Recreation NH summer camp, but his summer job isn’t over yet! My daughter has chosen him as her entry for the 4-H Small Pet Showcase at 2pm at the Haverhill Fair and is super excited to be sharing him with fairgoers. If you’re a fan of Jack and are in the area we would love to see you!🦎🎡

17/07/2024

Happy world snake day!
For fun I figured I’d share this throwback from 2019 of one of my daughter’s early encounters with our senior ambassador Levi the Burmese python. Levi has been with me for over 20yrs and has helped hundreds of people learn to appreciate these often misunderstood creatures. With the average lifespan of Burmese pythons exceeding 30yrs, I am hoping for many more years of companionship with this bright mellow guy.

09/07/2024

Some of you may have noticed that Paisley the Panther chameleon has not been present in any outreach programs this summer.
At 5yrs old, Paisley is considered a senior for his species (average lifespan of male panther chameleon is 5-7yrs) His history is a little bit unknown and he is beginning to show signs of age-related illness. Most concerning is that he is exhibiting many of the obvious signs of kidney disease- a highly common occurrence in elderly reptiles.
For chameleons medical care can be exceptionally difficult. They are very prone to stress from handling, and invasive procedures and excess stress can unfortunately accelerate illness. For most species the prognosis for kidney disease is poor, with fluid therapy only helping to slow its progression and provide comfort to the animal.
We must be careful to strike a balance between supportive care and allowing the patient to recover. One aspect in Paisley’s favor is that he is highly tolerant of handling and seems to be accepting supplemental oral hydration with additional liquid diet to combat dehydration. We will need to keep a close eye on Paisley’s condition to ensure he continues to have a good quality of life for as long as we can.

08/07/2024

Yesterday we ventured out to the New Hampshire Reptile Expo to pick up some much needed supplies and some new friends. Now that my daughter is becoming more actively involved in doing her own outreach programs we both agreed that we needed to reintroduce a sticky-toed gecko and tree frog to our team of animal ambassadors.
Say hi to "Gecky" the crested gecko, and "Gumby" the White's tree frog.

The expo can be a great place to see a variety of species, talk with the breeders directly, and get information about clubs, rescues, and other great resources to care for your pet. For novice keepers these settings can also be a bit confusing filled with misinformation. When picking an animal out at an expo (or any other location) here are a few tips I recommend:
- Have an idea what you want and do some research BEFORE purchasing any live animals. It's very easy to get excited and want something pretty/unique - TRY TO RESIST IMPULSE BUYS!!! Always research to ensure you have the correct habitat for your pet BEFORE you bring it home.
- Whenever possible seek out captive-bred animals. This may not always be possible to verify for all species, but the reseller should be able to tell you the source of their animals. Wild-caught animals can be much harder to keep as they may be stressed, have parasites, or have requirements that might be difficult to replicate in captivity.
- Observe the health of any animals before purchase. Look for animals that are bright & alert. Avoid animals that display dull coloration that is not typical for their species or morph. Check that the animal is clean without excess f***s or retained shed, external parasites, sunken eyes, emaciation, or poor posture. Check that the animal moves naturally and smoothly.
- Ask the breeder/reseller for details about the animals. For young/baby animals ensure they have been eating consistently and if the seller can provide the birth date, last feeding date, size prey, and other details such as habitat setup and recommended care about the animal you are purchasing. Always get a card/contact number to follow-up in case you forget something.
- VERIFY THE ANIMAL IS LEGAL FOR YOUR STATE!!! New Hampshire has some of the least restrictive rules for reptiles in New England and many sellers may not be aware of the rules outside of their home location. If you are visiting from other states please contact your own local Wildlife Department for a list of species that are restricted. If you're not sure where to find this info you can find some of these listings at my website at https://www.crocnhvt.com/rescue
- Take your pet home IMMEDIATELY after the expo. Temperature extremes can be deadly for your pet, so avoid prolonged transport, hot cars, direct sunlight, and other unsafe scenarios. Do not open your pet's container until you are home and quiet as they will likely be highly stressed and even though they might appear calm they may try to run away at their first opportunity. Give your pet time to settle into their new environment before attempting to feed or handle them (the time required will vary for each animal)
- Consider having your new pet checked out by a specialist veterinarian to establish a record and baseline of health for future support. It is much easier to get care if you already have a vet lined up, than to wait until your pet is sick and it becomes an emergency.

Nearly ALL reptile species are a long-term commitment. Regardless where you get your pet or what species you decide to go with, please be prepared to provide many years of care before you purchase.

03/07/2024

My daughter and I are thrilled to be visiting some local summer campers every Tuesday this month, but to keep things interesting we are considering adding a couple of new ambassador species to our lineup for future outreach programs.
What interesting/cool/unusual animal types would you like to see or learn more about?

30/06/2024

Just a totally normal morning in the neighborhood.

When you can’t keep your ducks in a row, put them in a wagon and take them for a stroll.

28/06/2024

Gonzo and the rest of the poults held back from this hatching season are enjoying a lovely evening exploring the yard and meeting our other residents. The first interactions with Socrates the tortoise are always a source of much curiosity.

26/06/2024

Cupcake the duck got to join me for her first ever outing to visit the HARP campers at Haverhill Recreation NH. She did great for her first visit, and will definitely be joining me on more outings in the future.

23/06/2024

At 10’ in length, Levi is one of the most iconic of my animal ambassadors.
The original inspiration for starting a nonprofit 15 years ago, and responsible for spreading awareness and inspiring compassion for snakes in hundreds of people, this big yellow lug is still going strong approaching his mid-20s.
Burmese pythons have long been considered the “gentle giants” of the snake world, but despite their puppy dog looks and generally laid back attitude, these snakes require specialized care, huge habitats and experienced handlers to keep them safely.
With females easily reaching lengths of 20’ Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes in the world. Their size is backed by powerful muscles that are designed to crush large prey. These snakes are not picky about what they eat and it is incredibly common for them to become grossly obese in captivity. Unfortunately “power feeding” has become a common practice among breeders and pet owners who are trying to get their snakes as big as they can as fast as possible. This practice has extremely detrimental effects on the health of captive snakes, leading to internal organ failure and heart disease. When kept properly they can easily live 30 years, making them a long-term commitment. Due to their status as an invasive species and potential to cause harm to humans Burmese pythons are illegal to keep as pets in many states.

15/06/2024

Attention pet owners!!!
A surprising trend has emerged in the pet community: an increasing number of unwanted pet reptiles are being listed on platforms like Craigslist. Recent data reveals that reptiles now make up close to 40% of pet listings in New Hampshire alone significantly outnumbering all other animal types.

Unfortunately, the capacity to handle this influx is limited. Reptile rescue organizations, already few in number, are perpetually over capacity and struggle to manage the growing demand for their services. This surge highlights the urgent need for responsible pet ownership and careful consideration before acquiring a reptile as a pet.

We strongly encourage anyone considering a reptile to adopt from rescue organizations. Not only does this support overburdened rescues, but it also provides a second chance for these animals to find loving homes. Additionally, thorough research is essential to understand the specific needs and long-term commitment required to care for a reptile properly.

By making informed decisions, we can help alleviate the strain on rescues and ensure better outcomes for these fascinating creatures. Remember, adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment—let's make sure we are ready to provide the care and environment they deserve.

14/06/2024

One species that is often recommended for a beginner pet reptile is the Leopard Gecko.
These small lizards are often quite personable and active, enjoying a diet of insects and generally tolerant of handling. Like all reptiles they do have specific needs that must be met in order to ensure their long-term health. It is a common misconception that these lizards are strict dessert-dwellers. In truth, these geckos can inhabit a wide range of environments from the sandy arid desserts where they take advantage of the pockets of higher humidity in rocks and crevasses, all the way to dense temperate mountain forests with lots of foliage, mosses, and leaf litter.
Although these geckos may be small, providing a larger habitat (such as a 3' wide or larger enclosure) makes it much easier to accommodate multiple hides, live plants, and even gradients in heat and lighting. Providing a variety of microclimates to give your gecko the choice to move around and regulate their own temperature and humidity is the best way to ensure long-term health for a happy gecko.

01/06/2024

The little turkey who hatched on my birthday is by far the friendliest poult I’ve raised to date. I’m looking forward to seeing how he turns out and having him participate as an animal ambassador in future outreach programs.
I’ve decided to name him “Gonzo” - because muppet names are the best names for turkeys, as well as honoring my first Royal Palm Tom that we lost to a mink several years ago.

26/05/2024

Summer vacation is right around the corner, and despite my self-imposed reduction in availability I can’t help but REALLY WANT to get out there with my animals.
I will still be delivering a few programs to existing clients this season, but my family is preparing for even more challenges (though mostly positive ones) over the next year. While I might not be able to fully chase my dreams for what CROC could be, that doesn’t stop me from looking…

24/05/2024

It is baby bird season!

We get quite a few calls during baby bird season as the consistency with which members of the public interact with baby birds increases. To help, we put together this very simplified guide with some basic steps.

The most important things to remember when interacting with baby birds are:
- Use a licensed rehabilitator as a resource! If you are unsure what do do, it is always best to speak with a professional to get some advice.
- It is a myth that birds will not care for their young if handled by humans. Birds will still care for young that are handled and returned to nests!
- Fledgling birds naturally spend time out of the nest on the ground and mom and dad will still help care for them. It is best to just keep your distance from fledglings and give them the time they need to gain flight coordination and strength.
- Do not attempt to feed baby birds! Improper feeding and improper food can cause a host of issues for baby birds.

If you find an injured or orphaned animal after hours and are unable to reach our team during our operational hours 9-5 daily, keep animals in a ventilated, enclosed carrier and keep them in a dark, quiet space. Reduce your contact with animals as this can cause additional stress. Leave a message with our hotline and if they are an animal we accept at our facility, bring them to us for care when we reopen.

Thank you to all brave rescuers out there!

22/05/2024

"Cupcake" the Pekin duck is one of the latest additions to our flock earlier this spring, and as you can see she is ready for her debut in summer outreach programs! My daughter has been a phenomenal help ensuring our animals are well socialized and tolerant of handling by children. Don't worry - no ducks were harmed to take this photo.

22/05/2024

Socrates isn’t much of a morning person,