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vypr
04-22-14, 02:24 PM
Hello everyone, I got me a plebeian milk snake couple of days ago and it was my first snake. Well, it was my first pet ever.
The snake is about 5 months old I think, they didn't say.
Also, I have a 29gal terrarium.

I just had some random questions

The local pet store recommended "Jungle Mix" substrate, so I got it... but it seems everyone has aspen bedding. Should I switch out the bedding.
How do I determine the gender?
Should the Water Dish be on the cold or hot side of the tank?
How often should he be eating? Most online sources say weekly.
When should he upgrade from pinkies to larger mice?
Should the hiding rock be on the hot or cold side?
I've had him for about 4 days, and he is always under the bedding. Is this normal?

MDT
04-22-14, 02:50 PM
Vypr....first off....you may have misunderstood the name of the snake. Is it by chance a Pueblan Milk Snake?

As to your specific questions...
1) substrate not that big of deal..aspen good/jungle mix good...I keep my snakes on newspaper.
2) Gender determination....you don't. Let someone who knows what they're doing do it. DO NOT let the pet store do it. Find a local herp group and get to know people there. And, unless you plan on breeding, gender shouldn't be a big deal.
3) Yes (I put my water dish somewhere "in the middle"..I've seen it done both ways with no issues)
4) Every 7 (ish) days w appropriately sized meals (assuming your husbandry is correct and eating = pooping on a regular basis).
5) Can't give you exact, when pinks no longer cause a slight mid-section bulge, it may be time to upgrade to weanlings/hoppers.
6) Yes (it needs both)
7). Yes...Milk snakes are typically a little skittish. And, when you are the size of a pencil, everything wants to eat you. Hiding is normal.

sharthun
04-22-14, 02:57 PM
Hey and Welcome! Post pics of your enclosure and snake. What are you using for heat? Do you have a thermostat controlling the heat source?

jpsteele80
04-22-14, 02:59 PM
Congrats On your first snake, I think everything has pretty much been answered :D

vypr
04-22-14, 03:15 PM
Vypr....first off....you may have misunderstood the name of the snake. Is it by chance a Pueblan Milk Snake?

As to your specific questions...
1) substrate not that big of deal..aspen good/jungle mix good...I keep my snakes on newspaper.
2) Gender determination....you don't. Let someone who knows what they're doing do it. DO NOT let the pet store do it. Find a local herp group and get to know people there. And, unless you plan on breeding, gender shouldn't be a big deal.
3) Yes (I put my water dish somewhere "in the middle"..I've seen it done both ways with no issues)
4) Every 7 (ish) days w appropriately sized meals (assuming your husbandry is correct and eating = pooping on a regular basis).
5) Can't give you exact, when pinks no longer cause a slight mid-section bulge, it may be time to upgrade to weanlings/hoppers.
6) Yes (it needs both)
7). Yes...Milk snakes are typically a little skittish. And, when you are the size of a pencil, everything wants to eat you. Hiding is normal.

I had a feeling that spelling was wrong, thanks!
Hopefully he grows out of being skittish xD



For my current setup
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--AcF4f05-yY/U1MGKK2pdXI/AAAAAAAADPM/VgxIVeQqK9Q/w812-h609-no/20140419_182459.jpg

I am working on buying better decor and I only have a hydrometer ATM working on getting a thermostat next time I go to the pet store.


I am using a 100W daylight on the left, and a 60W night light on the right (obviously at night).

Tsubaki
04-22-14, 05:07 PM
he/she really needs more hides/covers :)

vypr
04-22-14, 05:58 PM
he/she really needs more hides/covers :)

I know, its just the darn pet store over charges for them.
Im probably going to order a bunch of decor online after I get paid

sharthun
04-22-14, 06:07 PM
I know, its just the darn pet store over charges for them.
Im probably going to order a bunch of decor online after I get paid

I would order decor and thermostat online, in the meantime you can use small shallow plastic bowls or cardboard boxes like macaroni boxes for hides. That way you can just throw them away if they get soiled or out grow them.

Hydrofarm Digital Temp Controller : Lawn & Plant Care (http://www.simsupply.com/Hydrofarm-Digital-Temp-Controller/dp/B0047KKOMI?CAWELAID=1317016925&CAGPSPN=pla&gclid=CPaUpPOn9b0CFUgA7AodUFYAUA)
.

Kera
04-22-14, 08:51 PM
Or you can use an old shoe that you don't care about. I know my little girl loves that. ;)

drumcrush
04-23-14, 08:13 AM
Paper towel/ toilet paper rolls also work great too!

sharthun
04-23-14, 08:19 AM
Paper towel/ toilet paper rolls also work great too!

Yup, thanks DC, forgot about those! They outgrow everything so fast. No need of buying larger size hides every few months. lol

Pirarucu
04-23-14, 09:54 AM
1)As MDT said, substrate is not a huge issue. I personally would stick with the jungle mix, I am not a big fan of aspen. It's too dry and dusty, and tends to mold if it gets wet.
2)The best way to determine gender is probing, but as said, it needs to be done by someone who has experience, you can seriously harm the snake if it is done wrong.
3)Doesn't matter. I tend to have mine in the middle or on the warm side.
4)Once a week is a good schedule, how big is he and how big are the prey items you are giving him?
5)There are few snakes that need pinks from the start, I would expect him to be plenty capable of taking fuzzies or maybe small hoppers. Again, just depends on size.
6)Yes, that is normal.

I would definitely introduce more cover to the cage, it doesn't have to be premade hides either. Leaf litter or sheets of moss can be used as hides too. Anything he can hide under and remain unseen. Cork bark flats set into the soil a little bit make excellent hides.
Definitely get a temperature gun and a humidity gauge in order to keep an eye on the conditions in the cage.

sharthun
04-23-14, 10:23 AM
Or you can use an old shoe that you don't care about. I know my little girl loves that. ;)

You need to start your own custom line of shoe hides! Great Idea!:D

vypr
04-23-14, 01:11 PM
I found some small boxes around the house and put them inside the tank, HE LOVES THEM! LOL!

Here are the images, first one is of the whole tank, second is which hiding spot he choose.
imgur (.) com/jZmicKV,5vC6cR3

(since I am new I couldn't post a URL? So just add that dot and http)

Also it seems he is ALWAYS on the cool side, I really want to get a thermostat, hopefully it's not too hot on the warm side.


EDIT: When do I get full permissions on the forums, these limits are annoying.

sharthun
04-23-14, 01:46 PM
Sign up for a photobucket account if you don't already have one. Upload pics there and then copy and paste links to your shots. You should be able to post links,pics after 5 posts.


I found some small boxes around the house and put them inside the tank, HE LOVES THEM! LOL!

Here are the images, first one is of the whole tank, second is which hiding spot he choose.
imgur (.) com/jZmicKV,5vC6cR3

(since I am new I couldn't post a URL? So just add that dot and http)

Also it seems he is ALWAYS on the cool side, I really want to get a thermostat, hopefully it's not too hot on the warm side.


EDIT: When do I get full permissions on the forums, these limits are annoying.

virtuousvixen
04-23-14, 01:49 PM
Paper towel/ toilet paper rolls also work great too!

My King loves toilet rolls. Sometimes i think more than his hides

sharthun
04-23-14, 01:53 PM
Oh, and you can add some cheap silk or plastic plants for more cover.

vypr
04-23-14, 02:00 PM
My King loves toilet rolls. Sometimes i think more than his hides

OMG! LOL! That is funny, I'll put some in.


Oh, and you can add some cheap silk or plastic plants for more cover.

Yea, I am wanting to get some fake plants.
Looks a lot nicer also.

Tsubaki
04-24-14, 05:23 AM
Lots of snakes love those, good for quarantine as well. I always use cardboard boxes, cardboard transport tubes as quarantine hides.. And toss them out when they get dirty.:p

drumcrush
04-24-14, 05:25 AM
My King loves toilet rolls. Sometimes i think more than his hides

Lol love this haha

sharthun
04-24-14, 07:58 AM
Lol love this haha

Yeah you buy your kids expensive toys and they don't play with em!:p

Pirarucu
04-24-14, 09:08 AM
Yea, I am wanting to get some fake plants.
Looks a lot nicer also.With a young milksnake, you could probably use some live plants as long as you remember to water them.

vypr
05-04-14, 10:29 PM
I didn't want to create a new thread for this, but I was curious on what is the best way to get him used to me holding my milk snake.
He is ~7 months (not even sure) and ive had him for couple weeks now.

I try to get him used to me, but he just runs away when I try to handle him.
Whenever I manage to catch him I try to be gentle, but he just mov everywhere.
Should I keep trying or wait until he is older?

EL Ziggy
05-04-14, 10:48 PM
Patience vypr :) Your snake will come around, just give it time. He`s just getting settled in to his new environment. He'll realize you aren't a threat soon enough. I would keep the handling to a minimum until he's eaten for you a few times. Maybe once or twice a week for 5-10 minutes at a time but not within 48 hours after he's eaten. You can increase the handling as he gets more comfortable with you. Best wishes.

vypr
05-04-14, 11:28 PM
Patience vypr :) Your snake will come around, just give it time. He`s just getting settled in to his new environment. He'll realize you aren't a threat soon enough. I would keep the handling to a minimum until he's eaten for you a few times. Maybe once or twice a week for 5-10 minutes at a time but not within 48 hours after he's eaten. You can increase the handling as he gets more comfortable with you. Best wishes.

Thanks, I've been holding him for ~1-5 minutes every ~3 days.
I just wanted to make sure he tries to get used to me.

I'll continue waiting, just making sure I am doing everything right.

CosmicOwl
05-05-14, 01:21 AM
As was mentioned, toilet paper/paper towel rolls are good additions. Just throw some in there, or half bury them under the substrate. Either way, snakes love them. Something this works.

http://i.imgur.com/tAFxetU.jpg

KarenL
05-14-14, 12:19 PM
Hi Vypr, welcome and congrats on your new baby! Have you named him/her yet?

I'm new to snake keeping too so there isn't much to add to the great advice you've already been given, except that from your photo I would say that the water dish looks to be on the small side. Ideally it should be large enough for your snake to soak in if he/she wants to cool off or moisten the skin prior to shedding. Again, it doesn't need to be an expensive fake rock dish, just any shallow bowl that is heavy enough that it won't get tipped over.

KarenL
05-14-14, 12:20 PM
Oops, when I wrote my post your photo wasn't showing! I see you have already got a larger water dish! :)

virtuousvixen
05-14-14, 01:01 PM
Yeah you buy your kids expensive toys and they don't play with em!:p

So true. The cat is the same. buy her an enclosed bed to hide in, yet she prefers a cardboard box. The things we do

vypr
05-21-14, 02:12 AM
I have a ton of new stuff for the terrarium, including a 36x18x18 Exo Terra terrarium I am getting tomorrow.
I'll update later, I am really wanting to make a vivarium but it seems too complicated.


Also guys I've been noticing my surface temperature with my current bulb setup is the following on the "hot spots":
~80f Day > 100W Daylight Bulb
~75f Night > 60W Infrared Bulb

My terrarium height is 18 inches, so should I be using a 150W Day and a 150W Night?

KarenL
05-22-14, 07:30 AM
Vypr, do you have an Under Tank Heater (UHT)? Snakes prefer belly heat and it helps them to digest their prey. I only use the overhead heat lights for 48 hours after mine have eaten or if the temps in the room drop and I need additional heat. The important thing however you heat your terrarium is to make sure that the heat source is controlled by a thermostat/rheostat so that the heat goes off once it exceeds the desired temps. This is important as snakes do not feel heat in the same way as we do and can get burned. I use this one Amazon.com : R-Zilla Controller Temperature, 500-watt : Aquarium Heaters : Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-11403-Controller-Temperature-500-watt/dp/B0018CLYNG/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1400765375&sr=1-4&keywords=rheostat)

sharthun
05-22-14, 07:38 AM
Another great source of heat are radiant heat panels. I used to use belly heat but I will never go back after using the radiant heat panels. They heat the ambient air much better than heat tape/mats.

RBI Radiant Heat Panels (http://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels)

Also, a very good inexpensive thermostat is the hydrofarm:

Hydrofarm: Digital Temperature Controller for Heat Mat (http://www.hydrofarm.com/product.php?itemid=3372)

You can find them online for around $30 plus shipping.



Vypr, do you have an Under Tank Heater (UHT)? Snakes prefer belly heat and it helps them to digest their prey. I only use the overhead heat lights for 48 hours after mine have eaten or if the temps in the room drop and I need additional heat. The important thing however you heat your terrarium is to make sure that the heat source is controlled by a thermostat/rheostat so that the heat goes off once it exceeds the desired temps. This is important as snakes do not feel heat in the same way as we do and can get burned. I use this one Amazon.com : R-Zilla Controller Temperature, 500-watt : Aquarium Heaters : Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-11403-Controller-Temperature-500-watt/dp/B0018CLYNG/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1400765375&sr=1-4&keywords=rheostat)

vypr
05-22-14, 09:43 AM
I just have a simple 4watt under the tank heater, I'll probably need to upgrade and get a temperature controller with it then.

sharthun
05-22-14, 09:54 AM
I just have a simple 4watt under the tank heater, I'll probably need to upgrade and get a temperature controller with it then.

Yeah that sounds kind of small. At least try to cover 1/3 of the bottom of tank with heat mat/tape.

vypr
05-22-14, 10:07 AM
Yeah that sounds kind of small. At least try to cover 1/3 of the bottom of tank with heat mat/tape.

Should the temperature probe be laying right on top of the heat mat or above the substrate?

EDIT: I am using a day/night timer, should the bulbs also be controlled by the temperature controller.
Also something weird is he is always going to the opposite side of the heat for some reason.

sharthun
05-22-14, 10:29 AM
Should the temperature probe be laying right on top of the heat mat or above the substrate.
Also what temperature should the heat mat be, and could I use that temperature controller in addition to the heat bulb?

This is why it's important to have a thermostat to control your heat source. When I used heat tape, I put the thermostat temp probe between the heat tape and the glass underneath the tank to insure that it didn't get too hot to burn the animal. Then with temp probe or temp gun I took readiings above substrate and then adjusted the temp on tstat up or down to get desired temp of hot side but not too hot to harm the animal. I use a temp gun to read surface temps and air temps around the enclosures. You can put your tstat temp probe on substrate or under substrate just above heat tape/mat, but the probe will get moved around by your reptile. Lot's of adjusting either way. The idea is not to harm your animal and control your temps and a tstat will take care of that. Hope this made sense! lol Lot's of temp readings and adjustments.

vypr
05-22-14, 10:37 AM
This is why it's important to have a thermostat to control your heat source. When I used heat tape, I put the thermostat temp probe between the heat tape and the glass underneath the tank to insure that it didn't get too hot to burn the animal. Then with temp probe or temp gun I took readiings above substrate and then adjusted the temp on tstat up or down to get desired temp of hot side but not too hot to harm the animal. I use a temp gun to read surface temps and air temps around the enclosures. You can put your tstat temp probe on substrate or under substrate just above heat tape/mat, but the probe will get moved around by your reptile. Lot's of adjusting either way. The idea is not to harm your animal and control your temps and a tstat will take care of that. Hope this made sense! lol Lot's of temp readings and adjustments.

Geez, what a process I'll try to order that temp controller ASAP.
The thing is he is always on the cool side, he goes behind the rock thing in my exo terra terrarium
imgur: the simple image sharer (http://imgur.com/modfmp7)

Lol


EDIT: Might have found out why, after waiting awhile for my temperature to read the hot side is 99 f! The cold side is 81f
Would a temperature controller decrease the wattage or turn off the bulb?

sharthun
05-22-14, 10:50 AM
I would ditch the bulb if you get a thermostat. One heat source should be enough. Until winter time lol.


Geez, what a process I'll try to order that temp controller ASAP.
The thing is he is always on the cool side, he goes behind the rock thing in my exo terra terrarium
imgur: the simple image sharer (http://imgur.com/modfmp7)

Lol


EDIT: Might have found out why, after waiting awhile for my temperature to read the hot side is 99 f! The cold side is 81f
Would a temperature controller decrease the wattage or turn off the bulb?

sharthun
05-22-14, 10:52 AM
I would ditch the bulb if you get a thermostat. One heat source should be enough. Until winter time lol.

Yeah, 99 is too warm, I keep my hot side in the 86 to 90 tops.

vypr
05-22-14, 10:54 AM
Yeah, 99 is too warm, I keep my hot side in the 86 to 90 tops.

I moved the bulb further away for now, the hot side is 85 now.
I like having a daylight looking bulb, will the temperature controller downgrade the wattage or shutoff the bulb?

Nvm, found it out.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do, if I get a good enough heat pad could I just use simple fluorescent lights for display?

sharthun
05-22-14, 12:21 PM
I moved the bulb further away for now, the hot side is 85 now.
I like having a daylight looking bulb, will the temperature controller downgrade the wattage or shutoff the bulb?

Nvm, found it out.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do, if I get a good enough heat pad could I just use simple fluorescent lights for display?

Yeah LED's or fluorescent. I use RGB led light strips. Don't add any heat to enclosure.

vypr
05-22-14, 12:50 PM
Yeah LED's or fluorescent. I use RGB led light strips. Don't add any heat to enclosure.

Is there a heat mat you could recommend for around 30 to 40 dollars?

sharthun
05-22-14, 12:57 PM
Is there a heat mat you could recommend for around 30 to 40 dollars?

Yep:

Heat mat:

Ultratherm Undertank Heater (UTH) - 11"x11" - Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-undertank-heater-uth-11-x11)

Btw, this heat mat you can run without a thermostat. It only heats up to 95 or so degrees. Even though a thermostat is recommended.

If you had a thermostat already, I would go with 1 foot of 12" heat tape with a chord set. Much cheaper and works great. They sell it by the foot. 3 bucks for 12x12

You would need this cord set:
THGHeat Wire/Clip/Insulator Set: Reptile Products You Can Trust | Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/thg-amp-wireset) They will install the cord set for 99 cents. You have to select the pulldown at checkout for that. But for this heat tape you definitely need a thermostat.


12" Heat Tape (http://www.reptilebasics.com/12-heat-tape)

vypr
05-22-14, 06:17 PM
Yep:

Heat mat:

Ultratherm Undertank Heater (UTH) - 11"x11" - Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-undertank-heater-uth-11-x11)

Btw, this heat mat you can run without a thermostat. It only heats up to 95 or so degrees. Even though a thermostat is recommended.

If you had a thermostat already, I would go with 1 foot of 12" heat tape with a chord set. Much cheaper and works great. They sell it by the foot. 3 bucks for 12x12

You would need this cord set:
THGHeat Wire/Clip/Insulator Set: Reptile Products You Can Trust | Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/thg-amp-wireset) They will install the cord set for 99 cents. You have to select the pulldown at checkout for that. But for this heat tape you definitely need a thermostat.


12" Heat Tape (http://www.reptilebasics.com/12-heat-tape)

Should I buy both the heat pad and heat tape?
Also the heat tape requires another set of those connector eires right?
I assume the heat tape requires the temperature controller.

sharthun
05-22-14, 06:56 PM
Should I buy both the heat pad and heat tape?
Also the heat tape requires another set of those connector eires right?
I assume the heat tape requires the temperature controller.

You don't need both. Either one, but I would get 1 foot of the 12in heat tape:

12" Heat Tape (http://www.reptilebasics.com/12-heat-tape)

And you do need the wire/insulator clip set for Heat tape: rbi will install the clip/cord for. 99 cents. You have to select installation option before adding set to cart.

THGHeat Wire/Clip/Insulator Set: Reptile Products You Can Trust | Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/thg-amp-wireset)

I will say again, that if you use heat tape you have to have a thermostat! Heat tape will get extremely hot without temperature control.

vypr
05-22-14, 07:02 PM
You don't need both. Either one, but I would get 1 foot of the 12in heat tape:

12" Heat Tape (http://www.reptilebasics.com/12-heat-tape)

And you do need the wire/insulator clip set for Heat tape: rbi will install the clip/cord for. 99 cents. You have to select installation option before adding set to cart.

THGHeat Wire/Clip/Insulator Set: Reptile Products You Can Trust | Reptile Basics Inc (http://www.reptilebasics.com/thg-amp-wireset)

I will say again, that if you use heat tape you have to have a thermostat! Heat tape will get extremely hot without temperature control.

That's what I thought, thanks for all the information and dealing with my noobyness.
I'll order the heat tape, connectors, and controller soon

sharthun
05-22-14, 07:05 PM
That's what I thought, thanks for all the information and dealing with my noobyness.
I'll order the heat tape, connectors, and controller soon

Np!!! Post more pics of your snake when you can.

vypr
06-03-14, 03:49 PM
Setup Update
* Added Heat Tape - 1/3 of the Terrarium
* New Exo-Terra Terrarium
* Hydrafarm Heat Probe/Monitor
* New Hides
* Removed Heat Bulbs, temporary CFL
* New Decor

Setup Images: imgur: the simple image sharer (http://imgur.com/a/XBT2m)

Latest Snake Feeding: imgur: the simple image sharer (http://imgur.com/a/HHnsi#0)


I really appreciate all the help guys!
He is also very docile now, he hasn't even musked me in 2 weeks!

I am really wanting a second snake now when I get enough for another setup, I am looking into Hognose snakes.

sharthun
06-03-14, 04:06 PM
Looks great! I would feed inside the enclosure. And for more security cover 3 sides of your tank. :cool:





Setup Update
* Added Heat Tape - 1/3 of the Terrarium
* New Exo-Terra Terrarium
* Hydrafarm Heat Probe/Monitor
* New Hides
* Removed Heat Bulbs, temporary CFL
* New Decor

Setup Images: imgur: the simple image sharer (http://imgur.com/a/XBT2m)

Latest Snake Feeding: imgur: the simple image sharer (http://imgur.com/a/HHnsi#0)


I really appreciate all the help guys!
He is also very docile now, he hasn't even musked me in 2 weeks!

I am really wanting a second snake now when I get enough for another setup, I am looking into Hognose snakes.

EL Ziggy
06-03-14, 04:15 PM
Looking good vypr. You're off to a great start. I would definitely agree with Steve about feeding inside the enclosure and covering 3 sides of the tank. Sounds like you're falling victim to the same addiction many of us have here. You can't have just one snake :). I got my first in Feb. 2103, my 2nd in June '13, my third in Jan '14 and I'm working on a 4th by July or August. I'm pumping the brakes after that. Best wishes.

vypr
06-03-14, 04:18 PM
Looks great! I would feed inside the enclosure. And for more security cover 3 sides of your tank. :cool:







It's a fully enclosed Exo-Terra Terrarium, it just has clear glass.

I thought people said to feed him in another tank to prevent substrate ingestion?

sharthun
06-03-14, 04:18 PM
Looking good vypr. You're off to a great start. I would definitely agree with Steve about feeding inside the enclosure and covering 3 sides of the tank. Sounds like you're falling victim to the same addiction many of us have here. You can't have just one snake :). I got my first in Feb. 2103, my 2nd in June '13, my third in Jan '14 and I'm working on a 4th by July or August. I'm pumping the brakes after that. Best wishes.

For sure EZ! I hope I can put on the brakes after 5!:D

Kera
06-03-14, 06:41 PM
Snakes can digest bones and fur. In the wild, they'll get twigs with their meals, etc. They can handle a little substrate, lol :) it's better for you and the snake to feed in the tank. totally up to you though, you're snake. And by cover three sides, they mean with dark paper or paint, to make it feel more secure inside the tank, but again, that's merely a suggestion. Either way, your snake will be fine. Many people have success doing either or. Best of luck, awesome pics as well. :)

vypr
06-03-14, 07:31 PM
Snakes can digest bones and fur. In the wild, they'll get twigs with their meals, etc. They can handle a little substrate, lol :) it's better for you and the snake to feed in the tank. totally up to you though, you're snake. And by cover three sides, they mean with dark paper or paint, to make it feel more secure inside the tank, but again, that's merely a suggestion. Either way, your snake will be fine. Many people have success doing either or. Best of luck, awesome pics as well. :)

Oh, I was confused thanks for cleaning that up. I'll work on getting something in place for that.

I'll start feeding him in the terrarium, any clear benefits in doing so?

Kera
06-03-14, 07:52 PM
Less stressful for the snake, saves your hand from being bit (though I know not all snakes bite after feeding, there is always the chance as it may still be in feeding mode), also prevents regurge, depending on the age of the snake. :)

sharthun
06-03-14, 08:05 PM
Less stressful for the snake, saves your hand from being bit (though I know not all snakes bite after feeding, there is always the chance as it may still be in feeding mode), also prevents regurge, depending on the age of the snake. :)

Thanks for clearing that up for me! ;) I have one exo terra terrarium and 1 40g long tank that I put 1/4 in cork on the back and two sides. Also helps insulate the glass in winter and adds more security for the snake.

Kera
06-03-14, 08:06 PM
Of course, lol :)

vypr
06-03-14, 09:50 PM
Is there a light bulb I can get that will allow me to see his terrarium at night without generating any heat? Obviously one that that would not mess up his nocturnal cycle.
I like watching him slither around at night xD

EL Ziggy
06-03-14, 09:54 PM
I use a low watt infrared bulb on a dimmer for night viewing vypr. I think others use led light strips.

vypr
06-04-14, 03:38 AM
I use a low watt infrared bulb on a dimmer for night viewing vypr. I think others use led light strips.

I am having trouble finding a decent bulb that produces next to no heat.

EL Ziggy
06-04-14, 08:05 AM
I'm sure there are others but this gives you an idea. I would also put them on a dimmer to minimize the heat. I usually turn mine on low for a couple of hours in the evening just to watch the critters roam around until I get sleepy :)
Amazon.com : Zoo Med Nightlight Red Reptile Bulb 25 Watts : Pet Habitat Lights : Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Nightlight-Reptile-Watts/dp/B00061V55W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1401890311&sr=8-3&keywords=25+watt+infrared+bulb)
Amazon.com : Zoo Med Nocturnal Infrared Incandescent Heat Lamp 50 Watts : Pet Habitat Heat Lamps : Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Nocturnal-Infrared-Incandescent/dp/B001F99DUS/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1401890427&sr=1-4&keywords=infrared+bulb)

vypr
06-04-14, 09:26 PM
I'm sure there are others but this gives you an idea. I would also put them on a dimmer to minimize the heat. I usually turn mine on low for a couple of hours in the evening just to watch the critters roam around until I get sleepy :)
Amazon.com : Zoo Med Nightlight Red Reptile Bulb 25 Watts : Pet Habitat Lights : Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Nightlight-Reptile-Watts/dp/B00061V55W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1401890311&sr=8-3&keywords=25+watt+infrared+bulb)
Amazon.com : Zoo Med Nocturnal Infrared Incandescent Heat Lamp 50 Watts : Pet Habitat Heat Lamps : Pet Supplies (http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Nocturnal-Infrared-Incandescent/dp/B001F99DUS/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1401890427&sr=1-4&keywords=infrared+bulb)

Great, thanks!


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Also is there a set age when Milk Snakes reach their adult size?
I feed him every week.

Nox23
06-04-14, 11:28 PM
not sure if this has been said yet, but there are very different wattage of heat lamps too that make a huge difference, and also depend on how high your top to your substrate is, with added foliage you can control for a bunch of different temps. Temp guns are amazing and work great, cheap too, and can allow you to monitor for different areas in the cage for temperature.

sharthun
06-05-14, 07:44 AM
Great, thanks!


----

Also is there a set age when Milk Snakes reach their adult size?
I feed him every week.

Usually they typically reach maturity at about 2 years. All snakes grow at different rates. And it depends on how much and how often they are fed,husbandry,metabolism, and overall health of the animal.It just depends! lol