Is my snake acting normally? im confused

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

OK so I am new to snake ownership and I've been getting mixed info online. Its an unsexed Sinaloan he's active mostly at night, unless he's moving under the substrate where I can't see it. I think its still young. Idk the pet store didn't know much. I would post pics but I still haven't figured it out. I'm technologically impaired. I could email them that's about the basics of my ability. Lmao! I did manage to put my snake as my profile pic. The snake hides a lot except late at night. I've had it 6 days and no pooping has occurred yet. Not that I've dug too far in the substrate, I'm still nervous. Its not my snake really I'm just the researcher. The snake is my daughter's and my husband does the handling. So any help would be appreciated.

[millertime89]

Pinkies don't result in much poop. Very little, if any hair on them which is the only part that a snake can't digest. The nocturnal behavior is normal as nearly all snakes are more active at night.

[aaron_cg]

When you can, post pics of the set up as well as Temps. Milk snakes are pretty easy to care for. Nothing sounds wrong so far.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Temps are 84F hot side 77F cool side with a basking spot too. Humidity 40% I've tired post pics and keep getting file errors. Lol. Two hides and a plant.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

http:// http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b544/aimiscrazy/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140722_230329_zpshoduy1qz.jpg (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/aimiscrazy/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140722_230329_zpshoduy1qz.jpg.html)

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

http:// http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b544/aimiscrazy/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140722_230329_zpshoduy1qz.jpg (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/aimiscrazy/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140722_230329_zpshoduy1qz.jpg.html)

[millertime89]

http:// [URL=http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/aimiscrazy/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140722_230329_zpshoduy1qz.jpg.html

http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b544/aimiscrazy/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140722_230329_zpshoduy1qz.jpg

Let's see if I can fix these...

Edit: I see, same image. You just need to post the url in the IMG brackets, otherwise we just see the link.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Shoot I quit! I'm really showing my tech stupidity! Lmao!

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

If you can you'll be my new best friend! I can't figure it out! For being 31 I should be shot for my lack of technical skill!

[millertime89]

http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/general-discussion/88757-how-post-pictures.html

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b544/aimiscrazy/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140722_230329_zpshoduy1qz.jpg (http://s1291.photobucket.com/user/aimiscrazy/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20140722_230329_zpshoduy1qz.jpg.html)

[aaron_cg]

Set up looks fine, as well as the Temps.

Personally, I would switch to belly heat, since they are not arboreal snakes.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

I tried it gives me an file error code. I think its my Android or me. Probably me. I seriously quit. I'm copying the IMG code from photo bucket. What agitates me is all these photos are on my fb page. On photo bucket and my phone! I just can't get them here! I hate feeling stupid!

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

There is an under tank heater as well it just didn't get it high enough. So we got both.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Oh and we are thinking his/her water dish Is too small inside so we are replacing it soon. I don't he fits in there.

[aaron_cg]

As long as you keep the humidity up, the bowl doesn't have to be big enough to soak in. Do you have your heat on a thermostat?

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

No its not on a thermostat, I wanted to get one but my husband didn't want to get one right away. The website he read said they weren't necessary. So far the temps stay even pretty well without it. Which means I won't be getting one, I don't make the money lol. I'm just the worrier and it's my baby girls snake. Its his daughter too, but she's a mommas girl! I literally stay up to get pictures for her.

[aaron_cg]

You need a thermostat, ASAP. Otherwise, you'll cook the snake.

Here's a link in how to make a homemade one for under $10, then you just need a temp probe, about $8 at pet Co.

How to make your own Rheostat for less than $7! Detailed instructions. [Archive] - CornSnakes.com Forums (http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-93490.html)

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

OK that seems like something he can do. As a mechanic it shouldn't be too hard! Lol. I'll yell at him in the morning. ;)

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Thank you all so much for the advice. I'm hoping to get a hang of all this snake stuff soon.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

OK I feel better now my snake finally pooped! I know I know, who Cares? Well me! I'm a mom and we worry about weird things like pooping. Going to get the thermostat very soon I swear! Luckily he doesn't go over to that side of the tank often, the pet (&Walmart) is 45 min away. Fighting bronchitis and trying to do the best for something new is difficult. But you all have been super helpful.

My 9 year old wanted to change the water today, and Blaze decided to see what was going on. I was so proud of my girl! She was scared a bit but she finished what she started! They love watching Blaze but they still are very nervous around the snake! I couldn't be more proud, I had to brag a bit sorry!! (The momma in me!)

[shaunyboy]

No its not on a thermostat, I wanted to get one but my husband didn't want to get one right away. The website he read said they weren't necessary. So far the temps stay even pretty well without it. Which means I won't be getting one, I don't make the money lol. I'm just the worrier and it's my baby girls snake. Its his daughter too, but she's a mommas girl! I literally stay up to get pictures for her.

please get a good thermostat pal

a heat source without a thermostat can over heat and kill your snake,or worse start a fire and kill your household

everything else in your tank looks great

the main thing is.....

relax and enjoy your snake,as all new keepers tend to worry too much (did it myself in the begining )

welcome to the forum


cheers shaun

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

We are going to town tomorrow, and will be getting one. I live a good bit from town so we have to plan trips. My husband has been keeping a very close eye on the mat until then, seeing as I am sick I'm staying away. I know I'm not contiguous but I'm staying away for my piece of mind. Believe it or not the hides were chosen by a 5 yr old! As was the snake. I told her what she needed and she chose the items. Dad feeds and handles it, I do research and supervise. My oldest daughter changes the water its a family affair lol.

[shaunyboy]

please don't worry about pooping...

until it's feeding on prey with fur it won't poop a lot,as mouse pinkies/fuzzies don't have a lot of meat on them,so most of it gets absorbed into the snake leaving little if anything to poop out


some snakes won't poop for months,then drop one or more

a constipated snake is easy to spot,a bulge will start forming at the vent area

imo there's not much chance of that happening on the small prey it's feeding on

please try and relax and enjoy your snake :)


cheers shaun

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Cool thanks. I'm trying. I haven't ever had any pets more exotic than a hamster and dogs so I'm really new. I read a lot online but then I forget to trust what I've read. I'm hard on myself most. I will calm down soon it's only been a week with it. I was terrified of them three months ago! I held Blaze for like 15 seconds! Lol!

[EL Ziggy]

Hydrofarm makes a pretty good and fairly inexpensive thermostat. Like others have said it's a vital piece of equipment for your snake's health. Best wishes.
Amazon.com : Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat For Heat Mats : Plant Germination Heating Mats : Patio, Lawn & Garden (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPRTC-Digital-Thermostat-Heat/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406428801&sr=8-1&keywords=hydrofarm)

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Thanks for the link darlin' and its Amazon I can book shop too ;)

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Can snakes eat anything other than mice? Like as treats? My girls want to feed it dessert! I was honest and said I didn't know! I know they are carnivorous so no actual treats but is there a treat like animal we can feed it? Obviously only on occasions.

[franks]

They can and do eat a variety of things. Your easiest and best food is mice. If you want you can feed it fertilized birds eggs or turtle eggs, small lizards, small birds etc. It is hard to get this stuff as feeders without finding them yourself and I believe it is best to just leave nature be and not go out robbing nests to feed your snake when you can just buy frozen mice bred for that purpose. It's up to you, and those are a few options if you want to go that route.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

thanks. I think we'll stick with mice! Lol now to find a place to get them online or even somewhere I could get more than just a 3 pack. My husband is looking on his phone while I'm on mine. I thought my store at least carried 10 packs! They don't yay! I don't mind buying 3 packs but man at $5 a pop I think I can get them cheaper elsewhere! Thanks, Franks.

[Jackins]

See if you can find a local herp society in your area. I managed to find one for mine and made contact with a local feeder breeder that does delivery runs. You might be able to find something similar in your area.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Good idea! I'll try, I'm in Mississippi so that might not be too hard, but then again I didn't think I would be living in town with only one pet shop either (still quite a ways away at that) lol. (City transplant) I'm still getting use to country noises too! Police sirens yes, cows a little weird! Lmao!

[EL Ziggy]

Most snakes can live their entire lives on a diet of rodents. You can also feed them young chicks and quail as they get older.

[franks]

Try RodentPro.com. If you order enough shipping is worth it. You could easily order 2 yrs of food from them.

[EL Ziggy]

I've used rodent pro and layne labs for my frozen feeders. I'd have to give layne labs the edge on quality but rodent pro has less expensive shipping. I've also heard really good things about big cheese rodents' prices and quality. I think I'll try them next.

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Cool thanks. The hubby is going to order a bunch when he gets paid next until then we'll just 3 pack it! That and we are moving him up to fuzzies so this will give us a chance to make sure he'll eat before we buy 100 or so! Going to the store today for the thermostat & mice! Now that I can walk more than 10 ft without wheezing! Yay! Bronchitis! My oldest now wants frogs! My husband keeps threatening to feed her frogs to the snake! What Joy in my home! Lmao!

[NewSAHSnakeMom]

Got the thermostat installed! Splurged and bought another lamp so I can stop burning my fingers switching the bulbs!