Please! ASAP!

[DDW]

Easy snake stays under or at four feet and easy to care for as a beginner My parents are allowing me a snake with those conditions. Also requirements and housing husbandry needs. Please. So last minute. They said this as we were walking to the repticon door. Please help! Pics are welcome! Thankyou so much everyone! This is a miricle.

[REM955]

I don't know much about those in your wishlist in your sig, but I do know Sand Boas grow to be around a little under 2ft. And of course, they are considered beginners. Not from personal experience,just the internet.

You could also try the exhaustive method and ask all the sellers, but I think you'd be waiting quite a bit. Once again, just a conjecture.

I think those with actual experience may same the same thing, but I think this should be a bit more planned out, not just getting a snake because you can. Personally, I plan on visiting a reptile con in October and NOT buy anything. Just talking to the breeders and get contact info for when I have everything set up.

[Aaron_S]

Go with a male MBK.

[Jim Smith]

You could also go with one of the smaller Milk Snakes like Pueblan or Sinaloan

Pueblan Milksnake Care Sheet / Fact File (http://southshieldslizards.co.uk/factfiles/snakes/PueblanMilkSnake.php)

They are very colorful, easy to care for and readily available. Try looking at faunaclassifieds.com to see what's available and their relative costs.

Good luck and please let us know what you choose. Also, there are some very experienced snake keepers hear, so don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have.

[trailblazer295]

Congrats and the sudden good fortune man. Let us know how you make out. I second male MBK. I'm still waiting for mine lol

[SnoopySnake]

Rosy boa, spotted pythons

[prairiepanda]

Third vote for male MBK. There should be sexed babies there.

[DDW]

Y'all won't believe this but my mom liked a ball python. Albino regular male. I'll post pic in a bit. Gonna take him home tomorrow. :) I showed my mom an adult bp and she was okay with the size. She doesn't like the skuimishness of corns and kings. I keep you posted^.=.^

[trailblazer295]

Congrats man, I hope he is as chill and unBP like as mine is. Always eats, doesn't seem phased by being picked up and moved even after feeding. Will hang out in the open after feeding half the time.


Did you hold him and see what his temperament was like?

[DDW]

Thanks all! I have to upload some pics. Held him he just chilled there and after a little bit decided he wanted away from me lol. Should I hook train? (My mom even held him)
List I have bought:
Snake
32x16x16 enclosure
uth
thermostat
hyrometer (analog. Getting better one later. That is all they had)
Thermometer digital
3 hides
Water dish.
Fake leaves for litter
25 count fuzzy rats frozen

Anything I'm missing?

[DDW]

I didn't see any Mexican black kingsnaked and only one hypo Brazilian rainbow boa and was very young.

[DDW]

I'm going to use paper towels for bedding until he is settled in.

[trailblazer295]

When you have some extra coin a few branches for climbing would be good. Mine climbs on wood I give him and looks nice too. Other then that looks good. Digital is better then analog for sure but in time you'll get it. I'm surprised they didn't have digital but oh well something is better then nothing. If you have extra coin later you can add a second thermometer on the cold side or use a infrared gun. Good to know the hot and cold side temps though I've read as long as the hot side is consistent where it should be the snake will move back and forth as needed even if the cold side is cooler then it should be. Personally I'm just that obsessed I have extra to monitor it and it wouldn't heat the cold side enough.

[SnoopySnake]

Looks good. Get an infrared temp gun soon though, that will measure the surface temp where your heat mat is, as opposed to a digital thermometer which will only measure air temps.

[trailblazer295]

Looks good. Get an infrared temp gun soon though, that will measure the surface temp where your heat mat is, as opposed to a digital thermometer which will only measure air temps.

Wouldn't a digital stat with a probe under the substrate measure the surface temperature?

[DDW]

When you have some extra coin a few branches for climbing would be good. Mine climbs on wood I give him and looks nice too. Other then that looks good. Digital is better then analog for sure but in time you'll get it. I'm surprised they didn't have digital but oh well something is better then nothing. If you have extra coin later you can add a second thermometer on the cold side or use a infrared gun. Good to know the hot and cold side temps though I've read as long as the hot side is consistent where it should be the snake will move back and forth as needed even if the cold side is cooler then it should be. Personally I'm just that obsessed I have extra to monitor it and it wouldn't heat the cold side enough.

I still can get another thermometer haven't left yet. (About $15) Gonna be here until tomorrow. Picking him up tomorrow before I leave for home. There is a bunch of bamboo that grows at home that I can stick in the oven.

[Aaron_S]

I still can get another thermometer haven't left yet. (About $15) Gonna be here until tomorrow. Picking him up tomorrow before I leave for home. There is a bunch of bamboo that grows at home that I can stick in the oven.

Make sure the hides are small enough to be snug. Ball pythons like secure places.

Otherwise it looks fine.

[DDW]

Looks good. Get an infrared temp gun soon though, that will measure the surface temp where your heat mat is, as opposed to a digital thermometer which will only measure air temps.

I think one is going 40$ for one there. It seems a bit high. Your thoughts?

[Minkness]

Dude! Congrats on the snake!!!

[DDW]

Make sure the hides are small enough to be snug. Ball pythons like secure places.

Otherwise it looks fine.

There are a few different sized ones but I could always stick some fake leaves or such to fill in gaps. And if I need other hide I'll grab a plastic container and cut a hole in it.

[trailblazer295]

I think one is going 40$ for one there. It seems a bit high. Your thoughts?

This is off home depot US, unless you're buying a high end gun from an HVAC company I wouldn't spend the extra coin. A HVAC maker like yellow jacket is in a different league from brands in hardware stores.

Search Results for*infared gun*at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/s/infared%2520gun?NCNI-5)

[SnoopySnake]

Wouldn't a digital stat with a probe under the substrate measure the surface temperature?
A lot of the time people will put the t-stat probe in between the mat and the glass or plastic so that the snake can't move the probe. Doing it this way sometimes you have to set the temp a bit higher on the stat to get the right temps. Plus sometimes your probes can be off a couple degrees too. I feel like I explained that kinda confusing...


I think one is going 40$ for one there. It seems a bit high. Your thoughts?
I'm not sure really, I got mine on Amazon for around $20. They don't need to be reptile specific. Its worth it to not get a super cheap one, also.

[trailblazer295]

A lot of the time people will put the t-stat probe in between the mat and the glass or plastic so that the snake can't move the probe. Doing it this way sometimes you have to set the temp a bit higher on the stat to get the right temps. Plus sometimes your probes can be off a couple degrees too. I feel like I explained that kinda confusing...
.


I get exactly what you mean. I have mine under the substrate right on the plastic but my BP is a jerk. He digs past the substrate to the plastic and pushes the probe around. No matter how deep I make it and having an RHP he digs his way down to the plastic under the hide. I'll have to move the probe elsewhere. The good thing I plastic doesn't have the thermoconductivity of glass so it doesn't get as hot.

[DDW]

Make sure the hides are small enough to be snug. Ball pythons like secure places.

Otherwise it looks fine.

If it's too big, I can use some plastic containers with a hole. Can't I use cardboard box for it too?

[Aaron_S]

If it's too big, I can use some plastic containers with a hole. Can't I use cardboard box for it too?

Yes. I do it all the time. If you want something a little nicer go get planter bottoms. The terracotta ones or plastic ones and make holes in those.

[DDW]

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/60CC9E16-D3E6-40B0-8D2C-1B0B2C37BD29_zpsd9u0dp8i.jpghttp://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/4A355A9C-1EB6-460A-976F-380ADDD4FB7B_zpsno8xfutn.jpg

[DDW]

Sorry for bad phone pics. Got him from reptile collective.

[Aaron_S]

Very nice contrast. I like him!

out of curiousty, what did you pay if you don't mind telling?

[DDW]

My parents actually got him for me. $225 I'm so happy! ^.=.^

[DDW]

Thank you so much!

[trailblazer295]

Nice looking BP.

[DDW]

Anything I need to now about lighting? I was thinking led but a hand out is saying it needs a certain lighting. What should I do?

[Aaron_S]

Thank you so much!

Don't thank us. Thank your parents.

[Aaron_S]

Anything I need to now about lighting? I was thinking led but a hand out is saying it needs a certain lighting. What should I do?

No lights needed. If you want something for your viewing purposes then go with the LED.

[DDW]

Thanks, I thought the lightING was that way.

[trailblazer295]

Anything I need to now about lighting? I was thinking led but a hand out is saying it needs a certain lighting. What should I do?

I have an LED light for mine but I only turn it on when I'm looking at him or doing cleaning and need more light. It's not on a timer as I let the sun shining in the room provide a photoperiod.

[DDW]

Thanks trailblazer

[trailblazer295]

I find he is more active with indirect light. I've witnessed him moving around and hanging out in the open with softened room light VS direct harsh light from an LED. But I also have a black PVC cage so the subdued lighting lets me see him but not bright enough to scare him into his hide. Most of the lights I use at night near the care are covered by frosted glass or plastic so it's softer and seems to not bother him much.

[DDW]

Correction... bailey&bailey reptiles. LLC

[Minkness]

Lovely snake!

[DDW]

Lovely snake!

Thank you Mink

There were a couple rosy boas(~$90) there but they were a pair and were breeding and I wouldn't want to risk having to incubate and have babies. Wouldn't want to end up having a bunch of snakes to care for until I got rid of them.(prefer the females colors)

[DDW]

I don't know much about those in your wishlist in your sig, but I do know Sand Boas grow to be around a little under 2ft. And of course, they are considered beginners. Not from personal experience,just the internet.

You could also try the exhaustive method and ask all the sellers, but I think you'd be waiting quite a bit. Once again, just a conjecture.

I think those with actual experience may same the same thing, but I think this should be a bit more planned out, not just getting a snake because you can. Personally, I plan on visiting a reptile con in October and NOT buy anything. Just talking to the breeders and get contact info for when I have everything set up.

Forgot to reply to you earlier. Sorry. I understand your viewpoint but repticon is at least 4 hrs away and I only got to go because it was a b day present. I was going to get a garg gecko but I wouldnt be able to have both that and a snake. As I had to make completely sure that my mom liked the attitude and I liked the snake, my mom wold have to be there. You can't garentee that online, nor the price. And I'm uneasy shipping live animals /:

[DDW]

You could also go with one of the smaller Milk Snakes like Pueblan or Sinaloan

Pueblan Milksnake Care Sheet / Fact File (http://southshieldslizards.co.uk/factfiles/snakes/PueblanMilkSnake.php)

They are very colorful, easy to care for and readily available. Try looking at faunaclassifieds.com to see what's available and their relative costs.

Good luck and please let us know what you choose. Also, there are some very experienced snake keepers hear, so don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have.

My mom said those were too close coloration to wild snakes around were we live.

[REM955]

Forgot to reply to you earlier. Sorry. I understand your viewpoint but repticon is at least 4 hrs away and I only got to go because it was a b day present. I was going to get a garg gecko but I wouldnt be able to have both that and a snake. As I had to make completely sure that my mom liked the attitude and I liked the snake, my mom wold have to be there. You can't garentee that online, nor the price. And I'm uneasy shipping live animals /:

It's quite alright. I am very cautious in my decision making and my plans to purchase and care for a snake are no exception and those are my actions. If it works out for you and the snake I cannot complain. Anyway...

[DDW]

It's quite alright. I am very cautious in my decision making and my plans to purchase and care for a snake are no exception and those are my actions. If it works out for you and the snake I cannot complain. Anyway...

I like that I know about basic snake care and i can tweek it acording to specific requirments. The first post starting the thread was iratic because of excitement. Thanks for the concern. In ideal cercumstances, I would have an established enclosure for him when I got home. I am far from experienced and even farther from perfect but I'm not afraid to ask questions because I know I don't know everything. I admit, I threw this together half hazard but I have gotten a quality animal and plan to take the utmost care of him. And I am very great full for all the people here who will help me though out the time I keep reptiles.

[Albert Clark]

Well, it seems like you prepared for the animal and now comes on the job training. Terrific pick up so now you are in the drivers seat and you have the backup of your parents. Enjoy the bp and keep researching bc it never ends. Good luck D!

[DDW]

Well, it seems like you prepared for the animal and now comes on the job training. Terrific pick up so now you are in the drivers seat and you have the backup of your parents. Enjoy the bp and keep researching bc it never ends. Good luck D!

Thanks^.=.^ I can't wait to get him home and get him settled. I'll never stop researching XD I remember reading the humidity needs to be about 50% to 60% and what should Temps be again?

Looks like time to update the sigXD

[DDW]

Checked the thermeters and they have a probe thing on it attached with wire. I wasn't sure how I would hook that up.

[DDW]

Should I buy a scale before I leave for good or is that something I can get on amazon later?what brand is good?

[Minkness]

I got a simple kitchen scale from walmart for like 10$. Works good for me. =)

[DDW]

Sounds good to me mink:)

I just reliezd most male bps (I know not all) typical don't get as big. I've seen they usually stay around 3.5feet as adults. Wich would stay in my parents original requirments:)

[Minkness]

Yup! Part of why I wnded up with one. =)

Though if your mom saw mine, she'd be less inclined to have let you get one lol. I have a jerk for a BP.

Good luck with your new guy! Looking forward to lots of pics and updates! Ih! And his name!!!!

[trailblazer295]

Good luck man, my male is still growing last measure he was around 24" at less than a year but it's been months since then. I just weigh him and not worry about length. If you guy goes off feed for extended periods then weight is important so he isn't losing to much. I just bought a kitchen scale from a local store. The prob is your temp sensor. It's best to have it on the glass under the substrate so it regulates the temps there and avoids burning. My guy digs his was past it all and rests on the bottom so making sure the bottom doesn't get to hot is good.

[DDW]

Yup! Part of why I wnded up with one. =)

Though if your mom saw mine, she'd be less inclined to have let you get one lol. I have a jerk for a BP.

Good luck with your new guy! Looking forward to lots of pics and updates! Ih! And his name!!!!

I'm thinking Glader for the name but I'm not to sure yet (most likely will be) thanks Mink (I've heard you talk about your little jerk (but that is out of the norm for bps:)

[DDW]

Good luck man, my male is still growing last measure he was around 24" at less than a year but it's been months since then. I just weigh him and not worry about length. If you guy goes off feed for extended periods then weight is important so he isn't losing to much. I just bought a kitchen scale from a local store. The prob is your temp sensor. It's best to have it on the glass under the substrate so it regulates the temps there and avoids burning. My guy digs his was past it all and rests on the bottom so making sure the bottom doesn't get to hot is good.

I will be posting picks as often as I can untill he is settled (or even after that lol) and yall are the only ones I can go to for help^.=.^ I'm just glad I have 25 fuzzy rats to bring home for his dinners:) and my mom doesn't mind them in the freezer either:) the enclosure isn't glass, it's some kind of compressed for of polystyrene stuff. It's from JPM Reptilia if that helps. Should hold humidity well and is good looking too. (My mom liked them better than the glass ones too lol Little bugger isn't getting out of that oneXD

[DDW]

Forgot to get tongs but can't I use some from the store that are meant for a kitchen? I think that would be cheaper and we have to start driving home ASAP.

And what is your thoughts on hook training him?

I will be asking for information about his parents and birthdate when I pick him up later this morning.

[DDW]

So I got mixed up and the BP is female lol. Now I'm gonna look at a different name. XD

[DDW]

Headed home now.

[DDW]

How do we look?http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/20150628_111954_zpsrb3fdagb.jpg

[prairiepanda]

Ah I missed everything because of work yesterday!! Gorgeous BP! Quite different from what you were preparing for, but I'm sure you'll be fine. To answer your unanswered questions; yes kitchen tongs are perfectly fine. I'd suggest rubber-tipped ones so that if the snake accidentally strikes them she won't hurt herself. As for hook training; it's not normally necessary for BPs but it wouldn't do any harm if you want to try it. Perhaps you can use this as an opportunity to develop habits that would be useful with future snakes that might require hook training more? But you don't have to.

Hold on to that snake bag, at least until she outgrows it, for future transportation or temporary holding needs(for example, while cleaning the enclosure?). I'm curious to see the enclosure you got; it sounds like you got a really good one.

[DDW]

Ah I missed everything because of work yesterday!! Gorgeous BP! Quite different from what you were preparing for, but I'm sure you'll be fine. To answer your unanswered questions; yes kitchen tongs are perfectly fine. I'd suggest rubber-tipped ones so that if the snake accidentally strikes them she won't hurt herself. As for hook training; it's not normally necessary for BPs but it wouldn't do any harm if you want to try it. Perhaps you can use this as an opportunity to develop habits that would be useful with future snakes that might require hook training more? But you don't have to.

Hold on to that snake bag, at least until she outgrows it, for future transportation or temporary holding needs(for example, while cleaning the enclosure?). I'm curious to see the enclosure you got; it sounds like you got a really good one.

Thankyou^.=.^ I'll upload a pic while on the road. The humidity spiked but I opened some blinds and a build in fan in the back room of the rv and it is fall back down to manageable levels. BTW what is the best humidity and temp levels? I've seen different numbers everywhere.

[DDW]

I just wantto make this as little streefull as possible.Temp is in the low 80°F s and humidity is still high at mid 80s also.

[prairiepanda]

Thankyou^.=.^ I'll upload a pic while on the road. The humidity spiked but I opened some blinds and a build in fan in the back room of the rv and it is fall back down to manageable levels. BTW what is the best humidity and temp levels? I've seen different numbers everywhere.

Yeah, there's a lot of discrepancies over temperature and humidity levels. It seems that individuals often have different preferences, so you may have to adjust things down the road as you observe how she does.

For temperature, a good starting point would be making a basking spot of 90F(surface temperature, not air; the air above can be cooler). The cool end can be difficult to control, but as long as no part of the enclosure is below 75F you'll be good. I've heard of BPs doing well with a cool zone as high as 80F, though if it's any higher than that you'll want to add more ventilation or reduce heating to cool things down some. You can allow natural temperature fluctuations, as long as they aren't too sudden or extreme, but never let the temperatures get outside the range of 75 to 95. The upper temperature limit is easy to control with a thermostat, but pay attention to cold end temps on cold days. After a few weeks, if you're noticing the snake spends all of her time on the cool end, then try lowering the temperatures a couple degrees. If she spends all of her time at the hot end, try raising temperatures a couple degrees. (After feeding doesn't count; they need heat for digestion so she'll probably be in her warmest hide for a couple days after eating, so that's not an indicator of wanting higher temperatures in general)

For humidity, 50% should be your minimum. Spikes close to 100, especially after misting, aren't an issue as long as they aren't sustained. If the humidity is between 50 and 70 most of the day it should be fine. It'll fluctuate throughout the day, and it doesn't need to be constantly at a specific number. If you have shedding issues(I wouldn't count the first shed, as the snake is stressed from a new environment), you can raise the humidity by misting more, mixing moss in the substrate, adding live plants, etc. If you start seeing mold, or signs of respiratory distress, then you can reduce humidity by increasing ventilation.

EDIT: having 80 and 80 for your trip home is fine. If you're stopping anywhere, make your stops as quick as possible(or better yet, leave the vehicle running if you can)

[DDW]

Yeah, there's a lot of discrepancies over temperature and humidity levels. It seems that individuals often have different preferences, so you may have to adjust things down the road as you observe how she does.

For temperature, a good starting point would be making a basking spot of 90F(surface temperature, not air; the air above can be cooler). The cool end can be difficult to control, but as long as no part of the enclosure is below 75F you'll be good. I've heard of BPs doing well with a cool zone as high as 80F, though if it's any higher than that you'll want to add more ventilation or reduce heating to cool things down some. You can allow natural temperature fluctuations, as long as they aren't too sudden or extreme, but never let the temperatures get outside the range of 75 to 95. The upper temperature limit is easy to control with a thermostat, but pay attention to cold end temps on cold days. After a few weeks, if you're noticing the snake spends all of her time on the cool end, then try lowering the temperatures a couple degrees. If she spends all of her time at the hot end, try raising temperatures a couple degrees. (After feeding doesn't count; they need heat for digestion so she'll probably be in her warmest hide for a couple days after eating, so that's not an indicator of wanting higher temperatures in general)

For humidity, 50% should be your minimum. Spikes close to 100, especially after misting, aren't an issue as long as they aren't sustained. If the humidity is between 50 and 70 most of the day it should be fine. It'll fluctuate throughout the day, and it doesn't need to be constantly at a specific number. If you have shedding issues(I wouldn't count the first shed, as the snake is stressed from a new environment), you can raise the humidity by misting more, mixing moss in the substrate, adding live plants, etc. If you start seeing mold, or signs of respiratory distress, then you can reduce humidity by increasing ventilation.

EDIT: having 80 and 80 for your trip home is fine. If you're stopping anywhere, make your stops as quick as possible(or better yet, leave the vehicle running if you can)

Thanks. I'll be sure to do this and sadly, no air condition in the backckof the rv while not hooked up to power or stopped and the generator running. This is why I'm sitting back here monitoring the temp and humidity.

[prairiepanda]

Any idea what the temperature is like outside? If it's at all cooler outside, then it might be good to take the snake out(in her bag) with you when you stop anywhere.

[DDW]

Brought her up towards the cab to get a bit cooled off(is back in low 80s. It was getting up to mid 80s after I brought her (and my nephews new iguana) the temp went down a bit and humidity is now little under 70% is that okay?

[DDW]

Not sure what outside temps are.

[DDW]

Humidity went to abut 62%

[Minkness]

He will be fine till you get hom home. Don't stress out too much.

[DDW]

He will be fine till you get hom home. Don't stress out too much.

Okay ":) thanks

[DDW]

In the meantime, I'm having a hard time naming her. I might wait but anyone have any cool options?

[Minkness]

Lemonchello!

An Italian lemon liqure. =)

[DDW]

That sounds cute Mink:)

How long should it take for the uth to kick in? Humidity is perfect somehow lol but I'm paranoid and I want it to heat up:(

[DDW]

Okay. I have the uth and thermostat working on the warm side( still fine tuning it). The cool side is too cool at 71degrees suggestions? How do I regulate this especially during winter or cooler days.

Btw. She has been cruising around her cage since I put her in. Only shying away when I make to sudden of a movement or of the like. (Trying to get her completely set up)
She pooped and peed and I had to replace some paper towel already. I'll upload pics as soon as the upload to photobucket. :/

[DDW]

Humidity is staying around mid 80s. Going to try to help that get down but Id hate to take her out once more and have to cut the hole out the top. I want to let her settle in first. Is this safe or should I get it done soon?

[DDW]

*facepalm* ceilingfan...

[DDW]

But template not staying up in warm side either. I'm not going to go to sleep until she is taken care of.

[DDW]

Since my dad insists at keeping the whole house at 71 degrees all summer regardless of the health of the snake, I'm putting a room heater in the room for her.

[DDW]

Feeling bad because had to do a lot of stuff in the usually quiet room to try and keep the room a good temp before going to bed. Thermostat doesn't seem to be working right either.

[Aaron_S]

Lemonchello!

An Italian lemon liqure. =)

Limoncello ;)

As for the temps. Set the thermostat dial higher than necessary and measure the surface temp. Humidity I would do second. Just keep playing around with the temps until you get the right one.

Tongs you can use whatever for them. I use hemostats from the medical world.
I hook train my ball pythons but that's because I don't handle mine often and most of them think it's food time when I open bins.

You can do it if you like. They ride the hook well as a species so you should be fine if you want to do it.

[Aaron_S]

I forgot to add that rosy boas have live birth so you wouldn't have to incubate any eggs but you got a sweet buy anyway.

[DDW]

11:00 :( thermostat wouldn't turn the heat in pad back on even when Temps hit 70s I have a floor heater here keeping it warm. I'll keep you posted as much as I can. I'm sure she is very stressed :/

[DDW]

What is your knowledge of using lamp because the uth won't work very well with the plastic:(

[DDW]

Monitoring the temps
11:11 Warm80.8 Cold74.9
11:38 Warm80.4 Cold76.9
12:00 Warm 80.9 Cold78.4
I think she will be okay until I can get some heat lamps.(tomorrow) I don't mind misting for good humidity.

[DDW]

12:31 warm 80.8 cold 78.2
A ROOM HEATER! Dx

[DDW]

I think Jinx would be a good name after this DX I will decide when I'm not so frustrated and tired though. XD

[DDW]

We
l after all that , I think I'm going to wait till Thursday to try to feed her instead of Wednesday after all that. Besides, she looks fine to me ( best phone pic I have)]http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/44CB6C69-E9B9-47D6-BD1D-C94C659B6A7C_zpsy3hzfwbd.jpg

[DDW]

I forgot to add that rosy boas have live birth so you wouldn't have to incubate any eggs but you got a sweet buy anyway.

It wouldn't be the incubating part I would worry about. It's more about more snakes lol thanks though.

[Minkness]

Man, and I thought I stressed out....chill dude, she's not gunna die because it's a few degrees off for a few days lol.

She can sense your stress and though she may not show it, she can feel it. Calm down and give it a few days to even out. This is why people generally have the set up done before they get the animal. I know this was sudden, so just give it time. UTHs can exceed 100 degrees, so at 80, it's just starting to heat up. Lamps are completely unnecessary.

[DDW]

Man, and I thought I stressed out....chill dude, she's not gunna die because it's a few degrees off for a few days lol.

She can sense your stress and though she may not show it, she can feel it. Calm down and give it a few days to even out. This is why people generally have the set up done before they get the animal. I know this was sudden, so just give it time. UTHs can exceed 100 degrees, so at 80, it's just starting to heat up. Lamps are completely unnecessary.

I would be getting nocturnal lamps though.
I was concerned that the temp at her hot spot was high at 90 but the cool side was 70. Even went to 69. I don't think the Thermastat was working right either. It was a zilla. I feel better now.it's becoming an even 78 now though and she is mainly staying in one of her hides right now. :/ I know she will chill out once we give her time. She never hissed and not really too head shy. I have no problem handling her.

[DDW]

The warm side the moment error is on top of the heating pad.the uth said not to use with anything other than glass. (I started reading after the the most at wasn't getting it to warm up) your thoughts?

[DDW]

What exactly is bad about heat lamps?
if it's just about drying out the air, I have no problem with misting.

[Minkness]

I use uths on glass, acrylic and plastic with no issues. As for the lamps, even if you mist daily, they aren't 'necessary'. That doesn't mean they are bad or good, just not really needed.

[DDW]

I use uths on glass, acrylic and plastic with no issues. As for the lamps, even if you mist daily, they aren't 'necessary'. That doesn't mean they are bad or good, just not really needed.

Should I just get another thermostat with and another heat pad for the "cool" side? Any suggestions for thermostats? The plastic is thin. Polystyrene I think it is.

[Minkness]

Honestly, I think you need to just leave the whole set up alone for a few days THEN check it again and move from there.

If your dad keeps it as cold as you say, and you keep opening the enclosure, you're letting any heat out which is going to mess up your temp measurements.

[DDW]

Or that the hot spot is to small maybe. Just worried that entire tank Temps will get too cold overall if that thermostat doesn't tern the heating pad back on. Do you think the paper towel sub is making the difference for spreading heat?

[Minkness]

Not sure about the paper towels.

[eminart]

Whew, I haven't read through all of this, but I think you're making it more complicated than it really is.

If you're measuring air temps, they're always going to be cooler than the surface temp of your heating source. So, if your thermostat probe is on top of the heat source, it's going to turn off when it reaches the setting on your thermostat, as it should. If your basking spot is the correct temp, and your cool side is still too cool (AFTER your setup has had plenty of time to stabilize) then you need to look at containing more heat inside the enclosure.

[DDW]

I might need to get a bigger uth. Anyway. I plugged the uth back in the thermostat and turned off the space heater. Will monitor Temps over the next few hours before I can go to the pet store. Anything I should get other than a better hydrometer or some wireless thermometers? Rubber end tongs
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/CC60737F-45B9-4729-BC29-20408111737B_zpsbbbwmg1b.jpg

[DDW]

I added another cardboard box hid though.

She did open her mouth slightly when she was pushing on the front glass and kinda biting at it. Would that be a result of high humidity or hunger. She hasn't eaten for a week or even 2 I think.

[DDW]

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/DFE1391F-E742-4659-A4AA-5CF2BDA8CD5D_zpsaynrx87b.jpg
no silly, your not a tree python. You are a BALL PYTHON! Lol

[DDW]

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/CFD3A7A4-C99C-4787-8DBB-4EB5BE280514_zps4fddkn37.jpg
what is it called when they do this again?
these pics are from when I first put her in the enclosure.

[Minkness]

No...NOT HOURS....Days.....DAYS. It takes more than afew hours for an enviroment to stabilize. We can appreciate that you want the best for your baby, but seriously, chillax a bit. Put the hide over the UTH and if she needs extra warmth she will go in there. While you don't want the air temp in extreams (hot or cold) the ground temp is where it's at. So if the floor has a gradient and there is heat and a place for her to cool off, youre fine.

Stop fussing. Let her settle in. She may be out and about because she's curious of her new surroundings, wjich sounds like they keep changing. Leave it alone, let her be, wait a week, then make a change if it's even needed.

Again, she may not SHOW stress, but fussing and checking and changing things constantly WILL stress her out.

[DDW]

Okay":) I know I'm over reacting but she is my first scale-baby

[Minkness]

I know, just calm down.

[DDW]

The temp on the side with the uth is 77.8 and 77.5 on the other side. Only heat on there is the uth attached to the thermostat and whatever the temp is in the room rit now left over. Do I need to get a smaller water bowl for her?for later when she is settled that is.

[DDW]

She has been staying in her hide a lot too. Going to the pet store soon. Humidity is getting higher but I don't want to go in there again just to change the bowl. Is almost 90%

[Minkness]

Looking at your time stamps, uou aren't even giving a full hour. =/

[DDW]

I'm not opening, just checking temp changes. The only thing opening is the door to the room. The Thermostat isn't turning on the heat pad at all. Even when the heat source light comes up. But we tested it on my plug in alarm clock and it worked. Do you think it could have to do with the uth and thermostat are different brands?

[eminart]

The Thermostat isn't turning on the heat pad at all.

How did you test this?

[DDW]

Monitoring temps over hours, no change in the temp with thermostat on and heat source light on even over hours (checking at half hour intervals to be sure no Temps are changing or if they do, that they are not extreem)then unplugged the heat pad from thermostat and left it for oa good while. No fluctuations in temp more than a few tenths of a degree throughout on both warm and cold sides. They are both about 76° however when the uth was plugged directly into the wall, it heats right up and had to unplug before it got too hot.

[prairiepanda]

A quick way to check whether the thermostat is working is to plug a lamp into it(just any random household lamp) and stick the probe in the fridge. If the thermostat is working, it will turn the lamp on. If it works that way, then plug it back into your UTH and try setting the temperature higher than you actually want. It could be that the temperature probe is not calibrated correctly and is reading temperatures as being higher than they actually are. If this fails, get a new Tstat. Sounds like your UTH is working just fine and should provide enough heat with a working thermometer.

I wouldn't worry about humidity just yet as adjustments to temperature will affect that anyway. Get your temperatures figured out first.

[eminart]

Monitoring temps over hours, no change in the temp with thermostat on and heat source light on even over hours (checking at half hour intervals to be sure no Temps are changing or if they do, that they are not extreem)then unplugged the heat pad from thermostat and left it for oa good while. No fluctuations in temp more than a few tenths of a degree throughout on both warm and cold sides. They are both about 76° however when the uth was plugged directly into the wall, it heats right up and had to unplug before it got too hot.

The UTH probably isn't going to heat the air temps much at all. I'm sure it is coming on when the thermostat light comes on. You can't measure the UTH temps with a thermometer that is reading the air temps.

[DDW]

The UTH probably isn't going to heat the air temps much at all. I'm sure it is coming on when the thermostat light comes on. You can't measure the UTH temps with a thermometer that is reading the air temps.

I have a thermometer directly over the uth in the enclosure, which is the warm side Temps I'm referring to. I know that needs to be close to 90°

[eminart]

I have a thermometer directly over the uth in the enclosure, which is the warm side Temps I'm referring to. I know that needs to be close to 90°


And, it's a thermometer that measures ambient air temps, right?

[SnoopySnake]

This would be why I said to get an IR temp gun, you can't measure surface temps with something that checks ambient temps.

[DDW]

Okay. Heading ti LPS right now. I'll add that to the list. Hopefully I can get some wireless stuff as well.

[DDW]

No other thermastats are available at lps. :(

[SnoopySnake]

What thermostat do you have? I'm sure yours is fine.

[eminart]

You'd do a lot better to listen to the advice you're getting instead of trying to replace things that aren't broken.

[Aaron_S]

No other thermastats are available at lps. :(

Pro tip: Many keepers use items from other parts of life for their reptiles. Amazon.com is AMAZING. Hydrofarm thermostat or look for an infrared temp gun. Many makes and models for varying prices.

Personally I would just replace the thermometer first before the thermostat as those can be pricey.

For an example, I build my racks of melamine wood. I use rubbermaid or sterilite bins to house my snakes. I use flexwatt heat tape which is made for many uses (seems to be primarily reptiles though). Deli cup water dishes/and or large dog water dishes. Newspaper substrate. Planter hides. Hemostats. Homemade incubator. Kitchen scale...

The ONLY thing I buy reptile related are thermostats from spyder robotics.

[Minkness]

Great advice!

Amazon is amaaaazing. =)

[DDW]

Thanks but I had short notic and couldn't wait for shipping or to gather a bunch of items to use. Thankyou anyway.

[Aaron_S]

They have overnight/express shipping.

[DDW]

Touché. She will be taken care of though. I will be using amazon for future items however. I have learned my lesson about have an enclosure ready. It was a rookie mistake that resulted from a impulse buy. I think her name will be Glitch.

[Minkness]

Glitch is an awesome name!

Also, impulse buys happen, the trick is to not freak out about it after the fact, and to provide what you can in a reasonable amount of time.

Honestly your biggest 'mistake' (if you even want to call it that) was worrying so much and watching the temps soooo closely. Even if you had left it for 1 whole day, untouched, it would have been better than checking it every 15 mins. =)

But hey, you are new, and excited, so I suppose it's to be somewhat expected. Now you know though! So hopefully when that 2nd snake slithers into your life, you won't freak out. =)

[DDW]

Glitch is an awesome name!

Also, impulse buys happen, the trick is to not freak out about it after the fact, and to provide what you can in a reasonable amount of time.

Honestly your biggest 'mistake' (if you even want to call it that) was worrying so much and watching the temps soooo closely. Even if you had left it for 1 whole day, untouched, it would have been better than checking it every 15 mins. =)

But hey, you are new, and excited, so I suppose it's to be somewhat expected. Now you know though! So hopefully when that 2nd snake slithers into your life, you won't freak out. =)

She was out briefly just earlier and she is surprisingly calm. I took a couple pics and left. I'm a bit cautious about the Temps because I can't get a gradient yet(although I have the temp at mid to upper 70s ) coming close to when I need to feed her. I had to purchase a ceramic heat lamp with dimmer today and will be in tallinn it tomorrow and make it as quick as possible and adjust as nessesary to get a gradient. I have bought wireless digital thermometers and hydrometer. I will mist as needed. Right now, the humidity is too high (getting close to 90s) and the extra ventilation might just help keep it in line. I know you said that no to lamps, I could not get a hold of a working thermostat. I got an ir to measure surface temp.

I just worry about her not having proper heat for when I need to try to feed her. It will be made as fast as possible and as stress less as possible. (Put her in the bag used to transport her and then into a shoe box so she will not get sick from shavings of plastic. Take out decor, cut hole, remove paper towel with plastic shavings on it, wipe out, replace wired thermometers and hydrometer with wireless ones. Replace paper towels, decor, put screen on, lamp on, put her back in, lock, leave. Come back only to be sure Temps are not getting too high.I will monitor ambient Temps from outside enclosure.only increase lamp gradually after temp stops increasing and not warm enough. Maybe check temp every hour or two until lamp is good, wait till Thursday to do anything other than check water and for soiled sub.

Any alteration? (Calmed down now. Helps me to plan out and type long descriptions lol sorry for the essay on what I plan XD ) btw, I didn't mean to check every 15 minutesDx at least seeing no change in any Temps over today (checking less often) I will sleep better. I didn't go to bed until I was sure she was safe frome bad temps. That was around 12:00 in the morning:( main reason I'm not doing it today (nor my dad. Being tired and using a knife isn't a great idea)

BTW thanks, she is a representation of irregular occurrences with what is known to be. Tbh, it's cute too lol. Like on Wreck it Ralf, Penepie is a great person but she is plagued with irregular and uncontrollable occurancesXD

[Aaron_S]

You can miss a feeding while adjusting things. She most likely won't eat anyway.

Just get the hot spot correct and fiddle with a gradient after. Humidity after that.

You can fuss a bit to adjust things. Just keep handling to a minimum.

I remember the same feelings as you did and do. Once you have things set you'll wonder why you ever worried in the first place it's that easy.

[DDW]

You can miss a feeding while adjusting things. She most likely won't eat anyway.

Just get the hot spot correct and fiddle with a gradient after. Humidity after that.

You can fuss a bit to adjust things. Just keep handling to a minimum.

I remember the same feelings as you did and do. Once you have things set you'll wonder why you ever worried in the first place it's that easy.

You think if I to get Temps right today, give her 3 complete days of chill and only go in there to check levels seldomly (few hours at a time or longer?) I can feed her Friday? I understand she can go a bit more without as long as she doesn't start getting too skinny but I'm not good at judging that. I found her on the available list on the site of the company I bought her from.(that is where the breeder at the expo told me to look for her birthdate) here is the link Ball Pythons '14 Albino #9 - B14AF9 (http://www.baileyreptiles.com/available.php?id=B14AF9&spec=Ball%20Pythons)
It was easy to find her since she was the last normal albino female left available in the siteXD
This is her clutch
The Bailey Reptiles' 2014 Clutch #76 - Ball Pythons (http://www.baileyreptiles.com/birthrecords.php?spec=Ball%20Pythons&year=2014&id=76)

[Lefitte]

Congrats on the scaley baby! She's a beauty! But like everyone else, I have to say just calm down. She'll be okay. Aounds like you're doing better now though. Also I love Amazon for snakey things too. I have no doubts that you'll get things perfect pretty soon.

[Aaron_S]

You think if I to get Temps right today, give her 3 complete days of chill and only go in there to check levels seldomly (few hours at a time or longer?) I can feed her Friday? I understand she can go a bit more without as long as she doesn't start getting too skinny but I'm not good at judging that. I found her on the available list on the site of the company I bought her from.(that is where the breeder at the expo told me to look for her birthdate) here is the link Ball Pythons '14 Albino #9 - B14AF9 (http://www.baileyreptiles.com/available.php?id=B14AF9&spec=Ball%20Pythons)
It was easy to find her since she was the last normal albino female left available in the siteXD
This is her clutch
The Bailey Reptiles' 2014 Clutch #76 - Ball Pythons (http://www.baileyreptiles.com/birthrecords.php?spec=Ball%20Pythons&year=2014&id=76)

For you? I'd wait a week.

Snakes don't lose weight quickly without some serious issues already. Snake looks outwardly healthy from the pics you posted so it should be fine to let it acclimate.

[DDW]

Congrats on the scaley baby! She's a beauty! But like everyone else, I have to say just calm down. She'll be okay. Aounds like you're doing better now though. Also I love Amazon for snakey things too. I have no doubts that you'll get things perfect pretty soon.

Thankyou, I did freak out but I am more relaxed now. I get easily stressed sometimes but that's why I joined here.

[DDW]

For you? I'd wait a week.

Snakes don't lose weight quickly without some serious issues already. Snake looks outwardly healthy from the pics you posted so it should be fine to let it acclimate.

A week after I change it right? So feed her next tuesday?

[Aaron_S]

A week after I change it right? So feed her next tuesday?

Yeah sure that works!

[DDW]

Yeah sure that works!

Okay, thanks:) I can't wait to start handling her:/ I'll just have to go to my sister's place and play with her new iguana lol

[Aaron_S]

Okay, thanks:) I can't wait to start handling her:/ I'll just have to go to my sister's place and play with her new iguana lol

Green iguana? Those things are nasty more often than not lol.

[Minkness]

I hear if they are handled alot when young they can be pretty cool. A friend of mine had a biiiig one when I was in elementary school and he was pretty awesome. We would take him outside to the park and stuff and he would slide down the slide and we would push him in the baby swing and he never snapped, tail whipped, or got mean or stressed. When we were done we'd take him insode and feed him treats and he always ate and shed normally. =)

However....I really think he was a minority of his kind XD

[DDW]

My sister is loving him/her lol. I picked him/her (won't know till later) at the repticon for her for $20 as far as I've heard, it hasn't even shown aggression. She is even going to be building a custom enclosure. I'll upload a pic when I can.

[Aaron_S]

I hear if they are handled alot when young they can be pretty cool. A friend of mine had a biiiig one when I was in elementary school and he was pretty awesome. We would take him outside to the park and stuff and he would slide down the slide and we would push him in the baby swing and he never snapped, tail whipped, or got mean or stressed. When we were done we'd take him insode and feed him treats and he always ate and shed normally. =)

However....I really think he was a minority of his kind XD

Yeah there are friendly ones out there. They do exist lol!

[DDW]

So last night, I caught Glitch looking around when. I was checking the Temps. Snapped a pic and let her be. She didn't shy either.
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/E57D4D5B-945C-41BF-A7DE-B1F7102C43DD_zps1gltxkrg.jpg

[Minkness]

You asked ealier what it's called when they do that. It's called periscoping. =)

[SnoopySnake]

Yeah there are friendly ones out there. They do exist lol!

They do. I had a male green iguana for 10 years and he was never aggressive aside from getting shots. He was happy to just chill on our shoulders or lap.

[DDW]

You asked ealier what it's called when they do that. It's called periscoping. =)

I love it lol its so adorable!

[DDW]

They do. I had a male green iguana for 10 years and he was never aggressive aside from getting shots. He was happy to just chill on our shoulders or lap.

They are beautiful as well:) I honestly prefer the normal green ones rather than the red or blue ones they sell. Here is a pic of him/her
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/1B57CE7B-54C5-4E28-A32C-B1425C25ED08_zpsucf0vfqz.jpg

[Minkness]

Best iguana ever....fiji iguana....man...if they were legal...-drools-

[DDW]

Mink, I had to look them up, there are so pretty! Why are they illegal?

[Minkness]

Something about how fiji doesn't want them exported, so the US has deemed them illegal to own since the only way to get one would be to poach them and then violate the Fiji law of exportation.

[DDW]

Something about how fiji doesn't want them exported, so the US has deemed them illegal to own since the only way to get one would be to poach them and then violate the Fiji law of exportation.

Ahh, I see. You learn something new every day XD

[prairiepanda]

Love the name you chose! Glitch suits her perfectly! Glad things have calmed down for you also. Let us know how she's doing in a few days. Sounds like you're getting things under control.

[DDW]

Love the name you chose! Glitch suits her perfectly! Glad things have calmed down for you also. Let us know how she's doing in a few days. Sounds like you're getting things under control.

Thankyou^.=.^ she reminds me of Penelope on Wreck it Ralph
Yah, I used the ir to check the temps inside when I checked the water and replaced it. Mid 80s in warm side(floor temps), upper 70s for cool side. Using the space heater at medium heat to keep it up. That room is messing with the house thermostatDX

[DDW]

Got the new lamp heater installed hopefully this works well. Opening the top up that much really helped bring the humidity down to the proper amount. The ceramic bulb thing emits no light so it won't mess with day light cycle. It is changing the temp nicely.

[DDW]

Humidity is just under 50% 81 cool end ambient. Warm end 84 towards the top of the cage and 81 towards the bottom for ambient I didn't want to open up again, will this be sufficient until she is settled? Can I use a flat rock under the warm side to absorb warmth for the basking spot? Now I am letting the room go back to regular temp since the cage can now retain Temps.

[prairiepanda]

Sounds like an alright range for now. Adding a flat rock for basking wouldn't hurt, but maybe wait until she's settled in more. Try to keep her environment consistent for a while.

[DDW]

Poked my head in the room to check the Temps and saw she was out and exploring her enclosure so I slowly left her be. It didnt seem like she noticed me. I'm sure the Temps are fine :) happy to see she is looking around. I think she might like to come when the sun starts to set because that's about when I checked last night before going to bed as well.

[DDW]

Sounds like an alright range for now. Adding a flat rock for basking wouldn't hurt, but maybe wait until she's settled in more. Try to keep her environment consistent for a while.

I figured that. Will do. ^.=.^ thanks:)

[DDW]

About how heavy will my little Glitch weigh when full grown (asuming she just hits 5 ft)

[DDW]

Briefly went into the room earlier and found all the fake plants gathered in the middle of the cage(which is about where her favorite hide is) and one of the suction cups for the probes off the back of the cage. Lol idk if the suction cup just came off or she did it. Man. Is she gonna be one of those? XD

[Aaron_S]

About how heavy will my little Glitch weigh when full grown (asuming she just hits 5 ft)

5 feet is still a larger female. Most are around 4 feet.

As for weight, tough to say. I have some adults that are 1800 grams and a few in the 2500+ gram range.

She will most likely fall in between those.

[DDW]

Thanks :) Nice^.=.^ I forgot how light snakes are lol

[DDW]

she comes out usually around sunset. She is still a little timid but doesn't constantly go into ball mode (only time she got completely balled up is during the trip over) I will be feeding her tuesday (or at lest trying to) although I've done my research I want to be sure I'm doing it right. She still doesn't come out during the day that I can tell and was wondering how I should go about feeding if she remains in her hide. (Also tips on thawing her food won't hurt either "^.=.^ also, is it normal for them to stay in for most the time and only come out seldom? (Stays in her favorite hide)

[Mikoh4792]

she comes out usually around sunset. She is still a little timid but doesn't constantly go into ball mode (only time she got completely balled up is during the trip over) I will be feeding her tuesday (or at lest trying to) although I've done my research I want to be sure I'm doing it right. She still doesn't come out during the day that I can tell and was wondering how I should go about feeding if she remains in her hide. (Also tips on thawing her food won't hurt either "^.=.^ also, is it normal for them to stay in for most the time and only come out seldom? (Stays in her favorite hide)

That's ball python behavior. They are inactive snakes for the most part and will hide most of time, especially during the day being that they are nocturnal.

To thaw out prey items you can leave them out for several hours in room temperature, or leave them in warm water to speed things up. In warm water, it can take anywhere between 10-40 minutes depending on the size of the prey item.

It doesn't matter if your ball is in its hide. Just dangle the rodent infront of the hide(where the opening is) and it should take once it smells it. You could drag it across the floor/hide near the snake to get the snake's attention.

[DDW]

That's ball python behavior. They are inactive snakes for the most part and will hide most of time, especially during the day being that they are nocturnal.

To thaw out prey items you can leave them out for several hours in room temperature, or leave them in warm water to speed things up. In warm water, it can take anywhere between 10-40 minutes depending on the size of the prey item.

It doesn't matter if your ball is in its hide. Just dangle the rodent infront of the hide(where the opening is) and it should take once it smells it. You could drag it across the floor/hide near the snake to get the snake's attention.

Thank you, confidenice regained lol I just wanted to be sure I figure that was why (the nocturnal thing) I think she is settling in nicely:)

[prairiepanda]

Try feeding her late in the evening. Many nocturnal snakes tend to prefer that. Experimenting with different times of day can wait until later on(for convenience, if you want)

Also, if you're thawing the feeder in warm water, put it in a ziploc bag to keep it dry. Some people soak the rat directly in the water, but I wouldn't recommend this as it promotes more bacterial growth and will cause substrate to stick to the rat. One of my snakes is finicky about the temperature of her prey, so after I thaw her rat in warm water I transfer it to hot water(still in a bag) for a couple minutes just to bring it up to a "living body" temperature. The others don't care.

[DDW]

Try feeding her late in the evening. Many nocturnal snakes tend to prefer that. Experimenting with different times of day can wait until later on(for convenience, if you want)

Also, if you're thawing the feeder in warm water, put it in a ziploc bag to keep it dry. Some people soak the rat directly in the water, but I wouldn't recommend this as it promotes more bacterial growth and will cause substrate to stick to the rat. One of my snakes is finicky about the temperature of her prey, so after I thaw her rat in warm water I transfer it to hot water(still in a bag) for a couple minutes just to bring it up to a "living body" temperature. The others don't care.

Thankyou:) I was going to use a bag to do this anyway, since I divided up the rat fuzzies, I left one odd one in its own bag to thaw in. It seems she comes out around 8:30 to 9:00 in the evening and I prefer not to have to leave it in there overnight. But if she doesn't directly come out for it, this is what I should do right? (After I do all you've already stated)

[Mikoh4792]

Thankyou:) I was going to use a bag to do this anyway, since I divided up the rat fuzzies, I left one odd one in its own bag to thaw in. It seems she comes out around 8:30 to 9:00 in the evening and I prefer not to have to leave it in there overnight. But if she doesn't directly come out for it, this is what I should do right? (After I do all you've already stated)

Yes, you can leave it in overnight and it should be gone in the morning.

[Minkness]

Good luck. None of mine eat it if I leave it in over night. I generally just pull it out then reheat and try again. Even my fussy BP takes it the 2nd time around.

Not saying that leaving it in doesn't work. It just hasn't worked for me.

[DDW]

If reheating doesn't work it won't hurt to try leaving it. If even then she doesn't eat, I guess I'll have to wait until next feeding day. Thanks:)

[Minkness]

Sure. =)

Also, Moko likes it to move, so like someone else mentioned, kinda wiggle it and tease her with it like you would a cat. =)

[DDW]

Sure. =)

Also, Moko likes it to move, so like someone else mentioned, kinda wiggle it and tease her with it like you would a cat. =)

Okay:) no problem^.=.^

[DDW]

The hardest part is not handling her until she is settled :/

[Minkness]

Yeah....I totally failed in that when I got my first few snakes lol. It didn't bother my hoggie or mbk, but Moko wouldn't have it lol

He still isn't fond of being 'handled' but he likes being allowed to roam outside his tank now. It used to be that if Ibtook him out, he would just crawl in my shirt and perch on my shoulder, disinterested in exploring or moving much lol.

I must admit, I'm proud of myself for not bothering my new ones so much this time lol. It's a small accomplishment. But hey, any win. No matter how small, is still a win!

[DDW]

Lol Im going to admit, I briefly took her out to show my sister":) but the same night she came out like usual.but I didn't get pics:/

But here are some pics I snagged last night.

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/image_zpsy4gxr91y.jpeghttp://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/image-1_zpspmfpe0vi.jpeghttp://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/image-2_zpsjcbv6jfe.jpeg

[DDW]

Yes I know humidity was low but I don't want to stress her out more by tinkering with it too much.

[DDW]

The humidity is remaining too low so I will be changing the substrate once Glitch is settled in. I tried to mist it but it didn't seem to budge. What will be the best to hold humidity? (My sister is also having problems holding humidity in her iguana enclosure) suggestions?

[DDW]

Also, does anybody have experience with zilla thermostat not working with zoo med uth?

[trailblazer295]

I don't know about your climate I bought my BP in Dec. All winter up here I used cocohusk and that kept the humidity up with mistings as needed but not often. That was after aspen failed horribly. But once warm weather hit compressed cocohusk bricks then soaked to expand equaled very high humidity and then mold after a week of being unable to bring it down. I switched to cypress mulch. It looks better and can easily keep the humidity up. Once it dries it stays around 55-60% around 10% above room humidity. It's supposed to be more mold resistant. It's a bit of a pain at the moment as I just replaced all my BPs substrate and it was a bit moist from the bag and the humidity is too high in his cage so I'm using a fan and periodically opening the cage to try and dry it out a bit.

I'm using a zilla temp/hygro and I'm happy with it. I haven't used the stats though. I use rancos but I buy them from an HVAC supplier and wire it myself.

[toddnbecka]

I use cypress mulch to maintain humidity, I buy large bags at reptile shows. Wal-Mart and Lowe's sell blended cypress mulch, but I prefer the pure stuff because they never tell you what the others are blended with.

[Minkness]

I just use paper towels or rubber shelving liner for the BPs and for the MBK and hoggies, I use 'lizard litter' that I get from petco. It's basically sanichips.

[DDW]

Thanks all. I'm using paper towels right now but it's staying in the low 40s I've been misting but it doesn't seem to be helping much I also don't want to do it too much so I don't stress her. I think I'll order some cypress mulch from amazon along with a scale and maybe a good thermostat (probably zoo med so I don't run into the problem I had last time)

[Minkness]

Could try putting a uth under the water dish

[DDW]

Could try putting a uth under the water dish

I have a uth but the thermostat I have won't regulate it properly. I put it half under the heat lamp though:/ it doesn't seem to be working like I hoped.

[Minkness]

No, just get another uth, a small one for a 5 gallon tank, stick it directly under the water dish, and plug it into the wall. The snake shouldn't be able to touch it at all since it should be under the dish all the way.

[DDW]

No, just get another uth, a small one for a 5 gallon tank, stick it directly under the water dish, and plug it into the wall. The snake shouldn't be able to touch it at all since it should be under the dish all the way.

It won't get too hot? Even if the dish completely covers it, the water would be steaming and the dish is a type of glass like. Even then the bottom of it would get very hot as well, right?

[Aaron_S]

Cover up ventilation is one way to achieve increased humidity.

Probably the easiest way without dealing with extra UTH's is to use a bigger/deeper water dish.

There's also the option of a humid hide. You can construct these. I have one for the leopard geckos. I use a margarine container with a hole cut in the side and dampen paper towels. You can use moss instead. You'll just need to keep changing paper towels every few days if you keep them wet so they don't mold.

[DDW]

Cover up ventilation is one way to achieve increased humidity.

Probably the easiest way without dealing with extra UTH's is to use a bigger/deeper water dish.

There's also the option of a humid hide. You can construct these. I have one for the leopard geckos. I use a margarine container with a hole cut in the side and dampen paper towels. You can use moss instead. You'll just need to keep changing paper towels every few days if you keep them wet so they don't mold.

There is just enough open ventilation for the heat lamp to fit. None extra. The others might be worth looking into. I might try the new substrate first however. Thanks:)

[Minkness]

Aaron made a good suggestion to make a humid hide. The whole tank shouldn't have to have the same humidity but a humid hide will let her choose if she wants to be moist or dry. I use the same method as Aaron for my leos. You can get a good sized tupperware with locking lid at the dollar store as well that could work just as easily. =)

[DDW]

Aaron made a good suggestion to make a humid hide. The whole tank shouldn't have to have the same humidity but a humid hide will let her choose if she wants to be moist or dry. I use the same method as Aaron for my leos. You can get a good sized tupperware with locking lid at the dollar store as well that could work just as easily. =)

:) good point, I might just do it once she is settled:) I am feeding her this evening.

[Minkness]

Vool. Let us know how it goes. =)

[DDW]

Vool. Let us know how it goes. =)

I will :) I might have my dad video it for me, or I will just take bunch of pics^.=.^

[DDW]

She took:) had to flip her hide but after a little teasing, she stoke and put a coil around it^.=.^ I'll post a pic as soon as I can (photo bucket is being slow)

[DDW]

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/image-3_zpsmeaouann.jpeg

[DDW]

So, I think the rat fuzzy might be a bit small for her should I just leave her? Or thaw another fuzzy? :/ anyway, I think she ate it and went to another hide in her cage. I'm tickled that she took it (even though it took a few minutes to take it)

[Minkness]

From what I can see, the fuzzy does look small. Try offering her another and see if she takes it.

Though the best way to find out is to get her weight and iffer about 15% her body weight.

[DDW]

From what I can see, the fuzzy does look small. Try offering her another and see if she takes it.

Though the best way to find out is to get her weight and iffer about 15% her body weight.

Will do:) I can have that ready in 10 minutes.

[DDW]

Unfortunately I do not have a scale yet :/

[DDW]

She took the second one after I brained it :)

[DDW]

Second breakfast anybody?
http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/image-4_zpsqkos5v9n.jpeg

[DDW]

Sorry about the picture quality. I got the cutest picture when she was being stubborn though. I'll show you when it uploads to photo bucket.

[DDW]

Oooo! A camera? Forget dinner! Take my picture!

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q625/DarkDragonWarrior/Mobile%20Uploads/image-2_zpsaoeqzqyd.png

[Albert Clark]

Congrats on the bp. Great that she is feeding!

[prairiepanda]

Great shot! Awesome that she's eating well for you; that's often the hardest part with new BPs. I wonder how long it'll be before a second snake appears in your life :P

[DDW]

Great shot! Awesome that she's eating well for you; that's often the hardest part with new BPs. I wonder how long it'll be before a second snake appears in your life :P

Thanks:)

I was surprised she took the second one as well. She now has to lumps in her and I'm so much closer to being able to handle her :)

I'm sure it will be a long while before that happens. After handling the corn, I'm back to not really wanting them. My main wish list is still Brazilian rainbow boa, mbk, tangerine milk, and albino cali king, and now rosy boa. (Craigslist may or may not be in my futureXD)


But my parent would very upset if I start talking about more snakes seriously:/ but I'm satisfied with Glitch:) for now at least"^.=.^

[DDW]

Congrats on the bp. Great that she is feeding!

I'm super glad as well. Thanks:)