I may have goofed: my first snake. Need some advice

[default]

Well, technically not my first. Ive worked with a few in the past and have helped rehab a red tail that had a scab over his nostrils, but Sunday I picked up my first snake that was solely mine.

A little more info, since this may not make sense...


I've always wanted my own snake, but never really gave it a lot of thought. Sunday I was in a chain pet store whos manager was a snake lady, and my GF saw a Rainbow Boa. Now, normally Id have laughed and walked on, but 2 things got my goat: 1, the GF (whom is afraid of snakes) tells me she liked the Rainbow and that is the one I could get 2, All reptiles were half off. So, like an idgit I plunked money down without thinking much, and now I need your help.

Im really torn with what I should do, and part of me says take him back. Reason being, my apartment is usually kept cold and I listened to the nice lady selling me stuff and got a mesh top aquarium. I just installed an analog gauge set and Im real worried Im not going to be able to get the numbers where they need to be.


Current setup is a 20gal/Long tank with mesh screen top, cypress bedding, water dish and moss. Everything is wet (mostly) and there is a UTH on one end.

The last thing I want to do is mistreat an animal, and I also dont want to loose money ( I can return the snake, but the stuff is open/used and nonrefundable). I WANT a plastic cage (IE Vision cage) at some point if I can find a way to make Floyd comfy until I can swing one, Im just worried that I made a bad impulse decision.


Any help and advice you can give would be a huge help.

[Albert Clark]

Wow, maybe the store will be willing to do a store credit for the supplies? Then maybe they also will be amenable to holding the reptile for you until you are able to get the appropriate housing? Possibly do a exchange? One way or the other both parties can be satisfied.

[bigsnakegirl785]

Well, what temps are you currently getting in the cage? Rainbow boas don't exactly like warm temps. If you're getting at least 75-79F, you're totally fine. I wouldn't go above 83F unless you have a really good gradient (and even then I feel it's probably a tad on the warm side), and if they aren't allowed an escape from temps 85F+ it can cause neurological damage or death.

Humidity is something I'd be more worried with using a screen-top tank, you want 85-100% for a baby, 80-100% for an adult.

It would have been tons cheaper on you to buy a tub from Wal-Mart, I've gotten mine for under $15. All you'd have to do is drill/melt some air holes along the top of the walls, buy some heat tape or a heat pad, and get a cheap thermostat, and you're done. All in all, you would be able to get the whole set up for under $100, possibly even under $50. And, it should last a good year or two depending on how large a tub you buy.

[Oleman]

As said above from bigsnakegirl785.
Also if your in a bind money wise take your screen lid and use foil or other means to lessen the amount of humidity loss.
I Would strongly recomend a sterilite tub for now. might even be able to find one laying in a closet. They work great for humidity control.

[Minkness]

Congrats on the new snake! Not every impulse buy is bad btw. =)

People have already given you great advice. A cheap tub that locks on the ends is perfect. Drill some air holes in it (on the side is better than on the lid as it holds humidity better that way). You can stick a UTH directly to the bottom, or just sot the tub on top of it.

The other option is to just cover the screen top with something. I prefer duct tape personally. Just leave the corners open for ventilation. =)

Good luck!

[eminart]

Cut out a thin sheet of plexiglass or other plastic (the clear plastic from an old poster frame works well) to fit the inside of your mesh top. Cut some ventilation holes and any other holes you might need. Viola, no humidity issues.

[macandchz]

dear default, i use 2 bath towels and a folded blanket to cover my screen top and my python has done fine for over a year now. i sure like that idea of eminart's about the plexiglass. sounds like something to try.

[Minkness]

Totes stealing Em's idea for cutting the poster frame plastic! GREAT idea!

[eminart]

Totes stealing Em's idea for cutting the poster frame plastic! GREAT idea!


Use a straight edge and a razor knife and go slow. It tends to split and crack if you aren't careful. Basically just keep scoring it until you cut all the way through. Don't try to cut it in one slice.

Also, I meant to say "voila" in my first post, not "viola". I hate not being able to edit.

[RAD House]

I thought you were just really into string instruments eminart.