Is my ETB setup OK?

[Zoe]

Okay! I've set up my cage for my new emmie (which I'm getting this weekend), and was wondering if the set up is okay?

Water dish and hidebox:
http://www.indiepool.com/privateftp/archermultimedia/zoestevens/new/etbcage1.jpg

Branches:
http://www.indiepool.com/privateftp/archermultimedia/zoestevens/new/etbcage2.jpg

Holes in the back:
http://www.indiepool.com/privateftp/archermultimedia/zoestevens/new/etbcage3.jpg

Holes on the side(s):
http://www.indiepool.com/privateftp/archermultimedia/zoestevens/new/etbcage4.jpg

Holes in the front:
http://www.indiepool.com/privateftp/archermultimedia/zoestevens/new/etbcage5.jpg

View from above:
http://www.indiepool.com/privateftp/archermultimedia/zoestevens/new/etbcage6.jpg

What needs to be changed/removed/added?

Thanks!
Zoe

[Piers]

It looks great for a baby ETB. Two things though, one I don't think that you need the hide box,they pretty much stay in the branches but it can't hurt to have it.
The big question is what is your heat source? Most snakes like a hot spot and tree snakes tend to like it from above.
Just some thoughts
Piers

[Zoe]

Okay, I have since removed the hidebox and added and third branch (straight across the width, above where the hidebox was). It is being heated by a UTH, and will be lit by a bulb which will create some heat (a few degrees warmer within a few inches of the light) near the top as well as 12/12 light/dark (the heat pad, which creates a hot side of about 79/81 [night/day] will be left on all the time).

What do ya think?

Zoe

[CraigC]

Zoe, Is it a neonate you are getting? If so, the cage is WAY too big and you are setting yourself up for problems. It probably won't eat in a cage that size and could accidentally drown itself in the water bowl. Neonates can get disoriented easily. A neonate needs to be in a shoebox size container for at least the first six months, some breeders keep them in that size for up to a year. Wet paper towels in bottom or just a very thin water layer. Both need cleaning every day stretching to every third day as animal ages, or obviously when it goes to the bathroom.

Even for a juvenile that cage looks pretty big. I can't see the exact dimensions, but seem to remember 45 qt as a pretty big container. We have our almost 2 year olds in cages that are about 14 x 14 x 10, although they will be moved to 24" cubes in the next couple of months.

The light bulb is not in the cage is it? Outside hopefully because emeralds will strike at and burn themselves on unprotected light bulbs.

Temps are good for a neo or a juvi, but need a little adjustment if you are getting an adult. Needs to be 1-2 degrees warmer during the day and 2-3 cooler at night. We range 76/82-83 depending on animal except for gravid fems.

Is the condensation on the side of the cage from you spraying? If not and that much is there all the time, you will have mold problems.

We used to have plants in our cages, but ended up taking them all out. A: They took over the cages, that plants loves the conditions needed for emmies and grows like you won't believe. B: Mold and other crap started growing in the dirt and it began smelling yucky.

What is it eating? If it is still taking live, you will have to turn off the UTH several hours before feeding time. Otherwise, the snake won't be able to find the prey. You also will need to take the plant out several hours before feeding as live prey will hide in it and you don't want dirt/plant material getting stuck in mouth or eaten and causing a problem.

Karen (Mrs Craig or Dogboa, whatever he is on here)

[Emeralds]

When dealing with neonates, think small and simple. Fewer variables mean fewer possible outcomes.

Check out our caging page )which will answer all of you caging questions) by clicking on the logo below.
http://photos.imageevent.com/emeralds/inanityawards//ETBO.gif (http://www.d-g-s.com/daemons/caging1.htm)

[Zoe]

Thanks for all the info Karen! It is much appreciated :D.

Zoe, Is it a neonate you are getting? If so, the cage is WAY too big and you are setting yourself up for problems.
Really? Even with semi-opaque sides?


The light bulb is not in the cage is it?

:) Of course not - you don't have to keep emeralds to know not to keep a bulb in the cage (i would hope!)


Is the condensation on the side of the cage from you spraying? If not and that much is there all the time, you will have mold problems.
Yup its from spraying, the cage dries out pretty well after 12 hours.

We used to have plants in our cages, but ended up taking them all out. A: They took over the cages, that plants loves the conditions needed for emmies and grows like you won't believe. B: Mold and other crap started growing in the dirt and it began smelling yucky.
Hm, well I love pothos so I suppose I could stick some vine ends in a container filled with rocks and water, and clip the new plants when they get too big?

What is it eating?
I think it's eating f/t, but that is very good to know, thanks!

You also will need to take the plant out several hours before feeding as live prey will hide in it and you don't want dirt/plant material getting stuck in mouth or eaten and causing a problem. Shouldn't be a problem if I do that rock/water thing, right?

And one last question I forgot to ask earlier - should I spray in the evening, or in the morning?

Thanks again!

When dealing with neonates, think small and simple. Fewer variables mean fewer possible outcomes.
Check out our caging page )which will answer all of you caging questions) by clicking on the logo below. Thanks! Actually I've already read that - and a million other caresheets :D But I wanted to check over my caging with you guys. Looks likes it okay, except for the size and maybe the plant and water dish.

Zoe

[marisa]

Zoe- Don't know much about keeping emmys but congrats on your new purchase! I wanna see pics when you get her! :D

Marisa