Mark Jones
10-20-04, 06:00 AM
My new lil' baby is a real darlin'!
It's been 25 years since I've had a snake as a pet. Back then - my teen years - I'd just drop in a rat or two every 10 days to two weeks and the snake took care of the rest. Never had a problem. Sold the snake when I joined the Navy. It was 4 years old then and very healthy. Now I'm older - and I hope wiser. So gimme some pointers, please!
My baby is 18 inches of beautiful BCI. I don't have a birth date, but I'd guess a couple of months old. (???) I picked this one at the show because it was so alert. It followed every person that walked by it's little clear cup by slowly turning its head. Most there were as limp as a noodle and the others struck at anyone picking up the cups to look at them. Not this one! Totally mellow, but curious. The skin was - and remains - clear and unblemished, no mites that I can find, either. The skin does seem a bit loose - almost like dehydrated. Eyes are clear.
Currently the boa resides in a glass aquarium with cyprus substrate, a good 'log- half' for privacy, a water dish - changed daily, and a branch to climb on. The top is a folding metal grate. The structure is heated with a combo of an under tank pad, and a dark heat bulb in a lamp from above for basking. Temps are kept to slightly above 80 degrees on average. (Sorry, I've not been able to get a good heat probe yet - but will within the week.)
The snake was purchased on the 16th. I was informed by the breeder to give the snake a week before feeding and then to give it fuzzies. A Question: What are the differences in mice sizes? (i.e.: terminology) My last snake was grown when I got it and never needed anything but rats.
He also told me to handle the snake daily - and I have. The snake seems happy to be handled, is very alert and curious. It seems to like going into my shirt pocket and then back out, around my neck and back into the pocket. I know, sounds strange. At any rate, the boa has a VERY even temperment and has not struck at anyone or anything so far. (I'm no stranger to snake bite either! My last one was an Emerald Tree Boa - bad temper. I've also been bitten by most non-venomous Eastern snakes and twice by Copperheads.) Question: Is this too much handling?
So far, I've not seen this animal drink, per se. Though it has been in and out of it's water dish a couple of times. Not soaking, mind you, just seemed to be checking it out. Again, water changed daily. Oh! I do add an electrolyte suppliment to the water per the instructions. And I de-chlorinate (sp?) the misting water.
I'd love to know what sex the snake is, but I have NO knowledge of how that is accomplished.
Anyone got advice for an old man with a new snake??? I sure could use it!
Thanks!
Mark Jones
On Dog River (http://ondogriver.net/)
It's been 25 years since I've had a snake as a pet. Back then - my teen years - I'd just drop in a rat or two every 10 days to two weeks and the snake took care of the rest. Never had a problem. Sold the snake when I joined the Navy. It was 4 years old then and very healthy. Now I'm older - and I hope wiser. So gimme some pointers, please!
My baby is 18 inches of beautiful BCI. I don't have a birth date, but I'd guess a couple of months old. (???) I picked this one at the show because it was so alert. It followed every person that walked by it's little clear cup by slowly turning its head. Most there were as limp as a noodle and the others struck at anyone picking up the cups to look at them. Not this one! Totally mellow, but curious. The skin was - and remains - clear and unblemished, no mites that I can find, either. The skin does seem a bit loose - almost like dehydrated. Eyes are clear.
Currently the boa resides in a glass aquarium with cyprus substrate, a good 'log- half' for privacy, a water dish - changed daily, and a branch to climb on. The top is a folding metal grate. The structure is heated with a combo of an under tank pad, and a dark heat bulb in a lamp from above for basking. Temps are kept to slightly above 80 degrees on average. (Sorry, I've not been able to get a good heat probe yet - but will within the week.)
The snake was purchased on the 16th. I was informed by the breeder to give the snake a week before feeding and then to give it fuzzies. A Question: What are the differences in mice sizes? (i.e.: terminology) My last snake was grown when I got it and never needed anything but rats.
He also told me to handle the snake daily - and I have. The snake seems happy to be handled, is very alert and curious. It seems to like going into my shirt pocket and then back out, around my neck and back into the pocket. I know, sounds strange. At any rate, the boa has a VERY even temperment and has not struck at anyone or anything so far. (I'm no stranger to snake bite either! My last one was an Emerald Tree Boa - bad temper. I've also been bitten by most non-venomous Eastern snakes and twice by Copperheads.) Question: Is this too much handling?
So far, I've not seen this animal drink, per se. Though it has been in and out of it's water dish a couple of times. Not soaking, mind you, just seemed to be checking it out. Again, water changed daily. Oh! I do add an electrolyte suppliment to the water per the instructions. And I de-chlorinate (sp?) the misting water.
I'd love to know what sex the snake is, but I have NO knowledge of how that is accomplished.
Anyone got advice for an old man with a new snake??? I sure could use it!
Thanks!
Mark Jones
On Dog River (http://ondogriver.net/)