View Full Version : New Sand Boa Help Please :)
Shadowsaurus
10-08-12, 02:11 AM
Hello everyone! I am new to this forum but I have used it many a time to help with my bearded dragons and other herps, you are all so knowledgeable and awesome! However I recently purchased a baby Kenyan Sand Boa from a reptile expo and I'm a bit worried about him not eating and his terrarium conditions. This would be my first snake, and though I have done tons of research on sand boas, I am worried to do something wrong. could you help a first time snake owner out?
My small 5-7 inch baby sand boa, Pumpkin, was bought this last saturday at the expo and I have him in a 7 gallon low tank with a heat lamp on the right side(I tried the under tank heating pad but holy cow it got too hot no matter what I did! Cardboard and towels over it to absorb some of the heat seemed to just make it worse, so my Pac Man frog got it instead) One wood hiding log, and a tank corner water dish on the opposite side which I clean and refill everyday. His warm-side temperature is 78-87 degrees F and the cool side gets no lower than 68 F. The humidity is that of my room which appears to be from 10 to 15%. His substrate was aspen bedding but he did not seem to like it and refused to dig in it, until I got crushed walnut shell bedding which he took off in and never comes out but to poke his head out now and again(I'm assuming that means he likes it.). As for the feeding I live in a town were it is hard enough to find frozen pinkies, but it is IMPOSSIBLE to find LIVE pinkies until the next expo at the end of every month. So I have been trying him on frozen but he does not seem interested in them at all. I tried the box method, of putting him in a small box with the pinkie inside and leaving him for a few hours, but he didn't do anything with it other than shove it to a corner of the box. I plan on trying the lid method, putting it on a jar lid or something in the cage overnight to see what he does but I'm worried he won't eat the pinkies at all no matter how well I thaw them out, wash my hands for no scent transfer or how much lizard skin I rub on them. And I REALLY don't want to go with the 'squish the brains out' method :C. If he doesn't eat them, does anyone know of a place I could buy cheap pinkies near Crown Point/Hobart/Merrillville/Valparasio? Or even another method that might help him eat frozen? And if you all could give me any tips, tricks, and advice for him in the future for handling, care, etc? Like I said I have never had a snake before, just a beardies, froggies, and a tarantula. I appreciate the help ahead of time, you guys all rock!!!
I'm guessing I'm not gonna be one of those guys that "rocks" after you read this:
SOOOOO much wrong with your set up!! Did you do any research before buying your snake?
Hot side 90-95. Cool side about 80. 50-60% humidity.
Overhead heat for a species that burrows is almost entirely useless. Use an UTH WITH A THERMOSTAT. the thermostat is MANDATORY.
Your problem is solved if you follow the above advice.
Also, my disdain may not come through strongly enough, so just imagine it as you read the next line:
Good job on not finding a place to buy feeders for a snake you own.
Good lord!
Gungirl
10-08-12, 08:21 AM
Take Mykees advice..
Kettennatter
10-08-12, 08:59 AM
In the meantime, or until you find live feeders, use tweezers and wiggle pinkie in front of the snake. That is how I got mine converted to f/t. Other than that, take the advice given in this thread.
Hannibalcanibal
10-08-12, 09:02 AM
Mykee is spot-on. listen to him, and you will have one happy boa :D
rmfsnakes32
10-08-12, 09:38 AM
Mykee may be harsh but he is right about all of it. Look online for rodent pro they sell frozen feeders
TragicTaste
10-08-12, 09:48 AM
All of the above information is what youll want to follow for sure. My KSB didnt want to take F/T either, and I def. dont like squeezing them, so I use a sharp little needle and poke a whole in the forehead after its thawed. Then I brush my snakes nose right at the hole I poke, and he explodes at it. Maybe this will work for you as well.
Aaron_S
10-08-12, 09:55 AM
Breed your own rodents.
Mykee, you're not a nice guy! You should be nicer to newbs. They can't help but not be as perfect as us...I mean you...
I'm glad you corrected yourself. If I were to be included with the likes of you, I'm not sure to what ends I would go to stop that from happening.
bushsnake
10-08-12, 11:10 AM
I'm guessing I'm not gonna be one of those guys that "rocks" after you read this:
SOOOOO much wrong with your set up!! Did you do any research before buying your snake?
Hot side 90-95. Cool side about 80. 50-60% humidity.
Overhead heat for a species that burrows is almost entirely useless. Use an UTH WITH A THERMOSTAT. the thermostat is MANDATORY.
Your problem is solved if you follow the above advice.
Also, my disdain may not come through strongly enough, so just imagine it as you read the next line:
Good job on not finding a place to buy feeders for a snake you own.
Good lord!
Wow you must be one of those reptile experts to act like that....i too have a hard time getting feeder rodents... fyi...this IS a beginners forum...that must be why your here
Gungirl
10-08-12, 11:18 AM
Wow you must be one of those reptile experts to act like that....i too have a hard time getting feeder rodents... fyi...this IS a beginners forum...that must be why your here
If only beginners where here who would teach us the ways?
Mykee knows his stuff if you don't like how he typed out his info don't read it. If you can't get rodents don't get the snake. Simple as that.
Aaron_S
10-08-12, 11:23 AM
Wow you must be one of those reptile experts to act like that....i too have a hard time getting feeder rodents... fyi...this IS a beginners forum...that must be why your here
Breed your own. Get a friend to breed some. Find a breeder. Rodentpro ships. Find someone who ships. Holy, you people don't like doing any leg work...
Wildside
10-09-12, 09:02 AM
Wow you must be one of those reptile experts to act like that....i too have a hard time getting feeder rodents... fyi...this IS a beginners forum...that must be why your here
This is a beginner's forum?
Hi, I just bought a new car and found out that the nearest gas station is 208 miles away. I'm an IDIOT!!!
"Wow you must be one of those reptile experts to act like that....i too have a hard time getting feeder rodents... fyi...this IS a beginners forum...that must be why your here "
Huh? You're weird.
And yes, I am.
bushsnake
10-10-12, 06:17 AM
If only beginners where here who would teach us the ways?
Mykee knows his stuff if youyou don't like how he typed out his info don't read it. If you can't get rodents don't get the snake. Simple as that.
You support that kind of BS?.....would you like my herp hobby resume...cuz it is pretty darn good!
bushsnake
10-10-12, 06:19 AM
Breed your own. Get a friend to breed some. Find a breeder. Rodentpro ships. Find someone who ships. Holy, you people don't like doing any leg work...
I do breed my own rodents.. whoopy
bushsnake
10-10-12, 06:25 AM
Hi, I just bought a new car and found out that the nearest gas station is 208 miles away. I'm an IDIOT!!!
Huh? You're weird.
And yes, I am.
I understand mykee....everyone i know breeds ball pythons and the guys from Chicago/Illinois are really killing it....
bushsnake
10-10-12, 06:42 AM
If only beginners where here who would teach us the ways?
Mykee knows his stuff if you don't like how he typed out his info don't read it. If you can't get rodents don't get the snake. Simple as that.
Heres some of my resume
Acanthoscuria geniculata-second person in the US to breed this species
Chilobrachys fimbriatus-first person in the states to breed this species
The golden mantella-one of the first successful US breeder of these
Thamnophis sirtalis pickeringii -blue phase-i produced first successful litter of this species
If they're not ball pythons, corn snakes or the odd boa, it doesn't mean anything.
Gungirl
10-10-12, 06:54 AM
Heres some of my resume
Acanthoscuria geniculata-second person in the US to breed this species
Chilobrachys fimbriatus-first person in the states to breed this species
The golden mantella-one of the first successful US breeder of these
Thamnophis sirtalis pickeringii -blue phase-i produced first successful litter of this species
I could careless about your "resume" If I did care I would have asked but clearly I didn't.
CK SandBoas
10-10-12, 07:10 AM
Heres some of my resume
Acanthoscuria geniculata-second person in the US to breed this species
Chilobrachys fimbriatus-first person in the states to breed this species
The golden mantella-one of the first successful US breeder of these
Thamnophis sirtalis pickeringii -blue phase-i produced first successful litter of this species
I'm sorry, but i do not see you contributing anything useful for the OP in this thread. You seem to be more interested in one upping Mykee, or basically saying "my "resume" is bigger than yours"
If you truly wanted to help the op, you would have already offered advice to the op.
And to the OP, with any new acquisition, it is imperative not only to do the proper research, but to make sure you have the proper prey items in place before bringing home your new baby. Please take Mykee's advice to heart, he may be blunt, but he does have the animals best interests at heart, which should always be the priority.
Good luck with your new sand boa, they truly are a wonderful animal to work with, and own, and hopefully with a few adjustments on your part, your baby will grow and thrive in your care....
bushsnake
10-10-12, 07:13 AM
@kat youu ask me to show you the way....so i did
You know this guy got on here complimenting you all saying how awesome you all are and how you rock and he clearly said he is a first time snake owner. how many people is told at expos and pet stores the wrong way to take care of animals. You need to be a little more understanding isnt it more important to let this guy know he has an understanding place to go and ask questions and not be made to feel bad. whats done is done he already has the snake. You all should be ashamed of yourselves this forum is to help people it isnt going to help him being to scared to ask questions and the snake suffering for it because of you all
bushsnake
10-10-12, 07:22 AM
I'm sorry, but i do not see you contributing anything useful for the OP in this thread. You seem to be more interested in one upping Mykee, or basically saying "my "resume" is bigger than yours"
If you truly wanted to help the op, you would have already offered advice to the op.
And to the OP, with any new acquisition, it is imperative not only to do the proper research, but to make sure you have the proper prey items in place before bringing home your new baby. Please take Mykee's advice to heart, he may be blunt, but he does have the animals best interests at heart, which should always be the priority.
Good luck with your new sand boa, they truly are a wonderful animal to work with, and own, and hopefully with a few adjustments on your part, your baby will grow and thrive in your care....
That was for kat not mykee....being blunt is fine....being a jerk to someone asking for help is another but whatever...you guys enjoy yourselves...later
Sorry but the ignorance involved in that viv is bewildering.
Mykee +1
- h3
Will0W783
10-10-12, 11:56 AM
Originally posted by Mykee: If they're not ball pythons, corn snakes or the odd boa, it doesn't mean anything.
EXCUUUUSE ME????!!!!
You know, Mykee, I too understand that it's sometimes very hard to stay patient when us more seasoned folk see beginners making the same mistakes over and over....and I agree that you should have a plan in action for how to care for a new pet before bringing one home. I'm not going to argue that not having a source for food is inexcusable...I agree that it is.
However, to say that any snakes other than ball pythons, corn snakes, and boas mean nothing for your experience level, that's a pretty Da** Sh**** thing to say. Ball pythons are indeed some of the pickiest eaters I've ever run across, but I'd sure love to see you successfully keep a Malaysian Wagler's viper and tell me it doesn't mean anything. There are many different species of snakes, each with their own appeal and their own lessons to teach us keepers. Some of us like ball pythons, others like boas, still others like rarer species, or hots. Please watch what you say and be mindful of the others here who most times have your back...I'm generally easy-going these days, but that statement of yours ruffled my feathers.
Aaron_S
10-10-12, 03:28 PM
EXCUUUUSE ME????!!!!
You know, Mykee, I too understand that it's sometimes very hard to stay patient when us more seasoned folk see beginners making the same mistakes over and over....and I agree that you should have a plan in action for how to care for a new pet before bringing one home. I'm not going to argue that not having a source for food is inexcusable...I agree that it is.
However, to say that any snakes other than ball pythons, corn snakes, and boas mean nothing for your experience level, that's a pretty Da** Sh**** thing to say. Ball pythons are indeed some of the pickiest eaters I've ever run across, but I'd sure love to see you successfully keep a Malaysian Wagler's viper and tell me it doesn't mean anything. There are many different species of snakes, each with their own appeal and their own lessons to teach us keepers. Some of us like ball pythons, others like boas, still others like rarer species, or hots. Please watch what you say and be mindful of the others here who most times have your back...I'm generally easy-going these days, but that statement of yours ruffled my feathers.
I honestly think you missed the tongue-in-cheek that Mykee's post was about.
Aaron_S
10-10-12, 03:31 PM
....i too have a hard time getting feeder rodents... fyi..
So do you breed your own or have a hard time getting them?
You obviously like to say whatever it is to prove your point.
Also on your resume, pics or it didn't happen.
FlagonFly
10-10-12, 06:20 PM
Among all of this post and interesting information, I concur with ZStone the most.
Shadowsaurus
10-11-12, 12:12 AM
I did indeed do my research, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten him. Most sites I looked up told me the temp I had was correct along with various books I have read, and the breeder they did as well. Though I was skeptical, Which is why I came to the website for assistance, not for being told I was ignorant or an 'idiot' for doing so. I do not think you were too harsh mykee, as you are only looking out for the best interest of my animal, however I do find some of your words a bit rough and it sure makes me reluctant to ask here again for help :c. I was hoping for some gentle wisdom from people who are better at snakes than me considering it /is/ a beginners forum, and I am a beginner. However, I have taken your advice, and I have purchased a timed heater accordingly. I'm just worried that (since he is sitting on a glass dresser) that no matter what the under-tank heater may get too hot. but time will tell. I now mist his tank regularly, and I put his water dish on the warm side from some added humidity. I cover it with a towel on one side sometimes to retain some moisture(otherwise a piece of cardboard so the moisture doesn't escape). As for the food, he is happily eating frozen pinkies now in a separate tank. Apologies for pissing you all off when asking for some kind help. I'll wait until I'm an expert like all of you to post again. Thanks for the help. :)
If you have a question ask. if you dont want to post it so everyone sees feel free to pm me. Im no expert by any means but Im sure I can help if I dont know the answer Im sure I know someone who does and I'll get you the answer. How this thread was handled left me mad all day. Its really the first time in a long time that several times throughout the day I would start thinking about it and get worked up all over again. You can also go to ************ (http://www.redtailboas.com) they have quite a few sand boa owners. Dont give up on this forum though it is a great forum and there is alot of considerate people that dont care to help. I belong to a few different forums i probably spend most of my time here though!
Will0W783
10-11-12, 08:16 AM
I honestly think you missed the tongue-in-cheek that Mykee's post was about.
Maybe. I was in a not-so-great mood to begin with, and Mykee's post set me off. If he was joking, I take it back. If not, then I absolutely meant what I said, lol.
Yeah, I was kidding Kimberly, not sure what I'm going to do with this extra hole you just ripped me near my original bumhole though...
Aaron_S
10-11-12, 08:42 AM
Yeah, I was kidding Kimberly, not sure what I'm going to do with this extra hole you just ripped me near my original bumhole though...
Put your keys in it...
I should never have told you that story, Rainman.
Will0W783
10-11-12, 09:24 AM
HAHAHAHAHAHAA!!! Sorry Mykee, hell hath no fury like a ticked-off woman, lol.
I want to hear the keys story now! Tell me pleeeease. Lol
Gungirl
10-11-12, 09:52 AM
I don't know that story and I think I am happy about that! lol
Aaron_S
10-11-12, 09:57 AM
You're both missing out on wicked cool Mykee story. I edited it out though.
Gungirl
10-11-12, 10:00 AM
I think you need to share it then...
Wildside
10-11-12, 10:06 AM
http://www.countryvillageresort.com/httpdocs/assets/images/popcorn-trans.gif
CK SandBoas
10-11-12, 11:23 AM
I think you need to share it then...
I agree, share please!!!:)
Wildside
10-11-12, 11:32 AM
http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/97pbwj.gif
StudentoReptile
10-11-12, 11:50 AM
Maybe. I was in a not-so-great mood to begin with, and Mykee's post set me off.
I'm seeing a lot of these lately.
Maybe when members are having not-so-great days and are in not-so-great moods, they probably should just avoid replying to Mykee's posts!
Aaron_S
10-11-12, 12:01 PM
Oh you guys want a story?
Mykee checked his mail. Left his keys in the mailbox. End of story.
Not so good anymore eh? hahaha ;)
Wildside
10-11-12, 12:10 PM
http://www.dippedincream.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/popcorn.gif
rmfsnakes32
10-11-12, 12:11 PM
You should be able to post whatever you want to ask not everybody is going to be mean
http://i1161.photobucket.com/albums/q514/Hysmofyteligok/Gifs%20and%20sparkly%20stuff/1328724228_raccoon_eating_popcorn.gif
I don't know why I'm on the bandwagon but whatever, lol.
- h3
Will0W783
10-11-12, 01:00 PM
Lol,...well that was anti-climactic, Aaron. I was hoping for a real juicy tale of debauchery and daredevilish-ness.....keys in the mailbox....*sigh*
Where's a girl to get good entertainment these days?
P.S. Sorry we're totally highjacking this thread...I can't remember who the OP is, but I apologize to him/her!
The good part was what happened inbetween. Mykee has OCD and almost had a nervous breakdown looking for his keys.
Gungirl
10-11-12, 01:44 PM
ahh Poor Mykee I can only imagine
KidComet
10-11-12, 02:01 PM
The important thing is that nobody got hurt. <3
Will0W783
10-11-12, 02:13 PM
Originally posted by Mykee: The good part was what happened inbetween. Mykee has OCD and almost had a nervous breakdown looking for his keys.
Aww, poor Mykee. At least you didn't spend two hours running around your house cursing up a storm because you couldn't find your glasses....
I took a nap on the couch, woke up and reached for my glasses, but they weren't where I thought I'd put them. I looked all over, upstairs, downstairs, tracing my steps...I was getting so mad I was cursing and muttering and working myself up into a frenzy until my fiance said, "hey Kim....can you see what you're doing?"
I said, "Of course I can, ***hole. But I'll see better when I find my....oh" I realized that I could clearly see what I was doing while I was looking, and had my glasses on the whole time! DERP
MoreliAddict
10-11-12, 02:14 PM
Aww, poor Mykee. At least you didn't spend two hours running around your house cursing up a storm because you couldn't find your glasses....
I took a nap on the couch, woke up and reached for my glasses, but they weren't where I thought I'd put them. I looked all over, upstairs, downstairs, tracing my steps...I was getting so mad I was cursing and muttering and working myself up into a frenzy until my fiance said, "hey Kim....can you see what you're doing?"
I said, "Of course I can, ***hole. But I'll see better when I find my....oh" I realized that I could clearly see what I was doing while I was looking, and had my glasses on the whole time! DERP
I remember once when I was in kindergarten, I looked all over the place for a dinosaur toy that I was holding the whole time...
Wildside
10-11-12, 06:19 PM
The good part was what happened inbetween. Mykee has OCD and almost had a nervous breakdown looking for his keys.
Now it qualifies as anti-climactic... I want to tie you down and shove the rest of my popcorn in places where you won't appreciate the way salt burns :mad:
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