Umm...Question... [Archive] - sSNAKESs : Reptile Forum

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 11:33 AM

So I've have my BP for almost a week. In fact, it will be a week tomorrow. he's been fine, and seems to have settled in well. Usually by morning he is in his hide sleeping, and comes out around 6-7pm. But I got up this morning at 11am, and he's still awake. He's all over his cage. Climbing all over his hide and his branches, investigating the glass, he's all over the place. Not like a frenzy or anything, he just won't go to sleep. Why? ((Please be kind, this is my first snake and I love him, so of coarse I am going to worry when I spot odd behavior))

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 11:40 AM

lady_bug87

11-27-12, 12:06 PM

Have you attempted to feed him yet? He could be hungry, or he could just be wandering mine sometimes makes daytime appearances ... Also check for poop.

If my bp has a bowel movement he leaves his hide until I clean it. I guess even he can't stand his own stench

infernalis

11-27-12, 12:10 PM

My BP is usually most active when he wants a rat.

So I would be inclined to think it's hungry.

Another issue often overlooked is that if the conditions inside the cage are off, this could be a sign that the snake is seeking a more suitable environment.

Those are the two most likely issues causing this.

MoreliAddict

11-27-12, 12:12 PM

I guess I should give a little more information. No, he isn't stargazing, no signs of respiratory infection, no mites, temps and humidity are fine. He's just overly active, more than usual, and he keeps poking at the lid of his cage. :/ I opened the lid and he came right to me. Which is also odd. Maybe he's hungry?
What are the temps in the cage? I'm assuming this snake has a hot & a cool side?? What type of enclosure are you keeping it in? What are you using to heat it? Pics of the enclosure could help too.

Sounds to me like the snake is hungry, or your husbandry is off...

A typical Ball Python will hide through the day, and maybe sneak around the enclosure a bit at night..

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 12:26 PM

Temp ranges between 90-95 on warm side and 80-85 on cool side. Cage is thick plastic, not glass. Because I was told the plastic holds humidity better. Humidity ranges between 50-55 depending how warm container is. I let him out for a bit, and he seems to want to explore. Going to try feeding him tonight, as he's scheduled to be fed tomorrow. I'm thinking you're right, he's probably hungry. As his tongue is going constantly.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 12:28 PM

He has climbing branches, a spacious container, two hides (one on warm one on cool), and a decent sized water dish to drink or cool off. I give him fresh water daily. And I heat his container with a heat pad. Container is positioned so he can get a bit of sunlight on warm side during the day.

MoreliAddict

11-27-12, 12:37 PM

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 12:39 PM

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 12:49 PM

I hope so! That eases my mind that he's hungry, means he's adjusting well, doesn't it? Will be my first feeding. Bought gloves already, and was thinking of "editing" a shoebox for his feed, since I have been told it's best to not feed him in his container.

Stop listening to whoever told you that advice.

It'll be fine to feed him in it's enclosure. I would also recommend tongs or hemostats.

jarich

11-27-12, 12:50 PM

I hope so! That eases my mind that he's hungry, means he's adjusting well, doesn't it? Will be my first feeding. Bought gloves already, and was thinking of "editing" a shoebox for his feed, since I have been told it's best to not feed him in his container.

Thats one of those weird things that still gets passed around but isnt true. There is no need to take him out to feed him, and it can actually cause unnecessary stress. Just feed him in his normal enclosure.

MoreliAddict

11-27-12, 12:51 PM

I also suggest that you feed the snake inside of its regular enclosure...

KORBIN5895

11-27-12, 12:52 PM

Stop listening to whoever told you that advice.

It'll be fine to feed him in it's enclosure. I would also recommend tongs or hemostats.

Forget the tongs and just toss it in. Not all snakes will eat a dead rat just lying there but it's way easier to feed them once they are used to it.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 12:52 PM

Stop listening to whoever told you that advice.

It'll be fine to feed him in it's enclosure. I would also recommend tongs or hemostats.

Ok, that's good. I was worried about that. I know you aren't really supposed to handle them after feeding because it can damage their internal organs, so I was trying to figure out how I was going to swing that. But I have a pair of tongs specifically for him. :) And thanks for the advice. I'm new to this, and want to make sure I give him the best care possible. I know they live for a long time if cared for properly, and I want my Jake to be with me as long as possible. :)

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 12:54 PM

Forget the tongs and just toss it in. Not all snakes will eat a dead rat just lying there but it's way easier to feed them once they are used to it.

I was worried about doing that, because he has shavings in the bottom of his cage, and I was scared it might stick to the mouse and he could swallow it. I know, I'm paranoid.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 12:55 PM

I also suggest that you feed the snake inside of its regular enclosure...

I will, now that I know it won't do any harm. I don't want to risk hurting him.

MoreliAddict

11-27-12, 12:56 PM

I was worried about doing that, because he has shavings in the bottom of his cage, and I was scared it might stick to the mouse and he could swallow it. I know, I'm paranoid.
My snakes will snatch a rat right off the tongs from me.

But you can serve the rat on a plate to avoid the substrate, if you'd rather not use tongs..

infernalis

11-27-12, 12:59 PM

I have been feeding mine inside his enclosure for quite a few years without any problems ever.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:01 PM

My snakes will snatch a rat right off the tongs from me.

But you can serve the rat on a plate to avoid the substrate, if you'd rather not use tongs..

huh. Hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the advice! I'm really excited. :) Hoping tonight goes well and he accepts the food. I've been researching a lot, but people seem to go back and forth on how often I should feed him. Breeder said he was about six months old. His widest point is about the size of the lid to a bottle of Captain Morgan.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:04 PM

I have been feeding mine inside his enclosure for quite a few years without any problems ever.

How old is he? Just curious. :) Is he very big? I know they generally reach up to five feet. And I'm definitely leaning towards frozen mice, rather than live.

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 01:04 PM

Feed him a rat pup.

I personally just use substrate they can digest or can't really swallow. I now use newspaper but aspen beta chip works great. So small and can pass them too.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:05 PM

On a side note, uploaded new pics of Jake onto the site. :)

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:07 PM

Feed him a rat pup.

I personally just use substrate they can digest or can't really swallow. I now use newspaper but aspen beta chip works great. So small and can pass them too.

I was using newspaper, but found I had trouble getting the humidity right in his container. Switched to some sort of shavings (don't remember which one I bought, but I browsed for hours trying to pick the best one. Was recommended by a snake "expert" at the store. Having less trouble with the humidity) And yes, I kept a close eye out for mites, because I know sometimes when you buy that stuff at the petstore, it can have mites in it.

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 01:08 PM

I bought from a store with no animals in it. Ren's Pet Depot. Look for a store like that.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:08 PM

Feed him a rat pup.

I personally just use substrate they can digest or can't really swallow. I now use newspaper but aspen beta chip works great. So small and can pass them too.

Really? Nothing bigger than his widest point though, right?

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 01:09 PM

Really? Nothing bigger than his widest point though, right?

Slightly bigger is fine. A rat pup will suffice quite well I'm sure.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:13 PM

I bought from a store with no animals in it. Ren's Pet Depot. Look for a store like that.

I think there is one close to the house. I'm going to research it now so I know when I go to buy new. I've found that it doesn't even take a full, small bag for his container. If I add the whole bag, his humidity sky-rockets. So I just use newspaper at the bottom, with a thin layer of the shavings. And he seems to like that better.

Falconeer999

11-27-12, 01:13 PM

Really? Nothing bigger than his widest point though, right?
A snake's body will expand. General rule of thumb I've heard is to feed an item that is 1.5x thicker than the body of the snake. You should be able to see the lump where the food is when he's down moving it down to the stomach.

jarich

11-27-12, 01:16 PM

huh. Hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the advice! I'm really excited. :) Hoping tonight goes well and he accepts the food. I've been researching a lot, but people seem to go back and forth on how often I should feed him. Breeder said he was about six months old. His widest point is about the size of the lid to a bottle of Captain Morgan.

Hahahaha, love that this is your reference point.

And dont worry about getting mites from wood chips. Those are not reptile mites, but most likely wood mites. There are many different kinds of mites and only a few attack reptiles. Many, like those in the wood chips, just eat plant matter.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:16 PM

A snake's body will expand. General rule of thumb I've heard is to feed an item that is 1.5x thicker than the body of the snake. You should be able to see the lump where the food is when he's down moving it down to the stomach.

I'm just a little scared I might get something too big. Before he and I got together, my bf had a corn snake. He took the advice of someone who worked in a pet store and bought something a little bigger than what he had been feeding his snake, and it killed the poor thing. That scares me.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:18 PM

Hahahaha, love that this is your reference point.

And dont worry about getting mites from wood chips. Those are not reptile mites, but most likely wood mites. There are many different kinds of mites and only a few attack reptiles. Many, like those in the wood chips, just eat plant matter.

I know it makes me sound dumb, but that is literally what I used to measure him. -_- lol

And I didn't know that. :) Although I quickly found out he can move much quicker on the chips than he can on newspaper. >.> lol He's pretty active.

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 01:21 PM

I'm just a little scared I might get something too big. Before he and I got together, my bf had a corn snake. He took the advice of someone who worked in a pet store and bought something a little bigger than what he had been feeding his snake, and it killed the poor thing. That scares me.

That's asinine. The snake died for another reason. Snakes simply don't eat what they can't eat. We don't need to baby these animals. This isn't directed at you, but we are arrogant to think we control that much of these creatures. Almost like without us, they'd never survive "the big bad world".

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:23 PM

That's asinine. The snake died for another reason. Snakes simply don't eat what they can't eat. We don't need to baby these animals. This isn't directed at you, but we are arrogant to think we control that much of these creatures. Almost like without us, they'd never survive "the big bad world".

That makes sense. Maybe the animal that he fed it was sick? Or maybe the snake itself was sick. He got it from a petstore, so wouldn't surprise me. That's why I got mine from a breeder.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:24 PM

While we are on the subject, perhaps someone could tell me what kind of morph my little boy is? I have pics posted of him.

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 01:25 PM

That makes sense. Maybe the animal that he fed it was sick? Or maybe the snake itself was sick. He got it from a petstore, so wouldn't surprise me. That's why I got mine from a breeder.

Could simply be your boyfriend sucked at keeping snakes. Could have been a sick snake prior to buying it. Lots of reasons. I would bet one of my own ball pythons that it had nothing to do with the prey though.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:41 PM

Possibly. It was his first snake too, and I doubt he did as much research as I did. Because I know how he is. But he's been pretty good with Jake. Of coarse, I also keep a protective eye on him. I almost strangled him for tapping on the side of Jake's cage. lol Don't mess with momma bear. ^.^

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:43 PM

Oh! Another question. My breeder told me its not safe to let him out of his cage for long periods of time, and sunlight is bad for them. Personally, I think that is a load of crap, because snakes use sunlight in nature to warm themselves. I'm pretty sure wild snakes don't curl up under sunlamps and heating pads. And I keep the house temp around 80-85 when I let him out to explore. He doesn't usually go far, and I watch him carefully. So he should be ok, right?

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 01:44 PM

While we are on the subject, perhaps someone could tell me what kind of morph my little boy is? I have pics posted of him.

Where? Post here.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:49 PM

http://i46.tinypic.com/6s4181.jpg

That's my lil Jake.

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 01:50 PM

Normal, possible pastel. Take a pic closer to the body and head.

Also, definitely go with a rat pup first. Skip mice. If it doesn't leave a decent bulge, a really small rat. I'd say in the 40 gram range.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:55 PM

uploading them from my phone now. May take a while, my camera is good, but service is crap. :/

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 01:56 PM

Stretched out, he's probably the full length of my arm, from longest fingertip to shoulder joint.

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 01:58 PM

Stretched out, he's probably the full length of my arm, from longest fingertip to shoulder joint.

Once he's more settled. Find a scale that can read such little size. Weigh him. It's better than length for figuring out food.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:00 PM

will do. Here are the pics I just took.
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/603933_313730738741456_2045298566_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/530892_313730955408101_229470430_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/561509_313731548741375_406998553_n.jpg

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:01 PM

And one of him this morning. ^.^ http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/315848_313713142076549_665311429_n.jpg

KORBIN5895

11-27-12, 02:01 PM

I was worried about doing that, because he has shavings in the bottom of his cage, and I was scared it might stick to the mouse and he could swallow it. I know, I'm paranoid.

I feed mine on cocohusk and plantation soil. My blind girl wats mouth fulls of soil if I'm not careful and she is fine.

That makes sense. Maybe the animal that he fed it was sick? Or maybe the snake itself was sick. He got it from a petstore, so wouldn't surprise me. That's why I got mine from a breeder.

I highly doubt it was the prey at all. Snakes can digest just about anything so a sick mouse wouldn't hurt it.

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 02:02 PM

Pastel. Rat pups.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:02 PM

I feed mine on cocohusk and plantation soil. My blind girl wats mouth fulls of soil if I'm not careful and she is fine.

I highly doubt it was the prey at all. Snakes can digest just about anything so a sick mouse wouldn't hurt it.

It kinda scarred my bf for a while. Took me a long time to talk him into letting me get one.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:03 PM

Pastel. Rat pups.

Thanks. :) Going to pick one up tonight when my other half gets home from work. Cleaning Jake's cage right now. Got it soaking in hot water and mild soap.

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 02:04 PM

Thanks. :) Going to pick one up tonight when my other half gets home from work. Cleaning Jake's cage right now. Got it soaking in hot water and mild soap.

Why? Did he poop? If not. who cares.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:06 PM

Why? Did he poop? If not. who cares.

yep. And he has a bad habbit of knocking his water over when he's climbing all over the place. Makes a nice muddy mess, with the shavings and all.

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 02:09 PM

Find a more absorbent substrate.

lady_bug87

11-27-12, 02:13 PM

told you he pooped..

MoreliAddict

11-27-12, 02:16 PM

told you he pooped..
That reminds me..

My BP gets a bit more restless on nights when he's about to poop..

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:22 PM

He's settled down a bit since I let him out of his cage. Still going to try feeding him tonight. And Aaron, thanks for all the advice. Really appreciate it.

nick654377

11-27-12, 02:22 PM

look into wipe out to clean the cage. you empty the cage. spray the wipe out in it. let it be for 5 minutes and wipe it out. simple as that.

KORBIN5895

11-27-12, 02:30 PM

He's settled down a bit since I let him out of his cage. Still going to try feeding him tonight. And Aaron, thanks for all the advice. Really appreciate it.

OMG! Someone get a screen shot! Aaron was helpful and nice! :shocked:

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:36 PM

OMG! Someone get a screen shot! Aaron was helpful and nice! :shocked:

lmao! Is he usually not? Maybe it's just cuz I'm a girl. :p

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:37 PM

look into wipe out to clean the cage. you empty the cage. spray the wipe out in it. let it be for 5 minutes and wipe it out. simple as that.

I'll check into that, thank you. :) Certainly easier than scrubbing it for twenty minutes. ^.^

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 02:37 PM

OMG! Someone get a screen shot! Aaron was helpful and nice! :shocked:

See people? It can be done. No reason for the pack. ;)

rmfsnakes32

11-27-12, 02:39 PM

Sounds like he is hunting for food I would try feeding him

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 02:39 PM

lmao! Is he usually not? Maybe it's just cuz I'm a girl. :p

Nope. I don't discriminate.

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:42 PM

Nope. I don't discriminate.

Well just burst my bubble why don't you. :laugh:

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 02:43 PM

Sounds like he is hunting for food I would try feeding him

That's what Aaron told me too. Going to go get him some food this evening. :) Really excited about it. Sure he is too. lol

KORBIN5895

11-27-12, 03:12 PM

lmao! Is he usually not? Maybe it's just cuz I'm a girl. :p

Well Aaron's nick name is Gary so I doubt your gender is a factor....

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 03:19 PM

Well Aaron's nick name is Gary so I doubt your gender is a factor....

Maybe it's just because I'm blonde...but I don't get it. lol

Aaron_S

11-27-12, 03:40 PM

Maybe it's just because I'm blonde...but I don't get it. lol

Inside joke of the forum.

Besides I thought it changed to MASTER BAITER.

KORBIN5895

11-27-12, 04:14 PM

Maybe it's just because I'm blonde...but I don't get it. lol

I call him and mykee Ace and Gary Gay..... Google it.

Inside joke of the forum.

Besides I thought it changed to MASTER BAITER.

Lol! Yeah but that thread got locked and I didn't know if your title would carry over.

Gungirl

11-27-12, 04:16 PM

Jakesgirl

11-27-12, 04:26 PM

OP- No reason to do a full clean out of the viv every time your snake poops or spills water. Simply pick up the dirty area and toss in a hand full of new shavings. I only do a full clean out once every 6 months or so.

Thanks for the tip! That will certainly save me money! Well folks, i'm off for the day. Lots to do! See you all tomorrow. hopefully.

Lankyrob

11-27-12, 04:54 PM

Really? Nothing bigger than his widest point though, right?

I fed my bp rats about double his girth for teh first year and then scaled back to 1.5 times girth from then on. I feed on a 14then 21 day rolling schedule :)

Listen to whatever aaron says - he is a BP guru and wont steer you wrong. And wahtever people say he is never nasty, just straight to the point :)

Jakesgirl

11-28-12, 09:03 AM

Good morning everyone! I have some lovely pictures to post from last night! Aaron, thanks so much for the advice, Jake was thoroughly pleased. As you can tell. :)
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/424865_313810565400140_1176057706_n.jpg
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/401338_313810655400131_473147361_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/602347_313810728733457_818032280_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/404993_313811035400093_1839849780_n.jpg

Jakesgirl

11-28-12, 09:03 AM

Took him about 5-6 minutes. My boy's a champ. :)

Jakesgirl

11-28-12, 09:05 AM

I call him and mykee Ace and Gary Gay..... Google it.

I literally laughed til I cried when I googled this. xD

KORBIN5895

11-28-12, 11:49 AM

I literally laughed til I cried when I googled this. xD

I do what I can. :)

Jakesgirl

11-29-12, 03:17 PM

Hey guys, I fed jake the rat pup tuesday night around 7 or 8. Should I wait til tomorrow to handle him, or is it ok to do so tonight? (when he wakes up of coarse lol)

Gungirl

11-29-12, 03:31 PM

wait it out.. 48 hrs is the minimum time you should allow, I tend to wait 72hrs as a better safe than sorry.

Lankyrob

11-29-12, 04:59 PM

wait it out.. 48 hrs is the minimum time you should allow, I tend to wait 72hrs as a better safe than sorry.

Ditto :):)