Adopted mistreated snake

[Mightymouse0303]

So going thru the news paper I find an ad about a snake. Considering I had to give up my last when I lived with my mom. Seeing this and living on my own caught my interest. So I call and go and look at her. I noticed she had no water dish and the temp was in the hundreds. I also saw that her last shed was very incomplete. I immediately gave the money and took her with me. On the way out I ask when was the last time she was fed. He replies like 3 weeks ago. Now the good. She is tame no signs of aggression so far. Food is on the way and I hope to get a little weight on her ad she feel skinny for a snake of her size. Just joined the forum to get tips along the way. First snake was a king snake and I'm told this one is a red tail boa. I'm not sure what kind of red tail so I will upload pics ASAP to see if you can help Id her type. I'm thinking Central American red tail... Just a guess

[infernalis]

sSnakeSs.com - Rules (http://www.ssnakess.com/index.php?page=rules)

http://www.thamfriends.com/mat.jpg

[Wildside]

That looks like a common BCI or more commonly known in the pet trade as a Colombian Red Tail. Can you tell us more about how you set it up?

[Mightymouse0303]

That looks like a common BCI or more commonly known in the pet trade as a Colombian Red Tail. Can you tell us more about how you set it up?

Her new cage will be here tomorrow. Right now it's just some supplies at Walmart. And some old ones. I got a 50 gallon plastic tub and some old reptibark an big screen cover. Heat lamp water dish from the dog section. Keep in mind this is super temporary just cause her living conditions before we're a little more rough. In the mail coming tomorrow with rush delivery is (copy and pasted from receipt.) item numbers and prices removed, just list
175 Gallon Reptarium Enclosure

Exo-Terra Water Dish, Ex-Large

Repticare Deluxe Rock Heater GIANT

Reptibark Bedding 24 QT

Dual Thermometer / Humidity Gauge (2)

Basking Day/Night Combo Pack

Natural Cork Rounds (Cork Bark) JUMBO

Medium Rat 10 Pack (90-135g)
Premium Sand Blasted Grapevine (18 24") LG

[Wildside]

You're gonna hear a lot of opinions about that heat rock but as long as you keep a close eye on it (and I mean check it everyday) it should be ok. Did you say the snake still has some stuck shed?

[Mightymouse0303]

Just another pic of her

[Wildside]

That's definitely your common BCI. I don't think you'll have many problems putting weight on her.

[Mightymouse0303]

You're gonna hear a lot of opinions about that heat rock but as long as you keep a close eye on it (and I mean check it everyday) it should be ok. Did you say the snake still has some stuck shed?

Had some stuck and it was it about 25 to 30 pieces in the previous cage. My king snake would shed it all one whole piece

[Wildside]

Had some stuck and it was it about 25 to 30 pieces in the previous cage. My king snake would shed it all one whole piece


Probably caused by a lack of humidity due to high temps. You should consider creating a humid hide for her.

[Mightymouse0303]

Probably caused by a lack of humidity due to high temps. You should consider creating a humid hide for her.

thats what i was thinking. i was just planning on misting her cage. interested in the humid hide tho. where can i find one of those. i dont mind paying the price if it helps her.

just googled. i will see if i make one for her before work.

[Wildside]

thats what i was thinking. i was just planning on misting her cage. interested in the humid hide tho. where can i find one of those. i dont mind paying the price if it helps her.

You can just make one. Get a plastic container with a lid i.e. tupperware, gladware (I used a plastic birthday cake box) cut a hole in it and put some damp spaghnum moss in there. I like to keep mine on the warm side but it doesn't really matter.

[Falconeer999]

I've not kept a bci - but that enclosure you listed - that's an all screen, vertical enclosure (at least from what I googled) - is that going to be best? All screens are going to be very difficult to keep humidity up in, even with constant spraying.

Edit: See now it has option to be horizontal too. But still all screen is going to be an issue I think.

[Wildside]

I've not kept a bci - but that enclosure you listed - that's an all screen, vertical enclosure (at least from what I googled) - is that going to be best? All screens are going to be very difficult to keep humidity up in, even with constant spraying.

Edit: See now it has option to be horizontal too. But still all screen is going to be an issue I think.


Oh yeah that's no good. You'd be better off keeping her in that tub.

[Mightymouse0303]

I've not kept a bci - but that enclosure you listed - that's an all screen, vertical enclosure (at least from what I googled) - is that going to be best? All screens are going to be very difficult to keep humidity up in, even with constant spraying.

Edit: See now it has option to be horizontal too. But still all screen is going to be an issue I think.

thats a good point. i will try it and see how it works out. keeping an eye on the humidity and if i have a hard time with it i will swap out. thank you. i didnt even think about that. i was just trying to get her into something other than the plastic tub from walmart.

[Wildside]

thats a good point. i will try it and see how it works out. keeping an eye on the humidity and if i have a hard time with it i will swap out. thank you. i didnt even think about that. i was just trying to get her into something other than the plastic tub from walmart.


You'd be super surprised at how many keepers use wal-mart tubs.

[Mightymouse0303]

Oh yeah that's no good. You'd be better off keeping her in that tub.

ok that will be a temp cage. would i be better building one? or do you know a place to order a good one?

[Wildside]

ok that will be a temp cage. would i be better building one? or do you know a place to order a good one?


I think your best bet would be to return all that stuff and build yourself a custom viv.

[Wildside]

Her new cage will be here tomorrow. Right now it's just some supplies at Walmart. And some old ones. I got a 50 gallon plastic tub and some old reptibark an big screen cover. Heat lamp water dish from the dog section. Keep in mind this is super temporary just cause her living conditions before we're a little more rough. In the mail coming tomorrow with rush delivery is (copy and pasted from receipt.) item numbers and prices removed, just list
175 Gallon Reptarium Enclosure <Build cage instead

Exo-Terra Water Dish, Ex-Large

Repticare Deluxe Rock Heater GIANT <Use Flexwatt on a thermostat instead

Reptibark Bedding 24 QT <Use newspaper instead

Dual Thermometer / Humidity Gauge (2) <Get heat gun instead

Basking Day/Night Combo Pack <Don't need

Natural Cork Rounds (Cork Bark) JUMBO <Don't need/Boas gonna get to big to utilize anyway

Medium Rat 10 Pack (90-135g)
Premium Sand Blasted Grapevine (18 24") LG<Don't need/Boas gonna get to big to utilize anyway

Maybe this will help

[Mightymouse0303]

Maybe this will help

i will check about returning all that stuff. would save me 300 bucks if i do. like i said im here to learn. so i will do my best to follow advice.

[Wildside]

i will check about returning all that stuff. would save me 300 bucks if i do. like i said im here to learn. so i will do my best to follow advice.


Yeah glad we could help. That $300 could be put toward building a much nicer and more manageable enclosure.

[zamora]

Plastic Reptile Cages, Tanks and Racks. Snake, arboreal, lizard and turtle light weight custom flexwatt heated enclosures. (http://www.boaphileplastics.com/)

Vision Cages, Racks & Tubs (http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/vision-cages-racks-and-tubs/?pageState=showCategory&categories=vision-cages-racks-tubs-and-visionariums)

Reptile Cages - Bearded Dragon cage - Snake cage - Cage stands - Reptile Cage - cage stand - cage table - Cage Locks - Snake cages - Iguana Cages - Bearded Dragon Cage - Plastic Cage - Reptile Supplies - Reptile Accessories - Reptiles - Snake Cage - (http://www.showcasecages.com/)

There are links to three different cage builders. I personally use a rack system for most of my snakes and use the Boaphile cages for the adult females. All but one of my adult males fit perfectly into a 41Qt Sterilite tub from WalMart.

One of my racks (yes, that is a small Boaphile cage on the top shelf)

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa301/whisperlanefarm/MerlotVideos169.jpg

Another rack for small snakes:

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa301/whisperlanefarm/Nov2010011.jpg

[KORBIN5895]

i will check about returning all that stuff. would save me 300 bucks if i do. like i said im here to learn. so i will do my best to follow advice.

With this attitude you will have a healthy and content snake.

I would seriously look into boaphile before going with them as they seem to have customer service.

I would recommend building a viv myself and to use radiant heat panels.

[Mightymouse0303]

thank you guys. i will look into these and compare it to building my own. i like my hours of work cause i come home and she is out and about when i get off work so i can hold her :) its awesome.

[DeesBalls]

Listen to what all have posted... from my experiance, i have built cages, and i have tubs, and i have a tank....

while the tank is nice to see the snake, its a BP so its always hid- temps are iffy and humidity is a struggle

with the custom cages, they are almost perfect, except in a sence it is hard for me to get into the cage (sliding doors only open 1/2 way) so my personal favorite is....

tubs- temps/humidity stay almost perfect (with thermostat) and you can even see in the tub.

if you build your own, i would suggest making sure it is easy to get in and out :)

[SnakeyJay]

I'd just keep it in plastic rubs till your boa puts some size on... Then splash out on a big wooden viv that looks nice. The rubs are perfect for small snakes and hold humidity well, whereas a mesh viv will generally be room humidity and lose a lot of heat.
Goodluck

[rmfsnakes32]

I have tanks tubs and racks and my personal favs the racks/tubs they hold heat and humidity perfect. Do away with the tank you will struggle all the time with heat and humidity!

[KORBIN5895]

I have tanks tubs and racks and my personal favs the racks/tubs they hold heat and humidity perfect. Do away with the tank you will struggle all the time with heat and humidity!

Sorry but that just not true. I have been using a 70 gallon tank for almost a year and I never have an issue with either. Nor do I put any extra work into it. My snakes eat fine, shed fine and thermo regulate. I know everyone is all against tanks but I have always had great luck.

[bigsnakegirl785]

How old is she?

I have both of my snakes in tubs. My boa constrictor (Cloud) is in a 110 qt tub, and my ball python (Bud) is in a 115 qt tub. They work well, I would definitely use one instead of the other one she's in.

[EmbraceCalamity]

I have tanks tubs and racks and my personal favs the racks/tubs they hold heat and humidity perfect. Do away with the tank you will struggle all the time with heat and humidity!I know someone who keeps crested geckos in tanks - and they require 70% humidity - with no issue.

~Maggot

[Wildside]

Tanks are fine, but that open air cage he purchased just isn't gonna cut it unless he makes a nice big humid hide in there.

[Mightymouse0303]

I'm building my own cage this weekend. Or attempting to. I'm grateful for all the info. I'm told by the owner she is 3 but his sister said she is less than a year so I can't be sure. I know she is closer to 4 feet long so I'm leaning more towards a year

[Philmul]

Dual Thermometer / Humidity Gauge (2) <Get heat gun instead
What do you mean a heat gun???

[Wildside]

Dual Thermometer / Humidity Gauge (2) <Get heat gun instead
What do you mean a heat gun???


Lol whoops... good catch. I meant a temp gun.

[Mightymouse0303]

Lol whoops... good catch. I meant a temp gun.

Lol I knew what you meant

[Wildside]

Lol I knew what you meant


Good thing. Standing there with a heat gun forever would've made you think I don't know what I'm talking about :D

[Mightymouse0303]

Good thing. Standing there with a heat gun forever would've made you think I don't know what I'm talking about :D

haha no i wouldve thought "i think this guy is extreme"

[Mightymouse0303]

Soft Tray Liners for sale from ReptMart.com (http://reptmart.com/p-2473-soft-tray-reptarium-liner-for-sale.aspx)
would this make that cage i ordered work? cause i can return it but i have to receive it before i can return it and well that wont be till after xmas

[KORBIN5895]

The best way to make that cage work would be to put it in a room with the proper temps and humidity. Other than that it is going to be a struggle.

[Philmul]

Oh well I did wonder why you would use a blow lamp on your snake. Lol

[EmbraceCalamity]

Tanks are fine, but that open air cage he purchased just isn't gonna cut it unless he makes a nice big humid hide in there.Oh, yeah, definitely. When someone said "tank," I thought they meant fish tank. I have a Reptribreeze one, and even attempting to block off all four sides (plus bottom and part of the top), it still doesn't hold humidity well. Makes them kind of useless 'cause almost all arboreal reptiles need high humidity levels.

~Maggot

[MoreliAddict]

Oh, yeah, definitely. When someone said "tank," I thought they meant fish tank. I have a Reptribreeze one, and even attempting to block off all four sides (plus bottom and part of the top), it still doesn't hold humidity well. Makes them kind of useless 'cause almost all arboreal reptiles need high humidity levels.

~Maggot
If we're talking about those cages in which all sides are screen, one thing you can do is have a repti-fogger shooting thought it 24/7...

[Gungirl]

Cover the entire outside of it in plexi glass...


Or build, buy another set up.

[EmbraceCalamity]

If we're talking about those cages in which all sides are screen, one thing you can do is have a repti-fogger shooting thought it 24/7...Yeah. I've never used a fogger, so I don't know how well that would work, since it'd all go through the screen anyway. Seems like it'd just be so much easier to buy something else or build something. It was useful for my rat, but beyond that, not really. XD

~Maggot

[Mightymouse0303]

I'm pretty handy with fiberglass maybe use that for a mold and lay fiberglass on it. How well is fiber glass with snakes?

[Mightymouse0303]

Bump bump:)

[Pareeeee]

I'm not sure about the fiberglass thing, sorry. Maybe this post will bump the topic ;)

I applaud you, not only for rescuing that poor snake but for actually listening to the great advice people have been giving you. I wish more people were like that.

As per the tank discussion, both my crested gecko and rosy boa are in tanks, and I've had no issues. My ball python, however, is in a tub due to humidity requirements and limited space. I like both types of enclosures myself. I would probably build my own enclosures if I had the time/place to do it, so if you have the ability to do so that's a great choice.

I would avoid any type of screen lid, and for heating I like under tank heaters, but I've heard flexwatt is very good too. Just make sure it's on a thermostat and you're a-okay.

[EmbraceCalamity]

As per the tank discussion, both my crested gecko and rosy boa are in tanks, and I've had no issues. My ball python, however, is in a tub due to humidity requirements and limited space.Not to be a smartass, but don't cresties require higher humidity levels than balls? I know cresties are high humidity, and I thought balls were only moderate, but I'm not sure of that.

~Maggot

[Pareeeee]

Not to be a smartass, but don't cresties require higher humidity levels than balls? I know cresties are high humidity, and I thought balls were only moderate, but I'm not sure of that.

~Maggot

Turned tank on its side. Custom built front & door. No screen. Mist every day. Moss on top of substrate. Yes it takes just a little more work but I wanted a show tank. He's never gotten sick, and he sheds well.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a368/Pareeeee/4-5.jpg

[Corey209]

Not to be a smartass, but don't cresties require higher humidity levels than balls? I know cresties are high humidity, and I thought balls were only moderate, but I'm not sure of that.

~Maggot

I know my Tokay's humidity is around 80% and that's pretty easy to get with a zoo med naturalistic.

[Pareeeee]

I'm pretty handy with fiberglass maybe use that for a mold and lay fiberglass on it. How well is fiber glass with snakes?

Nobody's answered OP's latest question. I'm not qualified to answer this...

[Gungirl]

fiberglass would be fine as long as it was sealed.

[Corey209]

Nobody's answered OP's latest question. I'm not qualified to answer this...

I've seen a lot of DIY's with fiberglass but I also see a lot with melamine which can release toxins even when sealed.

[KORBIN5895]

I've seen a lot of DIY's with fiberglass but I also see a lot with melamine which can release toxins even when sealed.

What are you talking about?

[Lankyrob]

I've seen a lot of DIY's with fiberglass but I also see a lot with melamine which can release toxins even when sealed.

What are you talking about?

I also thoughtthis sounded outrageous but a quick search showed that melamine boarding can off gas formeldahyde urea throughout its life time! Weird eh?

The fact that it is known to do this yet is still used in pretty much every coutry in the world for furniture (especially kids furniture which is highly regulated) says to me it isnt an issue worth worrying about ;)

[Pareeeee]

I knew melamine was bad, because that's what caused the deaths of a LOT of dogs and cats a few years back, the food that was mixed in melamine bins in factories. It's what killed our cat. :/

[Lankyrob]

There seems to be two issues (looked into it more seeing as i have seven melamine vivs), there is the gas that could be an issue if theree is zero air flow and there are the particles of melamine in the air if the wood gets split or sawn.

I dont see either of these issues as a problem for our reptiles from everyhting i have read but would certainly be more concerned if the wood got damaged somehow :)

[Mightymouse0303]

ok so fiber glassing the enclosure is the new plan. she is going into her first shed since i owned her. whats the humidity best to help her right now its about 58. and temp its 88 hot side and 79 cool side.

[Calihusker]

I prefer Wal-Mart tubs over glass enclosures. Only exception being nice custom closed tops with sliding glass.
:p

[purediamonds]

He looks like an anery to me