Checklist for First Timer

TheSuppishOne · 03-19-13, 12:03 PM

Hey everybody. Thank you again for all the helpful answers you've given me thus far. It's saved me a lot of hassle.

Now I just need to put together a checklist of things I need to finally get the snake. I'll start the list with what I know I need, feel free to add things. =]

1. Enclosure (duh). I'm going PVC. I have two questions here, though. Are there advantages towards having a white versus black cage? Also, is 12" really sufficient, or is 16+" preferable?

2. Thermostat. This one seems nice.

3. Heating pad. This one to go with the thermostat.

4. Heat lamp. Not sure what I need here. Any suggestions?

5. Thermometer/Hygrometer. This is cheap and has pretty awesome reviews so far...

6. Misc. Hides, branches, water bowl... Pretty easy.

7. Substrate. I've seen a lot of people using newspaper, and others using actual earth-like stuff. Again, any recommendations?

And I think that rounds up the list. If I missed anything, you're welcome to chime in!

=D

TheSuppishOne · 03-19-13, 12:07 PM

Oh! Maybe a separate feeding bin. I'm thinking that just a large plastic tub will suffice, but you don't want to feed a snake in it's main enclosure, right? I've heard that leads to biting...

**Aaron_S** · 03-19-13, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSuppishOne

Oh! Maybe a separate feeding bin. I'm thinking that just a large plastic tub will suffice, but you don't want to feed a snake in it's main enclosure, right? I've heard that leads to biting...

It doesn't.

I would also refrain from just buying the cheapest of the cheap.

stephanbakir · 03-19-13, 12:22 PM

Don't bother with a separate feeding bin, it really does nothing in terms of taming an animal down. The only time they actually become useful is with a snake that has feeding issues and needs to be confined with their food.

Get a Herpstat ND thermostat,

Any heat pad will do, make sure its aprox 30% the length of the cage.

16' depth would be better, especially as your animal grows.

Black doesn't stain as badly as white...

Substrate depends on the species, which did you chose?

Don't bother with a heat lamp in a PVC enclosure unless the enclosure is built for it.

TheSuppishOne · 03-19-13, 12:35 PM

Wow. Those Herpstat thermostats are really expensive...

I meant 16+" in height. I'm looking at 48"long x 24" deep x12+" tall. Those seem to be the most common sizes.

And wait. I don't need a heat lamp if I have a heating pad? So...just a regular florescent light will do?

I'm still deciding on the species. You guys are recommending the carpet pythons, and while those get bigger than what I'm wanting and their eyes aren't nearly as awesome as the boas (as you said! =D), the better temperament is worth looking into.

stephanbakir · 03-19-13, 12:43 PM

Yeh, let the heating pad do the heating, and use lights that don't emit much heat for when you want to look at them.

A cheap thermostat = dead animals... buy a good one. I meant 16' high. It will let you put in more decor.

Hurrok · 03-19-13, 12:44 PM

Majority of snakes don't need a lamp, especially if you have a heat mat or tape. One source is plenty

I have the Hydrofarm Thermostat and it works fine.

shaunyboy · 03-19-13, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSuppishOne

Oh! Maybe a separate feeding bin. I'm thinking that just a large plastic tub will suffice, but you don't want to feed a snake in it's main enclosure, right? I've heard that leads to biting...

^^^^^
i'm not being cheeky

the myth that feeding in the tank leads to the snake associating,the door opening with being fed,so bites everytime the door opens.....

apply that SAME LOGIC to taking a snake out and feeding in a seperate tub...

then surely the snake would then associate being taken out with feeding,so bites everytime it gets taken out,no?

its a total load of crap that one mate

its down to the individual snakes temprement,as to whether they're biters or not

cheers shaun

rmfsnakes32 · 03-19-13, 01:38 PM

Don't forget to establish a rodent supplier.

Terranaut · 03-19-13, 02:05 PM

Checklist for First Timer
Hey everybody. Thank you again for all the helpful answers you've given me thus far. It's saved me a lot of hassle.

Now I just need to put together a checklist of things I need to finally get the snake. I'll start the list with what I know I need, feel free to add things. =]

1. Enclosure (duh). I'm going PVC. I have two questions here, though. Are there advantages towards having a white versus black cage? Also, is 12" really sufficient, or is 16+" preferable?

Most size stuff depends on species. If you get a boa get the 16"

2. Thermostat. This one seems nice.

I use hydrafarms and have never had an issue but they click loud turning on/off. Better is better if your budget allows. but a thermostat is a must.

3. Heating pad. This one to go with the thermostat.

Heat pads are ok I would personally get a radiant heat panel

4. Heat lamp. Not sure what I need here. Any suggestions?

not needed or wanted ...trust me .

5. Thermometer/Hygrometer. This is cheap and has pretty awesome reviews so far...

This is where you need a good a accurate read so don't cheap out here.

6. Misc. Hides, branches, water bowl... Pretty easy.

Yup at least 2 hides and for a boa get stuff to climb

7. Substrate. I've seen a lot of people using newspaper, and others using actual earth-like stuff. Again, any recommendations?

Aspen works good but there are better things out there. Search on this site to find out what suits you.

And I think that rounds up the list. If I missed anything, you're welcome to chime in!

=D

Rogue628 · 03-19-13, 02:08 PM

Feeding them in a separate bin for...blah..blah..blah...is pretty much a myth.

In the past I have fed in a feeding bin. The last few years I feed inside their enclosures. I get a better feeding response feeding them in an area they feel safe and secure in. I have and have had animals that would not eat in a feeding bin. Why? They didn't feel safe. Plus it can put stress on them later by moving them to their home with fresh food in their bellies. Snakes don't need to be handled for at least 2 days after feeding, depending upon how quick they digest their food.

Also, snakes are a bit more intelligent than what most people give them credit for. If you don't want them to associate feeding time vs handling time, put them on a strict schedule. They will eventually learn what feeding day is. Another way to do it is to have something you can touch their heads with before picking them up. They will learn that touching them on the head means they're going to have some sort of human interaction. If you're going to hook train, you can use the hook to touch them. I use a paper towel insert to touch mine on their heads and it works just as well. I use this trick with new ones until they learn when feed day is, etc.

Like Shaun said, it's going to come down the the individual snake, their temperament, and their trust bond with you. This bond is very important, especially if you're wanting to have an animal you can work with.

Thermostat: the one you linked to I have never heard of. I use this one: Vivarium Electronics VE-100 - Reptile Basics Inc it's a cheaper model of some of the more well known ones, but I don't plan to use it forever. I think it's good for starting but I will eventually switch it out to something much better. A thermostat is usually the most expensive but the most important piece of equipment you'll need for you snake. Don't cheap out on the thermostat.

Please don't use that analog thing for a thermometer/hygrometer. Acurite has one that I've been using with no issues. It even has a probe. I found mine at the local Wal Mart AcuRite Digital Thermometer with Temperature Sensor Probe and Humidity / Clock 00891W3

Most any reptile heating pad will work as long as it's on a thermostat. Just make sure it covers approximately 30% of the floor of the enclosure.

I don't use PVC enclosures...yet...but black doesn't stain as badly. Also, if you have a shy animal, it seems like the black ones wouldn't allow as much light in. Some animals prefer it dark(er). It's really going to depend upon the individual animal.

I use sterilite tubs for all my animals. I have 10 total, 7 different species...in all sizes, different husbandry requirements, etc and they work great! I will eventually have to move my giants into better enclosures but for smaller animals, carpets included, they work well.

I also use newspaper as substrate. It doesn't look pretty, but it's economical (free!) and it forces me to keep my tubs cleaned. With more natural looking substate, it can be hit or miss with cleaning unless you take it out and constantly change it which is expensive. But with paper, I immediately see it and clean the tub. It's not just spot cleaning. If I have to take the paper out, I clean out the inside of the whole enclosure. It doesn't take long and it makes for a healthier and cleaner environment for my animals, IMO. Even if I have to clean my tubs twice a day, it doesn't take long, especially when I consider that it keeps my tubs clean and is a good proponent to having healthy animals.

Whatever you decide to get, I recommend a hatchling. It's good to get them small so you can work with them and you also have a long time to get to know each other and build a trust bond. The earlier you can start working with them, the better for the both of you.

It's going to be up to you on what you decide as a size for an enclosure for your new animal. I personally prefer to put them in smaller tubs that just gives them enough room for them, a hide and a water bowl. I believe a smaller area while they young and acclimating helps with security. I also don't use hides after a while. Most of my animals stopped using them after a while anyway and seem to do just fine without them. But this is me and how I prefer to keep my animals. It works well for me and I have no issues with health or handling in my way of keeping. For the record, I don't use hooks nor will I. I feel that even though it gives a bit of safety, it also holds the animal away from you and how is it to get to know you at arms length? Instead I use heavy gloves for biters until they learn.

Again, this is just my method of keeping and working with my animals and it works for me and the animals I keep.

I think everyone does things a bit differently as it depends on the keeper, the animals they keep, and how much or little they work with them.

Good luck on your new animal! Please hit us up with other questions or concerns you may have. Can't wait to see what you decide upon and its new home!

TheSuppishOne · 03-19-13, 04:40 PM

Woah. There's a response!

So Sterilite tubs work fine, eh? They sell 50 gallon ones at my local Walmart that are 43" Long x 22" Wide x 18" Tall, so that would be ideal if it doesn't matter to the snake. Not pretty, but extremely practical. Plus, that opens my budget up for a nicer Thermostat! =D

I also really like the idea of touching their head to train them for human handling. That seems like a simple solution to what I was worried would be a problem.

So... a heating pad underneath the enclosure will heat the air up enough, then, too?

As far as the snake goes, the general consensus here says that the carpet python is what I'm needing. As long as I don't get a coastal one, anyway. Supposedly those can grow to like 11 feet. It's disappointing, because I don't find them nearly as attractive as the boas, but if it's better for handling often, and easier to keep, then that's what's truly important.

Terranaut · 03-19-13, 05:22 PM

Really? Ever seen a jag like this ?

Hell my carpet collection is crap compared to some on here. Troll the morelia section on here and see what Greg and Shaun have.

Lankyrob · 03-19-13, 05:23 PM

Whats really important is getting an animal,that YOU want and that you will enjoy for the next 20+ yrs without getting bored.

**Aaron_S** · 03-19-13, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSuppishOne

Woah. There's a response!

So Sterilite tubs work fine, eh? They sell 50 gallon ones at my local Walmart that are 43" Long x 22" Wide x 18" Tall, so that would be ideal if it doesn't matter to the snake. Not pretty, but extremely practical. Plus, that opens my budget up for a nicer Thermostat! =D

I also really like the idea of touching their head to train them for human handling. That seems like a simple solution to what I was worried would be a problem.

So... a heating pad underneath the enclosure will heat the air up enough, then, too?

As far as the snake goes, the general consensus here says that the carpet python is what I'm needing. As long as I don't get a coastal one, anyway. Supposedly those can grow to like 11 feet. It's disappointing, because I don't find them nearly as attractive as the boas, but if it's better for handling often, and easier to keep, then that's what's truly important.

People are biased. A lot of people have carpet pythons on this forum.

Boas can be handled just as easily as carpet pythons.