Hides?

Meyou4042 · 12-15-13, 06:55 PM

Good evening! I wanted to post pics of Princess Reggie's new 55 gallon tank, and ask a question.

I have a hide in here for her, but as soon as I put her in the new cage with the branches she stays on the branch - I mean like all the time. Are Boa's generally different in that aspect? (She is a Nic/Hog mix)

She ate a med size rat on Saturday, and I have to give her the antibiotic shot tomorrow.

How long do you generally wait between feeding and handling? I usually wait 48 hours...

Terranaut · 12-15-13, 07:43 PM

I hate to sound begative but your setup is not ideal. Heat lamps and screen tops dry your snake out. Do a search on here for screen tops andread away . The vast majority of people using your setup end up with shed issues. You built a nice convection oven there

.
also you need a warm and cool side hide. You should cover 3 sides to help the snake feel more secure as well. Not trying to be a downer here , just being honest.

Meyou4042 · 12-15-13, 07:46 PM

Thanks for the input....cover three side with what? I mist on a daily basis as well as provide a soaking dish. One end is warmer than the other, and since she has an RI I do not want it too humid in there.

Meyou4042 · 12-15-13, 07:55 PM

And if I put something on top of the screen lid to keep in humidity, how does the heat get in from the lamps??? Under the tank heaters do not impress me at all.

RyanReptile · 12-15-13, 08:00 PM

Damp towels, wood, plastic it doesn't really matter. The whole top doesn't need to be cover but try to aim for 2/3 at least.

CosmicOwl · 12-15-13, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meyou4042

And if I put something on top of the screen lid to keep in humidity, how does the heat get in from the lamps??? Under the tank heaters do not impress me at all.

They're a much better choice.

Meyou4042 · 12-15-13, 08:02 PM

That I can do!!! Thanks for the input!!!

Meyou4042 · 12-15-13, 09:30 PM

Cosmic,

I have them for my balls and I do not see how they give off enough heat for the tanks, and yes I purchased the appropriate size.

CosmicOwl · 12-15-13, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meyou4042

Cosmic,

I have them for my balls and I do not see how they give off enough heat for the tanks, and yes I purchased the appropriate size.

Screen top glass tanks don't usually hold heat as well as tubs or other enclosures. Your results are the consequence of using a set up that isn't really right for BP's. With the proper set up, a UTH will provide the best results because they don't sacrifice humidity for heat.

Meyou4042 · 12-15-13, 09:56 PM

Ok, so what is the "proper" set up? I already have the tanks and am not going to redo all three tanks. I am more than willing to modify. Both BP's have under the tank heaters. One actually has two, and the other only has one. They seem to take a long time getting warm, but again, that may be because of the screen lid. I do have most of the tanks lids blocked off with a towel. I will get an UTH for Reggie this coming weekend. Since her tank is 55 gal, do I need to get one for 55 gal, or is a smaller one ok since I want a hot side and a cooler side?

Terranaut · 12-15-13, 10:17 PM

Daily misting just spikes humidity but it still goes dry over the course of the day. What temps do you have currently?
Listen to all of the advice posted and your snakes will be happy campers. Glass can be made to work but tubs are much less hassle.

If you keep the tanks get a background like a fish tank and cover 3 sides with it. It gives the illusion of more cover to the snake.

Meyou4042 · 12-15-13, 10:26 PM

I do not care for tubs because it seems almost cruel to the snake....they have no where to stretch out, isolated (yes I know they like that), and not at all pleasing on the eye. Can you show me pics of your tubs and how you keep them?

kwhitlock · 12-16-13, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meyou4042

I do not care for tubs because it seems almost cruel to the snake....they have no where to stretch out, isolated (yes I know they like that), and not at all pleasing on the eye. Can you show me pics of your tubs and how you keep them?

I'll post one of mine for my BRB. I hated tubs and thought the same thing. But honestly for $20 you cannot go wrong. They are great inexpensive way to house snakes. You will need a much bigger tub for your boa, but for my brb he's about 2ft long. It holds temps so well, along with humidity, IMO, they are the 2nd best option next to an actual cage made for a snake, either home made or professionally built.

Terranaut · 12-15-13, 10:31 PM

I do not use tubs I use actual snake cages. Tubs can be huge if you want. True snake cages are best.

Sharlynn93 · 12-15-13, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

I do not use tubs I use actual snake cages. Tubs can be huge if you want. True snake cages are best.

this is what we are planning in the near future

either pre-made or home-made, but it will be done!! beautiful, terranaut!!