custom cage problem

[Chu'Wuti]

printed or unprinted: its all good

Here in North America most publishers use soy ink nowadays because soy is cheap to grow. That may not be true in Ireland; if they are still using the old inks, they are toxic.

i have my corn on beech shaving

As far as I know, beech does not contain the same phenols that are present in cedar or pine, so it may not be toxic. However, I am not an expert on this, so you might want to check on some of the European forums to see if anyone there has experience with beech.

How long have you kept your corn snake on beech shavings? Who recommended beech shavings for the corn? If that person is an experienced snake keeper, then he/she may already know beech is safe; talking to that person would be useful.

100 Euros? I don't know what a reasonable price in your area would be; I can tell you that that amount is 1.75 times what I paid here in the States. But it may be normal for your area, esp. as shipping is likely to be included in that price.

A younger snake (shorter than two feet) isn't necessarily a problem. If you see the snake eating in the store, then it's more likely to continue eating. Find out what the store policy is on returns--if you can't get the snake to eat in a month, can you return it?

I'm glad that you have found another store so you can compare your options--good luck!

[phil_7870]

what will i look for when i am looking at the snakes in the new pet shop . and will i just use normal newspaper not shredded

[Chu'Wuti]

The following questions/suggestions are from pp. 53-67 of "The Complete Ball Python" by Kevin McCurley:

Look the snake over--does it appear to be healthy, strong, alert? It should not be limp or listless. When you press (gently) on its muscles, do they feel solid (good)? or does it feel squishy or thin (bad)? Its muscles should feel strong. When it balls up, is it easy to straighten (gently)? or does it feel strong?

Is it calm when you're holding it? When it moves, does it move slowly as if it is exploring, flicking its tongue? or does it seem agitated and flail around frantically? It should seem calm but alert and interested in how you smell. If it is agitated and flails around trying to escape, you probably should not get it.

Feel along its spine and its ribs--are there lumps or bumps or kinks that you can feel? These could indicate broken bones. Even when it is balled up, the spine should feel smoothly curved, not bumpy.

Look at its scales & skin. Are there any sores or wounds? Do you see any black specks (poppy seed sized) that you can run off or that come off on your hand? You may also see these moving on the snake's body or around its eyes. These are snake mites--don't get it.

Are its eyes clear? Unless it is getting ready to shed, its eyes should be clear. If there is any sign of cloudiness or pus or infection, don't get it. If there appear to be caps over its eyes, it was unable to shed completely during a previous shed; this could be a problem for you.

Does it keep its mouth closed the majority of the time you're watching it? Or does it yawn or gape often? Is there mucous or foamy fluid around its mouth? Can you hear whistling or gurgling noises as it breathes? These are signs of a possible respiratory infection--don't get it.

Its gums & mouth should be a light whitish-pink color. If there are reddened areas or broken teeth, it may have been injured. If its throat looks puffy on the inside, it may have a respiratory infection.

Look at its vent. Is it clean? Or are feces stuck to it, or is it red and swollen? The latter are bad signs--the vent should be clean and nearly indistinguishable (except for the difference in scale shapes) from the rest of its belly.

Look at its belly. It should be a clear white/cream in color. If there are blisters or reddish areas, then it may have belly rot. However, if the snake is getting ready to shed, its entire belly may be pinkish, but it should be an even color.

Ask how many times it has eaten and what they've been feeding it. When is its next feeding due? Can you watch them feed it? If it has eaten 5-6 meals, you shouldn't have any (or much) problem getting it to eat. If it hasn't eaten since the pet store has had it, don't buy it.

Hopefully others will chip in with some more suggestions, too.

If you do get one and it's cold outside, you might need a heat pack to keep it from getting too cold on your trip home--the BP needs to be at 80 degrees F (25-27 deg C) or he could get sick. On the other hand, your body temperature (96 deg F/37 deg C) is too hot!

Re the newspaper--just lay it flat, not shredded, on the bottom of your tank. Be sure to make or get a hide for the snake--two is better.

good luck!

[phil_7870]

i now own a small ball python that is as healthy as can be its a normal but lovely looking snake

[Chu'Wuti]

Whoopee! Congratulations, Phil! I also have a normal, and they are beautiful as far as I'm concerned! You're going to enjoy watching it soooo much!

[siz]

Congrats on getting a wonderful snake! I have a normal as well, I love her, and as Chu said they are beautiful! Just as beautiful as many moprhs in my opinion!

[phil_7870]

its class its only bout 16 inch really small .hav to try and feed it 2moro .what would be better for me to try a pink or fuzzy .

[siz]

The appropriate feeder should be roughly the same size as the width of your snake. I ASSUME your snake will take fuzzies.

edit: Ask the pet store or breeder you got it from what the snake was last fed.

[phil_7870]

do these grow quick or slow .i no it depend on each snake and the amount of food .

[citysnakes]

you'll soon find out.

[johnrandle]

balls tend to be slow eaters and dont get very big very fast... but some are very agressive eaters and get big fast. it will all depend on your snake and its caging

[Smilts]

congrats on the new bp

[phil_7870]

he wouldnt eat yesterday .the pet shop said that i should try and feed him . im not worried its just because of the move and that .would i be better of feeding him in a week are wait 2 weeks

[johnrandle]

its best to just let him be for at least a week to get adjusted to the new tank and etc.,
feed him in a week.if he doesnt eat then try a week after that.

[phil_7870]

whats the best kind of hides to put in with him .i have the roll from toilet paper in with him now