Help for an indecisive newbie? - Page 4

whatclaptrap · 07-01-11, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD35WIN.AS.ONE

Good choice, id love to see pictures if/when you get him.

Haha of course. I'll probably flood the forum with fangirling and pictures if/when I get him. Although, now that I'm poking around looking at setup stuff, does anyone have recommendations for good thermometers/hygrometers/undertank heating pads/everything else?

Thanks everyone for being so patient with my questions, haha. :]

marionsclan · 07-01-11, 10:07 PM

I would check ebay and craig's list to see who is selling what and then compare it to the store bought prices. Also, check your local Freecycle group (if you have one). I've gotten a complete setup for free that way.

However, IF you have the money then I would go and buy new quality equipment.

Jay · 07-01-11, 10:19 PM

My first snake was a Colombian Red Tail. I have been around reptiles for as long as I can remember, and even with that experience I can honestly tell you I was not prepared. I did very little research, I just thought that I knew what I was doing. My advice to you is get what snake you want, talk to local breeders. Keep it simple, do your research and you will be fine.

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 07-01-11, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatclaptrap

Haha of course. I'll probably flood the forum with fangirling and pictures if/when I get him. Although, now that I'm poking around looking at setup stuff, does anyone have recommendations for good thermometers/hygrometers/undertank heating pads/everything else?

Thanks everyone for being so patient with my questions, haha. :]

Good im excited to see them, im glad your gettting a snake im sure you will be completely content with. I wish i had stores around here that sell Pythons like that, even just so i could look at them. As for Therms/Hydro meters, Walmart has one for like 10 bucks with a probe (digital) its called AcuRite. I think ive seen some pictures Infernalis posted with one in them.

red ink · 07-02-11, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatclaptrap

Haha, for sure! And yeah, regarding the various antaresias, I know that I can't really rely on a 'breed standard' haha. Snakes are, like every other pet I can think of (maybe excluding fish), individuals, but broad tendencies in a breed can be helpful to know.

That said, I am pretty interested in them despite possibly being a little chainsaw, haha. I've heard they've a tendency towards random biting - has that been your experience with them?

Thanks!

I think all snakes have a tendancy of random biting though.... I may not be the best peson for advise in regards to handling as I don't handle my snakes much. That said all of mine are calm outside of the enclosure but i would never stick my hand in their space either. All of mine are "hooked out" of their enclosures. That's the way i interact with them as I don't want anybody being able to open the enclosure and grab any of them out without paying a price that is....

As for my spotted she is the devil incarnate when in her enclosure but an absolute angel once she's hooked out and on bare skin (I really like it that way)....

pics to help you along

Cheers

marionsclan · 07-02-11, 01:24 AM

I find it very interesting how many different approaches about snake handling there are. Some people prefer to feed only live animals so to keep the instinct alive, other only feed killed because they don't want their snake to get hurt. Some hook them out so that they stay territorial, and other prefer the hand so that the snake gets to trust them. And there are many more different dynamics between owner and 'pet'.

I think when asking questions for advice and tips, some information is purely based on facts given the research and type of animals, however, a lot of information is based on the experience coming from the individual approaches and should always be taken into account rather than relying solely on it. IMHO

Lankyrob · 07-02-11, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marionsclan

I find it very interesting how many different approaches about snake handling there are. Some people prefer to feed only live animals so to keep the instinct alive, other only feed killed because they don't want their snake to get hurt. Some hook them out so that they stay territorial, and other prefer the hand so that the snake gets to trust them. And there are many more different dynamics between owner and 'pet'.

I think when asking questions for advice and tips, some information is purely based on facts given the research and type of animals, however, a lot of information is based on the experience coming from the individual approaches and should always be taken into account rather than relying solely on it. IMHO

Totally agree - the whole point of research is to gain as much knowledge (facts) and Experience as possible and then make up your own mind as to what is "right". As long as you dont argue the facts then you wont go wrong!

whatclaptrap · 07-02-11, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

Totally agree - the whole point of research is to gain as much knowledge (facts) and Experience as possible and then make up your own mind as to what is "right". As long as you dont argue the facts then you wont go wrong!

I totally agree. It's definitely nice to have some idea of what other people have experienced, though. It won't ever be exactly the same experience, but it can give an idea of some things that might happen, so they're not as surprising if they happen, if that makes sense haha.

@Red Ink - aaah, she's absolutely beautiful! :] Is she full grown at this point? This might make me weird, but the idea of hooking a snake is actually a little more intimidating than just reaching in, haha - I'd be afraid that I wouldn't be as dextrous with the hook.

stephanbakir · 07-02-11, 07:55 AM

Hooking a snake is not as complicated as you think, it doesn't take long to learn.

forza_inter · 07-02-11, 09:00 AM

Lol sorry about thee gender confusion, I'm sure it happens in the forum more then people think.

As for hooking, I use a hook for the sole reason that I see my boas tank as her tterritory, and using a hook opposed to just reaching in and grabbing her makes me feel that I'm respecting her territory and kind of giving her that personal space. If that makes any sense lol

stephanbakir · 07-02-11, 10:26 AM

What type of hook? Especially with boas that tend to be heavily bodied, I'd advise you use a python hook, they are wide so you aren't putting pressure on individual ribs and hurting the snake.
Monster snakes and a few other companies sell them pretty cheap.

forza_inter · 07-02-11, 12:02 PM

im using this one:

Deluxe Collapsible Snake Hook

stephanbakir · 07-02-11, 12:35 PM

I would invest in a wider hook for sure. If you want, when I get back home I can give you a few links to a few good ones.

marvelfreak · 07-02-11, 02:16 PM

Try this link. Reptile Husbandry and Stainless Products

I have one of the collapsible hooks and they suck. Keeps falling apart. A solid one is the only way to go. I am getting this one. Snake Hook 38"- Reptile Basics Inc

KD35WIN.AS.ONE · 07-02-11, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

Totally agree - the whole point of research is to gain as much knowledge (facts) and Experience as possible and then make up your own mind as to what is "right". As long as you dont argue the facts then you wont go wrong!

I like how you put it.