Originally Posted by Snakesitter
Trollbie, first let me say “congrats” on the new member of the family!!!
A tub is fine to start, but you will eventually need to move to a full viv, something at least three feet by two feet. Babies can and will climb, so a little height is useful. Adults are primarily terrestrial, so it’s not as big a concern. Whatever you pick, make sure it can retain both heat and humidity. Note that it’s far better to have too few vents and holes to start than too many -- it's easy to add, hard to cover up!
If you are going to re-use your milksnake’s cage, be sure to thoroughly clean it beforehand. No sense taking chances, ever.
Fish tanks, by the way, do not make the best vivs for Brazilians. They tend to hold humidity well (provided you fix the top), but retain heat poorly and provide little “I’m hiding” feeling for these secretive snakes.
It is a common myth that baby snakes require small vivs (this is true even for ball pythons). What they need is a place in larger vivs to curl up and hide, something they can wedge up against on multiple sides. Think about it: if babies could not survive in large spaces…why are there wild snakes? ;-) (In other words, GarterPython is right on the mark!!!)
Wal-mart tubs are fine. :-)
For furnishings, you need two crucial items: a water bowl large enough for the baby to fully submerge in, and a hide that can be packed with moss to create a damp “humid” hide. Everything else -- decor, climbing sticks, etc. -- is secondary.
For substrate, there are many good options. As you have only two snakes, something like orchid bark or cypress mulch -- which hold humidity well and are not too expensive -- would work well. Avoid eco earth, which I’ve heard gets everywhere. It’s best to get your substrate from a garden supply store rather than a reptile store.
For heating, do not use heat lamps with Brazilians. One, these snakes do not like light. Two, they dry the air. As baby Brazilians need 90% plus humidity, bulbs create a problem. I prefer undercage heating, which can actually help with humidity: when you spray the substrate over the heat, it promotes evaporation. Regardless, use a good thermostat.
For hygros, I’d recommend a digital unit. The small plastic wheel ones, well, blow chunks. ;-)
For handling, Brazilians are fine with being held, provided you do it right. That means letting him settle in and get feeding before holding him too much; and when you do start holding him, listen to what he tells you. His behavior will clue you into his comfort level.
I hope this helps! Again, congrats!
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