Total newbie - lots of questions

[Theflyingyogi]

Hello all!

I want to start out by saying I'm completely new to the hobby. Have no snake yet, (Have my eye ona gorgeous candino pewter which I will attach pcitures of) but have plenty of questions!

I have very minimal experience with reptiles and my things are birds. I had a bearded dragon and after my separation with my partner I no longer have the beardie. I currently have a leapard gecko, which she's my pet rock. I never see her, like at all - people think I exaggerate. I know she's alive because I clean the poop, the food is gone and she moves from one hide to the next. Other than that. I never see her - even at night.

So that about sums up my reptile experience, although I did enjoy me beardie his poop would kill my job. I'm sure it didn't help that it baked under a heat lamp while I'm at work. And let's face it, no one poops roses as much as we'd like to think we do 😅.

I have always liked snaked but never the idea of feeding them. Which is why I said I'd never bring one home. Until I found out about frozen, thawed method - which i can do. Before I make the same mistakes with the above reptiles I would really love some first hand experience. I have two amazing dogs, so I'm not looking for a cuddle pet. Of course I'll interact with the snake and take it out. But, I don't want a pet rock....

So what I'd like to know is..


What is the activity level of the snake? I understand that they are nocturnal, and I won't see much if any activity during the day. However, what are nights light? Do they come out and explore or do they pretty much stay in the hide as well?

What is th poop situation? How bad is the order from 1 to 10? And how often do they go (young and older snakes). It sounds like a silly question, but I don't want my apartment to be smelling bad.

About how much am I looking to spend on feeding the snake monthly? I'd be feeding frozen.


I have the basics covered, I have a 20 gallon long tank, I have the screen top with locks. I have the heat mat, and the hides. I missing the bowl, and substrate. Not a fan of the newspaper, as I like more natural enclosures. I live in miami but keep my apt at about 80 when im not home (air off) and about 76 when I am, at bed time i drop it to about 70. Will the snake be ok at night or might I run into issues? I know that they need between 50 to 60 percent humidity. I was thinking of seal off part of the mesh top with aquarium safe silicon to try and hold moisture in. Ideas on this?

I know this post is very long! But I rather ask away then bring home an animal and have it suffer.

Ps. For a male candino pewter is 650 shipped a good price? 😅🤷🏼*♂️

Thanks ya'll!