Covering Tank Relieve Stress?

NennaMeerkat · 05-03-11, 11:49 AM

If a snake is stressed would covering up the tank make any difference to help the snake calm down? Like for a couple of days? I think with the activity that has been going on in our home lately my little hoggie girl is stressed. She didn't eat today (though it is a bit cooler than it has been) and I am wanting to relieve some tension for her.

So do you think covering the tank with a big blanket/towel would make her feel better? We don't have a heat lamp on her simply an UTH.

ilovemypets1988 · 05-03-11, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NennaMeerkat

If a snake is stressed would covering up the tank make any difference to help the snake calm down? Like for a couple of days? I think with the activity that has been going on in our home lately my little hoggie girl is stressed. She didn't eat today (though it is a bit cooler than it has been) and I am wanting to relieve some tension for her.

So do you think covering the tank with a big blanket/towel would make her feel better? We don't have a heat lamp on her simply an UTH.

yh, covering up the tank would reduce stress by a massive amount, have a think about the aquarium laminated backgrounds as they are pretty cheap and will add a secure feeling to the tank, your little girl will feel more confident.

also as a little idea, i have a terracotta plant pot in my tank with the boa and he loves to curl up in there, try getting 1 just big enough for her to curl up in and cut a hole in the side and have it upside down in the tank, if you use artificial plants to cover it, it will blend right in

nikkik85 · 05-03-11, 12:15 PM

I have to do this as well when I get home from work... I just found out this could help today. Good luck destressing her!

NennaMeerkat · 05-03-11, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovemypets1988

yh, covering up the tank would reduce stress by a massive amount, have a think about the aquarium laminated backgrounds as they are pretty cheap and will add a secure feeling to the tank, your little girl will feel more confident.

also as a little idea, i have a terracotta plant pot in my tank with the boa and he loves to curl up in there, try getting 1 just big enough for her to curl up in and cut a hole in the side and have it upside down in the tank, if you use artificial plants to cover it, it will blend right in

She has 3 different hides to choose from and she also burrows under her water bowl as well. We have one side of her tank with the background but to allow more sunlight in (normally she enjoys sitting out in the open during the day) we keep the rest of it without the background. No worries though it isn't anywhere near sunlight that could bake her.

I will put a nice large towel over her tank today and tomorrow then try and feed her on Friday. Maybe that will help her out

Lankyrob · 05-03-11, 12:58 PM

The security is one of the things in favour of a wooden type front opening viv rather than an aquarium style tank for snakes - not a criticism in any way just stating a point

sickvenom · 05-03-11, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NennaMeerkat

If a snake is stressed would covering up the tank make any difference to help the snake calm down? Like for a couple of days? I think with the activity that has been going on in our home lately my little hoggie girl is stressed. She didn't eat today (though it is a bit cooler than it has been) and I am wanting to relieve some tension for her.

So do you think covering the tank with a big blanket/towel would make her feel better? We don't have a heat lamp on her simply an UTH.

Why do you think it's stressed? Any specific signs? I wouldn't cover up the top, I would cover all 4 sides.

ilovemypets1988 · 05-03-11, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

The security is one of the things in favour of a wooden type front opening viv rather than an aquarium style tank for snakes - not a criticism in any way just stating a point

we know ur not critisizing rob, your stating a fact, im waiting to get a 4ft viv for my boa and then the aquarium will be used for the geckos instead.

NennaMeerkat · 05-03-11, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sickvenom

Why do you think it's stressed? Any specific signs? I wouldn't cover up the top, I would cover all 4 sides.

Well for the first time since we got her she hasn't eaten. And she seems a bit more...hissy than normal as well. She just seems on the defense more than she ever has. Which would lead me to believe she is feeling stressed.

As for the all wooden viv I couldn't talk my husband into getting one at the reptile expo we went to this weekend considering how much we spent on our tanks (having more than one reptile of course). So we have an aquarium. I know all wood is better but at the same time I know where he is coming from on a money stand point and look stand point. Maybe in a year or so we can make the shift to all wood for at least our little hoggie.

stephanbakir · 05-03-11, 01:12 PM

Covering the sides is great, but maintaining a stable temp is really important.

sickvenom · 05-03-11, 01:14 PM

Don't be too worried, hogs will go off feed just like balls and other species. I really wouldn't worry too much at this point.

NennaMeerkat · 05-03-11, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephanbakir

Covering the sides is great, but maintaining a stable temp is really important.

Yes I know that and the temp is only maybe 2 to 3 degrees cooler than normal. Not cold enough for me to add on her heat lamp which would bring her heat up much higher than needed. She does have her UTH which is on all the time. We got some rain the last couple of days which has made the temps outside (and to a lesser degree) in our house go down. But as I said before not enough to warrant me putting on her heat lamp.

stephanbakir · 05-03-11, 01:18 PM

Do you have a thermostat?

NennaMeerkat · 05-03-11, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephanbakir

Do you have a thermostat?

Nope never thought to need one for my hoggie. Breeder said to just have the UTH on a dimmer with a heat lamp for the winter if the room she lives in gets drafty. It's what she does and has done for years.

nikkik85 · 05-04-11, 10:50 AM

I covered all the sides and the top and it seemed like he was less stressed that quick. We will see

Coffee Black · 05-04-11, 08:52 PM

My favorite thing to use as a hide is a long, low box across the whole tank. All my snakes have used it. allows them to combine security with thermal regulation anywhere. Not pretty but works great. My new carpet is currently in a high traffic that is just behind a door so during the day i keep the door open and propped with a doorstop. She has been far more active in her enclosure since I started doing that.