Some general questions about BRB's - Page 2

rmfsnakes32 · 08-22-12, 12:01 PM

Wildside boy did you say that right I started with one now I have 8 and am planning on getting 2 more next month lol time to start building racks running out of places to put tanks lol

Tekpc007 · 08-22-12, 12:06 PM

keep in mind you will rarley see the BRB , they are nocturnal . Handling them every day just to handle it isnt a good idea for BRB's . If you want some thing that can be handled often by a young son , I would go for a corn snake or a hog island boa .

Wildside · 08-22-12, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekpc007

keep in mind you will rarley see the BRB , they are nocturnal . Handling them every day just to handle it isnt a good idea for BRB's . If you want some thing that can be handled often by a young son , I would go for a corn snake or a hog island boa .

They have two corns and I would absolutely not recommend a hog for a young kid.

Daddy and Son what is it that appeals to you about the Rainbows?

snake man12 · 08-22-12, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildside

They have two corns and I would absolutely not recommend a hog for a young kid.

Daddy and Son what is it that appeals to you about the Rainbows?

I think a hog would be better than a brb.

Wildside · 08-22-12, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

I think a hog would be better than a brb.

I think neither are the appropriate boa to begin with but these guys seem to have their heart set on the brb's.

daddy and son · 08-23-12, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildside

They have two corns and I would absolutely not recommend a hog for a young kid.

Daddy and Son what is it that appeals to you about the Rainbows?

The coloration mostly, the bright reddish-orange with the iridescent sheen.
His first choice was an anaconda.. NOT! Then he wanted a reticulated python... that's a negative ghost rider! Next up, a red-tail boa. Okay, getting closer but a 10 foot snake still a little big. We both liked the coloration of the rainbow and since they only get about 6 ft long, that's something we can handle.

snake man12 · 08-23-12, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daddy and son

The coloration mostly, the bright reddish-orange with the iridescent sheen.
His first choice was an anaconda.. NOT! Then he wanted a reticulated python... that's a negative ghost rider! Next up, a red-tail boa. Okay, getting closer but a 10 foot snake still a little big. We both liked the coloration of the rainbow and since they only get about 6 ft long, that's something we can handle.

A bci will only get 5 to 7 feet maximum.

Kettennatter · 08-23-12, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

A bci will only get 5 to 7 feet maximum.

That's true, but they are rather strong thick-bodied snakes. Maybe a bit much for a 8yo, even though many BCIs are docile to a fault.

Otherwise I would also recommend a BCI because of their temperament and their robustness.

snake man12 · 08-22-12, 12:53 PM

I also would not suggest either one which is why I think they should get a bp.

Wildside · 08-22-12, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

I also would not suggest either one which is why I think they should get a bp.

But that's not a boa

snake man12 · 08-22-12, 01:21 PM

ehh still a boidae

Snakesitter · 08-22-12, 03:05 PM

(edited away)

Wildside · 08-22-12, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

ehh still a boidae

I'm starting to think you want a piece of me...

Snakesitter · 08-22-12, 03:06 PM

Welcome to our little corner of the forum, D&S!

Let me start by saying that you sound capable of adding a Brazilian to your collection. Your prior experience with snakes and awareness of their needs (such as humidity management) are both strong signs. Plus, I’ve never been a fan of urging people to get something they don’t want, because when they eventually do get their object of their dreams, that prior animal is often an unwanted burden…and feeds right into the unfortunately common idea that snakes are disposable pets. BTW, I got Brazilians as my second snake ever, and have never looked back.

I also have a few answers and suggestions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daddy and son

Would we perhaps be better getting a yearling? Do older ones snap until they get used to the individual or once they get used to people pretty much stop altogether?

Brazilians mellow out with age and handling time. My new babies bite frequently, my juveniles rarely, and my adults almost never. A yearling will certainly be less bitey than a baby…but you do give up the extra “bonding/familiarity” a young acquisition provides.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daddy and son

After three days of testing, I've maintained a constant 80% humidity at 85-90 degrees.

While your humidity is pretty close to the mark, your temps are too high. Aim for a maximum level of 82F…these snakes can have real problems if temps go about 85F with no escape. I personally advocate a gradient of 72F low to 82F high.

You will see your rainbow out and about mostly during the evening to morning period, as these snakes are nocturnal. That said, they are aware of their surroundings even in the day, and many of mine will rest with a head sticking out their hide door so they can watch me.

BTW, I’ve seen the rumor a few times now that frequent handling can cause a rainbow to “dry out”…and do not feel that is accurate. So long as they have access to water before and after a session, they will be fine.

I hope this helps! If you have any other questions feel free to ask -- I keep over 20 of these guys!

daddy and son · 08-23-12, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakesitter

Welcome to our little corner of the forum, D&S!

Let me start by saying that you sound capable of adding a Brazilian to your collection. Your prior experience with snakes and awareness of their needs (such as humidity management) are both strong signs. Plus, I’ve never been a fan of urging people to get something they don’t want, because when they eventually do get their object of their dreams, that prior animal is often an unwanted burden…and feeds right into the unfortunately common idea that snakes are disposable pets. BTW, I got Brazilians as my second snake ever, and have never looked back.

I also have a few answers and suggestions.

Brazilians mellow out with age and handling time. My new babies bite frequently, my juveniles rarely, and my adults almost never. A yearling will certainly be less bitey than a baby…but you do give up the extra “bonding/familiarity” a young acquisition provides.

While your humidity is pretty close to the mark, your temps are too high. Aim for a maximum level of 82F…these snakes can have real problems if temps go about 85F with no escape. I personally advocate a gradient of 72F low to 82F high.

You will see your rainbow out and about mostly during the evening to morning period, as these snakes are nocturnal. That said, they are aware of their surroundings even in the day, and many of mine will rest with a head sticking out their hide door so they can watch me.

BTW, I’ve seen the rumor a few times now that frequent handling can cause a rainbow to “dry out”…and do not feel that is accurate. So long as they have access to water before and after a session, they will be fine.

I hope this helps! If you have any other questions feel free to ask -- I keep over 20 of these guys!

I'll likely use a thermostat to control the temperature. The air pumping through the water keeps the cool end cooler. The warm end has a piece of sandstone near the heater to bask.