Looking for a new snake - Page 2

Cmwells90 · 06-18-14, 05:04 PM

Mikoh, so I've decided I'm going to convince the GF of a GTP, if she doesn't like it, she will eventually! So, what would be the best heating source? I hear RHP are best for ambiant heat, so I would think that would work best, but I've never used one so I'm not sure.Also I was thinking about just buying the adult size enclosure so it can grow into it. Would that be ok? I know some snakes don't do well in an enclosure that's too large, but all I have that are small are aquariums, and they don't retain ambiant heat too well.

Mikoh4792 · 06-18-14, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

That's strange, because that's the exact opposite of my experience. I've seen some pretty big jungles and a few truly large coastals but my IJs are both under 6ft at 5 years of age (I picked up some proven breeders last year). And they both are almost exclusively ground snakes. So much so that I removed all but one perch from their enclosures.

Strange, different experiences for different individuals I guess. Both my IJ's are in the "canopy" of their enclosures right now...but at night I don't really see them in the hanging/ambush position like my jungles and coastals get into. But I guess 2 feet of height isn't really something to base my observations on haha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

Mikoh, so I've decided I'm going to convince the GF of a GTP, if she doesn't like it, she will eventually! So, what would be the best heating source? I hear RHP are best for ambiant heat, so I would think that would work best, but I've never used one so I'm not sure.Also I was thinking about just buying the adult size enclosure so it can grow into it. Would that be ok? I know some snakes don't do well in an enclosure that's too large, but all I have that are small are aquariums, and they don't retain ambiant heat too well.

Snakes don't do well in enclosures that are open, not in enclosures that are big. You can grow a baby gtp in it's adult enclosure but you'd really have to cram that thing with decor, plants, perches...etc. I think it's more convenient to start it out in a smaller enclosure and then move it in after it's gained a bit of size.

I use RHP's for my arboreal/semi-arboreal snakes. They're much simpler than heat lamps in my opinion. They come with two screws that you use to just mount it on the ceiling and nothing else. All you need after that is a thermostat.

Cmwells90 · 06-18-14, 05:23 PM

So the gradiant would be from top to bottom instead of left to right? Would I put the thermostat on the top level to control the highest temp, and let the rest level out? and an aquarium wouldn't support that at all. Any simple concepts on a baby cage? I don't want to spend too much on something that'll only be used for a little while.

**millertime89** · 06-18-14, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Strange, different experiences for different individuals I guess. Both my IJ's are in the "canopy" of their enclosures right now...but at night I don't really see them in the hanging/ambush position like my jungles and coastals get into. But I guess 2 feet of height isn't really something to base my observations on haha.

I use belly heat which may contribute to it. *shrugs*

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Snakes don't do well in enclosures that are open, not in enclosures that are big. You can grow a baby gtp in it's adult enclosure but you'd really have to cram that thing with decor, plants, perches...etc. I think it's more convenient to start it out in a smaller enclosure and then move it in after it's gained a bit of size.

I use RHP's for my arboreal/semi-arboreal snakes. They're much simpler than heat lamps in my opinion. They come with two screws that you use to just mount it on the ceiling and nothing else. All you need after that is a thermostat.

Great points. I'll add GTPs aren't the best animals if you want something that can be handled. They are very delicate as babies and most will never fully calm down. Sometimes you get lucky and you can get localities that are "better" but they're usually nippy all the time.

Mikoh4792 · 06-18-14, 05:27 PM

Here is a good link that shows a simple and very popular setup for chondros

Opinions wanted on a Rubbermaid tub set up in Morelia Viridis Forum, Green Tree Python Forum, Chondro Forum Forum

It depends on the enclosure you choose. In my setup(a 3x2x2) the gradient is from right to left. The thermostat probe was on the highest perch set at 85F. The ambient of the enclosure was around 80F(a little warmer nearer to the RHP). But to answer your previous question, yes you would use the thermostat to control the highest temp in the enclosure.

Mikoh4792 · 06-18-14, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

I use belly heat which may contribute to it. *shrugs*

Great points. I'll add GTPs aren't the best animals if you want something that can be handled. They are very delicate as babies and most will never fully calm down. Sometimes you get lucky and you can get localities that are "better" but they're usually nippy all the time.

What's with all these different accounts! It's weird I've never come across a nippy GTP and I've handled several. All were very calm with no inclination to bite.

Cmwells90 · 06-18-14, 05:40 PM

Yea I just started looking in to them and most of them are saying that yearlings and under and sensitive spines and should be handled as little as possible, and that many of them see that they'll bite until taken out, and even then don't like handling. I don't think my GF would be very good for this kind, more of my kind in the long run. I'll show her the IJ, from what I see online they hardly bite and that would be perfect. But I think she wants more of a show snake. I love the ratsnakes and kings snakes, so we'll see which one she likes!

Cmwells90 · 06-19-14, 01:47 PM

So to my surprise she actually fell in love with the IJ, a grey banded kingsnake, and a rhino rat snake. So now she needs to do her own research and make a choice, but it's definitly looking like an IJ. Now I just need to find somewhere to get one, anyone know a good place to buy a healthy IJ? The pet stores out here are terrible so I'd like to avoid them if possible.

**millertime89** · 06-19-14, 05:24 PM

The Sloan brothers have a bunch of IJ stuff or Kerry King (yes of Slayer) has some as well. I have done business with them both and will gladly buy from either again.

Mikoh4792 · 06-19-14, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

So to my surprise she actually fell in love with the IJ, a grey banded kingsnake, and a rhino rat snake. So now she needs to do her own research and make a choice, but it's definitly looking like an IJ. Now I just need to find somewhere to get one, anyone know a good place to buy a healthy IJ? The pet stores out here are terrible so I'd like to avoid them if possible.

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