Thought she escaped!

JustMeNmySnakes · 01-31-15, 05:49 PM

At first glance a week ago, I thought my SD Retic had escaped, but I finally realized she had burrowed under the substrate. Cypress mulch. I don't know why, but she did it again today. Just not completely covered this time. Is there a reason she or they do this.
I try and keep the tank misted so it doesn't dry out. Is she hiding, getting ready to shed. Her last shed was January 11...
Or?
Thanks!!

**millertime89** · 01-31-15, 06:59 PM

Does she have a hide? That would by my first guess as to why she's burrowing, she's looking for a safe and secure place. All of my SDs use hides until they reach about 3ft in length or 1-2 yrs in age, some even longer.

JustMeNmySnakes · 01-31-15, 07:10 PM

Her hide is one of those half circle tree bark tunnels. She's 4 months according to the seller and about 3 feet. Had her sexed/probed today by a pet shop and the young man gave me a great idea. Make an enclosure out of an armoire wardrobe. Sorry, rambling.
Millertime, how often will she shed, or should she shed while young?
What do you think of the armoire idea?

**millertime89** · 01-31-15, 07:20 PM

I'm not a big fan of the half circle ones. If you want to spend some money buy the appropriate size from Reptile Basics, if not and you have legos around, make your own. I've got two lego hides that I use and they work quite well. You want the hide to be small enough that the snake touches most of the sides and can wedge themselves in pretty well.

Shed frequency depends on diet. The larger/more frequently you feed, the more she'll shed. Typically about once per month though. Honestly at 3 ft and 4 months, I have my doubts that she's a pure SD. Can you post a pic please?

Post a pic of the armoire? I'm not a huge fan of the idea because of the oils used in staining them. If you're completely replacing the wood that will work ok, but I prefer plastic cages completely. If you can find a pre-made plastic cage or glass cage that will just fit in the armoire that's the way I would go if you want a nice display.

JustMeNmySnakes · 01-31-15, 08:32 PM

I emailed a link of the armoire to you. I'll buy her a better hide. The armoire is unstinted and unfinished inside. It's about 150 yrs old according to the seller.

**millertime89** · 02-01-15, 12:14 AM

Something that antique I probably wouldn't modify for use as an enclosure. If you can find something newer that's similar it would definitely work. Since it's relevant to the discussion at hand I'll go ahead and share the link so others can chime in if they want.

wardrobe armoire

**millertime89** · 02-01-15, 12:22 AM

Here's a 1.5 year old Goldenchild 50% Jampea that is about 5 ft. She doesn't do well in larger enclosures and is perfectly happy in this 32 qt (although she's getting moved up to a 2x2 tomorrow). She is always in her hide. This is the kind that I was talking about from RBI.

Peek a boo!