can i get a little advice?

Psyche · 12-18-11, 03:35 PM

I'm actually hesitant to ask because so far my internet browsing experience hasn't exactly been the best (in that when i ask questions online i'm answered by people who more or less reprimand me for not knowing the answer).

I got my first snake about a week ago and the thermometer and such I ended up getting aren't good (from what I've read so far). They aren't the digital ones and I was wondering just how inaccurate they are?

Another thing I've been unable to find the answer for is this, how do you know when your snake has acclimated? Mine hides 24/7, I don't think she even comes out at night. Is this normal?

Lastly I feel like my snake should be drinking water or at least soaking (She's a 4 month old BRB I got from David Colling, a very great guy imo). Is she suppose to be soaking or do they only do that when they're going to shed? and if they do it more often than that why isn't she?

I'm really sorry if my questions are dumb, I've just been having a hard time finding the answers for them.

infernalis · 12-18-11, 04:21 PM

You came to the right place for respectful answers....

Gungirl · 12-18-11, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psyche

I'm actually hesitant to ask because so far my internet browsing experience hasn't exactly been the best (in that when i ask questions online i'm answered by people who more or less reprimand me for not knowing the answer).

That doesn't happen here. We might be blunt and to the point sometimes but don't take offense.

I got my first snake about a week ago and the thermometer and such I ended up getting aren't good (from what I've read so far). They aren't the digital ones and I was wondering just how inaccurate they are?

I have seen the dial ones be any where from 10 -40 degrees off. Look into a digital asap for the benefit of your snake.

Another thing I've been unable to find the answer for is this, how do you know when your snake has acclimated? Mine hides 24/7, I don't think she even comes out at night. Is this normal?

I bet she comes out and moves around at night. She just has a spot she likes to go back to all the time. It can be hard to tell if some snakes ever move unless you watch them 24/7. Once she is eating well you can assume she is acclimated

Lastly I feel like my snake should be drinking water or at least soaking (She's a 4 month old BRB I got from David Colling, a very great guy imo). Is she suppose to be soaking or do they only do that when they're going to shed? and if they do it more often than that why isn't she?

If you have your humidity right she might never soak for any reason. Some snakes like to be in the water others don't. I bet she is drinking when she is out at night in the dark and quiet.

I'm really sorry if my questions are dumb, I've just been having a hard time finding the answers for them.

Hope that helps you out.

KORBIN5895 · 12-18-11, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by infernalis

You came to the right place for respectful answers....

The main reason for this is because Wayne understands the powers of the banhammer and uses those powers to keep this place running smoothly.

jarich · 12-18-11, 04:39 PM

Dont worry about the questions being dumb, they arent at all. Its good that you are willing to ask what you dont know. I would guess that some of the reactions where due to people feeling that these things should be researched before getting the snake, but youre correcting that now, and thats the important part.

As for the thermometer, yes it would be a very good idea to get one of the infrared type digital thermometers. They are pretty cheap too, I think you can find them online for around $15-20. Not only are the analog strips pretty unreliable, but they only measure that exact spot. The infrared ones will measure wherever you point them. That way you can easily find temps in many different parts of the enclosure, which is essential for giving the snake a proper heat gradient.

I dont own any BRBs myself (Im sure the other owners here will comment soon), but baby snakes in general are pretty shy little things. It will generally take longer than a week to acclimate, so no need to worry about it at this point. I dont think my adult green tree python really got used to his new set up for about 4 months. Have you been handling it? Its a good idea when you first get them to just leave them be in the enclosure, until they are comfortable in their new home.

As for the soaking, it depends on what your enclosure's humidity levels are at. Do you have a hygrometer? This is also a very important tool to have and use often, and again, the digital ones are more accurate.

EasternGirl · 12-18-11, 04:41 PM

You won't have any problems here...everyone is friendly and no one judges anyone. Welcome!

KORBIN5895 · 12-18-11, 05:03 PM

As far as the drinking thing goes I have 3 common boas and an Amazon tree boa. I haven't seen any of them drink for almost 2 months.

shaunyboy · 12-18-11, 05:16 PM

hello and welcome

i use exo terra dial guages in all my carpet python tanks,i have found them to be accurate enough to use for checking temps when walking past my tanks

i also use a Raytek ST80 lazer temperature gun to make sure my temperatures are spot on

the guages will do you just fine,until you can get hold of a good digital one,or a lazer temp gun

you've come to the right place for answers,as we don't tollerate nasty people on here

infernalis (wayne) is a fair and decent moderator,who will not put up with that sort of stuff either

re drinking
i keep carpet pythons well into double figures and i think i've only ever seen a snake drink 2 or 3 times,so i wouldn't worry to much about not seeing your brb drinking

cheers shaun

Psyche · 12-18-11, 06:05 PM

Thank you all so much for helping me, you have no idea how much i appreciate it

alessia55 · 12-18-11, 06:08 PM

Also, if this is a new snake... Resist handling her until she's eaten at least once or twice for you. If she's eating she's OK. Snakes won't eat if they're too stressed out. Has she eaten yet with you?

Psyche · 12-18-11, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alessia55

Also, if this is a new snake... Resist handling her until she's eaten at least once or twice for you. If she's eating she's OK. Snakes won't eat if they're too stressed out. Has she eaten yet with you?

I haven't been able to get her to eat yet, but i haven't been handling her or anything.

snake man12 · 12-18-11, 06:49 PM

Usually if the humidity is to low the will be inclined to drink more.

marvelfreak · 12-18-11, 07:27 PM

My BRB is two years old and i only seen him soaking in his water maybe three time ever. Be who you got it from i am sure it a healthy snake. So if it doesn't eat right away don't worry. Like Alessia said just live it only and let it settle in and once it eat a couple times then you can start handling it. And always give it 2 to 3 days with no handling after feeding. That way it gives it time to digest it's food. Any other question feel free to ask we'll do our best to help.

ZARADOZIA · 12-19-11, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psyche

I'm actually hesitant to ask because so far my internet browsing experience hasn't exactly been the best (in that when i ask questions online i'm answered by people who more or less reprimand me for not knowing the answer).

That doesn't happen here. We might be blunt and to the point sometimes but don't take offense.

I got my first snake about a week ago and the thermometer and such I ended up getting aren't good (from what I've read so far). They aren't the digital ones and I was wondering just how inaccurate they are?

I have seen the dial ones be any where from 10 -40 degrees off. Look into a digital asap for the benefit of your snake.

Another thing I've been unable to find the answer for is this, how do you know when your snake has acclimated? Mine hides 24/7, I don't think she even comes out at night. Is this normal?

I bet she comes out and moves around at night. She just has a spot she likes to go back to all the time. It can be hard to tell if some snakes ever move unless you watch them 24/7. Once she is eating well you can assume she is acclimated

Lastly I feel like my snake should be drinking water or at least soaking (She's a 4 month old BRB I got from David Colling, a very great guy imo). Is she suppose to be soaking or do they only do that when they're going to shed? and if they do it more often than that why isn't she?

If you have your humidity right she might never soak for any reason. Some snakes like to be in the water others don't. I bet she is drinking when she is out at night in the dark and quiet.

I'm really sorry if my questions are dumb, I've just been having a hard time finding the answers for them.

Pretty much sums it up

SnakeyJay · 12-19-11, 07:16 AM

Brb's are quite shy snakes anyway... Mine is usually hiding and from what I've heard, a lot of people's are the same.
Just a quick question, how many times have you attempted to feed since you got it? If your trying too often it will stress your little guy out... Good luck