Sunbeam Snake

[Star-Static]

So I miiiight have just bought a sunbeam snake...

I'm such an impulse buyer....Haha.
Anyone have any general tips for how to keep him happy?



I know they need a high level of humidity. And that if they don't get it they'll get sores and what not.
I have some cypress mulch and whatnot.

Just wondering if anyone has any tips and tricks.
Thanks!

[Mike41793]

Need info on a species that ive never heard of before? I'd ask skiploder.

[Annarose15]

That is a crazy iridescent snake!

[3skulls]

http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymounta...RMHsunbeam.htm

[Star-Static]

http://www.kingsnake.com/rockymounta...RMHsunbeam.htm

I've read that, but thanks!

[Star-Static]

That is a crazy iridescent snake!

I know! I've always been a fan of them because of their iridescence!
So I found some online and had to buy one... My snake collection is getting to be big quickly.

[3skulls]

Oh. The little I know about them is covered in that link so I have nothing to add.

Well beside I think they look awesome!

Good luck with it.

[Skiploder]

I'd find out if he was CB or WC. If the animal was WC (as is the case with many xenopeltis), then you can probably expect some health issues - mainly internal parasites and other stress related disorders.

Xenopeltis are also easily stressed and likewise can succumb to stress-induce disease. It is therefore imperative that you nail down your husbandry.

Always keep in mind that they are a fossorial species and as such, prefer a substrate that (1) holds humidity without being wet and (2) provides enough depth to burrow.

Many keepers use cypress, but I have never been a fan (dirty, pointy jagged stuff it is). You can use it, or you can use another medium such as coco-noir. mixed with sphagnum moss or with pure topsoil (no chemicals). A minimum depth of 6" can be used or as much as 18".

I cannot stress enough that the substrate has to be damp, not wet. Damp substrate, a proper heat gradient, and security are all these snakes need.

88 degrees with an undertank pad or flewatt on the hot end and cool side of about 76 to 78 degrees is fine. Variations within a few degrees will be easily tolerated.

Remember, these are animals that prefer to be buried - not held, not mucked with, etc. Leave them alone except to clean and feed and it - barring any parasite loads - will do well.

Spot cleaning these animals is very difficult as most of their waste is passed under the substrate. If keeping these animals in a rack, I would advise keeping a second tub at the ready with premixed, pre-dampened substrate in it. Swap the tubs in the rack, clean the old tub and prep it for the next cleaning. Any decorations can be swapped so that there are some familiar smells in the fresh tub.

The rot disease you referenced is a by product of incorrect husbandry and stress. The problem is most people think that they can cure it by drying out the snake's environment which exacerbates the issue. Again, keep the animal warm, secure and damp (NOT WET!) and it should thrive.

[Star-Static]

Oh. The little I know about them is covered in that link so I have nothing to add.

Well beside I think they look awesome!

Good luck with it.

Thanks!

I'll take some pictures when I get him.

[Star-Static]

I'd find out if he was CB or WC. If the animal was WC (as is the case with many xenopeltis), then you can probably expect some health issues - mainly internal parasites and other stress related disorders.

Xenopeltis are also easily stressed and likewise can succumb to stress-induce disease. It is therefore imperative that you nail down your husbandry.

Always keep in mind that they are a fossorial species and as such, prefer a substrate that (1) holds humidity without being wet and (2) provides enough depth to burrow.

Many keepers use cypress, but I have never been a fan (dirty, pointy jagged stuff it is). You can use it, or you can use another medium such as coco-noir. mixed with sphagnum moss or with pure topsoil (no chemicals). A minimum depth of 6" can be used or as much as 18".

I cannot stress enough that the substrate has to be damp, not wet. Damp substrate, a proper heat gradient, and security are all these snakes need.

88 degrees with an undertank pad or flewatt on the hot end and cool side of about 76 to 78 degrees is fine. Variations within a few degrees will be easily tolerated.

Remember, these are animals that prefer to be buried - not held, not mucked with, etc. Leave them alone except to clean and feed and it - barring any parasite loads - will do well.

Spot cleaning these animals is very difficult as most of their waste is passed under the substrate. If keeping these animals in a rack, I would advise keeping a second tub at the ready with premixed, pre-dampened substrate in it. Swap the tubs in the rack, clean the old tub and prep it for the next cleaning. Any decorations can be swapped so that there are some familiar smells in the fresh tub.

The rot disease you referenced is a by product of incorrect husbandry and stress. The problem is most people think that they can cure it by drying out the snake's environment which exacerbates the issue. Again, keep the animal warm, secure and damp (NOT WET!) and it should thrive.

Awesome information, thank you!
I'll see if I can found some coco-noir substrate. And I know they can get easily stressed, which is unfortunate as they are such an iridescent snake! But I won't bother it too much, I'll pester my balls instead.

I've heard that sunbeams musk, I've never experienced that before...know about how bad it is?

Thanks again!