Few final questions before first BP purchase

[ProjectMKUltra5]

Hey my names Michael, I've been lurking for a while learning stuff. This place is treasure trove of information and it's been incredibly helpful for me. I've never owned any kind of reptile but after holding a ball and my mind being blown by how awesome that snake was I've decided to take the plunge and buy one from a local pet store (not the bad kind, mom and pop place, seems legit). I'm going in Friday to pick one up but I have a few final questions before pick up the little fella.

What is the proper way to get it to let go when I get tagged? I don't wanna hurt it when that happens.

How hot do I need to get the frozen food?

This is a 420 friendly house, I assume no more smoking in the same room as the snake?


All in all I feel like I got a good grip on everything I need to do but I've never owned a reptile so I'm nervous as hell. This board has been crazy helpful in just about every facet. Got a thermostat, temp gun, and all the little helpful goodies I would have never thought of otherwise. Big thanks to all of you, I'll make sure I post pics on Friday.

[Viol8r]

This should answer the bite question.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21UBSL_nV_Y
I only feed live but the rat should be fully thawed, warm and the head I believe should be mid 90's.

[Wizard]

Most times when you get "tagged" by a snake they will typically let go after the bite. Unless its some big, bad ass 20' anaconda...then your screwed.

[calmolly1]

And yes you are correct, no smoking in the snake room


Molly & Steve
0.1 normal BP 'Precioucess'
0.1 BCI 'Luna'

[The Golem]

I've read that spraying with water bottle (which you will have for misting / cleaning the enclosure) will get the snake to let go. They're a dollar or two from discount store and handy to have.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/home/c...ontent=Default


The snake has a tiny little lung, don't smoke anything near it.

Frozen/thawed: fortunately the water comes out of my taps close to 100 F which is ideal. I put the rat in a little ziplock baggie, in a cup of hot water and it takes around 20-30 minutes to get up to temp.
It's helpful if the head is a bit hotter than the body, ie head close to 100 and maybe 90-95 for body; this is the temp at the sink so it drops a couple of degrees by the time it's in the enclosure. And then the snake will strike, wrap and hold it for a while to make sure it's dead and at a good temp for swallowing.

Also I'm a new owner, had Mr. Burrows for around 6 months now and it's been fun and fascinating. There will be times you are obsessed and worried but just remind yourself that pythons have survived as solo predators for millions of years in many different environments and they are quite hardy so as long as you get the husbandry (enclosure, temps, humidity, etc) down it will be okay.