A few more q's

[O.S.]

I wasnt sure where to place this thread, since i have a few general questions about various topics...

1. With the overhead lamp i am using, my humidity issues have returned, so i am looking for an alternative heat source. I saw those heat panels, and although they are clearly the best option, i dont have that kind of cash right now. I saw a thread for heat tape, and that appeals to me, but i cant seem to find any place that sells it. Any other ideas? i tried the UTH and that fialed miserably.

2. I would like to change from feeding my snake stunned mice to live and alert. Is there any prep work i need for this? I usually just whack the mouse, then toss him in the feeding box. with live im aware i have to keep an eye on the mouse at all times.

3. The pet store just down the road from me changed owners and no longer carries live mice, and the others in my area only carry frozen. The closest spot with mice is about a 20 min drive, so i am debating to either breed a set of mice, or just buy a few at a time and feed them until its their time.

Thanks for reading.

[West Coast Jungle]

If you are gonna breed rodents i would breed rats, they are easier friendlier and you can feed rat pups that are as big as adult mice yet much safer for your BP. No need to stun the rodents just keep an eye on them when you feed live.

You can get flexxwatt heat tape from Reptile basics, they have a link on this site or google it.

[Thor26]

i highly recommend the bean farm they have good prices and are really friendly

[sneakerpro]

3. The pet store just down the road from me changed owners and no longer carries live mice, and the others in my area only carry frozen. The closest spot with mice is about a 20 min drive, so i am debating to either breed a set of mice, or just buy a few at a time and feed them until its their time.

I buy 5-6 at a time, and have set up a tub for them. They are really easy if you do not want to breed. There are some great tips on keeping mice/rats around here somewhere as far as food/health.

[sg1trogdor]

I would go with rats I tried mice at one time and I didnt have any luck. I have one male and 3 females in an enclosure for about 2 months and never had one get pregnant. Maybe I had a gay mouse lol.

[TooManyToys]

I would use Flexwat with a good thermostat as your heat source. As was stated above, the Bean Farm is an excellent source for that. As far as feeders go, if you can get them to eat F/T that is the easiest way to go. You always have a supply in the freezer and never have to worry about harm to the snake.