Sorry had read that in the care guide and replied to fast before re-reading.
12-03-2006, 12:50 PM
tmlowe5704
Re: Meet Hercules
Quote:
Originally Posted by harleybro
Sorry had read that in the care guide and replied to fast before re-reading.
no problem, i'm just glad you took the time to research the snake instead of just buying it for the cool factor
12-03-2006, 12:59 PM
lillyorchid
Re: Meet Hercules
Congrats on the new one.
Like said about please take out that heat rock. They are not good for really any cold blooded animal. Heat rocks are more of a threat than they are an aid. Whenever there is direct contact between a heat source and a reptile, there is a potential for malfunctions and burns. With the availability of safer alternatives on the market, heat rocks and their use should decline into extinction.
You can get a UTH (Under Tank Heater) and a thermostat to keep control on the temperature. Rich from http://www.reptilebasics.com/ is a GREAT guy to buy from and will be happy to answer any and all your questions. Remember the warm side should be in the low 90's and the warm side should be in the mid-low 80's. Anything under 75 is not good! Also you will want to get a thermometer. Lowe's sells a good one that is called ACU-RITE. I know a lot of people on here have one or more, including myself.
Also go out and get two hides. You can use two semi large tupper ware bowls for hides. If the snake looks a little "cramped" in there the better since they like to feel secure in their hides. Also those plastic plant water catchers do the job great also. Just cut a entrance way in and there ya go.
Also provide a source of water at all times. I know I've seen and have heard people say they snakes don't need water. NOT TRUE!
I see you have a towel or some kind of fabric in there. A few sheets of news paper works great for bedding. Also Aspen is good too. NEVER Ceder or Pine. Those two are really bad, since they have oils in them that really mess with a snakes respiratory and can irritate the snakes skin.
Also as for lids, do make sure it is secure since snakes are all well trained escape artist !
Also I see that you said he didn't have a complete shed last time. You can try letting him soak for a little bit and GENTLY let him rub thur a towel. It's not a huge deal it will come off with the next shed. NEVER NEVER NEVER try to remove a stuck on eye cap from a shed. You can do more damage to the snakes eye then good.
Oh yeah and humidity... you want 50-60%. 70% when the snake is getting ready to shed.
Okay I think I hit most of the important things, if not I'm sure someone else will pick up on it.
Thanks all for the tips. I will be restting the tank. I have a bag of Aspen chips along with a UHT. @ thermometers and a hydro for making sure he'll be happy. I also picked up an extra hide some moss and a dish to help maintain humidity. Lilly thanks for the tip about the eye caps. I will be trying the bath later tonight once I have the tank set. :)
