never owned a snake before, really wanting to get a royal python... answers please

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Originally Posted by gameonpython

Wouldn't front opening doors be easier if you have lamps on top? I think it would be less of a hassle to have front opening doors than removing the lamps, the screen, and whatever you use to cover the top. If you don't use overhead lamps though, probably doesn't matter.


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thats what i said, i think it would be easier from the front rather then the top.

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Originally Posted by snakeye

thats what i said, i think it would be easier from the front rather then the top.

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Oops, don't mean to repeat!


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Originally Posted by KMG

Probably if you put the lamps on the screen.

IMHO the heaters would ideally be hung from above using a lamp stand. That way the lamps never have to move and stay in place keeping the tank warm even while the top is off. This also cancels out the bumping and banging of the bulbs that will extend their life. It also is safer because you are not placing super hot light bulbs and fixtures on other objects around the tank.

I use these and they are about $19-25 at both big box pet stores. http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-Reptil...med+lamp+stand

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yeah i was thinking of the same thing pretty much, i'm a mechanic and some of the light sources i use is one that has a clamp on the light fixture so i was gonna use one of those, but the one in your link seems much better.

If the tank your looking at has the sliding front doors, you shouldn't have any escape issues. I think they were referring to the ones with swing doors, though my green tree pythons don't have an issue in them.

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Originally Posted by snakeye

yes i know i need to cover the top up, and all that, what do you guys think about the front sliding doors? i just think it would be easier to take the snake out and clean the tank and what not from the front rather than from the top. the tanks i looked at all the locks for the screen.

i was at a petland today they had a one year old normal female that was recently brought back by the owner because the owners parents didnt want the kid to have it, i was told from the worker, she also said it was eating two live mice a week with no problems... only thing i didnt like was the snake was in an empty tank with nothing but newspaper, i didn't notice no hides or water in the tank.. i held it for a while and wated to take it home :D

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I'm a new owner too, and have a very nice enclosure with front sliding doors. It sits up on top of a desk so it is convenient to reach in, take out decor and substrate, clean etc.

I change the decor around a little every month or so and here's a typical setup

http://i60.tinypic.com/wuozrn.jpg

And I just realized a few days ago that for photos it's better to slide the left door to the right and the right door to the left, so the black 'lock' is not in the middle of the picture.
NOTE: remember to always slide them back into correct positions after taking pictures.

On top of the steel screen is something called Reflectix, it's like tinfoil bubble wrap and has many uses. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix...6025/100012574

http://i57.tinypic.com/15q3fxv.jpg

As for being 'a big guy' and handling, there will be a learning curve as you and your snake get to know each other. When handling, 1. keep your hands away from his head at first, only pick up and hold the back 2/3 of the snake, and 2. move your hands as slowly as possible. I had to work at this because at first I was nervous and jittery, which made the snake want to get away (or curl up tight). When your hands are calm and still, the BP will loosen up and start to move around.

I got a BP as my first snake 4 months ago. He was 2 months old. Hes been great. Never misses a meal. Worst cage I could pic as far as humidity. Screen top but I found saran wrap holds humidity way better than foil if taped (on outside of lid of course) to lid securely. He had his first shed a week ago and it was perfect. i jacked up humidity when he started looking dull then I put moss in his hide when he went blue. I love him but wish I had researched a bit more. I wish I had picked a boa. Better display snake and from what I hear very curious lovable puppy dog snake. My BP loves exploring when out and seems to like being held now that he's comfortable with me but hides 99% of time. Plus I want something bigger now. Oh well just an excuse to get another one!!!http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...c9a27a4040.jpg

Was it swing or slide? Really doesn't matter I guess, they both have mesh tops lol. Just be prepared to battle with humidity! get moss and spray bottle recommended. Also try and create a humid hide if you cant keep ambient humidity up.
Here's an exo terra swing one (Large-Wide), with my cinnabee sticking her head out lol.
http://ball-pythons.net/gallery/file...zerender_2.jpg

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Originally Posted by The Golem

I'm a new owner too, and have a very nice enclosure with front sliding doors. It sits up on top of a desk so it is convenient to reach in, take out decor and substrate, clean etc.

I change the decor around a little every month or so and here's a typical setup

http://i60.tinypic.com/wuozrn.jpg

And I just realized a few days ago that for photos it's better to slide the left door to the right and the right door to the left, so the black 'lock' is not in the middle of the picture.
NOTE: remember to always slide them back into correct positions after taking pictures.

On top of the steel screen is something called Reflectix, it's like tinfoil bubble wrap and has many uses. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix...6025/100012574

http://i57.tinypic.com/15q3fxv.jpg

As for being 'a big guy' and handling, there will be a learning curve as you and your snake get to know each other. When handling, 1. keep your hands away from his head at first, only pick up and hold the back 2/3 of the snake, and 2. move your hands as slowly as possible. I had to work at this because at first I was nervous and jittery, which made the snake want to get away (or curl up tight). When your hands are calm and still, the BP will loosen up and start to move around.

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yeah that's pretty much what I was looking at, nice setup.

[QUOTE=coley;2311591]I got a BP as my first snake 4 months ago. He was 2 months old. Hes been great. Never misses a meal. Worst cage I could pic as far as humidity. Screen top but I found saran wrap holds humidity way better than foil if taped (on outside of lid of course) to lid securely. He had his first shed a week ago and it was perfect. i jacked up humidity when he started looking dull then I put moss in his hide when he went blue. I love him but wish I had researched a bit more. I wish I had picked a boa. Better display snake and from what I hear very curious lovable puppy dog snake. My BP loves exploring when out and seems to like being held now that he's comfortable with me but hides 99% of time. Plus I want something bigger now. Oh well just an excuse to get another one!!!

thanks for the tips, I'm not worried about the screen top...I read up on it enough and don't think i'll have any problems with the humidity, I'm sure after the python i'll end up with a boa myself lol