I screwed up already and don't have the snake yet *sigh* (snake with neuro issues)

So I will be picking up the snake tomorrow and I already screwed up. I got too big of a tub/heater. The snake is currently housed in a 10 gallon tank with the normal 20x10 dimensions. I got a tub that is 26x16 inches. I somehow missed the whole get a smaller tub for a smaller snake thing.

Is there anyway to fix this or am I going to have to buy a new tub and under tank heater?

If the snake is a hatchling under 500g you can either get a 6qt tub for a snake that's more towards the hatchling end of the spectrum or 15qt tub for one that a little bit on the larger side of the spectrum. Honestly you can put a hatchling in a 41qt tub with enough clutter to make it feel secure and it will do just fine. Whatever works best for you :) I'd stay on the tub route if I were you. They are much easier to maintain. I hope this is helpful [emoji4] and don't worry too much we all make mistakes.

The snake is younger so he should be in a smaller tub. I have no idea how old this snake is since it is from a big name petstore. My issue is I don't even know if he is going to make it so I don't really want to put out the money to buy a smaller tub and the heater that goes along with it. I believe this one is 36 quarts? I have read I can make little make shift dividers for the tank, will that work out alright?

Don't stress yourself out, just cut down the size of the enclosure with an old (clean) towel or pillowcase or something else to limit the available space.

Don't know if the snake is gonna make it? Why would you buy an animal with issues that make it living questionable?

As for the size of the tub it should not be a problem to use what you have. If you give it plenty of hides and have some things that the snake can use as cover as it moves about you should be fine.

Do you have a tstat?

don't forget a thermostat!!

your tub can work, just clutter it a little.

Why don't you know if it's going to make it?


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From the OP's other thread: OP works for a veterinarian. The snake was brought in by the owner of a big box pet store because it has neuro issues. Pet store is relinquishing the snake to the vet/OP because it doesn't want to shell out a ton of money for testing & treatment; from a business perspective it makes more sense to write it off as a loss and get another one.

OP: don't worry about the tub size being too big, as a tub will be easier to maintain anyway, assuming it has a top that can be fastened securely, and clutter up the tub with loosely crumpled paper that the snake can hide under.

Get a heater and t-stat for the tub, or alternatively you could heat just the room that the snake will be in to 85*F.

I have a hatchling ball python in a 180 gallon enclosure, and he is great - never missed a meal, sheds and poops properly also.

Just provide lots of hiding spots and it'll be fine!

Sorry I didn't give more info on the set up. I have an Accurite thermometer/hygrometer which measures indoor/outdoor temp (cold/warm side) as well as a thermostat that the mat is plugged into.

As bcr229 said I work in a vet clinic and this snake was brought in by a big name pet store. The snake has serious neuro issues (possibly IBD) so they didn't want to run tests and opted for euth. I am taking the snake instead of it getting put down.

I am so glad to hear you are going to take him. :) I had been following your other thread, and it sounds like you are off to a great start to me. As others have said, a smaller tub is easier simply due to not having much space to have to clutter, but a larger tub with more cover can work just fine. My month old bp went right into his 30 gallon tank and has been eating like a champ and is very well adjusted. He never balls up or strikes and I have seen no signs of stress with him, so it can absolutely work. It may be a bit more work for you due to having to sanitize more items at cleaning times, but he will be just fine. When will he be making the transition into your care? :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mtag

The snake has serious neuro issues (possibly IBD) so they didn't want to run tests and opted for euth. I am taking the snake instead of it getting put down.

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So the pet store isn't paying for it to be tested, but are you going to so you can find out exactly what is wrong with it?

I tried to take a GTP from Petco once but they drug their feet and it died in my hands in the store. :tears: Im glad this store released it to the vet even if it was to be put down. At least they did something.

This is going to sound terrible so don't rip me apart, but no, I am not paying for testing for IBD. The snake seems to be healthy besides the twisting and has been checked over by an exotics vet. I am trying to be realistic and just wait it out. The snake is at a good weight and has eaten recently, no signs of any other illness besides the neuro stuff.

If the snake develops any new symptoms it will go to the vet to see if we can treat it. If it is IBD all the test will tell me is that it is it for sure, it isn't going to change the outcome of the treatment/living situation of the snake.

Obviously if the snake goes way downhill I will take it back in to see if there is anything we can do. Obviously people are going to disagree with me, but I have the vets full backing with this. If he had any other symptoms the vet would want to treat those, but since it is literally just the neuro issue there isn't much they could do.

On another note, the snake seems to like the whole tub. It has been slithering around the entire tub and just seems to go into it's hides to sleep. If the snake is using the whole tub like this I would feel bad if I sectioned it off to make it smaller