New to snake ownership - advise needed

Hey guys,

I hope you are well,

As my thread Title suggest my Girlfriend and I are new to snake ownership and we just had a few questions to ask to make sure we can provide the very best home for our little man.

Firstly, I think he needs an introduction - This is Arnie, he is a 5 to 6 Month old Pastel Orange Ghost and he is super adorable!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...ps05wyetpn.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...psaheyqlhm.jpg

We just wanted to clear up a few things and make sure that his house is as best accommodating as possible

Below are pictures of our viv - its a 3ft Viv with a heat mat controlled with a thermostat (Microclimate B2), the Heat mat is situated on the left side of the viv under a sheet of glass with substrate on top of it with wood to make the hot hide. on the far right he has a cold hide and a long piece of wood along the back to climb over. In the middle is the water bowl

Viv:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...psdu4fslkz.jpg

Hot Hide:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...ps6heohhiz.jpg

Arnie curled up in the Hot Hide:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...psylmy0vds.jpg

Full Viv:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...pscbmbhm4m.jpg

from what you can see is his Viv ok? in terms of lay out and what not? I can get him more stuff to go in there if he needs or would be more beneficial.

1. I read conflicting arguments around Heat mats and possible damage they can cause Arnie. I have read that as a youngster he is fine but when he becomes Sub-adult/Adult it may cause issues, any advise or further understanding of this?
2. My Heat mat is controlled around 86c - I have read that between 82-86c is the sweet spot but then also that 90-91c is where you need to be? What temperature does his Hot hide have to be?
3. I have read mixed articles around feeding within his viv, both with Pro's and con's, As we have substrate down would it be best to feed him outside his viv? or could we put some newspaper down with his food on it and then remove that after he has eaten it?

I think this is all I can think of for now but I am sure I will have more questions as time passes :)

This is so exciting and I think I have really got the Snake bug now!

I hope to hear from you all soon,

David

The cage looks good. I would suggest getting a good digital thermometer/hygrometer to monitor your temps and humidity. Also, those temps should be in Fahrenheit not Celsius if that's what the c meant. 90-95f is good for a hot spot, 80-85 is good for cool side ambient temps. My Hotspots are 92 with ambient temps at 82. You can feed in the cage no problem. If you are feeding pre killed or frozen you can use paper towels or something if you want but it's rely not necessary. They can digest it along with all of the bones, fur, and guts.

Oh and as far as heat mats go, they are fine no matter what age of the snake as long as you have a good tstat. As they get bigger though, you are going to have to get a bigger heat mat.

Answer to question 1: A UTH (under tank heater) will not burn your snake as long as there is a thick enough layer of substrate between the heater and the snake, in my tank I also put a layer of "repti-carpet" to be sure no burns are caused. At first I tried heating my viv with a UTH, but I found that it wasn't hot enough so I switched to a ceramic heat emitter, but that depends on the wattage of your UTH. Keep in mind that having the Viv resting on the ground with UTH attached is a fire hazard, seriously consider constructing a stand to raise the Viv off the ground.

Answer to question 2: On the cool side of the viv(day), it should be between 80f and 85f. On the warm side of the viv(day), it should be between 85f and 90f. On both sides of the viv(night) it should be between 70f and 80f. Changing day and night temperatures is optional, and should occure naturally. Seriously consider purchasing 2 thermometers(one for the cool, one for the warm side) and 1 hygrometer(humidity sensor).

Answer to question 3: I personally feed in the viv(without the newspaper), just as long as you watch the snake feed, it should be fine,

I hope this helps.

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Originally Posted by egosnell2002

Answer to question 1: A UTH (under tank heater) will not burn your snake as long as there is a thick enough layer of substrate between the heater and the snake, in my tank I also put a layer of "repti-carpet" to be sure no burns are caused.

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You mean as long as it as regulated by a thermostat. It doesn't matter how much substrate there is, they will burrow to the bottom. Repti carpet is terrible for hygiene reasons and should not really be used. Ever.

Also, get a temp gun to measure your hot spot

Quote:

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Originally Posted by egosnell2002

Answer to question 1: A UTH (under tank heater) will not burn your snake as long as there is a thick enough layer of substrate between the heater and the snake, in my tank I also put a layer of "repti-carpet" to be sure no burns are caused. At first I tried heating my viv with a UTH, but I found that it wasn't hot enough so I switched to a ceramic heat emitter, but that depends on the wattage of your UTH. Keep in mind that having the Viv resting on the ground with UTH attached is a fire hazard, seriously consider constructing a stand to raise the Viv off the ground.

Answer to question 2: On the cool side of the viv(day), it should be between 80f and 85f. On the warm side of the viv(day), it should be between 85f and 90f. On both sides of the viv(night) it should be between 70f and 80f. Changing day and night temperatures is optional, and should occure naturally. Seriously consider purchasing 2 thermometers(one for the cool, one for the warm side) and 1 hygrometer(humidity sensor).

Answer to question 3: I personally feed in the viv(without the newspaper), just as long as you watch the snake feed, it should be fine,

I hope this helps.

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Worst advice in the world would be to fallow answer number one... It is well know they can and will burn snakes snakes can and will burrow and with a heat pad running Full bore at 120 degrees will burn ur snake please don't ever tell anyone that again.

Sent from my A521L using Tapatalk

Thanks for the advise everyone!

I have a digital thermometer just below the substrate Arnie sleeps on so I can monitor the hot hide and have ordered a manual exo terra thermometer to go on the cool side to measure the ambient temps.

I did mean 'f' not 'c' for the heat used to Celsius and went into autopilot.

From the comments I would assume that a ceramic bulb is better but I don't have space for a ceramic bulb in the viv I have. Is this maybe something I should think about as Arnie grows? When he grows think about expanding to a larger Vic with a ceramic bulb installed? I guess it is easier to monitor ambient temps with a ceramic bulb.

I am just really excited to give him his first feed..he will be eating frozen-thawed rats and think I might just put a small square of news paper down with the rat on it in his Vic just to alleviate any risk of engulfing too much substrate.

I also order a manual exo terra hygrometer to monitor the humidity and an infra red thermometer to do spot checks every now and then on temp around the viv.

Everything looks good to me. However, your hot spot should be around ninety, so you should probably change that. It helps with digestion. Since you have a thermostat, your heat mat is just fine for your snake. That part about them being bad for older snakes is not at all true, you just need a thermostat and you're perfectly fine. I would get a temperature gun (you can pick one up at home depot) and check temperatures with that, it's easier. Do you know what your cold side temperature is? What temperature is the room?

Also, I feed all of my snakes in their cages and haven't had a problem, regardless of substrate. Nothing to worry about. They are more likely to eat inside their cage than out of it as they are more comfortable. I wouldn't even bother with the newspaper. I've had one of my snakes on aspen for almost a year now and I've fed in the cage the whole time. It would only be worrying if they somehow got a rat sized amount of substrate in their mouths, which I don't think would be happening.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Penultimate

Everything looks good to me. However, your hot spot should be around ninety, so you should probably change that. It helps with digestion. Since you have a thermostat, your heat mat is just fine for your snake. That part about them being bad for older snakes is not at all true, you just need a thermostat and you're perfectly fine. I would get a temperature gun (you can pick one up at home depot) and check temperatures with that, it's easier. Do you know what your cold side temperature is? What temperature is the room?

Also, I feed all of my snakes in their cages and haven't had a problem, regardless of substrate. Nothing to worry about. They are more likely to eat inside their cage than out of it as they are more comfortable. I wouldn't even bother with the newspaper. I've had one of my snakes on aspen for almost a year now and I've fed in the cage the whole time. It would only be worrying if they somehow got a rat sized amount of substrate in their mouths, which I don't think would be happening.

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Thanks so much for your reply - this is all great!

I have not had a chance to check the cold side yet, my Infra Red thermometer and Manual temperature/Hygometers will arrive tomorrow so can post up my findings then!.

I think I am going to feed in his home, as you said its less stressful for the little guy.

Thanks for your help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Davidpearl

Thanks so much for your reply - this is all great!

I have not had a chance to check the cold side yet, my Infra Red thermometer and Manual temperature/Hygometers will arrive tomorrow so can post up my findings then!.

I think I am going to feed in his home, as you said its less stressful for the little guy.

Thanks for your help.

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No problem. If your cold side is below the mid seventies, you'll want a different heating method eventually. Even if it's below that right now, you're fine for the time being. Sounds like you have a great start on things. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Penultimate

No problem. If your cold side is below the mid seventies, you'll want a different heating method eventually. Even if it's below that right now, you're fine for the time being. Sounds like you have a great start on things. :)

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Maybe if the temperature of the cold side is a little low I could put a second heat mat and thermostat is to just adjust the temperature slightly? what other methods are there for localised heating bar cermaic bulb?

Hey guys,

I bought the Exo Terra Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer today, I had the analogue ones ordered but I have seen mixed reviews about their accuracy.

So I have made some discoveries - First is positive, the mid to cold section of my viv is 80-81c so that seems to be just right.

The shocking bad thing is that my humidity is constant 73% and I don't know what to do to bring that down....I don't want my little guy getting respiratory problems due to this.

what can I do to bring the humidity down?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...psmh28xlyb.jpg

I think one thing I might do it get a smaller Heat mat - the one we have is large and fills up around 3/5ths of the tank, this includes under the water bowl....The heat may be evaporating too much water creating additional unnecessary humidity.

I may also see if I can add an extra vent or too or move my cupboards away further from the side to allow better airflow.

It looks like you have a solid lit on top of the enclosure (plywood) - switching to a screen top could help. I live in AZ where there is no such thing as humidity, so I keep a towel over the top of my screen-topped tank for my first boy, and use a spritzer to add moisture as necessary during shed, it seems to be a pretty decent solution for my situation - your milage may vary.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Aercadia

It looks like you have a solid lit on top of the enclosure (plywood) - switching to a screen top could help. I live in AZ where there is no such thing as humidity, so I keep a towel over the top of my screen-topped tank for my first boy, and use a spritzer to add moisture as necessary during shed, it seems to be a pretty decent solution for my situation - your milage may vary.

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I live in the UK, I have a plywood top with a glass viewing panel....I need to decrease my moisture levels rather than increase so I don't think your method is going to help me.

73% isn't really that high. 70% is where you want it for sheds anyway so if it stays in that range then you're fine. My t8 keeps in humidity at about the same, and I have no issues.

I would just put the water bowl of the heat pad..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SKO

73% isn't really that high. 70% is where you want it for sheds anyway so if it stays in that range then you're fine. My t8 keeps in humidity at about the same, and I have no issues.

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Thanks, I have moved the all my bits about and moved the water bowl off the heat pad and I have it at a steady 70% now.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by frostysBP

I would just put the water bowl of the heat pad..

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I have done this now and got the humidity to 70%

You can up ambient heat using a light dome with a dimmer switch to controll temps and a che, only issue you would run into is having to make a hole for it and adding screen to prevent your little buddy from touching the che... also if you go this route make sure the light socket is ceramic, not plastic or metal as the che can get hot enough to melt them

Quote:

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Originally Posted by M.P.C

You can up ambient heat using a light dome with a dimmer switch to controll temps and a che, only issue you would run into is having to make a hole for it and adding screen to prevent your little buddy from touching the che... also if you go this route make sure the light socket is ceramic, not plastic or metal as the che can get hot enough to melt them

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I did think of this but I want to avoid using a CHE due to limited space in the viv and heard they dry out everything a bit too much.

Might think of something I can use to absorb some of the moisture

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Davidpearl

I did think of this but I want to avoid using a CHE due to limited space in the viv and heard they dry out everything a bit too much.

Might think of something I can use to absorb some of the moisture

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You dont want to put it inside the tank, you would place it ontop and outside the viv where the snake cant touch it, i didnt see the post where you moved the water and dropped humidity, was gonna say the che can drop your humidity back down without having to move or change anything else inside the cage

Quote:

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Originally Posted by M.P.C

You dont want to put it inside the tank, you would place it ontop and outside the viv where the snake cant touch it, i didnt see the post where you moved the water and dropped humidity, was gonna say the che can drop your humidity back down without having to move or change anything else inside the cage

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Sorry but I am not quite following you on the placement of the CHE - so I would place it outside the viv on top, how would that influence the humidity?

Excuse my ignorance.

Yes you rest it ontop of the cage, they lower humidity by drying out the air, but with the water bowl over the heat matt and you not having a screen top you should have zero issues keeping humidity within range

Quote:

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Originally Posted by M.P.C

Yes you rest it ontop of the cage, they lower humidity by drying out the air, but with the water bowl over the heat matt and you not having a screen top you should have zero issues keeping humidity within range

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So my viv has a glass top does this make a difference? - sorry if I'm sounding stupid

After moving all his stuff around to move the water bowl off the heat mat to lower the humidity, Arnie was more active last night but I have woken up him sitting on the wood above the hot hide as opposed to hiding in either the cold hide or hot hide......am I to take it that he most likely does not feel sure in either or the temperatures are now off and he may not know where to go or is a little stressed?

Or am I just over reading the situation?

Below is a picture of Arnie outside the hot hide thay I suspect he spent all night there. I think he is not sure about the new layout and may feel insecure, either thay or the temperatures are off.

This picture shows the new humidity at 70% after the reshuffle and the inside air temperature of the hit hide at 81f.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...pshqip7qdp.jpg

Below shows the temperature inside the hot hide just under the substrate

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...pssmc7w5es.jpg

Am I just being a super worried and panicky parent?

No, you're not. Now is the time to learn how to provide the proper care and run all your equipment. I've been keeping a dedicated snake room for almost two years and about every three months I run through everything. Check every wire, probe placement and heat gun every tub. Back when I started I did that daily and logged that information weekly to see how my room changed over time. I still check ambient temps and humidity in the room and one tub in each rack daily, just to keep a daily eye on things.

Just have fun with tuning the viv until you get it the way you want.

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Originally Posted by SamO

No, you're not. Now is the time to learn how to provide the proper care and run all your equipment. I've been keeping a dedicated snake room for almost two years and about every three months I run through everything. Check every wire, probe placement and heat gun every tub. Back when I started I did that daily and logged that information weekly to see how my room changed over time. I still check ambient temps and humidity in the room and one tub in each rack daily, just to keep a daily eye on things.

Just have fun with tuning the viv until you get it the way you want.

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I re-jigged the hot hide back to how it was before and he has found a new hide under a long log we had in there so at least he can get settled there instead of being out in the open.

Its not so much about how I want it, I want it perfect for him as he is the one who has to live in it :) He is so precious and as its my first snake I'm like a worried parent and want to make sure everything is perfect for him......I know snakes are resilient but he is my little boy!!!!

I am still thinking of ways to drop the humidity slightly but not really come up with any.

Hah, yes by saying "the way you want" I assumed that would be what is perfect for your snake. This month I went through my whole room, found that the ambient temp has been a bit too high and made some adjustments. It's one of those never ending quests to make conditions just right for our snakes. That is part of the fun, albeit worrysome at times.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SamO

Hah, yes by saying "the way you want" I assumed that would be what is perfect for your snake. This month I went through my whole room, found that the ambient temp has been a bit too high and made some adjustments. It's one of those never ending quests to make conditions just right for our snakes. That is part of the fun, albeit worrysome at times.

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Have you got any tips on bringing the humidity down?

I am excited and anxious about this weekend as its his first feed, just hope he isn't too stressed out to eat

I have looked into getting a small dehumidifier a placing it near my viv as this may help lower the overall humidity, thoughts? anyone done this before?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duronic-DH05...s=dehumidifier

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...L._SL1500_.jpg

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Originally Posted by Davidpearl

Have you got any tips on bringing the humidity down?

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I live in a different climate than you. Here in the desert we struggle to keep humidity up. But adding more air flow to your viv will drop your humidity (holes or a screen). You might want to check with people in your climate to see how they manage. Personally I would be happy with 73% humidity but I might be wrong and that might be wrong for the UK.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Davidpearl

Have you got any tips on bringing the humidity down?

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A heat lamp will do it.

Dave

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SamO

I live in a different climate than you. Here in the desert we struggle to keep humidity up. But adding more air flow to your viv will drop your humidity (holes or a screen). You might want to check with people in your climate to see how they manage. Personally I would be happy with 73% humidity but I might be wrong and that might be wrong for the UK.

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Thanks for the advice

- - - Updated - - -

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Originally Posted by AKA Dave

A heat lamp will do it.

Dave

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Unforutnately I do not have space for a heat lamp and I already have a Heat Map so do not want to add any more heat into the viv.

Thanks for the suggestion though.