Sheddage?

How can I tell if my snake is going to shed. Today I was holding her and she was like grabbing on me and rubbing her sides / head on me. and I havent held her alot yet so idk why she was doing it. She had like a death grip on my arm.
Her eyes arent cloudy or anything....
Also, how often do they use the bathroom??? So far ive only found like one peice of.... something under the log hide. lol. i dont really know what, I think it was a mix. :confused: :D

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=28794

Poop time depends on the snake. Urates are white/yellow, poop is...well, poop colored.

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Originally Posted by mrshawt

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=28794

Poop time depends on the snake. Urates are white/yellow, poop is...well, poop colored.

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Well i guess it was urates. because it was like half and half... :D

They dont poop that often. Usualy when they poop they pee too. 1/2 the time they just pee, but they dont pee often either.

If you've been checking your snake daily you should have noticed miky eyes and dull color to the skin at some point if the snake was about to shed, that's the only real indication.

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Originally Posted by Danounet

They dont poop that often. Usualy when they poop they pee too. 1/2 the time they just pee, but they dont pee often either.

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haha im fine with that. :gj:

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

If you've been checking your snake daily you should have noticed miky eyes and dull color to the skin at some point if the snake was about to shed, that's the only real indication.

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I dont see any milky. Her eyes look fine. Idk maby she was just being weird. :confused: it might be because i havent handled her much yet. im not sure. she seemed to like exploring my bed though.

older thread but she is shedding now. idk if she was before? im not sure how long it takes to get into a shed cycle but now her black marks on the bottom of her belly are a grey color and also her eyes are grey too. they werent two days ago. Ive been spraying her tank (trying to, since i was out of state for two days) but she keeps going under her water dish to hide. all the way to the glass burried in repti bark. WHY????
I havent seen her at all she just sits under it. And im glad i turned off my UTH because that would be bad bad bad if it was on.

Um. Why did you turn off the UTH? It should be on a thermostat and on 24/7. Ball pythons hide 90% of the time. Hiding is a good sign. Are you providing her adequate and tight hides?

If she wasn't in blue before, then she wasn't shedding. Shed cycle usually takes around a week. Check the shedding sticky.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Um. Why did you turn off the UTH? It should be on a thermostat and on 24/7. Ball pythons hide 90% of the time. Hiding is a good sign. Are you providing her adequate and tight hides?

If she wasn't in blue before, then she wasn't shedding. Shed cycle usually takes around a week. Check the shedding sticky.

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Because i dont have a thermostat. I only put it on after she eats i leave it on long enough to warm up then unplug it.
I have three hides the one she usually uses is a rock but its not tight, i have a half log that she likes to go in sometimes and use the bathroom, and a smaller homemade one that is really tight fitting like she just fits but she doesnt like it.

Days 3-7: Opaque or In-blue

she was deffinatley greyish two days ago and i thought she looked gray when i first posted this.

Already have checked the shedding sticky its posted above.

I hope your temps are ok without a UTH, that's strange to not use one...

Ball pythons need constant temps. That is why she is burrowing. Get a thermostat.

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Originally Posted by Elise.m

I hope your temps are ok without a UTH, that's strange to not use one...

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i would use it except i was told to unplug it untill i get a thermostat. SO i did. She still has a 75watt heat lamp the tanks usually fine, at night when the lights off it goes to like 75-80 since my rooms hot normally.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Ball pythons need constant temps. That is why she is burrowing. Get a thermostat.

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I might agree with you except she just started to go under the dish about two days ago. And i havent had the uth on in a while except right after she eats to give her belly heat.

Well, normally my BPs poop 2-5 days after being fed. Usually it's around the 3-4 day range, but it can vary sometimes. Sometimes snakes won't even defecate for a few weeks, or maybe a month, or maybe even a day after being fed. It really depends on the snakes because all snakes are different and you will not always expect your snake to defecate a few days after being fed.

As for the shedding, when a snake is going into shed, look for these signs:
-Belly is turning pink
-Scales are rather dull looking
-Eyes becoming a bit cloudy
-Snake is soaking in water dish frequently (though, this doesn't always mean the snake is shedding because there could be a variety of reasons)

Those are the main things you should look for when your snake is going into shed. Sometimes, snakes may become aggressive or a bit nervous when shedding since they can barely see when the eyes are a cloudy/milky blue. That's why it's best to leave your snake alone during shedding, just so you don't get bit if the snake happens to be aggressive during a shed.

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

i would use it except i was told to unplug it untill i get a thermostat. SO i did. She still has a 75watt heat lamp the tanks usually fine, at night when the lights off it goes to like 75-80 since my rooms hot normally.

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75F-80F is NOT good for the BP. I've learned this because one of my snakes got RI from room temps being under 85F. Your tank should keep constant temps, so for now until you get a thermostat I recommend getting a dimmer. This will help lower the heat given from the UTH so it does not get so hot in the enclosure. If you do keep the heat source off, keep your room temps at 85F at least for now until you get something to control the heat source.

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Originally Posted by CoolioTiffany

Well, normally my BPs poop 2-5 days after being fed. Usually it's around the 3-4 day range, but it can vary sometimes. Sometimes snakes won't even defecate for a few weeks, or maybe a month, or maybe even a day after being fed. It really depends on the snakes because all snakes are different and you will not always expect your snake to defecate a few days after being fed.

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None of my ball pythons have ever pooped 3-4 days after being fed. They go about once a month. I don't think you can say that they "normally" poop after a certain amount of days.

They just go when they want to. That is all there is to it.

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Originally Posted by CoolioTiffany

Well, normally my BPs poop 2-5 days after being fed. Usually it's around the 3-4 day range, but it can vary sometimes. Sometimes snakes won't even defecate for a few weeks, or maybe a month, or maybe even a day after being fed. It really depends on the snakes because all snakes are different and you will not always expect your snake to defecate a few days after being fed.

As for the shedding, when a snake is going into shed, look for these signs:
-Belly is turning pink
-Scales are rather dull looking
-Eyes becoming a bit cloudy
-Snake is soaking in water dish frequently (though, this doesn't always mean the snake is shedding because there could be a variety of reasons)

Those are the main things you should look for when your snake is going into shed. Sometimes, snakes may become aggressive or a bit nervous when shedding since they can barely see when the eyes are a cloudy/milky blue. That's why it's best to leave your snake alone during shedding, just so you don't get bit if the snake happens to be aggressive during a shed.

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Well ive had her for what almost three weeks i guess and shes gone to the bathroom like 2-3 times. Also her belly didnt turn pink but shes definitively going to shed. Its hard to tell if shes nervous since she always is when I first get her out. Shes not agressive tho. I just moved her to put more water in the bowl.

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Originally Posted by CoolioTiffany

75F-80F is NOT good for the BP. I've learned this because one of my snakes got RI from room temps being under 85F. Your tank should keep constant temps, so for now until you get a thermostat I recommend getting a dimmer. This will help lower the heat given from the UTH so it does not get so hot in the enclosure. If you do keep the heat source off, keep your room temps at 85F at least for now until you get something to control the heat source.

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The temp is supposed to or can drop at night. If it really mattered i would leave my heat lamp on but i guess it *ZAPS* humidity. I would not buy a rheostat and then a thermostat. Rheostats arent even good. The thermostat I would get is the same price as a rheostat by zoomed.
Rheostats can also make it TO HOT when the temp of the room goes up. Which my room does. all the time.

Well, you know you need a thermostat so why haven't you gotten one yet?

You should not have a night drop unless you are breeding.

I'd suggest reading over the caresheet once or twice, it sounds like you never have and it has alot of good info in there. It's helped me out a few times being a new snake owner, I'm sure it could do the same for you Dream :)

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Well, you know you need a thermostat so why haven't you gotten one yet?

You should not have a night drop unless you are breeding.

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because i have to order one from petsmart.

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Originally Posted by Elise.m

I'd suggest reading over the caresheet once or twice, it sounds like you never have and it has alot of good info in there. It's helped me out a few times being a new snake owner, I'm sure it could do the same for you Dream :)

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i have, maby not on this site but other ones online. what makes you think i havent read anything? :upset:

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Originally Posted by Elise.m

I'd suggest reading over the caresheet once or twice, it sounds like you never have and it has alot of good info in there. It's helped me out a few times being a new snake owner, I'm sure it could do the same for you Dream :)

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Temperature: 80 - 85 F (27 - 29 C) during the day, with a basking spot of around 90 F (32 C). Night time temperatures can fall to around 75 F (23 -24 C) as long as an area of 80 F is maintained.

= a temp drop. :taz:

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

i have, maby not on this site but other ones online. what makes you think i havent read anything? :upset:

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The caresheet here says that nightdrops are not necessary or desired, so you saying "The temp is supposed to or can drop at night" makes me think you haven't read it. Also, if you did read it, you would know that your temps are too low and you should have the UTH on at all times and at least get a dimmer to control it.

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

Temperature: 80 - 85 F (27 - 29 C) during the day, with a basking spot of around 90 F (32 C). Night time temperatures can fall to around 75 F (23 -24 C) as long as an area of 80 F is maintained.

= a temp drop. :taz:

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Again, it says the temps "can" drop, but it also says they are not needed or desired.

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Originally Posted by Elise.m

The caresheet here says that nightdrops are not necessary or desired, so you saying "The temp is supposed to or can drop at night" makes me think you haven't read it. Also, if you did read it, you would know that your temps are too low and you should have the UTH on at all times and at least get a dimmer to control it.

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Tell me when i gave a temp that is to low. :confused: :confused: :confused:

I said at night with the light off it stays around 75-80 which is exactly what the care sheet i posted said.

Well, the fact of the matter is, you should be providing a hot spot of at least 90* for your snake. Get your thermostat as soon as you can. It will make yours and your snakes life easier. No having to worry about unplugging the UTH or being afraid that the temp is too hot.

Do you have a warm side and a cool side though?

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

None of my ball pythons have ever pooped 3-4 days after being fed. They go about once a month. I don't think you can say that they "normally" poop after a certain amount of days.

They just go when they want to. That is all there is to it.

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I know that BPs will go whenever they want, but I'm just saying my BPs normally go within that time. Candice usually goes 3 days after she's been fed too, but just a tiny bit. Usually once every 1-2 months she takes a huge dump lol. So I'm thinking she just lets a little out after she eats but saves a majority of it to take a big dump in 1-2 months lol. I definitely know my King snake doesn't.. he just goes 2-3 days right after being fed lol.

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

because i have to order one from petsmart.

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I just ordered a Zoo Med Reptitherm U.T.H and Zoo Med Repti Temp 500R Thermostat from www.petstore.com. They are a little cheaper than petsmart. I can't wait to get them so I can get rid of that humidity robbing heat lamp.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Well, the fact of the matter is, you should be providing a hot spot of at least 90* for your snake. Get your thermostat as soon as you can. It will make yours and your snakes life easier. No having to worry about unplugging the UTH or being afraid that the temp is too hot.

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Originally Posted by Elise.m

Do you have a warm side and a cool side though?

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Originally Posted by casper

I just ordered a Zoo Med Reptitherm U.T.H and Zoo Med Repti Temp 500R Thermostat from www.petstore.com. They are a little cheaper than petsmart. I can't wait to get them so I can get rid of that humidity robbing heat lamp.

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yeah i got a 30-40 uth and i wanna get the 500R. ill have to look around cause petsmarts shippings like $10 too.

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Originally Posted by casper

I just ordered a Zoo Med Reptitherm U.T.H and Zoo Med Repti Temp 500R Thermostat from www.petstore.com. They are a little cheaper than petsmart. I can't wait to get them so I can get rid of that humidity robbing heat lamp.

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By the way, petsmart cost was cheaper for the 500r and the shipping.......

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

By the way, petsmart cost was cheaper for the 500r and the shipping.......

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For just that it may be but for both the UTH and Thermostat is was cheaper at PetStore.com...$6 cheaper than both from petsmart.

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Originally Posted by casper

For just that it may be but for both the UTH and Thermostat is was cheaper at PetStore.com...$6 cheaper than both from petsmart.

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ooook. i got my uth from petco online with a bunch of supplies and such, and got a bunch of money off. + free shipping cause i spent over $60 or something. All their online stuff is way cheaper then they or petsmart have instore but you gotta buy alot, or pay shipping (still probably cheaper then in store)

Ok, so, i'm confused. with your heatlamp on you have a hot and cool side. Those temps look fine. But then you say you turn your heat lamp off at night and its around 75 - 80. So, do you have a cool side and hot side 24/7? They need a warm and cool side. They have to thermoregulate. Yes, most of it is for better digestion, but that isn't the only reason.

They do not hold body heat like we do. They have to be able to move to the warm side whenever they are cold, and move to the cold side whenever they get too warm. It sounds like her rubbing her nose is a slight Respiratory Infection, which can be caused by unstable temps, and it will kill your snake if untreated. I would keep an eye on him/her, and keep the heat lamp on until you get your UTH ready. If it is zapping humidity, then aim it at the side of your aquarium, not directly over the top. Hope everything works out.

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Originally Posted by stratus_020202

Ok, so, i'm confused. with your heatlamp on you have a hot and cool side. Those temps look fine. But then you say you turn your heat lamp off at night and its around 75 - 80. So, do you have a cool side and hot side 24/7? They need a warm and cool side. They have to thermoregulate. Yes, most of it is for better digestion, but that isn't the only reason.

They do not hold body heat like we do. They have to be able to move to the warm side whenever they are cold, and move to the cold side whenever they get too warm. It sounds like her rubbing her nose is a slight Respiratory Infection, which can be caused by unstable temps, and it will kill your snake if untreated. I would keep an eye on him/her, and keep the heat lamp on until you get your UTH ready. If it is zapping humidity, then aim it at the side of your aquarium, not directly over the top. Hope everything works out.

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I think at night its all equal since the heatpad isnt on usually (sometimes i warm it up at night before i go to bed)

They dont hold body heat because they're cold blooded :D

I dont think she was rubbing on purpose i think its just when i was holding her she was like sticking to my skin... cause when shes on my hand and stuff she always has trouble moving around, but not when shes on my bed.


:gj:

It looks like you've gotten some really good advice but I really need to say something....

You need something now to regulte that UTH. If you are so worried about spending money that is necessary for the wellbeing of your BP, you shouldn't have gotten him in the first place. Is $10 extra for shipping really worth your BP getting sick and running you a LOT more in vet bills?

A dimmer is a lot better then nothing when it comes to regulating your UTH. I used a dimmer while I waited for my thermostat to some in the mail. Yes I paid the extra $10 at Home Depot for the dimmer and glad I did. I really hope you get your thermostat or at least a dimmer ASAP.

I don't want to come off as rude at all but I needed to get it off my chest. I know I am no expert and am new to BP keeping myself, but I really do care for these animals.

Just my $0.02.

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Originally Posted by Sarin

It looks like you've gotten some really good advice but I really need to say something....

You need something now to regulte that UTH. If you are so worried about spending money that is necessary for the wellbeing of your BP, you shouldn't have gotten him in the first place. Is $10 extra for shipping really worth your BP getting sick and running you a LOT more in vet bills?

A dimmer is a lot better then nothing when it comes to regulating your UTH. I used a dimmer while I waited for my thermostat to some in the mail. Yes I paid the extra $10 at Home Depot for the dimmer and glad I did. I really hope you get your thermostat or at least a dimmer ASAP.

I don't want to come off as rude at all but I needed to get it off my chest. I know I am no expert and am new to BP keeping myself, but I really do care for these animals.

Just my $0.02.

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Its a she

I dont care that its actually like $6 more for shipping its just I cant order STUFF off line because I dont have a credit card so I have to get my parents to let me use it.
Dont try to say i dont care about my python ive spent over $100 on supplies alone already.

I am not trying to say you do not care for her. I was just speaking from what I have read in your post.

There are other places that take other forms of payment besides Credit Card. There is lot more effort you could be putting into this to ensure you get a thermostat asap because it really is imortant.. If you need direction, I will help you.

http://www.strictlypetsupplies.com/_...0-R-Thermostat
http://www.herpsupplies.com/product.cfm?id=SZMRT500R
http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=75

Just a few I found.. There's loads more.

If all else fails, post an ad right here on BP.net. That is where I got my 500r from. In the meantime, get a dimmer. :)

Good luck!

How else am I suposed to pay online. I dont have pay pal and if i did it takes like a few days just to get your money actually ON the pay pal account. Im gonna try to order a 500r today

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

How else am I suposed to pay online. I dont have pay pal and if i did it takes like a few days just to get your money actually ON the pay pal account. Im gonna try to order a 500r today

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You can actually link your Paypal to a bank account so the money transfers like a debit card. I use it to sell books all the time online.

Will Petsmart do any kind of site to store? I know they carry it online but my local Petsmart doesn't carry it in store.

Honestly the amount of money you have spent doesnt mean you care. (sorry, that kinda peeved me) Really you should have had the means to begin with to fully take care of the animal, including the thermo or a dimmer. When I didnt have a thermo and was jobless I slept with the heat lamp on all the time to keep proper temps, sacraficed my sleep for the bp's well being, and sprayed 20+ times a day. Now I have the thermo and have to spray once a day.

This really isn't a competition on who cares for their animals more. Everyone has certain circumstances that differ from the ideal conditions of owning a pet. Regardless of their current situation, the OP is trying to ensure that they can properly care for all aspects of bp husbandry.

To the OP, I hope you can find a suitable place to pick up the 500r. I use one and stand by it, it just takes some tweaking at the beginning to get the temps correct.

Wasnt really trying to make it a competition, if I came off that way my appologies, just saying I'd rather my sleep suffer than the well being of the snake.

Mine is a cheaper Zilla thermo ($50) and paired with using a better temp gauge, monitoring, and tweaking it has been working wonderfully, while it is highly innaccurate by itself it works well in pair.

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Originally Posted by mrshawt

You can actually link your Paypal to a bank account so the money transfers like a debit card. I use it to sell books all the time online.

Will Petsmart do any kind of site to store? I know they carry it online but my local Petsmart doesn't carry it in store.

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Petsmart wont do it. I asked a lady in store if she could and she told me that you can ONLY buy it off line no site to store...

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Originally Posted by Deacon240

Honestly the amount of money you have spent doesnt mean you care. (sorry, that kinda peeved me) Really you should have had the means to begin with to fully take care of the animal, including the thermo or a dimmer. When I didnt have a thermo and was jobless I slept with the heat lamp on all the time to keep proper temps, sacraficed my sleep for the bp's well being, and sprayed 20+ times a day. Now I have the thermo and have to spray once a day.

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Well thanks for your opinion.

In my defense, I had no idea that thermostats were prefered. I watched ralph davis's basic ball python set up video and he said that zoomed UTH work perfect and dont get to hot in the video. I didnt find out about thermostats untill after I got my snake. ;)

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

In my defense, I had no idea that thermostats were prefered. I watched ralph davis's basic ball python set up video and he said that zoomed UTH work perfect and dont get to hot in the video. I didnt find out about thermostats untill after I got my snake. ;)

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Yeah, I had my UTH mounted on the side of my tank for the longest time because I didn't know of a way to cool it down, either.

Just do your best to get a thermostat. If you can't get one soon, just get the dimmer from home depot. It is better than nothing.

We can only do our best and sometimes our options are limited.

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Just do your best to get a thermostat. If you can't get one soon, just get the dimmer from home depot. It is better than nothing.

We can only do our best and sometimes our options are limited.

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Yeah im trying to get my parents to let me use their credit card so i can order the reptitemp one. I just really dont want to spend $30 on a rheostat when im going to be getting a $30 thermostat soon anyway.

New thing, Ive been feeding my snake every five days (done it twice, since i haven't had her that long) and right now shes really grey as in shedding her eyes are really cloudy, should I still offer her food? Or will she eat? Im guessing thats what im supposed to do... I know its on here somewhere but idk where the answer I need is! :oops:

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

Yeah im trying to get my parents to let me use their credit card so i can order the reptitemp one. I just really dont want to spend $30 on a rheostat when im going to be getting a $30 thermostat soon anyway.

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The Lutron 300w is $10, if that's the rheostat you were referring to. They come in handy though, as they are a perfect backup for the 500r. Just plug the UTH into the dimmer, set it so it reaches 95 on the hot side, then plug the dimmer into the tstat. In case the tstat ever fails, the temp will never get above 95 because of the dimmer. A worthy investment, if you ask me. I have the exact same thing going on with my tub, and it's a little extra assurance that I won't melt my bp. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles

New thing, Ive been feeding my snake every five days (done it twice, since i haven't had her that long) and right now shes really grey as in shedding her eyes are really cloudy, should I still offer her food? Or will she eat? Im guessing thats what im supposed to do... I know its on here somewhere but idk where the answer I need is! :oops:

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Some bp's take food during shed, others don't. Give it a shot, but don't be concerned if she doesn't eat.

....

When their bowel fills up with enough fecal matter, they release it. It's not a question of "I want to hold it until I get home."

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Originally Posted by mrshawt

The Lutron 300w is $10, if that's the rheostat you were referring to. They come in handy though, as they are a perfect backup for the 500r. Just plug the UTH into the dimmer, set it so it reaches 95 on the hot side, then plug the dimmer into the tstat. In case the tstat ever fails, the temp will never get above 95 because of the dimmer. A worthy investment, if you ask me. I have the exact same thing going on with my tub, and it's a little extra assurance that I won't melt my bp. :)



Some bp's take food during shed, others don't. Give it a shot, but don't be concerned if she doesn't eat.

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Ohhh. Thats not a bad idea. The one i was talking about is the zoomed one that costs the same as the zoomed Thermostat.