(Semi) newbie here with many, MANY questions!

[Snagrio]

These hides you're referring to, are these the open-at-both-end tree bark tunnels? If so, fyi, they're nice cage "furniture" but are lacking when it comes to being "hides", as they're too "open" for a snake (like a BP, especially) to really feel secure. Also, you should provide at least 2 equal hides for all snakes, one in the cool (unheated) area, & one over or under the heat -depending on what kind(s) of heat you're running. Snakes are most happy when their hides are more like these: https://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes With only one "door" that's just big enough for them to fit thru with a meal "on board", & not too tall* either. A snake such as a BP may feel too exposed if their "hides" are lacking adequate security, so you might want to "remodel" when you get a chance. *Snakes like their hides to feel like a secure cave with "back pressure" so they know nothing can sneak up on them.

They are the "bark tunnel" types, but with both of them one end is wedged tightly against the side of the glass, and the tank itself has the three non-front facing panels covered with black foam board on the outside, so there is only one entrance and it's pitch black inside.

I do already plan to get better ones next year though. His whole enclosure is effectively going to be overhauled when I upgrade from the retrofitted fish tank to an AP enclosure that's actually built with snakes in mind.

[Mr. Misha]

He's looking great! Nice job!

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[Snagrio]

First update in a while. Did have a few family members over for Christmas and it was the first time my nieces and nephews got to really meet Zebes (last time they were here he was in deep blue so I only took him out very briefly). Took him out once a day so he wouldn't get stressed out, and he did wonderfully; never got frightened and the kids loved him, the nieces in particular curiously. It was a great educational time too, while we held him I would tell them as much snake knowledge as my brain could process and they held on to every word. Always warms my heart to share with younger generations the less appreciated of our natural world.

As for Zebes himself, he's growing steadily but surely. Weighed him yesterday at 271 grams and just measured him now (well, attempted to anyway ) and he's pretty much 2 feet long. And today I've finally managed to find small frozen rats (for the life of me I couldn't find any in my regular haunts lately but got lucky this time). Grabbed a couple more mice just in case too, but now what? Should I try to offer one straight out next feeding time to see what happens or should I play it safe and try mixing scents via thawing a mouse and rat together?

Some fresh pics too.

(Yes he willingly crawled onto my hand of his own accord ).

[Zincubus]

First update in a while. Did have a few family members over for Christmas and it was the first time my nieces and nephews got to really meet Zebes (last time they were here he was in deep blue so I only took him out very briefly). Took him out once a day so he wouldn't get stressed out, and he did wonderfully; never got frightened and the kids loved him, the nieces in particular curiously. It was a great educational time too, while we held him I would tell them as much snake knowledge as my brain could process and they held on to every word. Always warms my heart to share with younger generations the less appreciated of our natural world.

As for Zebes himself, he's growing steadily but surely. Weighed him yesterday at 271 grams and just measured him now (well, attempted to anyway ) and he's pretty much 2 feet long. And today I've finally managed to find small frozen rats (for the life of me I couldn't find any in my regular haunts lately but got lucky this time). Grabbed a couple more mice just in case too, but now what? Should I try to offer one straight out next feeding time to see what happens or should I play it safe and try mixing scents via thawing a mouse and rat together?

Some fresh pics too.

(Yes he willingly crawled onto my hand of his own accord ).

Fabulous !!

If it was me I’d probably thaw the mice / rats together at least the first time ..even I notice the difference in smell between the two so I’m damn sure they will

Try the hairdryer method as well ... at least for the first time .. I’ll send it to you by PM now .

Good luck !


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[Snagrio]

Fabulous !!

If it was me I’d probably thaw the mice / rats together at least the first time ..even I notice the difference in smell between the two so I’m damn sure they will

Try the hairdryer method as well ... at least for the first time .. I’ll send it to you by PM now .

Good luck !


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I've always used the hairdryer method after thawing, but thanks regardless.