BP Husbandry FAQs

[JLC]

1. Do I need a heat source?

2. What is a UTH? CHE?

3. Can I use a heat rock?

4. What should my temps be?

5. Do I need a temperature gradient?

6. How far should temps drop at night?

7. Do I need a day/night cycle for my BP?

8. Does my BP need UVA/UVB lighting?

9. What is the right size prey to feed my BP?

10. How often should I feed, and how much?

11. What is powerfeeding? Is it risky?

12. Should I feed in a separate container?

13. Is it dangerous to feed live?

14. What’s the best way to thaw prey?

15. Glass housing or plastic?

16. What makes a good hide?

17. Is one hide enough?

18. How often do they poop?

19. Does my BP need something to climb on?

20. My snake is shedding in pieces and has stuck eyecaps. How do I fix it?

21. How can I increase and maintain higher humidity?

22. What kind of substrate should I use?

23. What does it mean when someone says to "Pre-scent" a room?



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1. Do I need a heat source?



Yes, you must have a heat source. Snakes are ectothermic (cold blooded), and require the heat you provide in order to maintain their body temperatures. Inadequate heat can lead to respiratory infections and/or refusals to eat.



2. What is a UTH? CHE?



UTH stands for Under Tank Heat. This can be flexwatt or another commercial heating pad. CHE stands for Ceramic Heat Emitter, which is something that screws in like a light bulb, but only puts out heat, not light.



3. Can I use a heat rock?



Heat rocks should never be used. They can cause thermal burns and are not a reliable source of heat.



4. What should my temps be?



Warm side should range from 92-94, and the cool side from 82-84. Never allow temps to dip below 80 degrees unless breeding.



5. Do I need a temperature gradient?



Yes. A warm side temperature of 92-94 degrees and a cool side temperature of 82–84 are necessary for your snake to be able to thermoregulate.



6. How far should temps drop at night?



Your temperatures should not drop at night. Cooler temperatures leave your BP susceptible to illness. The only time you should drop temps are if you are actively trying to induce breeding.



7. Do I need a day/night cycle for my BP?



Ambient light is adequate for the average BP. If you are trying to induce breeding, then a more specific light cycle should be utilized.



8. Does my BP need UVA/UVB lighting?



No. BP’s are nocturnal and do not require it.



9. What is the right size prey to feed my BP?



A rodent who's girth is the same size or a bit smaller, than the widest part on your snake.



10. How often should I feed and how much?



Feeding an appropriate size rodent (the girth of the rodent should be the same size or a bit smaller than the widest part of your snake), usually a mouse or rat, once a week is adequate. Some BP’s prefer mice, and it’s acceptable to feed multiple smaller prey items in a single feeding. Offer the first prey item, and once it has been consumed offer the second.