New owner in MA

[nobigdeal508]

Hey everyone just picked up a BP tonight after a bunch of researching breeds and types.

Its a small set up to start but the snakes only about 8-10 '' at this time. I asked the keeper which day it fed (they did not sex the snake) and today was it, so i picked it up anyways! Long story short the snake lunged at me twice but did not break skin (this time).

I fed it 1 fuzzy as it's been eating each week; i reviewed the care sheets on here... i see the temp all around 80-85 which seems constant, however the humidity i was ready recommended is around 80, now im reading 50 on this forum. Even the care taker had it around 80.

As for the striking, any tips on how to handle the snake, and when? Also i fed the snake outside its (going to be) natural enclosure, how long should i wait until placing it into the normal enclosure, i understand it to be as soon as theyve fully swallowed and your confident you can safely move them?

Here is a pic of my setup to get started.

Small tank, humidity and temp gauges, mat heater on back, coconut base moist

[dr del]

Ok,

There are a few things you might want to change a bit to make it easier to get the environment right.

The lid on that container is going to make it impossible to get the humidity right as it stands. Unless your house humidity is between 50-60% of course.

I hate to say it but those heat and humidity gauges aren't very good either.

At best they measure both inaccurately in a spot far away from the place your snake is actually going to be. I would have a read of the caresheet and think about buying a secure tub and some binder clips as well as a digital thermometer/ hygrometer.

I normally keep them in a cleaner environment for a little while after getting them so I can inspect their droppings and check for signs of problems like mites. But I am a suspicious old scrote.

The heat pad would work better connected to a thermostat ( the most important piece of equipment to be honest ) and then placed under the enclosure. Do not put it under there without it being controlled in some way or another however.

Just ask if you need any recommendations on any of the equipment etc.

[Newbie Ball]

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...rds=thermostat

What I use. Pretty good and reliable, been running almost a month straight no problems.

Humidity gauge should be fine, I'd just place it lower. So you get a little more accurate rating.
Put a tower, a small one should, and make it some what damp. not too much it drips.
Then place it on top of the cage. (only 90% of the cage).


I'd also put a hide in that cage, could be a reason hes biting. He feels unsecured probably, also he could still getting use to his settings.
Leave him for 48 hours to get use to his cage,

[nobigdeal508]

Going to break this up a bit!

Hopefully this will be okay for a week?! until i get paid!

Ok,

There are a few things you might want to change a bit to make it easier to get the environment right.

The lid on that container is going to make it impossible to get the humidity right as it stands. Unless your house humidity is between 50-60% of course.
The crap gauge reads about 75% humidity at the moment, although the snake keeps climbing on it (need a branch i guess!)

I hate to say it but those heat and humidity gauges aren't very good either.

It was a better than nothing buy!

At best they measure both inaccurately in a spot far away from the place your snake is actually going to be. I would have a read of the caresheet and think about buying a secure tub and some binder clips as well as a digital thermometer/ hygrometer.


I normally keep them in a cleaner environment for a little while after getting them so I can inspect their droppings and check for signs of problems like mites. But I am a suspicious old scrote.

So you suggest i switch to a tub with newspaper and a small water dish? how should i heat that one? and humidity with paper?

The heat pad would work better connected to a thermostat ( the most important piece of equipment to be honest ) and then placed under the enclosure. Do not put it under there without it being controlled in some way or another however.

I couldnt find a thermostat where i was that i trusted so i went with a side mount

Just ask if you need any recommendations on any of the equipment etc.

Thanks so much for the feedback, can't believe how active this little guy is after feeding him!!!

I don't plan to keep him in this 18x8 plastic crap long, just a paycheck or two; which must be comparable to the 30 gal tank it was in with 3 others ...

[dr del]

If you follow the tips Newbie Ball gave above you should be ok for humidity.

I would find the $15 for the thermometer though as heat is really important to get right - especially if they have just eaten. You really do want a hot spot of around 90-92f and a cool spot of around 80f so he can decide what temp he wants.

[nobigdeal508]

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...rds=thermostat

What I use. Pretty good and reliable, been running almost a month straight no problems.

Humidity gauge should be fine, I'd just place it lower. So you get a little more accurate rating.
Put a tower, a small one should, and make it some what damp. not too much it drips.
Then place it on top of the cage. (only 90% of the cage).


I'd also put a hide in that cage, could be a reason hes biting. He feels unsecured probably, also he could still getting use to his settings.
Leave him for 48 hours to get use to his cage,

Why the damn towel? increasing humidity?

I'll order a gauge better gauge tonight after getting some more options!

Also i totally dropped the ball on a hide >.< Is it okay if i make one that takes up most of the open room in the enclosure? It could still get on top of it...

Would that be better than none for the next week? (thinking of cutting a bowl and sanding the edges smooth.

[nobigdeal508]

Okay so Newbie Ball, that termostat i can hook up to this mat heater, stick it under the "dirt" and then that will monitor and set temp.

Humidity gauge closer to floor, and the hide.

Bigger enclosure within a month, but not too big so 20 gal?

So go with news paper for some time? 2/4 weeks?

[dr del]

Tape the thermostat probe to the heat mat and keep both outside the enclosure - that stops the snake possibly overheating itself by peeing on the sensor.

You could simply buy a RUB from staples or wallmart rather than buy a viv.

[nobigdeal508]

Tape the thermostat probe to the heat mat and keep both outside the enclosure - that stops the snake possibly overheating itself by peeing on the sensor.

You could simply buy a RUB from staples or wallmart rather than buy a viv.

I'll be sure to put it underneath with the sensor!

I've read that going to large on the enclosure is bad for the snake, whats a good gauge? i've go a 30 gallon rubbermaid bin i can use, but i do not want to overwhelm it, or underheat it!!!

[Newbie Ball]

towel helps lock in moister.

Also can't see by the picture, but make sure you lock down you lid, so your snake can't get out.
BP can get out of mostly anything given the chance.