new bp mommy with questions

[lk_holla]

I've been lurking around on here all summer so I figure its time to introduce myself! My boyfriend bought me a bp for my birthday (named Constantine) and I finally get to have him on friday so I will post pictures then .

From what i've gotten to see of him via video chat he looks healthy and gorgeous, and my bf says he's been taking pristine care of him. BUT I know that he is nothing the bp.net stalker that I am and there are probably some things missing from constantine's house.

Just as a checklist so I can make sure he has what he needs, heat, heat/humidity monitoring devices does he need and what are the most reliable brands to use?

Thanks! I am so excited to be a part of this great community!

[tbowman]

The most important things to a snake enclosure to me are,

Heat source- Under tank heater mostly for bp's.

Thermostat- To me, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to have in order to have a healthy snake.

Hides-Depending on what size bp you can use small flower pots, bowls, litter boxes(mostly for bigger species) etc.. with an entrance cut in them. This is one of the most essential elements to having a content, eating, stress free snake.

I would recommend housing him on either newspaper or aspen bedding.

As for Thermo/hygro. You can get an acurite thermometer like this at walmart for $11-$13


Hope I helped you some.

[lk_holla]

Okay, so I don't think he got a UTH or a thermostat. I've been looking around and i'm a little confused about UTHs though.. is there supposed to be one for each side (cool and warm) of the tank? and those just plug into a thermostat correct?

[tbowman]

It depends on your ambient room temp. If you have an ambient temp of 75+ I'd say you'd be fine with some flexwatt heat tape on one side. Yes they just plug into the thermostat, which plugs into the wall. Some people with lower ambient room temps use a uth with a thermostat on one side and a red bulb on the other on a dimmer. But the bulbs can really take down your humidity so watch out.

[lk_holla]

Okay, so I'm cold natured and live in texas so the ambient temp is usually pretty high, but i'll probably need to definitely get a UTH before winter rolls around. i'm assuming the flexwatt would go on warm side (and how big should it be)? and with a thermostat and bulb which would be which?

I'm sorry i have a lot of questions; i'm tired and loopy but too worried to go to bed before i get everything ordered. Thanks so much!

[tbowman]

If you have a 75+ degree room, you will only need flexwatt. roughly 1/3 to 1/2 the length of the enclosure. I don't use the bulb thing so I'm not 100% on that, but I think they put it on a dimmer switch on the cool side with the UTH on the thermostat.

[lk_holla]

okie dokie so i'll get on that. ahhh thanks so much!

[tbowman]

No problem, then again I'm no expert but that should be good.

[dr del]

to the site


Have a read through our caresheet as well - it has lots of useful info to help get you started and then you can ask for clarification of anyhting that strikes you as odd.

If you need any help just ask any member of staff (names in red or green in the userlist and we will try our best.


dr del