New Digs?

[McRiddalin]

Hey I know I have been asking a series of stupid questions, but thats what happens when all you do is work n play with your new hobby.
Here is I hope not another one. My BP Shags is about 2
1 n a half ft long n healthy weight but my 10g tank looks too small and I was wondering where I could get a rubber tub and what size I should get to give him the proper arrangements? If I should stick to a tank what size should I upgrade to?
One more question hes been eating full grown mice no problem even half way through a shed being a new owner I did not know the signs yet but hes getting faster and faster gobbling the mice down. Should I feed more then once a week or move up to rat pups? or just plain leave him alone.
Thx
Mike Riddle

[seeya205]

I would go with a 20 gallon long tank or you can get tubs at your local Walmart!

[Kaorte]

If you want to switch to tubs there are a few things to consider, especially if you aren't using your tubs in a rack setup (just one tub).

1. Normal room temperature. If your normal air temperature is below 75*F you might have some problems keeping the ambient air temp in the tub above 75*.
2. UTH heating. This is basically the only way to heat tubs. You can also use a radiant heat panel but those are pretty expensive. You will need a UTH or a strip of flexwatt and a reptile thermostat. I know a lot of people don't use thermostats but if you are going to use a tub, you absolutely need one.

Don't get me wrong though. I love tubs, but they are a bit tricky to setup when its only just one. They are a breeze to clean though, and you will never again have problems with humidity.

You could probably get away with using a 32qt tub for your snake. Just make sure to provide it with a few tight fitting hides and maybe some fake plants for cover. Tubs are very simple to set up. Melt some holes on the sides, put down some paper towel and cage furnishings, slap on the UTH and thermostat and you are ready to go.


Now if you plan on going with a tank you have to think about heating it. Tanks are pretty big and can sometimes take a lot just to heat it properly. Not to mention it is a little bit tricky to keep your humidity up.

Also, beware that changing anything in your snakes enclosure might cause it to go off feed until it feels safe in its new environment.

Well, that was kind of random but I hope it helps!

[McRiddalin]

Any advice on my feeding question?
N my friend has a 20 gl tank that he offered so after shaggys next feed I probably will upgrade him

[Vypyrz]

Any advice on my feeding question?
N my friend has a 20 gl tank that he offered so after shaggys next feed I probably will upgrade him

The best way to judge prey size is:
1) Eyeball it. Make sure the prey is about the same size as the thickest part of your snake.

2) Use a scale. Size of prey should be 10-15% of your snakes body weight.

I would continue to feed once every 7 days or so. If he has outgrown 1 mouse then you can try 1 appropriately sized rat. If he just refuses rats and will only eat mice, then you will need to feed multiple mice eventually, and in my opinion, this is when a scale should be used so that the combined weight of all of the prey items will be 10-15% of the snakes weight and he will not be over fed...