Help! I'm a new BP owner.

[k8nkane]

x2.

I knew my BP was settled in when he ONLY came out of his hides at night. If your BP is out during the day, he isn't feeling secure enough.

[k8nkane]

Get an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer in one from Wal-mart. They cost about 13-15 bucks. You put it in your tank on one side, using the probe to measure temps on the other. It's more accurate than the zoomed digi therms. I had the same set-up and my temps turned out to be off by a couple degrees.

[Skittles1101]

How are you heating the tank? Under tank heater or lamps, or both? Also if you have an under tank heater do you use a thermostat?

You could also try blacking out the sides and back of the tank. I like to use black Con-tact paper from Home Depot for $6. It will help her feel more secure.

[snakemomma77]

Get an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer in one from Wal-mart. They cost about 13-15 bucks. You put it in your tank on one side, using the probe to measure temps on the other. It's more accurate than the zoomed digi therms. I had the same set-up and my temps turned out to be off by a couple degrees.

Okay, I will get those tomorrow. thanks

[k8nkane]

No prob. It's an all-in-one deal, so it's a lot easier to fit in the tank. :-) Also, JSYK, it won't be in the section you think it'll be in--I got mine in the hardware section next to light bulbs. Go figure.

[snakemomma77]

x2.

I knew my BP was settled in when he ONLY came out of his hides at night. If your BP is out during the day, he isn't feeling secure enough.

How do I make him feel secure?? Last thing I need is a stressed out snake. also I have him in a cabinet that stays closed until I check on him... which is several times aday. should i not check on him that much and just leave him alone.

[Skittles1101]

So you don't have natural day/night cycles?? You keep him locked up in a cabinet?

[snakemomma77]

How are you heating the tank? Under tank heater or lamps, or both? Also if you have an under tank heater do you use a thermostat?

You could also try blacking out the sides and back of the tank. I like to use black Con-tact paper from Home Depot for $6. It will help her feel more secure.

Heat lamp (red) 24/7

[youbeyouibei]

Get an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer in one from Wal-mart. They cost about 13-15 bucks. You put it in your tank on one side, using the probe to measure temps on the other. It's more accurate than the zoomed digi therms. I had the same set-up and my temps turned out to be off by a couple degrees.

x2 to both of the bolded statements. I started with Zoo Med thermometers too when I got my first snake (a corn) and they're crap. Not knocking your setup at all, as I didn't know either when I first started and some of the PetSmart people loooooooooove to sell you all kinds of "stuff" for your snakes, lol! As to his temperament, that may just be him. If he's a hatchling/juvenile, he should eventually settle down as long as you handle him for short durations to start and then build on those in terms of the length of time. And too, coming as he did from a commercial breeder, I doubt he's been handled all that much.

Of course, he may stay a snot, lol! I have a female that will eat ANYTHING, including my finger if I'm not careful, lol! I use a "touch" stick with her; I just open the tub, gently rub her near her middle with the stick to let her know I'm going to mess with her and then pick her up. Ever since I've done that, she settles down fine and doesn't strike or attempt to bite. That's been my experience, anyway. My other snakes are fine to handle and mellow as can be but they all have their own personalities.

[snakemomma77]

So you don't have natural day/night cycles?? You keep him locked up in a cabinet?

I read on a care sheet somewhere that BP don't like bright light. So I keep the red light on for heat and the cabinet says shut during night or until we go to sleep then close it. I usually open it during the day if he is out. should I keep it open during the day and get him a bright light.