need some help with my temps

[Tannerrrtx]

^thats what the forum should be about, help and feedback. i can say right now i would have a dead bp if it wasnt for this site,

[FireStorm]

I agree with what's been said so far about getting the temps right. I can almost guarantee you will have to set the tstat higher than 82F (unless it's calibrated wrong). Covering the top of the tank is a great idea, also (assuming it's screen). The only other thing I will add is that just the stress of moving to a bigger enclosure is enough to put many BPs off feed. Keep in mind that they live underground in termite mounds in the wild. They really prefer small, dark spaces, which is why they tend to do so well in racks. In addition to fixing the temps, you may want to consider covering at least 3 sides of the tank with something to black them out or covering the whole thing with a blanket. That can be a big help. Also, how/when are you offering food? I'd recommend feeding at night with the lights out, and feeding in the enclosure if you are not doing that already.

[4theSNAKElady]

A 50g tank is probably a bit big even for an adult. She may be intimidated by the open space. And I agree about keeping your temps stable. That's important. Now how bout LIVE rats? Have your tried a small live rat? Pre-killed? How bout an ASF? Theres lots of different choices available before you forcefeed. That's should be your last option after you've exhausted all other choices. I do have a question, however. Do you weigh your snake? A 5 year old BP should be in a certain weight range(barring issues of course). Keeping a weight record on your snake will let you know if it is losing a lot of weight or just a little. Plus, it will give you an idea of what weight range is normal for that individual. IMO, that kind of data is important.

[final4kc]

I had no clue, obviously, about putting the foil on, I do have a screen top, and will foil it over this evening. Great information, I'll throw a picture up as well. Thanks so much!

[final4kc]

I thought 50 gal was a bit big, but we have hides at either end, cool and hot (too hot before earlier this morning). Not a lot of open space. There's a good size water dish, and wood. She's about the length of the tank, perhaps a bit shorter. Thanks for your help.

kc

[final4kc]

I'm going to work on the tank today, have the new digital thermometer on the way, should have it Friday. I'll cover the back and the side of the tank, and will definitely be putting foil on top. I'm so grateful for all the ideas. I've been so worried as I knew the temps were off, but I just did not know how best to fix it.

[final4kc]

I agree with what's been said so far about getting the temps right. I can almost guarantee you will have to set the tstat higher than 82F (unless it's calibrated wrong). Covering the top of the tank is a great idea, also (assuming it's screen). The only other thing I will add is that just the stress of moving to a bigger enclosure is enough to put many BPs off feed. Keep in mind that they live underground in termite mounds in the wild. They really prefer small, dark spaces, which is why they tend to do so well in racks. In addition to fixing the temps, you may want to consider covering at least 3 sides of the tank with something to black them out or covering the whole thing with a blanket. That can be a big help. Also, how/when are you offering food? I'd recommend feeding at night with the lights out, and feeding in the enclosure if you are not doing that already.

So no feed box? I feed her live food and back when we first got her it was generally recommended that we always use a feed box. It would be easier to feed her in her tank, my concern at this point is that I'll have a live mouse running around in her tank and if she doesn't go for the mouse I'll have to chase the critter down, which might be more dramatic for her in the long run. Don't want to leave live food in the tank. I do know a few things. LOL.

[FireStorm]

I never recommend feeding outside the tank. BPs can be so fussy about eating as it is. There are plenty who will not eat if you move them.

[arialmt]

So no feed box? I feed her live food and back when we first got her it was generally recommended that we always use a feed box. It would be easier to feed her in her tank, my concern at this point is that I'll have a live mouse running around in her tank and if she doesn't go for the mouse I'll have to chase the critter down, which might be more dramatic for her in the long run. Don't want to leave live food in the tank. I do know a few things. LOL.

I feed live, and unless my girl is super hungry she's not an aggressive eater. With clean hands I remove the empty hide and the center clutter. I then lay a (1) rat filled critter carrier on it's side and gently let the rat out. If she does't rush out I remove the other hide. I monitor but from a few feet away with no lights on inside the cage and let the shy girl do her thing. If I have a leftover situation I use my critter carrier and a "stick" to guide and collect the "uneaten portion" to safety, but I use one of the hides as a block or blind between the snake, myself, and the rat. This works way better than fishing about for a fast moving leftover rodent.

Temps first, always.

[final4kc]

Great info. Thanks. Put my foil in place. Now let me just check, you're saying to place the tstat sensor on the heating pad, under the tank? Set it on 88 and go from there? I'm just double checking. I'll do that tonight, mist down my coconut fiber, the humidity is a bit low, put the light on and the foil in place.

How long do you think I should wait to try to feed her after I finally get this right? Also, I noticed a few of the other comments on the thread mentioned to feed her in her cage. Since we first got her she has always used a feed box. Is this how you feed your snakes? Back when we first got her most of the info I found was to use the feed box. I have some concerns that if she doesn't eat the mouse that I might disturb her more by trying to get the mouse out.

Thank you again for all your help. I really appreciate it.

kc