Newbie from FL

[UltraViolet]

Wow, I definitely need to get a lot of things. Had no idea that this little snake would be so pricey. Haha thanks for all the information, definitely a huge help.

Yeah, I'm a couple hundred into a "free" snake myself. There are some things you can totally cheap out on and some you can't. An under tank heater is really important- but I plugged mine in and it hit 105 in minutes. So a thermostat is really important- you don't want to cook your baby! Thermometers with probes are really important too so you can get totally OCD about what the temperature is where.

Beyond that- you don't need all that bedding- your snake isn't going to be any less comfortable with half that. Also, they don't need fancy pet store heat bulbs or special spectrum lights, except maybe a nightglo to keep the air temperature up in the tank at night. A regular light bulb will get the tank plenty warm. For privacy- I cut a paper grocery bag up and taped it to the tank. It was an emergency measure, but I really like the color- it goes with my tank decor. Go to the dollar store, get a spray bottle to mist the tank a couple times a day, some kind of plastic something he can hide in, and have fun with it! The carrots rock, maybe he needs a pumpkin too. Keep an eye out on Craigslist for cheap 20 gallon long or larger, up to about 40 gallon tanks. He's going to outgrow that tank pretty fast.

I'm really hoping you didn't mention having a snake-sitter because you thought it was obvious you'd have one.
And congratulations! That's a nice looking snake. Have you named him?

edited to clarify: Tape whatever you use for privacy to the OUTSIDE of the tank, not the inside. Never use tape on the inside, because your snake will find a way to get stuck to it.

[bigball23]

I put a Huge water dish in the tank so it would last most of the week. But a buddy is coming to check on everything every 3-5 days, feeding as well.
Okay, do you know of anywhere that i might be able to buy a t-stat locally ?
All the bedding was an accident, i just left it, didnt care that there was a ton in there. The tank is practically right up against the wall in a corner so i didnt put up any paper on the sides. And i believe i have a 20 gallon tank right now. I have yet to name him , have no clue what to call him hah.

Thanks

[UltraViolet]

I got my thermostat at a hydroponics store. We have medicinal marijuana in Cali so there's one on every corner. The website for the budget thermostat has a store locator link. I cheaped out on the thermometers and got two zoo meds for $9.99 each, and an analog humidity gauge. We have a good reptile store locally, and that was the owners advice- that and get a temperature gun instead when I can afford to replace the thermometers. I personally would not put any new electrical/heating stuff in without being around to keep a really close eye on it for a few days- but I might be a little OCD about that. As long as its what she's used to and the tank isn't too cold/hot, it can wait until you get back to be made optimal.

Glad to hear you've got a good snake-sitter lined up. I have a friend who keeps asking if I'm going out of town soon so she can watch Pandora for me.

I had Pandora against a corner too- then got a bigger tank unexpectedly and had to put her at the foot of my bed. The tv was all flashy and reflecting in the tank, so I had to act fast!

[bigball23]

There is a Hydroponics store about 20 mins from me. and there is also a specific reptile store as well. Im going to give both a call i suppose and see if either one has it. im tired of running all around haha.

I also changed the pale and carrots out for a Hide. Plastic flower pot, cut a hole. And on the right is the larger water "bowl" (tupperware container) Holds a lot of water.



Thanks

[bigball23]

Well, i finally grabbed a thermometer today. I put the probe on the inside of the tank, ontop of the UTH on the glass. All i can say is wow. The probe is currently reading 108*+ and it has been on for maybe 20 minutes. I definitely need to get a thermostat. Ambient temps are around 82* and the humidity 40-45% Dunno why is soo dry in there. Here's a pic .

[bigball23]

Well, i dont know if this is much of a surprise; Im having feeding issues. He is refusing the food and almost scared if the food when it's in front of him. He hasnt eaten in well over a week. He shed 2 weeks ago. has eaten once since then , but it was the small fuzzie. I am out of those and currently trying to get him to eat the large mice. I dont know if im doing something wrong or what. I doubt the mice are too big for him. I guess he'll eat when he wants to, but idk. im concerned about his weight. What should i do? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[4theSNAKElady]

Try feeding him in his cage instead of a separate container.

[bigball23]

I have tried feeding in cage and out of cage.

[bigball23]

Well, today I looked in my freezer and found 1 fuzzy . He ate it the instant i brought it into his reach.
I am wondering if the "Large Mice" are too big for him and why he was neglecting to eat them. When i thaw them, the bleed out of their nose. But i dont consider the mice to be big in comparison to him.
So my question is, should i buy more fuzzies or just try to get him to eat the "Large Mice" Also, do you think the large mice are too big for him? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Pimpzwearpurple]

Well, today I looked in my freezer and found 1 fuzzy . He ate it the instant i brought it into his reach.
I am wondering if the "Large Mice" are too big for him and why he was neglecting to eat them. When i thaw them, the bleed out of their nose. But i dont consider the mice to be big in comparison to him.
So my question is, should i buy more fuzzies or just try to get him to eat the "Large Mice" Also, do you think the large mice are too big for him? Any help is greatly appreciated.

bumpp i'm having somewhat the same problem.