Leroy

[sertholda]

Hello BP.net community. I have always been a lover of snakes but have never been able to have one of my own until two days ago. A soldier my wife works with decided to give away his 2 year old bp away and I jumped on the opportunity. Along with the snake he also gave me the tank you see below that came with a water bowl, the piece of wood, and a heat lamp. He was using coconut shavings for the base and did not have a hide. Immediately I thought there was something wrong with the set up so I came on line and found this wonderful website this morning. First off I would like to thank whoever wrote the care sheet. For a first time bp keeper this has already increased my knowledge on the subject ten fold. After reading the care sheet I went out and picked up some cypress mulch and an uth. I still need to get something better to cover the screen with as I am using a thick piece of plastic and a blanket to cover about 75% of the tank.

I placed the hide over the uth and after letting him hide for a few hours I decided to take him to feel the heat for myself to make sure it wasn't too hot for him. I realize bp's are supposed to be kept in a humid environment but his scales were wet to the touch. Is this too much humidity? Also where in the tank is the best place for the thermometer and hygrometer? Thank you for reading and your response if you give one. Have a great day.

Nate

[Anya]

Welcome!! Enjoy your stay here. He's a cutie.

One note, though, you *will* need a thermoSTAT to maintain the uth at a proper temp. Those things go crazy, and burn snakes, if they aren't hooked up to one.

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...stat+hydrofarm

^^ That's the cheapest one on the market, and does a good job.

And no, he shouldn't be wet. I recommend picking up an Accurite indoor/outdoor thermometer/hydrometer. Walmart sells em cheap. Cypress mulch is pretty wet straight out of the bag, so you might think about taking it out and drying it in the sun for an hour or so. Humidity isn't a big deal unless they're in shed. In a tank setup, covering half of the top with plastic wrap or foil will hold plenty. Or you can just mist lightly once a day.

Have fun!!

[sertholda]

Ok, thank you. I'll get one asap.

[Anya]

Good. Let us know if you have any questions about setting it up when it arrives.

[sertholda]

I'm pretty sure I will. =D

[Southern_Breeder]

Welcome and enjoy all the information here!