My First Retics - Purple Albino Motley + Purple Albino Golden Child (25% Kalatoas)

[artgecko]

Many times, breeders will tell you what you want to hear (or what they think you want to hear) to make a sale. It is sad, but sometimes true. Also, some people keep snakes in much smaller quarters than I personally would. I would evaluate their needs when you get them... You could ask the breeder to measure their length to give you an idea of what to expect when they arrive so you know what you want to do for enclosures.

I've heard both good and bad things about Jay and how he keeps his animals. He has breeding successes, but I've heard that some of the livestock is in not-so-good shape (from people that have visited the shop). I have doubts about being able to control something that should be determined by genes with feeding..Especially in a species that is as ravenous and likely to do harm to themselves, as retics. I would just be prepared in case they don't tolerate your feeding schedule and find what works for them and keeps them from messing up their faces.

I would quarantine them away from your other snakes anyway, for at least 1-3 months... I usually do a 1 month quarantine, but some recommend 3. Different room, preferably as far away from your other snakes as possible.

For quarantine (and permanent housing if you want to have them out of your snake room), I would use stand alone tubs. You would need a heat mat or heat tape and a t-stat to run it, the tub, a thermometer, and something to secure the tub lids (luggage straps, bungee cords, or bulldog clips work well). For ambient temps, when I used tubs, I got a lamp stand with a CHE on it and suspended above the tubs, I adjusted it (with a dimmer switch) until the ambient temps were correct in the tubs. It is very important to not let it rest on or touch the tub lid, so suspending at least 3-4" above the lid is a must. You might also consider an oil-filled space heater on a t-stat to keep the ambient room temp from dropping too low (I use this for my reptile room and keep the temp at at least 75f).

You could actually go out and get a couple of IRIS Chiristmas tree tubs right now (they are seasonal) and use those to house them for a while. They are about the footprint of a 4'x2' cage with about 20" in height. I have never kept retics, so not sure on the growth rate.

I house all my snakes in the room with my live (pet) rats...Including boas with pretty good feeding responses. They get used to the normal smells and only get excited when there is prey thawing out. In your case, since the prey would only be around on feeding nights, it might effect them and cause more pushing.

Good luck with your 2 new guys! I've always loved how retics look, especially the albinos, so I'm envious lol. maybe one day when they have 95%SD albino goldenchilds, I'll make the leap, but I don't want an adult that will get over 8', so I'll be waiting for a long time I think lol.