Refused The Mouse

[Craiga 01453]

I am using a UTH underneath the enclosure stuck directly to the enclosure.

I am using a heat controller from Zilla. The one with the dial to control the heating pad. Then I use a digital thermometer/hygrometer to get ambient temps and humidity along with a temperature gun to get surface temps.

*Current ambient temp/humidity reads 78*F / 62%

*Current surface temps reads 80*F (warm side......I have Zilla heat controller dialed to 95*) / 76*F (cool side)

I feed her inside of her enclosure. So no separate feeding tub

Thanks for all the advice. I will be going to the store to get new hides, plants, and something to cover the sides and back of the enclosure.

Also, how often do you completely replace the substrate? I am currently using Aspen but I may switch to the EcoEearth with loose coconut fiber and mix in a little bit of reptibark.

Thanks again!

Awesome reply, Thanks! I wish everybody made helping them this easy!

All sounds good. Sounds like husbandry is pretty solid. I just want to follow up on one thing, I may have just been confused by the wording. You said you set your t-stat to 95, but I didn't see an actual hot spot temp (the actual surface above the UTH). That sounds about right for a setting, by due to variance in equipment, etc...there's no "magic number". I personally shoot for an 89-90 degree hot spot, with 92 as the max suggested temp.

After some of the tweaks you're planning your security situation will be improved as well. Just choose cave style hides designed for snakes and be careful what you choose for plants. Don't buy plants with suction cups or any exposed wire (often used to create custom shapes), they can be dangerous to your snake.

As for substrate, I use Eco Earth and Repti-bark. I use a different ratio seasonally to help with humidity control. I do full cleanings "as needed". I spot clean whenever theygo to the bathroom, and with that comes some substrate. I usually do full, deep cleans every 3 months or so, depending on species and individual animal.

Good luck! Sounds like you're on the right track. Please keep us posted and ask any questions you may have.