Quote Originally Posted by MamaRhea View Post
Thank you! Yes I have been combing through all the posts I can find here about switching to f/t. It may take some doing, but I'm determined to do it. I recognize that it's totally natural for them to hunt, but I have come to the conclusion that f/t is safer for the snake, more humane for the mouse/rat, and also less emotionally wrenching for me. I love mice and rats, so live feeding has been unpleasant. I think I will wait just a little bit before I begin the transition though. I don't want to rock the boat and put her off her food by trying to switch her too quickly after getting her. I also suspect that she may be just a little skinny for her size, and I don't want to risk her potentially losing weight she can't afford to lose right now.

And yes! I find it quite funny too. Like, REALLY!? Nooowww you want a snake? But not when I spent 7 years of marriage begging for one?



Thank you! We certainly think she is lovely. And yes, given how BADLY I wanted to say yes, there was just no way I could have said no

And oh! You think she's big enough that she could handle something larger? I can certainly try it. What is the correct term for the next size up? Small mouse? Or in your opinion should I swap her to whatever the size equivalent is in rat? I have been a bit concerned about her weight. Her skin seems very loose and baggy in places as you can see from her pics, which is not what I would expect in a snake that should theoretically be getting ready to shed in the next week or two, so I really want to make sure that whatever I am feeding her will be enough for her nutritionally.

And yes about the substrate! The aspen is what came with the kit, but after a recommendation from some friends and doing my own research I concluded that coco would be best.

I am actually one step ahead of you here! I noticed that the little thermometer that came with the kit didn't look like it was doing the job, so I bought this (see link below). It has 3 little sensors, one for the hot side, one for the cold side, and one for the middle and/or the humid hide if needed, and they all report back to a screen that I can keep with me that reports on temperature and humidity. This way I can keep much tighter track of the conditions in there and make adjustments as needed. It should be arriving tomorrow.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As for the heat sources, both of the ones I am using currently came with the kit also. One is a small UTH. I made certain there is ventilation under the tank to avoid hot spots (I'll post pictures when I get home, what I did is actually kind of funny!). The other is a heat lamp. The bulb of which I have since learned is far too bright for her, and I have ordered these to replace it (see link). As for being regulated by a thermostat, I am not sure what you mean. If it's not built in to the UTH and heat lamp then the answer is no. Can you tell me more about that, and how to go about implementing it?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I completely agree with regards to the hides. I have several in my amazon shopping cart and am just trying to decide which one will be best. I may just buy two and put one on each end of the tank. Here are my top choices, I would love your input!

https://www.amazon.com/Sempiyi-Repti...ARZ52MHFVEGXTD
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0179QK0UM...v_ov_lig_dp_it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018CJNEI...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Thank you all again for your input and expertise!!!
Awesome! You're definitely off to a great start. And once everything is dialed in and running optimally it's easy breezy. Just daily checks on equipment and temps and you're good to go.

The only thing is you will want to get your heating equipment regulated by a thermostat asap. For the time being, you'll want to unplug the UTH heat mat.

A thermostat regulates the temperature, just like the one in a home or car. It also limits the temps the equipment can reach, eliminating any chance of burns caused by heat spikes. Heat spikes can even be fatal.

So essentially, you'll hook your UTH and lamp up to thermostats (or a single thermostat depending which brand and model you choose). This will keep your temps at a safe, stable temp, keeping your snake safe.

There are lots of options. Some people will say HerpStat or Spyder Robotics are the only way to go, they can be pricey.
I've been using JumpStart brand for years with no issues at all. You can get those for around $30.

I've included a feeding chart that is great for juvenile BPs as they grow into adulthood.
Switching to rats while they're young is definitely a good idea. Most tend to switch easier when young.

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