Humid Hide, Handling BP & Introduction

[Bogertophis]

Okay I’m officially ending this thread – lol


Well I officially should end this thread but with answers come questions.


Update on Roxy’s shed, I found it and it must’ve been and her humid hide for a while. Full shed which is great but it was completely intertwined with one long coarse piece of moss smashed into the base of the hide- can't believe I missed it!


I was also shocked on how much more waste she released since I’ve had her. Super glad I opted for a thorough disinfection before I am physically unable to which was under debate because everything looked so clean. Spot cleaning was just not enough.


I did use a mild bleach solution For the fake foliage and furniture. Everything else was cleaned with a little warm water, Dawn and alcohol.


I think the fake leaves soaked up a lot of the smell of the bleach even though I only a small ratio and I rinse them many many times.


I left the top of her enclosure off for a while but my sensitive smell is still detecting some bleach. Roxy seems super stoked to be back in her enclosure, very curious, very comfortable.


But naturally I’m concerned since I am going to be in the hospital for a couple days. I think it will be fine but if anyone has any advice for the future or concerns I should have before I essentially am leaving her alone I’m all ears.


(FYI: My sister is going to keep an eye on Roxanne while I'm away just in case)

IMPORTANT- If YOU can smell the bleach, REMOVE the offending foliage & furnishings- your snake's sense of smell is far better than ours, AND bleach fumes are HARMFUL- they're toxic AND irritating to the lungs for as long as the odor persists. That's why we don't recommend using bleach for anything that is able to absorb it- the smell can take a VERY long time (if ever) to dissipate. Bleach is hazardous to health. If the odor persists, toss the stuff!

Never use bleach on anything porous, like wood or fabric, or even most plastics*, whether hides or fake plants- a little "dirt" is preferable to toxic bleach being present- once bleach soaks in, it might never go away. I'd take those fake plants out NOW- they're not essential. If your hides are affected, clean cardboard boxes can be used temporarily- just cut in a doorway. Things like cereal boxes that are the right shape & size, or close enough, can be used, & just toss them when they're dirty. You'll be back by then. (*You'll notice that bleach bottles even say "DO NOT RE-USE BOTTLES. That's why- it's toxic.)

Snakes should NEVER be exposed to bleach. Never.

I sorta figured she already shed & that you missed it (mostly because you said she was acting hungry) & you're not the first one to miss a hidden shed.

BTW, good luck with the hospital visit- hope you get done what you need with a good & quick recovery.