Please critique this general care sheet...

[MelissaFlipski]

Sounds like Mr. Snake has an URI. We are taking him in to the vet today - a local (42 miles away!) one on both lists provided by the general herp FAQ (ARAV and ANAPSID) and recommended by a guy I ran into that kept snakes in the past - Dr. Scott Stahl in Vienna, VA.

They gave us an apppointment today on short notice. I am so releived. The person on the phone asked that I look at their website and check out the care sheet in case I have any questions when I get there. I told her that I'm on this site daily and have gotten lots of information and read care sheets, but would be happy to look at their site, too.

The care sheet is very general and relates to boas/pythons alike. But there were a few details that surprised me. I was wondering if you seasoned members / breeders could please comment in general, or specifically to Ball Pythons. Thanks!

Here it is:
http://www.seavs.com/case_studies/sn...as_pythons.asp

- Melissa

[lord jackel]

Well your right that care sheet really is short on details. While I didn't read anything that is techinically wrong....there is a lot left to interpretation. It also seems that it was written to be as short as possible vs. providing more updated information. (ie. the part about soaking...while it won't hurt your snake and in low humid environments is beneficial we have learned that we can provide the correct humidity constantly in a tank/cage so the need for weekly soakings isn't required anymore)

It is one of those cover everything care sheets but there is a better way in most cases

[Shelby]

I disagree with them saying a 30 gallon fish tank is good for hatchlings.. it most definitely is not.

offering a hide box on only the warm side of the cage isn't the best either.. two or more for those snakes that need them.

Suggesting pig blankets or whelping pads for heat sources is just plain not good.. I highly doubt those can be controlled temp-wise as finely as something made for reptiles.. like flexwatt.

for substrate suggesting indoor/outdoor carpet.. that stuff is terrible to clean, and is perfect for growing bacteria. Also they suggest against 'particulate substrates' like what.. aspen and cypress mulch? Some boids like sand boas NEED particulate substrates.

[MelissaFlipski]

I disagree with them saying a 30 gallon fish tank is good for hatchlings.. it most definitely is not.

offering a hide box on only the warm side of the cage isn't the best either.. two or more for those snakes that need them.

Suggesting pig blankets or whelping pads for heat sources is just plain not good.. I highly doubt those can be controlled temp-wise as finely as something made for reptiles.. like flexwatt.

for substrate suggesting indoor/outdoor carpet.. that stuff is terrible to clean, and is perfect for growing bacteria. Also they suggest against 'particulate substrates' like what.. aspen and cypress mulch? Some boids like sand boas NEED particulate substrates.

Yes, during Mr. Snake's vet visit today, they steered me away from shredded Aspen due to the dusty nature. For the KSB, they recommended those little pieces of wadded recycled paper. What do you thiink?

[Shelby]

Well, the aspen I get is not dusty at all. I've used it for several years with my sand boas. They love it.

You mean carefresh? I remember someone saying they used it with their snakes and didn't like it.. I'm sorry I can't remember the reason.

[Argentra]

Ugg... that caresheet is only slightly better than the outdated crud at Petsmart. I saw quite a few little inaccuracies that should be fixed.

As far as carefresh... I don't like it for ANY animal. The store made us use it on the larger rodents instead of aspen, and that stuff is so messy. It absorbs the wastes but doesn't dry them out at all, so the cages were really wet and smelly, and that stuff right out of the bag is dustier than any aspen I've ever worked with. Yes it's soft, but that's about all it has going for it since it's expensive too. Just my

[Shelby]

Yeah I don't know how recycled paper can be so expensive.

[MelissaFlipski]

Shelby, your KSB's don't look dusty when you pull them out of the Aspen? I know there are so many arguments for and against other substrates for burrowing snakes - crushed walnut shells, sani-ships, etc. I am feeling quite lost.

Argentra, thanks for your , I think your advice will save me lots of those!

[Shelby]

Well there is a little dust, it tends to settle at the bottom, and they do get a little on them, but it's not like some shavings that make you cough when you open the bag. I've been very happy with it.