newby needs advice

[Phin]

Elvis ate today!!! and I'm very happy.

Yesterday I went to the hardware store and bought the stuff to build a rheostat. Played with it all day and found the spot where it was at 87 and 82. this way I can change it from night to day temps. I know it's not the best idea but it will work until I can buy a thermostat. Also My humidity has leveled out at about 60%.

I'm guessing the new temps and humidity change has made him happy.

From what i gather...a petstore is not the best place to buy your snake....there is a difference between captive born and captive bred. And a breeder wont sell you a non eating snake...i understand yours was eating fine but a breeder is the best way to go

After much research on the subject I have to agree totally and my next snake will be bought from a breeder.

[JoshJP7]

just so you know BPs dont need night/day temps... As long as theres a warm side and cool side they will thermoregulate themselves. Glad to hear he ate for ya.

[colemaj]

Hey, I was in your position a couple weeks ago(no dead snakes, luckily) but below is what I did on a budget to make it work.

I hooked up a UTH on the warm side and found the sweat spot for an overhead CHE(or blacklight bulb if the money isn't there for a CHE) To keep the humidity up I used aluminum foil tape on both sides of the screen except where the heater was. Spagnhum moss is also a cheap alternative and helps hold water a little better. To keep the temp regulated make srue you have a thermometer on the other side of the glass from the UTH. I would notice taht air temps would seem fine but the UTH was running over 100. If the UTH is on a dimmer/rheostat just make sure to keep it in a lower range. Dual hides is a fantastic thing to have as well. My snake is rare and will eat regardless of the conditions. Before I found the site I had it too cold and one hide, she still ate like a champ. Also Keep a close eye on your snake while it adjusts for signs of Respiratory infection, Mites, etc. If it starts weezing or has any thing bizarre in it's nostril's mouth take it to a vet asap. It should be fine, but with any new snake it's a good idea to keep an eye out. Also, I learned quickly that even the dumbest questions get no flaming. This is the only forum I've ever found that is devoid of flaming towards new people.

Second, and I'll probably be corrected on this... but My snake won't eat from tongs, or anyone else's hand but if I dangle the prey by the tail she goes for it. If you're not too worried about getting tagged, you can try it out.

Best of luck, I know a lot of this was redundant but I just thought I'd lend the advice I found that worked.

And oh yeah, once you get one BP be prepared to want another. And another... and another... Lol