Clarification on some things

[simplechamp]

I would suggest getting an infrared (IR) thermometer, and a digital scale. Not absolute requirements, but if you have a little extra cash I would highly recommend getting them. They come in very handy, especially if you like to keep detailed records. An added value is that both items have many other uses beyond BP husbandry.

[Samuel]

Few things ..

1. Wood decor only adds to the frustration if .. say mites were to come with your bark.
2. Don't use reptile bark. Aspen is the way to go.

Other than those two pieces of advice, the rest seems to have been covered well, or others have had input.

GL

[Johnny Hive X]

I would suggest getting an infrared (IR) thermometer, and a digital scale. Not absolute requirements, but if you have a little extra cash I would highly recommend getting them. They come in very handy, especially if you like to keep detailed records. An added value is that both items have many other uses beyond BP husbandry.

Is the infrared thermometer a way of monitoring the temperature inside the hides?

Is the scale to weigh the BP to make sure weight is consistent?

Few things ..

1. Wood decor only adds to the frustration if .. say mites were to come with your bark.
2. Don't use reptile bark. Aspen is the way to go.

Other than those two pieces of advice, the rest seems to have been covered well, or others have had input.

GL

Is there a way to find out or make sure mites aren't on the wood decor?

I haven't been able to find packaged Aspen at all. Do you have any links to where I can get some? All I've seen is the Reptile Bark.

[dreese88]

http://http://www.reptilesupply.com/...p?cPath=38_108

theres a link for the aspen, I know places like lllreptile.com has it too.

I read you can disinfect then bake the wood dry, not sure exactly

the scale also helps in weighing feeders, which in turns increases your ability to eyeball weights

[Johnny Hive X]

I might get the scale later on.

I'll definitely get the aspen instead.

What's the benefit of the temp gun though?

[BlueSilver]

Is there a way to find out or make sure mites aren't on the wood decor?

bake it before putting into the cage. 300 for 20 mins should do it. Never use bark from outside.

[Johnny Hive X]

bake it before putting into the cage. 300 for 20 mins should do it. Never use bark from outside.

Do I have to worry about it catching on fire?

[dreese88]

Do I have to worry about it catching on fire?

300 shouldn't be hot enough for it to combust

[Johnny Hive X]

Then I'll be bakin' some wood.

[simplechamp]

Is the infrared thermometer a way of monitoring the temperature inside the hides?

Is the scale to weigh the BP to make sure weight is consistent?

An infrared thermometer lets you measure the exact surface temperature of your warm and cool sides of your enclosure. Gun-type ones are very popular; you aim, pull a trigger, and get a temp readout. They instantly give you surface temps, whereas many other thermometers only measure air temps. Probed digital thermometers still work well, but when looking strictly at surface temps the IR thermometer wins hands down. You can check many places in a matter of seconds. Still need a cheapo digital thermometer for ambient temps, but the IR thermometer is nice if you've got a few extra bucks.

The digital scale is used to monitor the BPs weight, and also to measure and record how much you are feeding. Takes the guess-work out of what size to feed, when to move up in size, etc. Just feed 10-15% of your BPs weight per meal, as a rule of thumb. And if your BP starts losing weight you will know right away, which can give you a crucial head start in diagnosing and remedying any health problems.

As mentioned before, both devices have many other uses, so you can get your money's worth out of the purchase.