Jasper
New member
From my 12-year old son's (snakenewbieXP) journal: I look forward to reading more from him. I've already learned alot from visiting this website today!
Jasper’s Journal
13 AUG 2005
Today my parents and I purchased my first snake, Jasper. Jasper is a classic Okeetee Corn Snake (Pantherophis Guttatas). Before purchasing Jasper, we first purchased the following items:
a 40-gallon breeder tank with sliding screen top
two (2) “clamp lamp” heat and light reflectors
one (1) 50w repti-infrared bulb
one (1) 75w basking spot lamp
two (2) high-range reptile thermometers
a corner water bowl
two (2) bags of alfalfa reptile litter
one (1) large ornamental climbing branch
one (1) small ornamental climbing branch
one (1) ornamental tree stump hide
one (1) artificial plant
a tropical backdrop
We chose this combination for a number of reasons. A short explanation details our reasoning.
40-Gallon Breeder Tank with Sliding Screen Top
All reptiles need a comfortable environment to live and this tank is where Jasper will live throughout his life. Corn snakes are relatively small and actually only require about a 20-gallon tank as adults, so a 40-gallon tank is more than enough for Jasper. However, some corn snake owners say a 40- gallon tank is too big, especially for a neonate (baby snake). We were told that it would actually be easier for Jasper to escape from a larger tank, but we didn’t follow that thinking. Also, we were told that Jasper would prefer a much smaller enclosure (a 10- or 20-gallon tank), because he would feel more secure (and less stressed).
We contend that even small snakes should be provided a larger space, with more freedom of movement to explore, but within that space several hides that create “secure” spaces should be located throughout the 3 temperature ranges (basking, moderate, cool) found within the tank. Jasper seems to agree with this idea too. He spent the night curled up in the back right corner of the tank next to the small ornamental branch, where in the early evening hours we provided him with the soft heat from the infrared bulb. He seems to enjoy the varied surroundings of his new home, having climbed the branches, explored the tree stump, drank from his water bowl, and nestled around the artificial plant. We believe that the multiple hides provide snakes with the necessary security needs and the open areas remaining in the tank allow for a more natural setting, which ultimately creates a less-stressful environment.
Two (2) “Clamp Lamp” Heat and Light Reflectors
Reptiles are exothermic (cold-blooded), meaning their body temperatures are that of the environment’s. The heat and light reflectors hold the lightbulb and focus the heat and light from the lightbulb providing a way Jasper can regulate his temperature to remain healthy. We are having problems mounting the bigger one (right now it is set directly on the tank’s screen) but we should find a solution to this problem. Perhaps we will use an under-tank heater (UTH). Jasper’s tank is sitting on my dresser so my dad, mom and I removed the mirror, but left one of the mirror mounting brackets in place to clamp the reflector too. While this worked, it caused the light to be too far away from the tank to give off sufficient heat. By adding a UTH, we think we will be able to provide a better heat source and still get the lighting benefits of the reflector mounted on the bracket.
50w Repti-Infrared Bulb
This bulb is great. It gives off a moderate amount of heat and provides an extremely nice view inside the tank, while allowing Jasper to maintain a day/night schedule, because snakes cannot see the red wavelengths of the infrared bulb. Jasper ”thinks” it is night, but we get to view him during his nighttime activities. The temperature range with the bulb at its current mounting position keeps the right side of the tank between 75-80 degrees. We shut the light off at bedtime, but the house thermostat is set on 75 degrees.
75w Basking Spot Lamp
With this bulb sitting on the tank’s screen, the temperature on the basking side of the tank is at a constant 85 degrees, which is a good midday temperature for Corns. As previously mentioned, we are not satisfied with leaving the reflector sitting on the tank’s screen (fire safety and long term well being of Jasper). Also, we would still like to raise the daytime temperature to about 88-90 degrees Fahrenheit, but until we purchase the UTH, Jasper does have a decent temperature variation within the tank, 85 degrees on the basking side (left) and 75 degrees on the cool side (right) for proper thermoregulation.
High-Range Reptile Thermometers
Having read that most dial-type thermostats are not recommended by most sources, due to their unreliability in providing accurate temperature readouts, we chose the simple stick-on thermometers, placing one about halfway up on each side of the tank’s walls. They are less obtrusive, easy to read and cheaper to buy!
Corner Water Bowl
We chose a natural-looking corner water bowl to provide his hydration and humidity needs. Although a normal ceramic bowl would work just fine, we wanted to maintain the setting to mimic nature as much as possible. We purchased one large enough for Jasper to climb inside during periods of shedding.
Alfalfa Reptile Litter
Although many people wouldn’t consider this as a substrate for their Corn Snake, we think we may have found the overall best substrate for our purposes. It is somewhat natural looking, permits burrowing (a favorite activity of many Corns), and allows for easy cleanup, clumping when soiled. Another benefit is that the alfalfa-based pellets can be safely passed through Jasper’s digestive tract without harm. We have read and heard from other resources that some substrates have injured or killed some snakes when ingested. When talking this substrate choice over with Matt, an assistant manager at our favorite pet store and huge reptile fan and owner, he thought it was a novel idea and approved of our choice without reservation.
Large and Small Ornamental Climbing Branch
In nature, most snakes, including Corns, love to climb. Again, keeping the thought of providing a natural setting for Jasper, we felt that this was a necessity for his new home. They also double as good hides. It also greatly enhances the overall appearance of the tank.
Ornamental Tree Stump Hide
So far Jasper seems to enjoy this one. It looks like a tree stump with small plants growing from the top. Jasper has crawled in and around the stump and rested within the plastic leaves of the small stump’s canopy.
One (1) Artificial Plant
Our thinking again focused around the look and feel created by making a detailed forest setting, perhaps as much or more for human viewers than Jasper’s, but once again, Jasper seems to like crawling through, resting in, and sleeping under this little fern-looking plant.
A Tropical Backdrop
Bought for our pleasure to increase the beauty of the tank, it also closes off the back wall of the tank for Jasper. We are thinking about adding some more to the two sides to give him more privacy (less stress).
Jasper
A handsome fellow with all the classic markings and deep rich colors of the Okeetee. We chose “Jasper” as this relates to the Jasper County, SC, where the common Corn is said to have originated: the Okeetee Hunt Club.
He’s about 15 or so inches long and we were told he was approximately four (4) months old. We will measure him soon to provide more accurate measurements. He’s slender looking, but very easily handled two pinkies in the first feeding we saw, while he was at the pet store (Kat’s Pets). This certainly added to our comfort level when buying him, because he wasted no time in consuming the live baby mice.
We are planning on feeding him frozen pinkies, rather than live ones when we feed him next. We purchased him on Saturday night after he ate the two mice, but we plan on moving his feed day to Wednesdays to allow for weekend handling. This will give him all day Thursday and Friday morning/afternoon to fully digest his meal. Then on Friday night, he’ll be ready to be handled.
I’m really excited about starting a life with Jasper as a pet. It is the best birthday present ever (my birthday is on August 29). I really think there will be a lot of memorable moments. In fact there are already two. The first was watching him eat his pinkies right away, which was really cool, and the second being that as soon as we put him in his new home he went straight to his water bowel and started drinking. We were all excited!
That is why I’m writing this journal. So I can record and remember all of these “unforgettable” moments. Also I want to share my experiences with anyone else who has the same passion that I have for snakes. I know my family will try to have this passion too, and will support Jasper and I.
Pretty cool, huh?
Jasper’s Journal
13 AUG 2005
Today my parents and I purchased my first snake, Jasper. Jasper is a classic Okeetee Corn Snake (Pantherophis Guttatas). Before purchasing Jasper, we first purchased the following items:
a 40-gallon breeder tank with sliding screen top
two (2) “clamp lamp” heat and light reflectors
one (1) 50w repti-infrared bulb
one (1) 75w basking spot lamp
two (2) high-range reptile thermometers
a corner water bowl
two (2) bags of alfalfa reptile litter
one (1) large ornamental climbing branch
one (1) small ornamental climbing branch
one (1) ornamental tree stump hide
one (1) artificial plant
a tropical backdrop
We chose this combination for a number of reasons. A short explanation details our reasoning.
40-Gallon Breeder Tank with Sliding Screen Top
All reptiles need a comfortable environment to live and this tank is where Jasper will live throughout his life. Corn snakes are relatively small and actually only require about a 20-gallon tank as adults, so a 40-gallon tank is more than enough for Jasper. However, some corn snake owners say a 40- gallon tank is too big, especially for a neonate (baby snake). We were told that it would actually be easier for Jasper to escape from a larger tank, but we didn’t follow that thinking. Also, we were told that Jasper would prefer a much smaller enclosure (a 10- or 20-gallon tank), because he would feel more secure (and less stressed).
We contend that even small snakes should be provided a larger space, with more freedom of movement to explore, but within that space several hides that create “secure” spaces should be located throughout the 3 temperature ranges (basking, moderate, cool) found within the tank. Jasper seems to agree with this idea too. He spent the night curled up in the back right corner of the tank next to the small ornamental branch, where in the early evening hours we provided him with the soft heat from the infrared bulb. He seems to enjoy the varied surroundings of his new home, having climbed the branches, explored the tree stump, drank from his water bowl, and nestled around the artificial plant. We believe that the multiple hides provide snakes with the necessary security needs and the open areas remaining in the tank allow for a more natural setting, which ultimately creates a less-stressful environment.
Two (2) “Clamp Lamp” Heat and Light Reflectors
Reptiles are exothermic (cold-blooded), meaning their body temperatures are that of the environment’s. The heat and light reflectors hold the lightbulb and focus the heat and light from the lightbulb providing a way Jasper can regulate his temperature to remain healthy. We are having problems mounting the bigger one (right now it is set directly on the tank’s screen) but we should find a solution to this problem. Perhaps we will use an under-tank heater (UTH). Jasper’s tank is sitting on my dresser so my dad, mom and I removed the mirror, but left one of the mirror mounting brackets in place to clamp the reflector too. While this worked, it caused the light to be too far away from the tank to give off sufficient heat. By adding a UTH, we think we will be able to provide a better heat source and still get the lighting benefits of the reflector mounted on the bracket.
50w Repti-Infrared Bulb
This bulb is great. It gives off a moderate amount of heat and provides an extremely nice view inside the tank, while allowing Jasper to maintain a day/night schedule, because snakes cannot see the red wavelengths of the infrared bulb. Jasper ”thinks” it is night, but we get to view him during his nighttime activities. The temperature range with the bulb at its current mounting position keeps the right side of the tank between 75-80 degrees. We shut the light off at bedtime, but the house thermostat is set on 75 degrees.
75w Basking Spot Lamp
With this bulb sitting on the tank’s screen, the temperature on the basking side of the tank is at a constant 85 degrees, which is a good midday temperature for Corns. As previously mentioned, we are not satisfied with leaving the reflector sitting on the tank’s screen (fire safety and long term well being of Jasper). Also, we would still like to raise the daytime temperature to about 88-90 degrees Fahrenheit, but until we purchase the UTH, Jasper does have a decent temperature variation within the tank, 85 degrees on the basking side (left) and 75 degrees on the cool side (right) for proper thermoregulation.
High-Range Reptile Thermometers
Having read that most dial-type thermostats are not recommended by most sources, due to their unreliability in providing accurate temperature readouts, we chose the simple stick-on thermometers, placing one about halfway up on each side of the tank’s walls. They are less obtrusive, easy to read and cheaper to buy!
Corner Water Bowl
We chose a natural-looking corner water bowl to provide his hydration and humidity needs. Although a normal ceramic bowl would work just fine, we wanted to maintain the setting to mimic nature as much as possible. We purchased one large enough for Jasper to climb inside during periods of shedding.
Alfalfa Reptile Litter
Although many people wouldn’t consider this as a substrate for their Corn Snake, we think we may have found the overall best substrate for our purposes. It is somewhat natural looking, permits burrowing (a favorite activity of many Corns), and allows for easy cleanup, clumping when soiled. Another benefit is that the alfalfa-based pellets can be safely passed through Jasper’s digestive tract without harm. We have read and heard from other resources that some substrates have injured or killed some snakes when ingested. When talking this substrate choice over with Matt, an assistant manager at our favorite pet store and huge reptile fan and owner, he thought it was a novel idea and approved of our choice without reservation.
Large and Small Ornamental Climbing Branch
In nature, most snakes, including Corns, love to climb. Again, keeping the thought of providing a natural setting for Jasper, we felt that this was a necessity for his new home. They also double as good hides. It also greatly enhances the overall appearance of the tank.
Ornamental Tree Stump Hide
So far Jasper seems to enjoy this one. It looks like a tree stump with small plants growing from the top. Jasper has crawled in and around the stump and rested within the plastic leaves of the small stump’s canopy.
One (1) Artificial Plant
Our thinking again focused around the look and feel created by making a detailed forest setting, perhaps as much or more for human viewers than Jasper’s, but once again, Jasper seems to like crawling through, resting in, and sleeping under this little fern-looking plant.
A Tropical Backdrop
Bought for our pleasure to increase the beauty of the tank, it also closes off the back wall of the tank for Jasper. We are thinking about adding some more to the two sides to give him more privacy (less stress).
Jasper
A handsome fellow with all the classic markings and deep rich colors of the Okeetee. We chose “Jasper” as this relates to the Jasper County, SC, where the common Corn is said to have originated: the Okeetee Hunt Club.
He’s about 15 or so inches long and we were told he was approximately four (4) months old. We will measure him soon to provide more accurate measurements. He’s slender looking, but very easily handled two pinkies in the first feeding we saw, while he was at the pet store (Kat’s Pets). This certainly added to our comfort level when buying him, because he wasted no time in consuming the live baby mice.
We are planning on feeding him frozen pinkies, rather than live ones when we feed him next. We purchased him on Saturday night after he ate the two mice, but we plan on moving his feed day to Wednesdays to allow for weekend handling. This will give him all day Thursday and Friday morning/afternoon to fully digest his meal. Then on Friday night, he’ll be ready to be handled.
I’m really excited about starting a life with Jasper as a pet. It is the best birthday present ever (my birthday is on August 29). I really think there will be a lot of memorable moments. In fact there are already two. The first was watching him eat his pinkies right away, which was really cool, and the second being that as soon as we put him in his new home he went straight to his water bowel and started drinking. We were all excited!
That is why I’m writing this journal. So I can record and remember all of these “unforgettable” moments. Also I want to share my experiences with anyone else who has the same passion that I have for snakes. I know my family will try to have this passion too, and will support Jasper and I.
Pretty cool, huh?
