Bedding and newb Q's

[mike0179]

First post! I've already learned quite a lot from reading over these forums, and decided to buy my first corn. An 08 Anery. After a few weeks of ownership I have a couple questions...

1) The company I work for has a paper shredder that cuts paper into 1/4" by 2" slivers. I have been thinking that since we just throw this stuff out that I could maybe use some as a substrate for my new snake. I'm leery because I'm not 100% sure that ALL of the paper going into the shredder would be safe (I'm worried about ink/toner bleeding out of the paper)... Though a lot of people say they use newspaper without any ill effects. Thoughts?

2) As I mentioned this little guy was apparently hatched late in the 08 season and was feeding before I bought him (I witnessed it personally before buying). Since I brought him home I have tried to feed him once a week for three weeks to no avail. As far as I can tell, all aspects of his new home are good. I'm not THAT worried about it yet, as I know these guys can take a while to get settled in but it did get me thinking... Would a snake this young go off-feed because of the desire to breed this time of year?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ratsncorns]

Many people use newspaper as a substrate because the ink used is soy-based. I do not think this is the case with normal ink toner. If it gets wet from the snake tipping over a water dish or whatever, I would worry about the ink possibly soaking into the snakes skin. I personally would not risk it.

As for the feeding, what is the temps in your cage? Does he have enough hides? How long have you left him in the feeding container with the pinky? I found sometimes I had to leave the room and turn off the light and not disturb the snake for several hours before they would eat. What have you tried to get him to eat?


Oh, welcome to the forum and congrats on your first post!

 

[medusacoils]

First post! I've already learned quite a lot from reading over these forums, and decided to buy my first corn. An 08 Anery. After a few weeks of ownership I have a couple questions...

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the first post!!

1) The company I work for has a paper shredder that cuts paper into 1/4" by 2" slivers. I have been thinking that since we just throw this stuff out that I could maybe use some as a substrate for my new snake. I'm leery because I'm not 100% sure that ALL of the paper going into the shredder would be safe (I'm worried about ink/toner bleeding out of the paper)... Though a lot of people say they use newspaper without any ill effects. Thoughts?

I use shredded paper, for my rodents and have not had any issues. I would use the paper I shred, on my snakes, but I am sure of what it is comprised of. Where you are unsure of what could also be in the shredded paper, I would suggest that you pass.

2) As I mentioned this little guy was apparently hatched late in the 08 season and was feeding before I bought him (I witnessed it personally before buying). Since I brought him home I have tried to feed him once a week for three weeks to no avail. As far as I can tell, all aspects of his new home are good. I'm not THAT worried about it yet, as I know these guys can take a while to get settled in but it did get me thinking... Would a snake this young go off-feed because of the desire to breed this time of year?

Thanks in advance!

That's a little young for a snake to go off feed because of seasonal factors. Too young! This is my opinion and I could be wrong, but I am confident in it.

I think the move is more the cause. Have you tried other methods of enticing the snake to feed? Have you contacted the person you purchased the snake from, to see if they have any advice?

Keep trying different things, like warming the pink up to around 95-100F, washing the pink, scenting with tuna, lizard or it's own bedding, braining or cutting the pink or live feeding. You could also tease feed the snake, by bumping the feeder gently, into the body of the snake and try to provoke a strike. I have a snake that would only eat this way. Keep trying different things and remember to give at least 4-5 days break, in between attempts.

If this gets worse, you may need to start tube feeding, with nutribac, but that is for a different day and a different post.

Keep us posted and let us know how this progresses,

Wayne

 

[mike0179]

wow, that was insanely fast

Humidity in the cage is always at least 50-60% ( I keep a salt water tank in my room too so it keeps the humidity up). He is in a 10gal tank with an UTH on one side that keeps the warm end around 80ish (75-85). I have two water bowls (one on the cool side, one on the warm) and various small hides all over the place. (a couple small planters, two toilet-paper tubes, etc). Oh, and a grapewood branch.

As far as feeding goes, I have tried wiggling the pinky (this seems to frighten more than encourage) I have tried braining, and I have also tried live. With the live pinky, I placed him and it in a small Tupperware bowl over night and covered it. He just doesn't seem that interested in eating. :awcrap:

 

[medusacoils]

wow, that was insanely fast

Humidity in the cage is always at least 50-60% ( I keep a salt water tank in my room too so it keeps the humidity up). He is in a 10gal tank with an UTH on one side that keeps the warm end around 80ish (75-85). I have two water bowls (one on the cool side, one on the warm) and various small hides all over the place. (a couple small planters, two toilet-paper tubes, etc). Oh, and a grapewood branch.

Temps may be playing a part. Try getting it a little warmer (closer to 85) on the warm side and let the cool side stay close to 75F. Where are you measuring the temps?

As far as feeding goes, I have tried wiggling the pinky (this seems to frighten more than encourage) I have tried braining, and I have also tried live. With the live pinky, I placed him and it in a small Tupperware bowl over night and covered it. He just doesn't seem that interested in eating. :awcrap:

Don't give up on this. You have done good and sometimes they just take a while. When you wiggle it, tap his side next time and see if you can get him to strike at it. Also try the washing thing.

Good Luck my friend and please keep us posted!

Wayne

 

[mike0179]

My temps are measured with a digital thermometer (couldn't tell you the brand) and the probe is right at the surface of the substrate. I actually don't have any means of measuring the cool side just yet but plan on using the same method.

I will increase the temp slowly up to 85 and try again next week with another live pinky. Thanks again for all the help!