First Snake...Tips/Suggestions?

[Wavlyn]

Well, I got my first snake, a pretty year old corn. However, since it's a bit chaotic around the house at the moment (we're moving everything in), I've decided to leave it at the pet store for a week or so. I haven't bought any supplies yet, so I figured I would ask what's a good fairly inexpensive setup. I have about $150 Canadian, which I guess translates to about $100 American.

I know some basic things, since I've been doing a fair bit of research, but I really would like to know what everyone has good results with. I'm planning on getting a 20-gallon tank for now, but I'll eventually upgrade to a 30 or so. I'm planning to eventually get a chameleon or gecko or something, so it works conveniently.
The real dilemma I have is which type of heating to get, pad or lamp. I don't really want to keep the lamp on all night, since I get sort of freaked out of that sort of thing. The guy at the pet store said that the heat pad would burn the snake and that it's not a good idea. Since the pet store specializes in reptiles and fish, it seems like he should know what he's talking about. I know not to get heat rocks (do they even sell them anymore?)

Also, what substrate is best? There's this Repti-bark stuff that's been suggested by the store. I want something fairly attractive, but easy to clean too. My mum is willing to finance greenery, because she loves gardening. What kind of percentage of open to plant should I have that's best for the snake and still be visible? I live near a lake which has a very rocky beach. Are a few rocks in the warm side a good idea? They'd be boiled and everything to get rid of bacteria first.

Er, what else...When should I start cutting down on his food? He currently eats 3 pinkies a week, according to the people at the store. Being about a year old, when should I start cutting back?

Are they sort of touchy right after feeding? I know about the bin thing, but can you just put them back in right after they eat? I know you shouldn't handle them the day after, but is it okay just to quickly transfer them back to their tank?

About how often will he shed now, and what should I do during the whole shedding process?

Er, one more...did anyone bring their snake to uni...did they let you keep them in your dorm? I'm going in a few years, so I'm just wondering.

Okee...that's a lot of questions, so if you don't feel like answering all of them, i'd be glad for any tips or tricks that you have to share. I'm planning on eventually getting the book my the Loves, I saw it at the store. I'm going to get it after I get all the stuff though, I rather miss the book than the heat lamp or anything.

 

[mary]

hi if you say youre snake is a year old it should be fed on 1 or 2 fuzzys every five to 7 days corect me if im wrong, but my snake isnt even a year old yet (but almost )and hes been eating fuzzys for a few months now, plus ill be moving him onto bigger size food in a week or two , i have a heat mat under the glass at the bottom of the viv and i havent had any problems with burns or anything like that ,sorry i cant sa y much about substrate because i use paper towels because its cheap, easy to clen, and there is no need to feed in a seperate container or anything like that because there is no risk of impaction hope thats of some help to you, but maybe the more specialised herp carers will be able to help you with youre questions.

 

[Taceas]

Re:

Sounds like you're almost set to go. =)

Enclosures can be as elaborate or as simple as you want them to be, and some can be done rather cheapily.

I've found using fake plants from Wal-mart (back in the craft area) is about the cheapest and most convenient route to go. The plants don't ever need watered, cared for, and if the snake breaks them, the leaves pop right back on.

I too use a lot of decorative stuff from outside; rocks, interesting tree limbs, big pieces of tree bark. Just make sure you boil your rocks and bake your wooden items in the oven on a low temp for 10 minutes or so.

For heat sources, I don't use any, as my reptile room is warm enough year round. If anything, I use just a regular 75 watt lightbulb. You don't have to get something that a bearded dragon would require. Most corns do just fine on a temperature gradient of 75-90. I've never had a problem with UTH (under-tank-heaters) ever burning a snake. But I'm sure there are a few cases where it's happened. With a lightbulb, you should be good with it on in the day and then turning it off at night.

As for substrate, I use shredded aspen bedding. But I've heard Repti-bark works just as well, too. Just make sure if it's a loose material, you'll want to feed in another container outside the enclosure, like a Tupperware bowl, or anything with a tight fitting lid. Make sure you provide ventilation though. =P

As for touching them after they eat, make sure your hands are free from the smell of rodents, or else you could invite a nice nibble. I usually wait about 5 mins after they've swallowed before putting them back in. Mine have a habit of going around the feeding container, rubbing on the sides with their mouth slightly open while they're resetting their jaws, and sure enough if I put them back in immediately I'd have a snake with a mouthfull of bedding. Which would not be a good thing.

If he's a year old and handling 3 pinks, he should be able to be moved up to fuzzies rather easily. I've got yearlings on fuzzies myself. So you might want to look into getting him switched over because pinkies really aren't that nutritious of a food supply. Once you get them on fuzzies, they start to grow pretty quickly.

Shedding, my adults shed about once every 6-9 weeks. Then again, I don't really tally their sheds as I should.

Snakes at university, most universities don't allow pets other than fish. However, that doesn't/didn't stop a few of us. I kept mine in a sweater box in the upper portion of my closet with sliding doors. Since I had a room to myself, I never had any problems. While I don't condone breaking university rules, I'd wait off until you know who your roommate will be and if they would mind a snake kept secretly in the room.

If your mom can handle taking care of it or if you know of anyone in your area who's a snake person, they might be able to take it in while you're gone.

I would get the Love's book as soon as you can. It'll help with a lot of these questions you're asking. It's a good read with a TON of invaluable information and pictures.

Other than that, I think you're good to go. Welcome to the hobby and enjoy your new pet. We expect pictures by the way, so get your hands on a digital camera and share up.

 

[h0mersimps0n]

quickie:

1.) Get a 20Gal LONG- good for life of snake
2.) I use repti-bark in all 5 of my tanks, excellent, holds perfect moisture, holds back smell really well and looks great.

3.) If the store has the reptile heating pads, just get one of those and put it UNDER the tank, NEVER in the tank. It won't burn the snake if it's under.

4.) Get a good water dish that the snake could fit into

5.) meals = food no bigger than 1.5 widest part of snake, then no more than two of those per feeding (once a week is probably good).

6.) Good luck, enjoy

P.S. don't ask don't tell when it comes to universities. Some have rules some don't.

 

[pinatamonkey]

quickie:

3.) If the store has the reptile heating pads, just get one of those and put it UNDER the tank, NEVER in the tank. It won't burn the snake if it's under.

It 'shouldn't' burn the snake. With a heat pad, I would recommend to get a thermostat. Sometimes they run far too hot 'out of the box'. My zoo-med heat pads go up to 130+ F without regulation.