Hello from a newbie!

[Squirt]

Hey everyone. I just got my first corn snake today. I've done my research for months now starting with ball python research and then switching over to corn snake research for the last two months. I named my snake Squirt...hence my username...and because I don't know if it is male or female. It is a normal corn snake and very young.

I have one question off the bat. What is your experiences with using an UTH with reptile carpet lining the bottom of the cage and then aspen shavings on top of that? I ask because I want to know if it keeps the heat from getting to hot without the use of a thermostat. It is the only thing I did not get for the cage because my fiance bought everything for me including Squirt as a birthday present and I did not want him to break the bank. I plan on getting one soon. Also, he got the cheap thermometers that look like a black strip that stick to the side of the cage. Do these even work? I plan on getting good ones when I get the thermostat. I'll post pics soon!

 

[Phruit Dish]

Hello, welcome, and happy belated birthday from another new member!

Regarding reptile carpet, I'd just as soon use the substrate without the carpet liner, if you're using something like this (click) under your aspen. It wouldn't be the most fun thing to clean if it got soiled, and I don't think it would provide enough insulation to protect against the extreme temps of the UTH (up to 120 F).

I don't use aspen myself (I use eco-earth), so I can't personally address whether or not you can build up enough aspen shavings to give you a sufficient thermal gradient to protect your new baby from the UTH. I'd get the thermostat just as soon as you can rather than trying to "go without." It may save your snake's life. I've seen this unit recommended quite frequently, and am using that unit myself right now as well. I'm pleased with it.

Regarding the stick-on black strip thermometers (which I'm assuming look something like this), they don't work, and they're a pain to try to scrape off the glass. I'll warn you against using *any* dial thermometer or hygrometer either. You absolutely need digital units, and you need the units that come with probes. The dial units can be more than 20 degrees off -- completely unreliable, and a waste of money. I ran my own personal tests on one dial thermometer and it was consistently 24 degrees off...scary! I've seen many recommendations for this thermometer, and from personal experience it does a fine job. I'm also running a combo thermometer/hygrometer on the surface of the cool zone, as it has openings on both sides of the probe, and this unit is quite nice as well. You'll save a decent percentage and probably get free shipping if you order from Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime or sign up for their free Prime trial (if that's still being offered), you'll get free 2-day shipping no matter how much or how little you purchase, so long as the item you purchase is Prime-eligible. Alternatively, there are thermometers and thermometer/hygrometer combo units available at places like Walmart and home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot that may be slightly cheaper that are equally effective. I don't have links for those off the top of my head, but other members can chime in with those from their personal experience, and hopefully they will.

I realize these may not be the answers you were hoping to receive, but it really is essential for you to add a thermostat and digital thermometers as soon as possible. The goal is for you to have many wonderful years with a healthy, happy Squirt, and these things will help you accomplish that goal.

I hope this information helps, and good luck with your new scale baby! I can't think of a better birthday gift.

 

[Joba]

Hello and welcome. Our friend above covered everything well: thermostat = not optional. Also, I hope you're fully prepared to be helplessly addicted to snakes now! You've been warned

 

[TheFrogman]

NUFF SAID ^^^

Welcome, Im a Aspen user mainly my guys like to burrow under it.

 

[Cordova117]

Aloha and welcome. Yeah digital or electrical thermometers are a must. I bought the dial hydro/therm gauge and it was junk. When it stuck to my acrylic tank the suction cup made it lopsided and actually would shift the red arrow a few notches.

 

[Tavia]

Hello and belated welcome!

 

[Squirt]

Thanks! More ?s!

Thanks to everyone for all the information. I just had a nice 15 minute handling session with Squirt and it went quite well. I have two questions. I fed squirt Sunday morning. When should I expect to find poop and with squirt being so little will it be like looking for a needle in a haystack? My second question is about the sex. I've read about probing, popping, and the look of the tail. I'm attaching a photo so you can see my new baby and give your inputs if it is a male or female. I'm guessing female but I guess it could still be to early to tell. I need to go back to petco and find out how old squirt might be. Any guesses to that as well?

 

[Squirt]

Picture of Squirt

Forgot to post the pic, hopefully this worked.

 

[Shiari]

Looking at the tail isn't going to really give you any ideas at that age. Just wait a few years because if you want to know the sex for breeding purposes you'd need to wait 3 years anyway.

 

[smigon]

I fed squirt Sunday morning. When should I expect to find poop and with squirt being so little will it be like looking for a needle in a haystack?

He's a cutie!!! Squirt should poop 2-3 days after eating, definitely do not hold him (not sure on the sex, will call him a him for now!) until he does poop. He needs time to digest, and shouldn't be disturbed at all during this process.

The poop looks like a black wad of tar, I definitely recommend Aspen shavings (and without the carpet for above said reasons) and it will be stuck to them. Spot clean daily in case he wasn't done or you missed some. The bigger he gets the bigger and easier it will be to find.

My second question is about the sex. I've read about probing, popping, and the look of the tail. I'm attaching a photo so you can see my new baby and give your inputs if it is a male or female. I'm guessing female but I guess it could still be to early to tell. I need to go back to petco and find out how old squirt might be. Any guesses to that as well?

Petco should have his paperwork, and that will tell you how old he is. I wouldn't let Petco or any big chain store probe or pop him, they usually aren't snake experts, just salespeople and know the bare minimum. I think that would be a fair assessment and agreed by most people here, although there are snake experts who do work at these stores, chances that your store has an expert are slim. Call and ask, if not, I would contact a local herp vet to give Squirt a thorough checkup and then they can tell you for sure if we have a boy or girl! Also, being from the big chain stores, the chances of Squirt having a medical problem are greater than if you had purchased from a local breeder who knows their stuff and has a greater vested interest in healthy animals, therefore the checkup would be a good idea anyway.

Hope I didn't scare you, I know that you want the best for Squirt and so do we! They ARE incredible addictive, so your next one you should buy from a local breeder. There is a classifieds section on this site so look for your next one there (separate tank, of course!) and check out their reputation on the BOI.

Okay, yapped enough, definitely get the probe thermometer and a thermostat for him with the UTH, it can be as simple as a slide dimmer switch with male and female electrical plugs on each end. I got mine from Home Depot for $11. My UTH is split between two 20 gallon tanks (it is for a larger tank) and the dimmer switch keeps the temp (inside the tank, on the glass right above the UTH but under the substrate) a perfect 85 on the warm side, the cooler side is about 75. Hides needed at both ends so Squirt can choose a side and where it is most comfortable, and I use about 2" of Aspen so my kids can burrow. The more decor the better, they like to hide and slither around the plants. I use plastic aquarium plants, the taller ones fall over and create sort of a jungle feel.

Best of luck, and don't hesitate to ask any questions!!!