JamMan
James M.
Hi everyone, I purchased a corn snake almost two months ago, unfortunately from a petco. I named him Jafar (I figured it was more suiting than the alternative my friends came up with - dirka dirka Mohammad jihad) I'm pretty new to snake care and I just had some basic questions to make sure I'm doing this right.
So far though everything has been running smoothly. He's still a baby, just coming up on a foot long. I figured him growing up knowing who his boss is will be beneficial on both sides. I have fed him around seven times now, every time frozen thawed pinkies, but this most recent time a live pinkie due to the fact that it's all I could get my hands on. I've read that live pinkies can cause problems such as regurgitation or injury to the snake (explanation? Preference?). There have been no problems with feeding though. He's been pretty eager to munch. I also move him into a shoebox (I use it for temporary housing when cleaning his cage, etc.) to feed as to not associate feeding with his cage and so he doesn't consume any substrate. I've made sure not to handle him after feeding, but when are other inappropriate times to handle?
I have some pictures which I will attach, but basically I have him in a twenty gallon long tank with aspen bedding and newspaper underneath. I have a few fake plants, a little tower for climbing, a water bowl big enough for him to drink from and enter/exit as he pleases, and a hide on the warmer side of my temperature gradient (going to purchase another for him soon along with a branch).
I have changed the substrate about once a month and his water every to every other day. I have my hygrometer - which has stayed between 30% to 55% - and a digital probe thermometer which I have placed just barely underneath his substrate above the UTH, assuming that would give me an accurate reading of the heat being transferred into the bedding. It has been reading between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but never exceeding 90 (I also need to purchase a thermostat/rheostat to regulate temp. Any suggestions?). Even though I get a reading within preferred boundaries, the substrate or surrounding areas don't feel warm to the touch.
I have compacted the substrate when setting up the cage as it is a little easier to make everything stay. Would this make burrowing difficult? I'm also curious if I should purchase a second thermometer to either keep tabs on the cooler side of my gradient or to monitor the ambient air temperature of the entire cage?
I bought two heat lamps (whatever the recommended basking bulb is and an infrared night lamp) I don't know the wattage off-hand, but I'm hesitant to use them due to how much heat is being transferred into the tank. When I touch his hide after the lamp has been used, it seems too hot and I'm worried about the snake burning himself. I understand they are not exactly necessary, I figured especially since I live in Houston and outside temperature won't get too cold for too long, but what are the signs I should look for to let me know if I should turn them on periodically?
Also, I noticed a spot on the top right side ( looking at him face to face) towards the back of his head, possibly right where his jaw ends, where there seemed to be a small scratch or something. I don't believe he is beginning to shed (what are the precursors) but how should I approach things of such?
That's pretty much where I'm at, at this point. Any input or suggestions on what I'm doing or any basic care information would be great! Also answers to my questions would really help me out. I want to make sure I've covered all the bases here. I want the little guy to be comfortable and healthy.
So far though everything has been running smoothly. He's still a baby, just coming up on a foot long. I figured him growing up knowing who his boss is will be beneficial on both sides. I have fed him around seven times now, every time frozen thawed pinkies, but this most recent time a live pinkie due to the fact that it's all I could get my hands on. I've read that live pinkies can cause problems such as regurgitation or injury to the snake (explanation? Preference?). There have been no problems with feeding though. He's been pretty eager to munch. I also move him into a shoebox (I use it for temporary housing when cleaning his cage, etc.) to feed as to not associate feeding with his cage and so he doesn't consume any substrate. I've made sure not to handle him after feeding, but when are other inappropriate times to handle?
I have some pictures which I will attach, but basically I have him in a twenty gallon long tank with aspen bedding and newspaper underneath. I have a few fake plants, a little tower for climbing, a water bowl big enough for him to drink from and enter/exit as he pleases, and a hide on the warmer side of my temperature gradient (going to purchase another for him soon along with a branch).
I have changed the substrate about once a month and his water every to every other day. I have my hygrometer - which has stayed between 30% to 55% - and a digital probe thermometer which I have placed just barely underneath his substrate above the UTH, assuming that would give me an accurate reading of the heat being transferred into the bedding. It has been reading between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but never exceeding 90 (I also need to purchase a thermostat/rheostat to regulate temp. Any suggestions?). Even though I get a reading within preferred boundaries, the substrate or surrounding areas don't feel warm to the touch.
I have compacted the substrate when setting up the cage as it is a little easier to make everything stay. Would this make burrowing difficult? I'm also curious if I should purchase a second thermometer to either keep tabs on the cooler side of my gradient or to monitor the ambient air temperature of the entire cage?
I bought two heat lamps (whatever the recommended basking bulb is and an infrared night lamp) I don't know the wattage off-hand, but I'm hesitant to use them due to how much heat is being transferred into the tank. When I touch his hide after the lamp has been used, it seems too hot and I'm worried about the snake burning himself. I understand they are not exactly necessary, I figured especially since I live in Houston and outside temperature won't get too cold for too long, but what are the signs I should look for to let me know if I should turn them on periodically?
Also, I noticed a spot on the top right side ( looking at him face to face) towards the back of his head, possibly right where his jaw ends, where there seemed to be a small scratch or something. I don't believe he is beginning to shed (what are the precursors) but how should I approach things of such?
That's pretty much where I'm at, at this point. Any input or suggestions on what I'm doing or any basic care information would be great! Also answers to my questions would really help me out. I want to make sure I've covered all the bases here. I want the little guy to be comfortable and healthy.
