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On the topic of substrate....

Bekah

Bekah

New member
I use ReptiBark as substrate for my cornsnake. I clean up any damp areas or areas where the snake has defected promptly and replace with clean. I'd really like to know if ENTIRE amount should be cleaned out and if so how often. Thanks in advance!
 
It would depend on the size of the snake. If it is a hatchling it wouldn't have to be done as often as it would if it was an adult.

On the subject of using ReptiBark. I have heard that some people have had problems with mites being already in the bedding. I'd suggest baking it or feezing it prior to use to avoid unwanted little critters.
 
i use beech chip the has been profesinly heat treated. I do a full clean out 1 a month and do spot checks at leased once a day
 
i personally only have an entire clean out once every 5-6 months, as about 4-5 days after i feed them, i bath them and they poop in the bath and that way they are getting water and they are not contaminating their vivariams. they are all adults now.
i do not advice to fully clean out their tank every month as it stresses the snake a great deal, all new surroundings it then has to get used to, its like having a new snake and everything every month, its a lot on the snake and i do not like to do that.
:)
 
I am total agreement with Missy, Feed, bath 3 days later and no mess in the tank at all. Works a treat and full tank clean 6 months. (But water dishes, refill everyday and full scrub once a week). I polish the snake sniff off the inside of the glass but thats it basically.
 
same here cindy, do the exact same :)
definitely super clean water dishes for sure. bless them :)
 
Snake Sniffs are Where Mayzee snake licks and taps the glass, it leaves dirty marks sometimes. :grin01:
 
I completely clean my viv once a month, spot clean as necessary, and clean and replace the water daily. The only problem I ever had with reptibark was that I'd miss the poo in the dark brown color.
 
how do you get a snake to bathe in water? marty my corn is only three months old and i havn't seen him bathe in water once
 
3-4 days after feeding, Put about 2 inches deep of tepid (just this side of cold) water in the bath add something so snake can stop and rest should s/he desire and place him in. sit back and watch him exercise after about two minutes swimming he will go still, stick his tail up and poo. I would just do short sessions to begin with so you don't stress him out. My chap seems equally as happy swimming underwater for a while as on the top, and don't leave them unattended. I let Mayzee just climb across her own bath towel to dry off. She really does seem to enjoy it.
 
well as mine are adults i put them in the bath, i fill it up just touching the top of their mid bodies, only lukewarm though, leave them in there for max 15mins, watch them obviosuly overwise they tend to get out. and ta-da! not only are they clean, they are hydrated and also get exercise!
 
The decision to give a snake a bath is strictly a personal choice made by the owner.

The interest in this topic always amazes me. It isn't necessary and in some cases can be rather traumatic and stressful for the snake. I personally don't run a "snake spa" and believe that proper husbandry practices essentially eliminates the need to do so.

My intent isn't to pointing fingers or judge anyone for engaging in this practice, just presenting a contrarian point of view. :)
 
well CAV. what im getting from you here is your saying that we're purposely just placing more stess on the snake than needed, i have to agree with cindy, i do the exact same as her. it does not stress them out maybe as much as you think it does. they bathe in their waters half the time anyway. so whats the difference?
mine also seem to enjoy it quite a lot, it gets them plenty of exercise as i do not take them outside for hygeine reasons. and it gets them water, they do not drink as much as they should, i think.
thanx but no thanx for your advice. no one asked it
:)
 
Calm down, Missy

thanx but no thanx for your advice. no one asked it
Click to expand...

You are taking this way too personally (and rather rudely) by taking more away for the post than was intended. I apologize for somehow offending your sensibilities and I will clarify my post further.

Since you haven't been around this forum for very long, you haven't seen the vast amount of traffic that this topic has generated in the past. There are many newcomers to the hobby that come to this site for general information on husbandry and other related topics. Instead of taking away valid "facts", they are subjected to "opinions" and "personal preferences" which are often misrepresented as being necessary for the animal's well being. In some cases, those giving "opinions" aren't all that experienced themselves. I personally feel that such posts are a disservice to those responsibly seeking correct information. It is our responsibility to be more careful and separate the "facts" from the "opinions".

If you provide swim time for your snake that is your choice. Personally, I could care less. However, I have seen this topic cause confusion on many occasions. Several posters essentially panicked after reading these threads because they had never bathed their snake and became concerned that dire consequences would result because of their oversight! THAT is unnecessary, IMO.

If you will carefully re-read my post I stated "in some cases (bathing) can be rather traumatic and stressful for the snake." Furthermore, I stated that "I personally don't" engage in this practice. This is based solely upon my observations and experiences as a keeper of a rather large collection. I stand by the statement that water and snakes is a stressful event in some cases. Evidently you also failed to read the last line entirely:
My intent isn't to pointing fingers or judge anyone for engaging in this practice, just presenting a contrarian point of view.
Click to expand...

In the future, I will continue to point out topics that I believe are being misrepresented as "necessary for the health of the animal" versus a matter of personal choice. I hope this explanation meets your satisfaction.
 
well im personally gonna take my own vets advice rather than peoples opinions on a forum, the amount of things i have brought to my vets attention from this forum and they have been wrong, ive lost count now. i didnt exactly mean that last line to be rude. i did add a smilie, well tried. i quick reply is why. however i do think it is necessary as i do not keep them in high humidity, so i bath them esp, round the time ther're due to shed.
didnt mean any offense cav, was stating my opinion on your post is all. misunderstanding.
i also took everything you said into account. i dont think i came across too well in my last post. sorry.
:) = smilie.
 
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