Raiyne
New member
I thought it'd be interesting to see what changes we've all made in husbandry since we first started and why. I know when I researched what I'd need to keep a snake, I was overwhelmed with all the different choices in substrate, heating, thermometers and more. It might help new snake owners to see the specific kinds of husbandry we use and the reasons we use them.
I'll go first...
Substrate
What I used then: Cypress Mulch
What I use now: Aspen Bedding
Why:[/SIZE] This is something I changed when my first snake became ill. I was told by a friend that aspen bedding would be safer for a snake with a respiratory illness. When I was cleaning out the cypress mulch, I could see why. The cypress had a moderate amount of very fine dirt within it, which had covered the bottom and sides of the tank. I kept sneezing while cleaning it out because it was getting in my nose. The aspen bedding wasn't "dusty" and it costs less to boot.
Thermometers/Humidity Readers
What I used then: Stick-on Thermometers from Petco
What I use now: Digital Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer/Humidity Reader from Walmart
Why: Two stick-on thermometers and a humidity reader would cost me $16 at Petco. The digital one does the job of all three for a total of $8, is far more accurate, and makes cleaning the tank easier. Anything sticking to the tank makes it more difficult to wash.
Heating
What I used then: Under Tank Heater (UTH)
What I use now: Heat Lamp
Why: Both of these were the exact same in price, so cost was no factor. The UTH made cleaning more difficult. It also required me to use extra substrate (I chose reptile carpet underneath the bedding), so the snake wouldn't get burned if it burrowed down to the bottom of the tank. The biggest reason I switched though, was because the UTH was getting too hot.
If the tank gets too warm with the heat lamp, I adjust the angle on the lamp so it's farther away. A few minutes later, the temps go down a notch. It's easy. With the UTH, if the temps are too hot, I'm trying to add more substrate and propping the tank up with books. The change is much slower and it's an all around bigger hassle for me.
I suggest for those using a UTH that you don't attach it to the glass, but rather just let it rest on the table below the tank. That would make cleaning easier and propping the tank up would make a bigger difference.
Hides
What I used then: Cardboard
What I use now: Plastic
Why: It all comes down to cleaning. Cardboard can't be disinfected before introducing it to the viv. It also can't be cleaned when it gets soiled. I happen to be rather poor so I prefer makeshift hides to storebought. I do have one hide from Petco, but it's for shedding purposes rather than hiding. The fake bark offers my snake a rough texture that the plastic doesn't have.
Water Dish
What I used then: Ceramic Dish from Petco
What I use now: Tupperware
Why: Snakes grow. Tupperware is cheaper.
Things I Haven't Changed
Tank: I use a 20 gallon long critter tank with a sliding screen top that locks into place. I've never had any problems with it. It's been great.
Plastic Vines: I got these from Zamzows for about 6 dollars. They're easy to clean, they make the tank look nice, and they're great for climbing on or hiding under.
So that's what I've changed in the month since I started owning snakes. I'd love to see how more experienced owners have changed their setups over the years and the reasons for the changes. Please feel free to share!
I'll go first...
Substrate
What I used then: Cypress Mulch
What I use now: Aspen Bedding
Why:[/SIZE] This is something I changed when my first snake became ill. I was told by a friend that aspen bedding would be safer for a snake with a respiratory illness. When I was cleaning out the cypress mulch, I could see why. The cypress had a moderate amount of very fine dirt within it, which had covered the bottom and sides of the tank. I kept sneezing while cleaning it out because it was getting in my nose. The aspen bedding wasn't "dusty" and it costs less to boot.
Thermometers/Humidity Readers
What I used then: Stick-on Thermometers from Petco
What I use now: Digital Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer/Humidity Reader from Walmart
Why: Two stick-on thermometers and a humidity reader would cost me $16 at Petco. The digital one does the job of all three for a total of $8, is far more accurate, and makes cleaning the tank easier. Anything sticking to the tank makes it more difficult to wash.
Heating
What I used then: Under Tank Heater (UTH)
What I use now: Heat Lamp
Why: Both of these were the exact same in price, so cost was no factor. The UTH made cleaning more difficult. It also required me to use extra substrate (I chose reptile carpet underneath the bedding), so the snake wouldn't get burned if it burrowed down to the bottom of the tank. The biggest reason I switched though, was because the UTH was getting too hot.
If the tank gets too warm with the heat lamp, I adjust the angle on the lamp so it's farther away. A few minutes later, the temps go down a notch. It's easy. With the UTH, if the temps are too hot, I'm trying to add more substrate and propping the tank up with books. The change is much slower and it's an all around bigger hassle for me.
I suggest for those using a UTH that you don't attach it to the glass, but rather just let it rest on the table below the tank. That would make cleaning easier and propping the tank up would make a bigger difference.
Hides
What I used then: Cardboard
What I use now: Plastic
Why: It all comes down to cleaning. Cardboard can't be disinfected before introducing it to the viv. It also can't be cleaned when it gets soiled. I happen to be rather poor so I prefer makeshift hides to storebought. I do have one hide from Petco, but it's for shedding purposes rather than hiding. The fake bark offers my snake a rough texture that the plastic doesn't have.
Water Dish
What I used then: Ceramic Dish from Petco
What I use now: Tupperware
Why: Snakes grow. Tupperware is cheaper.
Things I Haven't Changed
Tank: I use a 20 gallon long critter tank with a sliding screen top that locks into place. I've never had any problems with it. It's been great.
Plastic Vines: I got these from Zamzows for about 6 dollars. They're easy to clean, they make the tank look nice, and they're great for climbing on or hiding under.
So that's what I've changed in the month since I started owning snakes. I'd love to see how more experienced owners have changed their setups over the years and the reasons for the changes. Please feel free to share!
