| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Gaz Claffey |
Posted - 28/10/2013 : 13:08:03
Hi, I'm currently arranging the purchase of a corn snake for my son, having spent lots of time lurking in the background reading old posts with advice etc. I've decided to man up and ask a quick question regarding heating.
I've already bought the viv and it is the deal detailed in the below link, along with an extra water bowl and an ivy garland from Dunelm to provide cover,
http://www.bluelizardreptiles.co.uk/starterkits/snakes/9632100005015
My concern is with regards to the heat mat supplied, it's 11" square and as the viv is 18" this covers more than the half of the viv that I've read as recommended, should I buy an 8" square heat mat and save the bigger one for when I upgrade to a bigger viv when the snake gets bigger? My only concern here is the snakes well being, but equally don't want to buy things that aren't necessary.
Thanks in advance for the help, and I'll be back on once I have the snake to post pics and no doubt ask for even more advice!! |
| 17 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Kellog |
Posted - 01/11/2013 : 22:23:11
No thanks necessary Gaz, it's what we're here for  . I'm assuming that as you've checked him out on Iansvivarium that you know what he'll look like once he grows? They change so much from hatchling to adults and sometimes people don't realise that. I doubt that's you though  .
Your son is a great age to get his first snake, old enough to understand the responsibility of it but not too old to get bored of it quickly or distracted by something else too soon. I bet this won't be his, or your, one and only snake  !
Xxx
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| Gaz Claffey |
Posted - 01/11/2013 : 09:39:25
Thanks Kellog, that tells me all I need to know, just give time and space. I've arranged to pick the hatchling up in mid December, he's a single trait motley? (comparing the picture I have of him and the guide on Ian's Vivarium at least), and is a handsome boy!
My son's 7 and has been pushing for a snake since he was introduced to a friend of a friends corn snake in April so he'll be very happy. Although I'm very aware the bulk of the care will fall to myself and my wife.
Thanks for the reply and to everyone else who took time to reply - it's great as a newby to have a place to ask questions
I will upload pictures once i collect the snake for everyone to see
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| Kellog |
Posted - 31/10/2013 : 22:36:56
quote:
Originally posted by Gaz Claffey
......So with that I have another question, as this is a surprise, when you have to leave the snake for a week (or more) to adjust to its new environment does that only apply to the viv or is it for the actual location. i.e if i change the room its kept in would I have to allow the snake another week for it to acclimate?
Glad you've got it all and are ready to get it up and running. Not surprised you've gone for the dual thermometer, you seem the sort to do it properly . Do you have a date for when you are getting your hatchling?
That's a wonderful surprise for your son, he's a lucky boy . How old is he?
As far as the week settling in, it's most important when you first get it as it will be stressed from the move and will need time to get over that and get used to its new home. If it's necessary to move it to another room then I would leave it for a couple of days to adjust and certainly not move it during the 48hrs after a feed, while it's digesting. In essence is doesn't need to acclimatise again as it should be used to its home and settled in but it will obviously be a bit unsettled by the move. Also a lot depends on the snake, some are more confident than others so will cope better. Hope that helps.
Xxx
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| Gaz Claffey |
Posted - 31/10/2013 : 11:55:25
thanks Kellog, I have everything now (bar the snake, although I've put a deposit down on a hatchling) so will get everything up and running to check it all works. I went for a dual thermometer so will have a definite view on whether I have a suitably hot and cold end.
It is really for my son and providing he (the son) behaves, will live in his bedroom but i have to admit to being just as excited as him about it, although keeping it all as a surprise is a bit tricky.
So with that I have another question, as this is a surprise, when you have to leave the snake for a week (or more) to adjust to its new environment does that only apply to the viv or is it for the actual location. i.e if i change the room its kept in would I have to allow the snake another week for it to acclimate? |
| Kellog |
Posted - 30/10/2013 : 22:36:53
It's brilliant that you're doing all this research before getting your....sorry, your son's .....snake  . And I'm glad that you've stopped lurking in the shadows and have started asking questions. As far as we are concerned the only silly question is the one not asked.
I would agree with Razee, that as long as there is a hot and a cool end then the exact dimension of the viv that the mat covers is irrelevant. I'm guessing you will get the viv before the snake, so that it is set up and running properly. Once you've got it you can see for yourself how the mat fits and if you are still not sure get a smaller one.
I'm glad you've got the extra foliage, a hatchling needs to feel safe and secure and can sometimes find a new home daunting. Having plants and extra hides will help it settle in and be a confident little snake.
I am the same as Donnie, I only use a digital thermometer in the warm end. Corns don't need a particular humidity, unlike other snakes, so I don't bother with a hydrometer. But that is down to personal choice, like lots of other things to do with keeping corns .
Xxx
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| smart bunny |
Posted - 30/10/2013 : 08:02:50
quote:
Originally posted by Donnie
quote:
Originally posted by Boomslang
What you linked is ok,i have one,Don't forget you'll have to cut a vent alittle to get it to fit in.
Those vivs have a little gromet in them to pass cables through so you don't have to put holes in the vents.
OP I would just get one digital thermometer to measure the 'hot' end temps and not worry about the cool end or hydrometer. The cool end will be what it is and unless you live outside or have the central heating on full blast it will be fine at normal room temp and corns do fine with normal UK humidity and most Hydrometers are inaccurate anyway so I personally wouldn't bother with one.
Totally agree with the above :) |
| Gaz Claffey |
Posted - 29/10/2013 : 20:42:16
Thanks again for the replies |
| Donnie |
Posted - 29/10/2013 : 20:12:23
quote:
Originally posted by Boomslang
What you linked is ok,i have one,Don't forget you'll have to cut a vent alittle to get it to fit in.
Those vivs have a little gromet in them to pass cables through so you don't have to put holes in the vents.
OP I would just get one digital thermometer to measure the 'hot' end temps and not worry about the cool end or hydrometer. The cool end will be what it is and unless you live outside or have the central heating on full blast it will be fine at normal room temp and corns do fine with normal UK humidity and most Hydrometers are inaccurate anyway so I personally wouldn't bother with one. |
| Boomslang |
Posted - 29/10/2013 : 19:29:27
What you linked is ok,i have one,Don't forget you'll have to cut a vent alittle to get it to fit in. |
| hayleylsl |
Posted - 28/10/2013 : 20:12:02
My thermometers have a hygrometer built in too though they are not the ones in your link :-) |
| Gaz Claffey |
Posted - 28/10/2013 : 20:03:02
Thanks for the replies, boomslang you're correct the mat slips between 2 panes of glass at the back, I'm hoping to pick up a baby but which morph I don't know???? Depends what the stores here in Warrington have in stock I guess
Razee I think you've got me pegged and the stat was definitely a priority after having a look on this site!!
Hayleysl - I'm looking into thermometers at the moment and I have seen this one with a hygrometer built in (I know this isn't necessarily needed for corns but better safe than sorry), Any opinions on this would be appreciated
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lucky-Reptile-LTH-34-Thermometer-Hygrometer/dp/B002CWWR2S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382990474&sr=8-1&keywords=reptile+thermometer+hygrometer
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| hayleylsl |
Posted - 28/10/2013 : 19:31:17
I'd also invest in a couple of digital thermometers for both the warm side and the cool side so you can monitor the temps, and it is good to see a stat included :-) |
| Razee |
Posted - 28/10/2013 : 19:01:13
I think that as long as the snake has cold and warm end, the precise size of the mat is not such an issue, as long as it's run with a thermostat - and the water is on the cold side. It's nice to see, that the starter kit does include a thermostat - that is quite rare think to see :-)
Congrats on your ( erm, your son's ;-) ) soon to be snake. Good choice of a pet :-)
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| Boomslang |
Posted - 28/10/2013 : 17:54:32
Mats for them vivs slide between a built in slot in the viv.So,you're limited to whatever that space is.Most likely the 11" they sell with it :) Upto you if you get a smaller mat.
Are you getting a baby corn? |
| ScaryVonHayleystine |
Posted - 28/10/2013 : 17:47:27
smaller one, hide on each side of the enclosure, keep water bowl to col side also. |
| Gaz Claffey |
Posted - 28/10/2013 : 14:41:50
Thankyou! |
| TallyDB |
Posted - 28/10/2013 : 13:18:52
I'd go for the smaller one and then put a hide on the warm side and a hide on the cold side. |
