| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| n/a |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 17:11:07
Due to where Sid's viv is located, when im on the computer im right next to the viv so ive started leaving the viv door slightly ajar the end nearest where I sit thought this might be a good idea as I know the snakes taste the air around them with thier tongue so I thought by leaving the door ajar he would get used to my scent and not feel so threatened.
Is this good or bad idea ?
I also did a full viv clean today it was a case of having to on closer inspection the viv was really dirty so I want to start as I mean to go on with good housekeeping.
So I gently scooped Sid up and put him in an old quality street sweet tin with the lid tightly on so he cound'nt which he didnt seem to mind at all it took all of about 10 mins to clean out.
Ive put him back in and he's gone under his hidy hole with just his head poking out scaning his viv.
Also how long do mice keep for in the freezer as I think the mice i've bought maybe a little big for him the last owner said he was feeding on medium sized mice with I have in tuperware pot in the bottom of the freezer would the keep for a while until he's big enough to eat them.
Pain in the back side as its a trek to get some more so ive bought 6 weeks supply of mice.
thanks
Nick
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| 19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Kellog |
Posted - 27/03/2010 : 03:16:37
quote:
Originally posted by Sta~ple
quote:
Originally posted by herriotfan
Your welcome! There was a little one like that where I got Sids. The guy explained that if he got one like that he would always keep them in his hand and just gently hold them until they settled down before putting them away. He said that if you put them away while still being aggressive it teaches them that that's the way to get what they want! He also said that sometimes you get a little hatchling that wants to bite everything in sight, no matter if it came from the most tame, laid back parents. He just makes sure he handles them lots to get them used to it and let them know it's not that bad!! Good luch with yours ;)
Wow your full of good advise! I've been trying to do that with him but it's so hard when he's whizzing about everywhere or trying to bite.
Try just letting him run through your fingers until he calms down. If he feels he is being confined then he will get stressed but if you just let him go through your fingers or from one hand to the other to the other and so on....he will slowly get used to the feel of being handled.
Corns are not used to being handled, dont really want to be and do just adjust to us handling them and then come to enjoy the time outside the viv, being able to explore etc. It is a case of giving them the time to get used to it and learning to tolerate it.
It just takes patience....but it will happen.
xxx |
| Taz Devil |
Posted - 26/03/2010 : 14:14:37
quote:
Originally posted by Toggsy
When the viv door is ajar im sat right next to the viv
I have my viv next to my computer and I also leave the door open. BUT!! Sid has managed to evade my gaze and slithered out on a couple of occasions. So be doubly vigilant when the door is ajar. Remember your full attention isn't on the snake but on the monitor most of the time. |
| Sta~ple |
Posted - 26/03/2010 : 13:53:56
quote:
Originally posted by herriotfan
Your welcome! There was a little one like that where I got Sids. The guy explained that if he got one like that he would always keep them in his hand and just gently hold them until they settled down before putting them away. He said that if you put them away while still being aggressive it teaches them that that's the way to get what they want! He also said that sometimes you get a little hatchling that wants to bite everything in sight, no matter if it came from the most tame, laid back parents. He just makes sure he handles them lots to get them used to it and let them know it's not that bad!! Good luch with yours ;)
Wow your full of good advise! I've been trying to do that with him but it's so hard when he's whizzing about everywhere or trying to bite. |
| DannyBrown91 |
Posted - 26/03/2010 : 12:10:10
quote:
Originally posted by Toggsy
looking at the mice they are roughly the same size as Sid widest part if needs be I will get some smaller ones just to get him feeding again after his move.
He will be fine with them mice, when you notice that they don't leave much of a bump it is time to move up, either in mouse size or the amount of mice. |
| n/a |
Posted - 26/03/2010 : 09:59:52
Thanks for all the great advice
quote:
As far as putting Sid in the Quality Tin....I would also echo Danny's comments. I actually use a shoe box for mine, layered with kitchen roll...and I am sure you can find a cardboard box small enough for Sid to feel comfortable in rather than a tin - and it is a lot easier to punch holes in!
Sadly it was all I had available at the time ive since aquired a celebrations tub which is plastic but a nice size wtth a few holes in the lid so the jobs a good one now.
Ive also got an old pillow case aswell.
quote:
Is your one week over already?
Not quite over yet bit nearly but felt the viv needed a real decent clean as the previous owner had not kept it very clean and it was smelling slighty.
Im using hemp bedding which I pay 90p per bag, its sold as chicken bedding in the local pet shop, my friend who also has a corn snake has been using it for a few years and recomended it and the shop where to get it.
quote:
As far as the right size to feed him go by whether the 'dinner's' girth is 1.5 times the size of the widest part of the snake's body girth, no bigger. The guide Electra has given you is a good one, but it is only a rough one....so go by what you see and if you are concerned go for the smaller size and you can work out if Sid needs to move up in size when there is no longer a bump once he has eaten his 'dinner'
looking at the mice they are roughly the same size as Sid widest part if needs be I will get some smaller ones just to get him feeding again after his move. |
| Kellog |
Posted - 26/03/2010 : 04:21:23
I certainly would repeat the concerns about leaving the door of Sid's viv slightly open. Even if you are sat there I know how quickly snakes can move when they want to and how small a gap they can squeeze through....and if he decided to go then you wouldnt stand a chance of catching him!
Although some of your smell may be drifting into his viv he will be getting used to it a lot more from your daily water change and 'substrate fiddling'. The suggestion of putting in an item of your clothing is a good one. The best I have heard is a knee high sock with the foot cut off (I dont think the snake really needs sweaty feet smell  ) and it also means that the snake cant get 'caught' in it.
As far as putting Sid in the Quality Tin....I would also echo Danny's comments. I actually use a shoe box for mine, layered with kitchen roll...and I am sure you can find a cardboard box small enough for Sid to feel comfortable in rather than a tin - and it is a lot easier to punch holes in!
Kehhlyr is spot on with how to travel safely with your snake, lets just hope you never have to. The only time, other than to a vets, that you may want to take him somewhere is to a pet shop to get him probed when he is older, if you want to confirm he is a male.
Is your one week over already?
As far as the right size to feed him go by whether the 'dinner's' girth is 1.5 times the size of the widest part of the snake's body girth, no bigger. The guide Electra has given you is a good one, but it is only a rough one....so go by what you see and if you are concerned go for the smaller size and you can work out if Sid needs to move up in size when there is no longer a bump once he has eaten his 'dinner'.
Sorry if most of this is just repeating what has already been said  but I think it is worth confirming it.
xxx
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| Kehhlyr |
Posted - 26/03/2010 : 01:30:49
quote:
Originally posted by Toggsy
Talking on the container issue should the need ever arise and I have to take him to the vets whats the best way to transport him there if thats not to daft a question dont really fancy having to take the whole viv to the vets.
When/if I have to do a transport anywhere, my snakes go into a tied up pillowcase which then goes inside a small plastic box (rub).
If there's a chance he'll get to cold, then I also have taken a heat mat with me, but that isn't possible for everyone so if need be the car blowers going down towards the feet with rub in the passenger footwell or a hotwater bottle, but filled with warm instead. |
| ari |
Posted - 26/03/2010 : 01:11:27
I have aplastic viv. Thinks it's an exo terra. Has hair holes lids and secure. I place mystery in there when I'm cleaning his main Viv. Cheap on eebay too |
| n/a |
Posted - 26/03/2010 : 00:39:11
Talking on the container issue should the need ever arise and I have to take him to the vets whats the best way to transport him there if thats not to daft a question dont really fancy having to take the whole viv to the vets.
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| herriotfan |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 23:03:06
Your welcome! There was a little one like that where I got Sids. The guy explained that if he got one like that he would always keep them in his hand and just gently hold them until they settled down before putting them away. He said that if you put them away while still being aggressive it teaches them that that's the way to get what they want! He also said that sometimes you get a little hatchling that wants to bite everything in sight, no matter if it came from the most tame, laid back parents. He just makes sure he handles them lots to get them used to it and let them know it's not that bad!! Good luch with yours ;) |
| Sta~ple |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 22:15:21
I always used to leave the glass sliding thing a bit open when I was sat at my computer on hot days as its right next to my viv without any safety and none never got out but then again, mine have never escaped.
Thanks herriotfan, you've just given me advised on how I might be able to tame a snappy little hatchling XD |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 21:18:02
Try the bit of clothing first. When I first got my Sid I tucked an old sock inside my t-shirt, left it there for a days wear, so it got my scent on it, then I put it under the log in Sid's viv. He normally uses that as his little hide away. Also your scent will be in the viv as you do the water changes and general checks. Be very careful with your Sid, they are very fast and can slither off before you have chance to catch them! Is the seven day 'settle-in/don't touch' period up already? Gosh how time flies! |
| DannyBrown91 |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 20:34:29
quote:
Originally posted by Toggsy
Sorry think I might of made myself slightly unclear in regards to me leaving the door ajar.
When the viv door is ajar im sat right next to the viv so I never leave the door open unattended so snakey is safe from escaping its only open whilst im on the computer and the door is open just enough so he cant squeeze through but enough to let me scent through.
I thought that if im sat close to viv my scent will drift into the viv and he will get used to the smell of me helping him settle in.
Oh no i totally understood you but whilst your on the computer and paying attention to what you are doing on that your snakey may just decide to open the door and go for a slither. |
| mozacchio |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 19:50:27
quote:
Originally posted by Toggsy
Sorry think I might of made myself slightly unclear in regards to me leaving the door ajar.
When the viv door is ajar im sat right next to the viv so I never leave the door open unattended so snakey is safe from escaping its only open whilst im on the computer and the door is open just enough so he cant squeeze through but enough to let me scent through.
I thought that if im sat close to viv my scent will drift into the viv and he will get used to the smell of me helping him settle in.
As Danny said, if you want him to get used to your scent, better leave a clothe of yours in the viv. But if you want to leave the door ajar, better find a way to stabilise it, so that it can't get it open because even if you keep an eye on the viv, it might escape while you are not looking!
Electra |
| n/a |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 19:43:08
Sorry think I might of made myself slightly unclear in regards to me leaving the door ajar.
When the viv door is ajar im sat right next to the viv so I never leave the door open unattended so snakey is safe from escaping its only open whilst im on the computer and the door is open just enough so he cant squeeze through but enough to let me scent through.
I thought that if im sat close to viv my scent will drift into the viv and he will get used to the smell of me helping him settle in.
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| shaun727 |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 18:39:09
if we where talking about food for human consumption eg the food is at its best it would be 4 months from a health and hygiene stand point of the food service industry so i wouldn't personally keep them any longer than that but i would say 6 tops since it dose not have to be at human standards just keep any out for freezer burn if they get any bin them  |
| Sta~ple |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 18:26:57
Surely the life of mice in a freezer would be around the same as sausages. I don't know the life span of a sausages in a freezer though. |
| DannyBrown91 |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 17:51:54
Mice can keep in the freezer for a while, 6 months minimum i would have thought.
You do want to be carefull he dosn't escape, might be easier to just to put an item of clothing in his viv with him. If you are going to use the quality street tin next time you clean out his viv you might want to put some air holes in the lid, you could use a dart or something similar but don't poke them throught the purple bit, but take the lid off and do it on the silver bit so snakey won't get cut, and put some tissue or kitchen paper on the bottom so its not too cold. |
| mozacchio |
Posted - 25/03/2010 : 17:40:21
Are you sure he won't escape with the viv's door ajar?
Can't he open it or something?
Corn snakes are known for their ability to do so..! 
As for the mice, i think you can keep them in the freezer for some months.
If you don't know what size he should be feeding, here is a rough feeding guide:
Snake (4 -15g) = 1 Pinkie (0.5-3g) - feed every 5 to 6 days
Snake (16-23g) = 2 pinkies (3-4g) - feed every 5 to 6 days
Snake (24-30g) = small fuzzy (3-6g) - feed every 6 to 7 days
Snake (30-50g) = fuzzy (7-9g) - feed every 6 to 7 days
Snake (51-90g) = fluff/hoppers (7-12g) - feed every 6 to 7 days
Snake (91-170g) = Small Adult/Weaned (13-18g) - feed every 7 days
Snake (170g+) = Large (19-25g) - feed every 7 to x days
Snake (170+) = X large (35 +) - feed every 10 to x days
Hope i helped,
Electra |
