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Originally posted by Fernorita



The 1 3rd of the small viv is on a heat mat. We don't have a thermomstat but I have one on order (should be here today) and we've been checking the temp regularly with a meat thrmometer probe!! It's approx 30 but varies slightly depending on weather you measure in the hide. you really need to turn the heatmat off until your thermostat comes.

The guys in the shop could not have been more helpful with care advice etc and have assured us that any follow up care will be readily given. He said Bruce was a Reverse Okeetee I'll post pics once he's settled and you can confirm (or not!) can't wait to see the pics

OK questions.
1) I've orded two thermometers (the kind that stick on the tank) When they arrive where should I stick them? I know one at the hotend and one at the cold but how high? right in the corner? Does it even matter?! The stick on thermometers are pretty rubbish. You really need the digital probe thermometers. I use these ones http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DIGITAL-THERMOMETER-FAST-DISPATCH-/230643242787?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Reptiles_Spiders_Insects&hash=item35b3689723

2)Same goes for the thermostat probe. In the hide? under the substate? int he middle of warm end or at the edge? You can rubber band the thermostat and thermometer probes together and put them on the base of the faun above the heatmat in the middle of the warm end. I usually weigh mine down with the hide. Alternatively you can plce the thermostat probe on the heatmat under the faun and just have your thermometer probe inside the faun. Just make sure you set the thermostat depending on what the thermometer is reading.

3) OK so this is a gross one! Can someone post a pic of a healthy poo As he's our 1st I have no idea what one should look like so can't really assess how healthy he is until I know. All I have gather from your very informative forum is that they STINK! Perhaps I'm being too excessive here? Hatchling poo isnt usually too bad, it gets worse the older they get and the bigger mouse they have with more hair etc. I usually compare it to bird poo. A lump of black stuff with white/runny stuff around, depending on what mice they eat will determine how much black stuff.

4) Shedding. No maybe I've missed a post on this so if you can direct me to it that would be great. Otherwise how long should a normal shed take once in blue? Should he be left alone totally or only if he's mardy? Do I offer food? and any other things I should know? Shedding can take 1-2 weeks from start to finish depending on the snake. Some are ok being handled but they don't really enjoy it as they can't really see whats going on. Most of mine will still eat when they are blue so I always offer food, one of the others will always appreciate it if it doesnt get eaten. Sometimes it can help to put a damp hide in their tank when they go blue although alot manage perfeectly well on their own. I would leave it be for the first shed and see how it handles it and then you can make plans for the next one if it needs it

Sorry about the rant, I'm sure I'll think of many more questions soon!

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