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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
 Posted - 17/08/2013 : 09:53:22
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Hi all,
I've got a 4ftx2ft viv, I understand that if a viv is too big then the snake can stress, so am going to have multiple hides in it to stop this. I've also got a thermostat and have ordered a 1ftx1ft heat mat.
I'm wondering what the best substrate is that doesn't have a fire risk as live in a shared flat. Also, is a general reptile bowl enough to provide water for the snake?
I was going to use a mixture of cereal boxes/kitchen roll tubes and purchased hides.
Will probably have more questions soon, or feel free to suggest anything that would improve my viv so the snake can be happy and healthy.
Thank you :) |
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Welshlamb
Yearling
United Kingdom
711 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 11:52:22
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quote:
Originally posted by Ruthy
Hi all,
I've got a 4ftx2ft viv, I understand that if a viv is too big then the snake can stress, so am going to have multiple hides in it to stop this. I've also got a thermostat and have ordered a 1ftx1ft heat mat.
I'm wondering what the best substrate is that doesn't have a fire risk as live in a shared flat. Also, is a general reptile bowl enough to provide water for the snake?
I was going to use a mixture of cereal boxes/kitchen roll tubes and purchased hides.
Will probably have more questions soon, or feel free to suggest anything that would improve my viv so the snake can be happy and healthy.
Thank you :)
It is said that if a vivarium is to big it can stress a snake. But you can always house your snake in a rub inside your vivarium if this is the case. You should notice stress if you start getting feeding issues.
You seem to have done your research and getting boxes and hiding places is the best idea. The more the better, but 1 each end minimum.
Substrate all pose a risk of fire hazard, as does anything in your home. But if your mat has a thermostat you are minimizing that risk dramatically as this should prevent the mat overheating and stop your snake getting burns.
I use megazorb, which is horse bedding. It is very absorbent and lasts months as it comes in a huge bag. I have tried all the other substrates from fake grass, aspen, chips and nothing has compared.
Any heat source inside your vivarium is the main risk of fire. I use LED's in all my vivarium, which are bought from Ikea. They are around £11. This also minimises fire risks as they give off minimal heat compared to a standard bulb (which would need a cage guard). It also looks much better IMO.
Good luck setting up and do as much research as possible. Hope I have helped 
Here are some links:
LED's http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90192071/
Substrate http://www.gjwtitmuss.co.uk/horse-bedding/pid2810/cid358/northern-crop-driers-megazorb-bedding-85-litres.asp?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=pricecomp&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=CN_M1sCohLkCFbQetAod3xgA0Q
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Edited by - Welshlamb on 17/08/2013 11:55:32 |
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a33272
our battery charger
United Kingdom
3063 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 12:07:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Ruthy
Hi all,
I've got a 4ftx2ft viv, I understand that if a viv is too big then the snake can stress, so am going to have multiple hides in it to stop this. I've also got a thermostat and have ordered a 1ftx1ft heat mat.
I'm wondering what the best substrate is that doesn't have a fire risk as live in a shared flat. Also, is a general reptile bowl enough to provide water for the snake?
I was going to use a mixture of cereal boxes/kitchen roll tubes and purchased hides.
Will probably have more questions soon, or feel free to suggest anything that would improve my viv so the snake can be happy and healthy.
Thank you :)
first of all an the important bit is Hi and Welcome :D.
my first question before i even answer any of the above is how old is the snake you plan to get?
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0.1.0 creamsicle corn-Marmalade
1.0.0 jungle carpet python-Bumble
1.0.0 corn Casper
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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 12:15:55
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I'm not too sure on what age snake. It depends on which ones are available but I was thinking a young adult and going to avoid hatchlings or really young ones as it will be my first snake.
Quick question on the large viv: surely snakes would be pretty messed up in the wild if they got stressed being somewhere large than 2 square feet. I figured that proportionally increasing the number of hides to that the snake doesn't have to travel far to get to a hiding place would allow me to have this viv but not have a stressed out snake? Am I completely wrong or all good?
That horse bedding looks pretty good. I'm assuming it's pretty easy to clean? And would require complete removal about once a month? |
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Razee
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
2525 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 13:06:51
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| One thing to watch out for with horse bedding - make sure there're no additives. Quite often, they add citronella, or insecticides to some types, to protect from flies and to discourage horses from eating the bedding. This would be toxic to the snakes. Make sure you get a nice, natural, no additives dust extracted type. |
0.1.0 late CB10 Carolina corn snake - Bazilishka
1.0.0 CB11 Abbots Okeetee- Little Twiddler
1.0.0 CB11 Hypo corn- Sebastianek
1.0.0. CB14 Butter Motley - Squidwood
0.0.2 CB18 normal/ Okeetee yearlings Bunny and Lalalishka
0.0.1 hognose
0.1.0 stable cat
0.1.0 house cat |
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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 13:21:12
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| Thanks for that warning! I'm assuming the megazorb suggested above is safe? |
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Razee
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
2525 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 13:37:51
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| Megazorb will be ok, many people use that one for snakes :-) |
0.1.0 late CB10 Carolina corn snake - Bazilishka
1.0.0 CB11 Abbots Okeetee- Little Twiddler
1.0.0 CB11 Hypo corn- Sebastianek
1.0.0. CB14 Butter Motley - Squidwood
0.0.2 CB18 normal/ Okeetee yearlings Bunny and Lalalishka
0.0.1 hognose
0.1.0 stable cat
0.1.0 house cat |
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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 17:42:58
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| Fabulous :) . Also, what kind of bowl do you have the water in? I've got two fairly smallish reptile bowls, not sure if they're good enough. |
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Welshlamb
Yearling
United Kingdom
711 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 19:00:48
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In my own personal experience I'd recommend getting a hatchling or very young snake rather than an adult. This way you will be able to learn more about your snake and deal with any issues easier as you will know much more about the snakes background.
I have learnt this for myself. I purchased a cali king, that was 3 years old (which is considerably young) who had several issues. But then with my hatchling it has been much more plain sailing, especially with having advice from people here and it growing up with me.
Many may disagree but it's all down to personal preference.
Be mindful of how much water you put in with very young snakes. Many snakes like to bathe in their water bowls coming up to shedding. You should consider this when picking the size of the bowl.
With water bowls I'd recommend getting a dog or cat bowl. They are moderately heavy, which is useful to stop the snake tipping it over. I got mine from homebargains, they are relatively cheap and easy to clean.
There are many bowls for reptiles on the market.
Hope this helps |
Edited by - Welshlamb on 17/08/2013 19:05:20 |
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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 19:20:22
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Thank you for that about the age of snakes. I'll definitely keep that in mind!
The bowls I have are quite flat so are unlikely to tip over but aren't large enough for a snake (perhaps a hatchling) to bathe in and aren't very deep. If I were to get a hatchling (this won't be until September) then would this size bowl be suitable and then increase to a shallow dog bowl when the snake grows? |
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Welshlamb
Yearling
United Kingdom
711 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 19:51:53
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| For a young hatchling many people use a milk bottle top turned upside down or a emptied tea light candle case. It's dependant on the age of the snake. As you got to be very careful they don't drown. But I've never heard of this happening. It may also increase humidity if it evaporates (which may cause respitory infections), so only use the amount of water required. Hatchlings only take small gulps of water. |
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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 19:55:40
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| Ahh I thought they were a bit bigger than needing a milk bottle top! Cool :) . Won't be difficult to get one of those (and clean it). |
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Welshlamb
Yearling
United Kingdom
711 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 20:07:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Ruthy
Ahh I thought they were a bit bigger than needing a milk bottle top! Cool :) . Won't be difficult to get one of those (and clean it).
Good luck and keep us updated. Feel free to ask any more questions and ill do the best to give you an answer |
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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 20:27:50
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| Thank you for your help :) . I'll no doubt think of more questions soon. |
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mjpeters
Sub Adult
United Kingdom
1539 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 20:46:44
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WELCOME Ruthy !!
There is a lot to be said for having a Hatchling;
1/as already said-getting to know your own snake
2/Enjoying all the stages they go through
3/Now there are Loads about to choose from 
Older Snakes may have their own foibles or even behavioral issues-worse still health issues.That being said there are so many experienced folks on here that will happily share their knowledge,that you need only ask,ask,and ask again 
Good luck in your snake search-had you thought of a rehomer/rescue snakey? Many of mine came that way ,it is rewarding giving a good home to an otherwise lost little snakey 
once again a very Heart felt Welcome along |
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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 21:03:09
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Hi!
I did have an eye set on a snake at the SSPCA, but unfortunately she's been reserved :( . I haven't seen any others on there that would really suit me and most are fully grown, but will still keep an eye on their website. So if nothing's there by September then I'll go to the reptile shop.
Always choose to get information from forums first as feel it's unbiased as you guys won't be selling me anything :) |
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hayleylsl
Egg
United Kingdom
98 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 22:27:48
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Hi Ruthy :-)
I'm quite new to keeping snakes too- I've had mine for just over 6 months now and I got him when he was just under 6 months old too making him nearly 1- I've just upgraded him from a faunarium to a 4ft viv which is quite a large step but he has been fine in it as he has lots of hides and lots of cover for him. He was fed on thursday and ate as usual- striking his mouse and then constricting it. I handle Boris quite often (not for at least a day after he has been fed- some people say leave them for 48 hours after being fed but I think it depends on your snake and you get to know their usual routines so to speak!) and he is the same placid snake he always has been.
Boris is on a thermostatted heat mat which takes up 1/3 of the tank and I use beech chips and aspen as a substrate (Boris loves burrowing into the aspen- first time he did it I thought he has escaped but then I saw his head poking up!) I left the new viv setup for a day to reach the right temps.
Best of luck with your new addition when you get him or her! People here are so helpful and knowledgeable :-) |
1.0.0 CB 12 Amel Motley- Boris
0.2.0 cats Grizabella and Jennyanydots
Foster cat: Jasper who has a healing broken pelvis |
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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
Posted - 17/08/2013 : 22:37:30
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| Thank you Hayley :) , that was nice to hear. |
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Coal
Hatchling
449 Posts |
Posted - 19/08/2013 : 08:49:12
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Hiya! You've probably heard all you need to know about setup now, so I'm just saying hello and welcome :)
Also, while it's true that hatchlings are generally a better starting point, don't be put-off getting a yearling or adult if you find one you really like and get on well with - I got my corn as a yearling about two months ago from Pets at Home and he is such a gentle, calm and inquisitive boy; I've never had any feeding, behaviour or health issues with him :) |
'Lovecraft' - CB12 male amel
'Sarnath' - CB13 male KSB (anery, het. albino) |
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Ruthy
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
47 Posts |
Posted - 19/08/2013 : 18:29:40
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Hey, I've put a deposit down on an Amel hatchling. So super cute. Chose one with really pretty markings and it is the most active one of the bunch in there.
Picking up in September so I've got time to get the viv all sorted and full of hides for it.
Now the biggest thing is thinking up a name for it! But we'll wait until we've spent more time with it :) |
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hayleylsl
Egg
United Kingdom
98 Posts |
Posted - 19/08/2013 : 21:52:22
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Names, my favourite topic :-) I've always had slightly unusual names for my pets- I've had Basil and Eric the fish, then Dolly and Archie the Budgies, Fred and Barney the rats (Fred has 11 babies...) then Zeus the cat (rip) then Grizabella and Jennyanydots the cats and of course, now Boris the Amel cornsnake. As soon as I saw Boris I knew he was a Boris (someone said to me was it after the Mayor of London as he was very slimy and slippery but I like BoJo and of course snakes aren't slimy!)
Has snakey been popped or probed yet?
:-) |
1.0.0 CB 12 Amel Motley- Boris
0.2.0 cats Grizabella and Jennyanydots
Foster cat: Jasper who has a healing broken pelvis |
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Topic |
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Help with viv set up
