kingsnake or milksnake in 29 gallon

[froggyman]

What species did you decide to get? I don't see a specific mention in this thread - in any case, Googling for the snake species name and the word "temperature" should cover your bases on the first question.

Second, I wouldn't use reptile carpet, even if they don't burrow. I used that for the first year or so with my ball python, and it was always a big pain in the butt to have to take everything out of the tank so I could put in a clean piece of carpet (you need at least two so you can rotate), then have to go wash the soiled one and they take FOREVER to dry and never seem to quite get as clean as you want...

I switched over to aspen shavings and the difference is awesome. You can just scoop out poo/urates with a kitty litter scooper (be sure you get the shavings in the immediate area too, as they're probably also soiled), and you only need to replace the aspen completely when it starts to smell stale or musty.

Most snakes will probably burrow in it at least a little, whether they're big burrowers or not. My python seems to enjoy having his hide caves buried, the added layer of shavings on top must help hold in heat or something.

Just make sure it's aspen and not pine or cedar, those two are toxic to small animals even though pet shops still try to sell it to you. And you'll have to feed the snake in a seperate shoebox or something with no substrate in it, so he doesn't eat any wood bits by accident.

thanks again i've used the separate shoe box feeding method before and just for your personal edification im going with either a nelsons milksnake or a honduran milksnake

 

[Mushroom Spore]

Cool. Don't forget to post pics!

 

[froggyman]

i'll post some tank pics a week or two and then after i get the snake i show you that too

 

[froggyman]

so im getting the supplies today maybe the snake too.
this what im buying
1.substrate
2.hides
3.water dish
3.tank thermometer

of you can think of anything else feel free to make suggestions

 

[DavidD]

Cali kings are one of the most docile snaeks in the world.

 

[Elapid]

though kingsnakes can be quite docile, i've rarely had a snake that can deliver as much pain during a bite that wasn't venomous.

kingsnakes are sneaky biters, they don't get attitude, hiss and strike... they will calmly crawl around on you then press their nose against your skin, open their mouth, then start chewing on you. that really hurts. an eyedropper of vinegar will get them to release without damaging them.

they are majoly kewl tho.