planning on getting a rosy boa, a few questions though

[xBurntBytheSunx]

so i'm planning on getting a rosy boa at the end of the month of they have one at the reptile show. i have a few questions though as i've never owned a snake before.

what is best for a heat source, undertank pads or heating rocks? can i use either with a kritter keeper.

anything special i need to know about handling? anytimes bad for handling etc?

what should i use for substrate?

any advice is appreciated, thanks =)

 

[Takumaku]

http://www.rosyboa.com/care.htm

Undertank or heat rope with dimmer switches are great to use.

Handling is fine, just don't overdo it or handle immediately after feeding.

Aspen bedding is preferred, though newspaper is acceptable. It really depends on you and the type of cage (hospital cage, rack system, or display) and how much work you want to do when it comes to cleaning.

Too much humidity is the Achilles’ heel for rosy boas. Water should be offered very sparingly.

 

[Mushroom Spore]

what is best for a heat source, undertank pads or heating rocks? can i use either with a kritter keeper.

Never use a hot rock for anything ever, or any other heat source that is actually physically inside the tank. Cold-blooded animals are not very good at realizing when something is getting TOO hot, and there have been a lot of horrific burns and fatalities from hot rocks over the years.

 

[JeffX]

I use an undertank heater for mine. I started mine out in a ten gallon and moved it up to a twenty gallon long. A kritter keeper is fine for temporary storage or if its real little, but I prefer cages for all of my animals as I like to watch them.

I usually don't recommend handling your snake right before or after shedding. Also leaving it alone after its fed is usually a good idea.

 

[xBurntBytheSunx]

i'm just expecting to get a smaller one and keep it in a critter keeper till i move at the end of july, then planning on getting a 10-gallon tank for it. BTW is there a good lid i can buy for a 10 gallon tank that is escape proof?

thanks for the advice, i won't get a heating rock.

someone suggested i feed it in a different container than what i keep it in?

is it ok to pick it up right after it eats if i do that? or is it just better to feed it in it's own enclosure

 

[JeffX]

You can pick it up after its done feeding to move it to its home, but I don't suggest alot of handling after you feed it.

I use those reptile cages that Zilla makes with the latch in the back and the lock up front. They work well for me. Most screen lids you can buy locks for them that a Rosy Boa wouldn't be able to get past.