jmarcian@mix.wv
Arachnopeon
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2009
- Messages
- 11
Hi all,
My friend is about to purchase a python, hopefully a jungle carpet python. I am well versed and hold a fair amount of knowledge in keeping tarantulas, but not reptiles.
I have read and begun to understand the basic needs of these snakes in terms of temp, lighting etc. However, i need some insight as to what the enclosure should, or could entail.
From my personal preference, i enjoy things to be as natural appearing as possible. For example, when i look at a snake laying on astro-turf, with a (plastic) rock dish, it kind of upsets me. (no offense....:}) . My first question is can these snakes be kept on a bed of peatmoss, sphagnum moss, leaf litter mixture? As i stated, i am experienced in tarantula keeping and i know the ins-and-outs of sanitizing this mixture.
My basic plan is to lay down a gravel layer for drainage, then a thicker layer of this peat mixture. on top of that, i was going to cover the peat layer with whole/crumbled leafs to give it that "forest floor" appearance. Then, using some wood that i have, i was going to design some type of retreat for the snake, perhaps big enough for it to coil and lay in.
I was reading that most snakes need a "soaking" spot. So for this i was going to use a medium sized tupperware or bowl, and glue various rocks to the surface. then perhaps aerate the water. Or maybe i can even design some type of section at the very end which would solely be water, a partition so to speak.
Is this appropriate, anything you would do to change it? any help is appreciated!
thanks
jared
My friend is about to purchase a python, hopefully a jungle carpet python. I am well versed and hold a fair amount of knowledge in keeping tarantulas, but not reptiles.
I have read and begun to understand the basic needs of these snakes in terms of temp, lighting etc. However, i need some insight as to what the enclosure should, or could entail.
From my personal preference, i enjoy things to be as natural appearing as possible. For example, when i look at a snake laying on astro-turf, with a (plastic) rock dish, it kind of upsets me. (no offense....:}) . My first question is can these snakes be kept on a bed of peatmoss, sphagnum moss, leaf litter mixture? As i stated, i am experienced in tarantula keeping and i know the ins-and-outs of sanitizing this mixture.
My basic plan is to lay down a gravel layer for drainage, then a thicker layer of this peat mixture. on top of that, i was going to cover the peat layer with whole/crumbled leafs to give it that "forest floor" appearance. Then, using some wood that i have, i was going to design some type of retreat for the snake, perhaps big enough for it to coil and lay in.
I was reading that most snakes need a "soaking" spot. So for this i was going to use a medium sized tupperware or bowl, and glue various rocks to the surface. then perhaps aerate the water. Or maybe i can even design some type of section at the very end which would solely be water, a partition so to speak.
Is this appropriate, anything you would do to change it? any help is appreciated!
thanks
jared