Snake Questions

[Ambly]

I believe it - very cool. I've never seen a wild corn here in VA, yet I've spent less herping time here than I did as a child in NJ.

They are like us, fairly logical... if I'm cold I stand in the sun, if it's too hot I stand in the shade, if even that is too hot I go to shelter as it is warm enough. They would make use of both light and heat pads. Plus, I imagine having light during the day might be important to some other processes as is having a proper dark period - though I know they do not get nutrients from the sun as we do.

 

[viper69]

It also depends on the snake- so strictly arboreal snakes don't come down to warm up on rocks- they bask. IMO snakes use both radiant heat from surfaces and from above too- even the ground dwellers

 

[Spepper]

That's very interesting information to think about!

Okay, I've thought of a couple more questions that hopefully nobody will mind me asking, heh.

• Is there a "rule of thumb" for feeding snakes? Relative to the size of the bulge left in them after feeding and how long it takes to go away? Or should I just go by age for how much I should feed?

• How long after getting my snake should I wait to hold and/or feed it?

 

[viper69]

That's very interesting information to think about!

Okay, I've thought of a couple more questions that hopefully nobody will mind me asking, heh.

• Is there a "rule of thumb" for feeding snakes? Relative to the size of the bulge left in them after feeding and how long it takes to go away? Or should I just go by age for how much I should feed?

• How long after getting my snake should I wait to hold and/or feed it?

1. I feed them when they are hungry. It's easy for me to know because they all become more active (own pythons and boas). As for when, depends on species a bit, some say wait till the snake fully digests and poops out the last meal. I used to do that to be on the safe side, now I don't always do that. A guy I know breeds snakes, so he has a schedule, he needs to do. Snakes are opportunistic generally, except when they are truly digesting on average, mine won't eat, after all they are full. If your snake is a newborn, the first 12-24 months are critical in that this is when they are going to grow the most, so you feed them more often and when older you'll see they don't eat as much, like people. The length of time depends on how warm they are. If you keep them at suboptimal but livable temps, they will take longer to digest and will grow slower than if you keep them at optimal temps.

2. Observe its behavior, I generally wait a week, or until they seem to settle in and feel comfortable. I want my animals feeling secure before I introduce new stimuli. Remember when you put your hand in and pick it up, they think they are going to be eaten. Watch their rate of breathing, body posture, you'll see. Even my boa who is 13 yr sold and I'm her only owner since she was hatched, still gets nervous or on guard when I want to take her out (she's FINE once out however). So to overcome that, I let her come out to me.

 

[Spepper]

Alright, thanks!

 

[Smokehound714]

Corn snakes rock. easily one of my favorite snakes. I like gopher snakes even more, though..

 

[catfishrod69]

I keep all of my snakes on Carefresh bedding. It works very well for absorbing and odor control, and the snakes love to bury in it. You can also get it at Tractor Supply.

 

[viper69]

I keep all of my snakes on Carefresh bedding. It works very well for absorbing and odor control, and the snakes love to bury in it. You can also get it at Tractor Supply.

Is it better than aspen on both qualities?

 

[catfishrod69]

Personally i think it is. Its softer, easier to burrow in, and nice looking. I use it for my rats, gerbils, and guinea pigs too.

Is it better than aspen on both qualities?

 

[viper69]

Personally i think it is. Its softer, easier to burrow in, and nice looking. I use it for my rats, gerbils, and guinea pigs too.

I was concerned that it wouldn't be good, it seems like paper, and I thought it might grow mold etc. I might try it for my Woma or BP perhaps.

 

[catfishrod69]

Yeah i think it is a type of paper. Ive never had any problems with mold. As long as it doesnt stay moist it will be ok. If it does stay moist than that isnt good for the snake anyways. Im gonna rehouse 3 of the snakes i have onto coco fiber layered with oak leaves and pine needles.

 

[viper69]

More absorbent than aspen? That would be interesting. How is it better at odor control than aspen, I'd be interested to know that too

Curious, is there a lot of dust from the product in that brand?

 

[catfishrod69]

I think its more absorbent. Im not positive if its more odor controlling or not, but it would be close. Ive never seen much dust at all really.

 

[viper69]

I'm going to try some I think for my Woma- thanks!

 

[Spepper]

Hmmm, I should look into that stuff as well now that I've heard about it, ha. I think I might have seen it somewhere before, and it sounds good.

 

[Spepper]

Okay, does anyone know if this is too hot for a cornsnake? I ended up with a used tank and this is the heat pad (medium) that they had had for the previous tank inhabitant. I can get something else if it is, but I wanted to know if this one would be okay. Also, whatever heat pad I end up with will be hooked up to a thermostat to regulate the heat.

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/heat_wave_desert.php

 

[viper69]

Okay, does anyone know if this is too hot for a cornsnake? I ended up with a used tank and this is the heat pad (medium) that they had had for the previous tank inhabitant. I can get something else if it is, but I wanted to know if this one would be okay. Also, whatever heat pad I end up with will be hooked up to a thermostat to regulate the heat.

http://www.exo-terra.com/en/products/heat_wave_desert.php

Never used theirs. I only used Ultratherm from the supply company BeanFarm. Whatever you get, don't get one that is adhesive and sticks to the tank,you'll regret it.

Just so the OP is clear, Ultratherms are flexwatt that has been laminated over with a normal plug attached. They provide a 20gal Long tank with about 5 degrees above room temp worth of heat, but Im sure it's more than that at the point where the snake would lay down to digest.

 

[Spepper]

Okay, thank you! Is ZooMed an okay brand too?

 

[catfishrod69]

Best thing to use i think is flexwatt. Comes in two sizes wide, and as long as you want it. Just tap in a cord, and plug into a thermostat.

 

[viper69]

I don't like a lot of their products. I think their UTH adhere to the glass...bad idea.