Pet Help?

[.Middy.]

I will probably email him, I just need to think of what I want to ask. Right now I can't think of anything. I may go ahead and order the book now.

Are the snake starter kits at like Petco any good? (My mom wants to know)

[IAmLink]

Not really, you won't end up using half of what they give you.

Those usually come with heat lamps and sand, two things you do not need. Lamps because they are not the proper heat source for corns, and sand is terrible for non-desert snakes (it can tear up their bellies and they can swallow it). It also comes with stick-on thermometers and sometimes hydrometers, both of which are useless; stick-ons of those really don't work.

In the end it would be cheaper to get everything you need separately, you'd just waste money with one of those kits unfortunately.

[.Middy.]

Alright, that's what I was thinking but I had to ask for my very bossy mother.

[IAmLink]

Here's a quick list of everything you need:

Tank (either one with a locking lid, or at least 6 clips to hold a loose lid down)
Substrate (in your case, paper towels)
At least two hides
A water bowl
Thermostat
Heat pad
Probe thermometer
Extra decor like branches/fake plants/etc.
Spray bottle to use for cleaning (vinegar and water solution is non-toxic)

And that's about it :3

[.Middy.]

Cool, I can easily find all that nearby where I currently live. (There is a great Feed Store not to far from here that has like everything) Thanks Link!

[IAmLink]

Not a problem!

If any have any other questions, feel free to ask. Including questions about feeding/behavior/etc. :3

[.Middy.]

Course I will come to you! Thanks for all the help!

[Jazi]

Here's a quick list of everything you need:

Tank (either one with a locking lid, or at least 6 clips to hold a loose lid down)
Substrate (in your case, paper towels)
At least two hides
A water bowl
Thermostat
Heat pad
Probe thermometer
Extra decor like branches/fake plants/etc.
Spray bottle to use for cleaning (vinegar and water solution is non-toxic)

And that's about it :3

Adding a few

Tongs for feeding

*probe thermometer, might want to get two, and have at least one with a hydrometer included
*not all decor needs to be fake! Branches and wooden things can be used if you have any lying around in the yard or otherwise. Soak in bleach or white vinegar solution for 15 minutes then bake in your oven at at least 300F/150C for another 10 to kill all of the bugs and other nasties that hide in wood. Wait until completely cool before putting it into the tank.

>(optional, but helpful) temperature gun to measure the temps inside hides or in water. I use Quetzal's to measure temps of water for baths and to keep track of temps of his travel heat packs when I use him as a species ambassador. I also check his body temp and the temps of grass/sidewalk on days it's warm enough to take him outside.

>(optional, but helpful) scale that can measure grams, not as useful for corns as BPs but still good for tracking weights

>(optional, but helpful) black styrofoam board, tin/aluminum foil and aluminum tape. The black styrofoam board will be useful for insulating the tank when temperatures drop in the winter, and the aluminum foil and tape will customize the top into something able to hold heat and humidity. Again not as useful for corns as BPs but very very handy to keep just in case. Also the aluminum tape will turn the stick-on heating pad into a temporary addition instead of a permeant one and enables you to remove it without damaging your pad.

>(optional, but helpful) a small tub able to hold your snake. will be good for baths and should be large enough to be a decent travel cage in case of emergency. Also travel heat packs or heated gloves for emergencies as well. You might never have to use these but better safe than sorry especially with winter coming in (in America, at least).


A lot of these won't cost you too much and can be added later! But I've found that I've added these as I've gone on in my continued ownership of Quetzal, and you will probably find others that you want to add as well over the course of time you'll have your snake :]

[IAmLink]

How the heck did I forget tongs and a scale?? As I'm feeding everyone right now! \o/

If you have an ipod or something similar, the are some nice snake apps that allow you to keep track of feeding, weights, shedding, etc. :3

[.Middy.]

Thanks Jazi! I will defiantly look into all of those items. I wouldn't need the insulation though, because im moving to a island and it does not get very cold there.

Is there anything special I should do on days when it gets up near 100 degrees F?

I have a Iphone (Oh how I love my step-dads love of apple products) so I will check out and see what apps they have!