First snake help

[Deleriant]

Hey there. I've been thinking about getting a snake for a while now, and it's finally come time to buy a snake and equipment. Only thing is I have no idea where to start, except that Proserpine carpet pythons seem to be a good starting point. Mostly because they are easy to tame, but also because they only grow to 6-8 feet.

I've found a cheap Microclimate B1 Dimming Thermostat, is this a necessary piece of equipment? Also, what sort of light/heat source would I need? Or there other snakes around that are suitable for beginners and only grow one to two meters?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[bpb02]

woma greatest starting snake i love my little guy

check this site out gives great info on your more common pythons - Reptile Husbandry Articles by Southern Cross Reptiles

 

[bpb02]

and also read the thread on building a click clack just type dial up into the search and it will come up

i got a dimming thermo but i wont be using light bulbs so i spent more money than i needed to

then once your snake is old enough start worrying about the type and size of enclosure your little guy will live in once grown

 

[schizmz]

where abouts do you live?..Do you have your enclosure ready?.how big is it?..got pics?..are you going to buy an established feeder i assume?...heat/lights etc depends on alot of variables in species requirements,so step 1..pick a snake..2 build ur enclosure and temps for that snakes needs. i think diamonds make a nice easy 1st snake for people..but meh..i got jungles as my 1st so who am i to talk.

 

[Deleriant]

Hey, thanks for the link, some good info there.

And yeah I've got an old fish tank that I'll be using until the snake gets big enough to warrant a larger one. That's all I've got so far. What other equipment do I need? The tank is about 2 foot by 1.5 and about 1.5 foot high. I realise I'll need a bigger tank at some stage.

 

[schizmz]

Branch or 2, a heat mat,water bowl,temp" gauge",substrate,hidey,and as mentioned lights etc..they depend on type of snake..example diamonds need uv..,a low watt red or purple nocturnal if u wish to see them at night,light "covers"..some form of ventelation prob build it into your lid and...thats bout it. cant wait to see what ya get

 

[Deleriant]

Oh, ok. I didn't realise different snakes needed different types of light. I figured there would be different heat/humidity requirements, but yeah...

I've just organised to get a Tenant Creek Stimson Python (Antaresia Stimsoni). Seems like a good choice, mainly because if I **** it up it won't ever get big enough to kill me while I'm sleeping

Is there any advice that you can give specific to this species?

 

[bpb02]

No idea I didn't bother reading about them they don't really excite me

 

[schizmz]

they like it say. 23-34 gradiant..err..dunno much more lol..just google (Antaresia Stimsoni care sheet)

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[Deleriant]

Ok, awesome. Oh and I live in Brisbane, by the way.

Thanks for the info!

Any other advice is still welcome =)

 

[D3pro]

Ok, awesome. Oh and I live in Brisbane, by the way.

Thanks for the info!

Any other advice is still welcome =)

I live in brisbane too, if you want some help getting started PM me. I suggest getting a small (young) python and putting him in a click clack.

 

[Snakeluvver2]

+1

1. click clack
theres a sticky thread on it on the forum
really great for newbies
make your own version of it


2. Heating. Heat mat or heat cord
I use heat mat

3. Thermostat
MUST GET ONE

4. Choose a snake
research what it needs for temps, feeding, water ,special requirements and such
On the net, and another real good way to get info
is to talk to the breeder before you buy it
then you can set it to exactly how they have there environments.
or god forbid maybe read a book hahah

Dude its pretty easy
pythons are hardy as hell it self
When given the right environment

5. Buy your snakey and enjoy it
I wouldnt really handle it too much in the first week or so
Till it gets settled in
Im presuming your getting a hatchy as well btw

Any way thats just what i did with my hatchies
and they seem happy



Goooood luck
and get some pics really sooon and wooo brisbane
i live in the redlands
where abouts are you?

 

[Deleriant]

Awesome, thanks for all the help guys!

As for the click clack...someone told me I should get a small one, but I would have thought a snake would like to be able to move around a bit, seeing as though they are predatory animals. Now that isn't to say I doubt what I have been told, but it would be good if someone could confirm this. I just want my snake to enjoy his new home =)

 

[Snakeluvver2]

Your right they're predatory animals yes. But they hunt by ambushing their prey, so they like to keep to one place until something comes along thats my understanding any way.
But yer man go a small click clack if its a hatchy 7-10 litre tub is awesome , will make it feel secure and safe and heats easy

 

[Blacky]

Stimsons do great in a 10L click, throw in a hide and a water bowl and may be a smal branch as mine seems to like to climb a bit (unless mine is just a bit crazy) and that about does it.

 

[Deleriant]

Cool as! That makes my job a lot easier! Well cheaper, at least =)

I'll be getting him in a few weeks, and I'll post some pics when I can!

 

[Deleriant]

Hey guys/gals! I just got my little Stimmy today and he seems to have settled in quite well =) I put three fingers into his click clack and he nearly climbed up onto my hand.

I just have a couple of worries...the heat mat that I have under half of his click clack is plugged into a thermostat. The mat buzzes a lot when the thermostat cuts power to it. Is that normal, or am I going to electrocute myself? Also there seems to be a lot of humidity as I can see a little condensation on the lid of the enclosure.

Other than that, things are going well. He hasn't been fed for five days, but I'm waiting til he settles in a bit more before I try feed him.

I'll post some pics soon =)

 

[Fantazmic]

The humidity means you dont have enough airholes
I dont know about your heat mat buzzing
also I notice you are planning to use a fishtank when your snake gets bigger...fishtanks are really hard to keep warm.....they lost temperature really quickly....so think carefully as to whether this will be a suitable home. I think a cabinet with just a glass front will be a better option
regards

Elizabeth

 

[Deleriant]

Ok, great! That's one problem that will be easy to fix =)

And yes, I've heard that fish tanks are a crap option for reptiles, so I'll probably build a cabinet when I get the chance.

 

[bpb02]

mate just buy an enclosure off some one that builds them, they cheap and look great, where do you live could give you a few numbers around Queensland