| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Jarvo |
Posted - 23/03/2011 : 11:04:49
Hi All,
I have owned a corn(Zack) for 8 months now and I was pre warned when I did my research and chatted to other corn snake owners that I would want another snake when the bug got a hold well it,s got me.
After looking in various pet shop,s and handling a few Pythons and Boas I was undecided what to get until I handled a BRB I have never seen colours like it but I do have a few questions if anybody can help but I,m sorry if they seem stupid.
I have been reading alot of post,s on this forum for a couple of weeks now and was wondering how frequently do you handle a BRB as Zack is out every day for 15-20 mins unless in shed or 48hrs after his feed and is reluctant to go back into his terrarium or sometimes has a drink when he is still wrapped around my fingers he has never hissed or struck out so I,m presuming that he does not mind the daily handling.
What form of heating is the most common for a BRB as I would like to put my new addition in an Exo terra terrarium with the top mesh covered?
Do you keep the full floor area wet or just the hot end?
When the substrate is changed(probably Orchid Bark) do you completly wet it before replacing or mist it when it,s in and is a full clean recommended every month?
What position in the terrarium would you put the prob for the humidity?
Sorry to go on abit I just want to make sure that I fully understand what I need to do to keep the snake happy before I get one for my birthday from the wife  |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 24/03/2011 : 16:29:50
He's just giving you unusual practice for Easter egg hunts. ;-) |
| Jarvo |
Posted - 24/03/2011 : 07:44:20
I know what you mean Zack has a habit of pooping under his subsrtate he goes 3 days after a feed so I know it,s in their somewhere it,s just a case of finding it. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 24/03/2011 : 03:02:56
They sometimes manage to hide it even with no substrate. More than once I've smelled an "accident," but seen nothing in every cage nearby...only to find it deposited just out of sight under the door rim or tucked in the front corner. Sneaky little buggers! ;-) |
| flaboye |
Posted - 23/03/2011 : 23:19:31
Cliff makes a very good point. What I do at work is "sniff" the cages. This tells me when there is some unseen issue that spot cleaning just won't fix. I then dump the substrate and issue a new water bowl liner, along with cypress mulch, and a total wipedown of the tupperware. The best way to tell, also, if you have hidden pee or poop is to sniff the cage regularly as these rainbows will sometimes go under the substrate and a visual won't catch it. |
| Hammy |
Posted - 23/03/2011 : 22:10:05
Hi Jarvo, welcome to the forum and you are in good company when it comes to advice....
Looking forward to enjoying the experience together as I too am about to embark on a brb in a couple of days too..
Paul. |
| Jarvo |
Posted - 23/03/2011 : 19:41:37
Thanks for the advice Cliff maybe I will look into getting a wooded viv and line it with plexiglass like I have seen on anothor thread.
Thanks again,
Jarvo |
| gmac |
Posted - 23/03/2011 : 19:40:46
hi and welcome |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 23/03/2011 : 17:55:36
Welcome to the forum, Jarvo!
Your snake will tell you how often it wants to be handled, and it will vary widely by individual. Some are fine with daily handling, some never want to be touched at all. Brazilians are no different than other snake in this regards.
If you have another option than the Exo with mesh (even covered), I'd consider it. Regardless of viv choice, I'd recommend underbelly heat, as that has the added advantage of helping boost humidity. Radiant heat panels are also fine. I would avoid heat bulbs with this species, as they can dry the air.
The floor should never be wet as in soaking, just moist enough to help maintain the overall viv humidity. I generally spray the hot end only, as it evaporates best from there.
I only pre-moisten moss; substrate I spritz only once in the viv. If you put it in wet, you may encourage bacteria or mold growth underneath where you cannot see it. I spot clean several times a week, but only perform a full subtrate change every three months (or sooner as demanded by sight or smell).
The probe should always measure temps *directly* on the heat source. I tape mine in the middle of my viv stack, just under one of the undercage heating elements. You should have a separate temp measuring device in the viv itself.
I hope this helps, |
