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Blackcat
Hatchling
United Kingdom
341 Posts |
 Posted - 09/03/2012 : 10:42:53
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Hi, I'm new to this site, currently keep two corn snakes, but thinking of getting a Brazillian Rainbow Boa.
I have a few questions:
1: Could I house a young snake in a 3' viv straight away?
obviously I would provide plenty of hides and foliage for security, and would initially use a heat mat for my heat source. (with a stat)
2: Eventually I would swap to a ceramic bulb for heat + appropriate stat, with a guard - what wattage bulb would be required to provide sufficient heat in a 3' viv? Or is there a better heating source to use for adult snakes?
3: I would probably use orchid bark as substrate, can I buy the stuff from garden centres to use?
4: Apart from two digital thermometers and a hygrometer and water bowl what other equipment is required?
I realise eventually a 4' viv would be required.
Thanks in advance for answers and advice  |
1.1.0 BRB's 0.0.2 CRB's
0.1.2 Corn Snakes
1.0.0 House snake
0.1.0 Crested Gecko |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2012 : 21:07:49
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Hi Blackcat, and welcome to the forum!
1. Yes, you can. As you noted, just make sure you have plenty of places for the snake to hide so that it feels safe.
2. I do not recommend bulbs of any type for a humidity-sensitive species like Brazilians, as bulbs often tend to dry the air. Undercage or radiant heat panels seem to be the best options.
3. It's actually safer to buy substrate from garden centres, as you drastically lower parasite risk. That said, make sure to look for substrate that is pesticide free.
4. A moist moss hide and a top than can seal in humidity. Otherwise you're good.
Actually, a 3x2 foot viv is the minimum recommended for an adult Brazilian, so it can be done...but like you, I prefer to give them a little more room.
I hope this helps, and let us know if you need any more information! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
Edited by - Snakesitter on 09/03/2012 21:08:39 |
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Blackcat
Hatchling
United Kingdom
341 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2012 : 10:23:25
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Thankyou for your reply.
With regards to swapping to a ceramic bulb, it would be down to my thoughts of Thermal blocking of a heat Mat due to the larger body size of and Adult and the possibilities of mat failure and burns to the snake.
I will look into radiant heat panels - I want to ensure any snake I have is kept as well as possible
Thanks for the advice regards pesticide free - I may not have thought of that when the time came to buy the substrate.
I would of probably remembered a moss hide to help with humidity, but again thanks for the reminder.
I will no doubt think of more questions, but in the mean time, thanks and I will continue my search for a suitable place to locate my viv so that it gets minimal disturbance.
Pleased to know that my research so far has been successful |
1.1.0 BRB's 0.0.2 CRB's
0.1.2 Corn Snakes
1.0.0 House snake
0.1.0 Crested Gecko |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 12/03/2012 : 20:11:57
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| Glad to hear it is going well so far, Blackcat. A heat mat should not pose a burn risk provided you use a quality thermostat. Feel free to ask any more questions you might have! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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Blackcat
Hatchling
United Kingdom
341 Posts |
Posted - 15/03/2012 : 22:23:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Snakesitter
Glad to hear it is going well so far, Blackcat. A heat mat should not pose a burn risk provided you use a quality thermostat. Feel free to ask any more questions you might have!
I am slowly collecting all the equipment I need and have now suddenly thought about lighting in the viv to aid in viewing.
I understand they are active at night and would like to add 'Moonlight' for viewing.
I am undecided between an exo terra 15w moonlight bulb and obviously a guard or was thinking possibly a strip of 'blue' LED lights like those used in aquariums, these are much cheaper to run and produce very little heat, but I'm not sure if they would give the correct type of light that doesn't 'disturb' the snake.
Any views on this would be greatfully received |
1.1.0 BRB's 0.0.2 CRB's
0.1.2 Corn Snakes
1.0.0 House snake
0.1.0 Crested Gecko |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 17/03/2012 : 00:03:59
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| Whatever you choose, please keep in mind that Brazilians are very secretive, almost light-phobic, snakes. So go "light" on any light! ;-) (They also make red bulbs whose light the snakes supposedly cannot see.) |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
Edited by - Snakesitter on 17/03/2012 00:04:21 |
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General keeping info required
