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jordiehp
Snake mite
USA
11 Posts |
 Posted - 10/08/2012 : 19:44:27
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Hey all, was hoping I could get some tips and pointers in setting up a home for the baby BRB I hope to be getting on September 2nd at the FIRExpo in Florida.
A long time ago, when owning a snake was merely a dream and didn't seem like a possibility, I stumbled upon this: http://sssnakesss.tumblr.com/post/16989184067/snake-housing-my-alternative-to-fish-tanks
I saved it, because it seemed like an attractive, efficient, and easy to clean living space for a snake.
However, after some recent research on BRBs and there seem to be some conflictions. I'm not sure if it's quite so important right now, seeing as I'm bringing home a baby, but I wouldn't mind having something similar to this, but smaller so as to not overwhelm the poor thing with too much space.
I'd really like to get it set up and regulated before I buy the snake so it won't have to suffer my learning curve.
So, basically what I'm asking is: What would you change to the set-up provided in the previous link to make it perfect for a baby BRB? A smaller size, obviously. Placement of ventilation holes? Should I have a layer of clay balls to keep up the humidity? Should I mix moss in with the substrate or simply place patches of it on top of the coconut husk/plantation soil/idk?
Sorry for the bombardment of questions, I just really want to do this right for the animal's sake. Thanks in advance for any advice. |
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Blackcat
Hatchling
United Kingdom
341 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 20:52:04
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Tubs/Rubs to me are ideal to house young BRB's in - I house both my young BRB's in RUBs.
I will add that when they are adults they will be kept in 4'x 2'x 2' vivs so that they can be 'seen'.
I drilled rows of ventilation holes at the top edge of one short side and rows on the bottom of the opposite side - in hind site I would have put fewer holes to make humidity easier to maintain.
Currently mine are on newspaper as a substrate - it makes monitoring pooing much easier, but just a personal choice I made.
To ensure my snakes have a humid area they have moss hides - an empty plastic butter tub with damp moss in side and an entry hole cut in for the snake, I like to put them one in the cool end and also one in the heated end so they can choose, plus other places/boxes to hide in. Not the 'prettiest' set up, but practical for when they are young.
Will also add that I have a thermostat to control the heat from my mat, two digital themometers to monitor temperature at each end of the RUB and a hygrometer to monitor humidity, again digital.
I know people like plantation soil and I think it keeps humidity well, so you could go with that, a moss hide (or two), a water bowl and if placed partly over the heat mat will help with humidity, places to hide - can be bought specifically for reptiles/snakes or improvised such as empty boxes, ice cream tubs etc. I add artificial foliage as cover too.
Other (more experienced) people will have different 'views' to offer.
The temperature at the hot end is crucial to the well being of BRB's, this should be 28 centigrade (sorry don't know in fahrenheit)and no higher.
Hope this is of some use  |
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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jordiehp
Snake mite
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 21:30:19
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| Thanks, I think I've got a pretty good idea of how to set up my baby's home now after reading this as well as scouring through some of the older topics. I'll be sure to post pics as soon as possible. More helpful hints and information from others is always welcome though! |
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IncurableFlirt
Yearling
USA
516 Posts |
Posted - 10/08/2012 : 22:38:31
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In my humble opinion, Tubs/Rubs are one of the best ways to go with baby RBs. The link you provided makes some great points! Cleanup is really a snap, especially depending on your choice of substrate. Newspaper or paper towels can be quite helpful when you first start out, so that you can get an idea of what your baby's stool looks like (to help gauge in their health), to make certain it is eating it's meal without possibly ingesting wood chips and to be absolutely certain you aren't gonna be cursed with a mite problem or the like. Of course, if you buy from a reputable breeder, the latter issue shouldn't be a problem. ;) I think after having your baby for a month or so and making sure it is eating/pooing properly, you can consider switching it over to a substrate of your choice. A lot of people laud Eco-Earth/Plantation Soil, I use Orchid bark.
You definitely need a thermostat and thermometer setup to help regulate temps, and a hygrometer is a must to make sure you keep the humidity at required levels. Just be careful how you set these up with your lid, because even the smallest gap can become an escape route. ;) I am so excited for you and can't wait to see pictures! Major kudos to you for wanting to get everything set up properly before you bring your new friend home. |
Jenn.
11.8 Ball pythons
1.0 BCI boa
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow boa |
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Snakesitter
Rainbow Master
USA
2718 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2012 : 02:24:36
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| Again, points for asking questions *beforehand*! I must admit, however, I am only a fan of tubs and RUBs for babies -- older animals deserve the space and security a full viv offers. Of the additions mentioned above, the high-quality thermostat and moist hide are the most crucial to your baby's happiness. Remember to go light on ventillation holes at first -- they are easy to add, but as pain to plug. The F temp range should be 82 high to 72 low. Remember to offer plenty of hiding places. Good luck! |
Cliff Earle
Living Gems Reptiles
Premium Brazilian Rainbow Boas from a disease-tested facility
Website, Facebook |
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jordiehp
Snake mite
USA
11 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2012 : 02:43:18
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quote:
Originally posted by IncurableFlirt
... Newspaper or paper towels can be quite helpful when you first start out, so that you can get an idea of what your baby's stool looks like (to help gauge in their health), to make certain it is eating it's meal without possibly ingesting wood chips and to be absolutely certain you aren't gonna be cursed with a mite problem or the like. ...
You definitely need a thermostat and thermometer setup to help regulate temps, and a hygrometer is a must to make sure you keep the humidity at required levels. Just be careful how you set these up with your lid, because even the smallest gap can become an escape route. ;) ...
Thanks for the advice, I purchased a tub from Target today as well as thermometers, hygrometers, sphagnum moss, and EcoEarth coconut fiber from PetSmart. But from what I've read, I think I'll try newspaper first. I also found an undertank heating pad (ZooMed brand), but I wondered what brand you guys would recommend? I'm also afraid the tub I bought is too small (27 Qt/26 L) http://www.sterilite.com/productfiles/images/LG1_17631706.jpg I think I may return it for something shorter and wider.
quote:
Originally posted by Snakesitter
...I am only a fan of tubs and RUBs for babies -- older animals deserve the space and security a full viv offers.
I fully intend on building my own viv while she lives in the tub, something like the one posted in the stickies that has the sliding glass front. Thanks again for the tips =]
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Edited by - jordiehp on 12/08/2012 02:55:33 |
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First snake housing questions
