Profile: Nero

[millertime89]

Some of you guys may have seen my noob post, but I figured I would come introduce myself to my fellow epicrates owners. About two weeks ago I placed my order with General Exotics for a young male BRB. He showed up last week when I wasn't home but my brother was. I had had the terrarium (or vivarium, a terrarium is a type of viv) set up for a few days making sure everything was working well. My brother opened the container he came in and let him crawl out of his own accord. That evening I bought a thermostat and modified it by doing this. programmable remote thermostat for terrarium heaters - Terrariums Forum - GardenWeb (http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/terrarium/msg0906173310507.html) and that stabilized temps. I was having problems keeping the humidity up so I switched from a heat lamp to a UTH and that fixed that as well. Added a second hide for him and now we have the terrarium as it sits. You can see him (no name yet, but I'm down to a few finalists, more on that in a bit) in the back right corner. http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6119075435_8aafd276c3_b.jpg
He seems to love climbing which I really like and I'm hoping to foster that interest as its definitely entertaining to watch. Last night when I got home he was hanging from the vine that I've got stretched from one corner of the viv to the other getting a drink of water. When I took the top off to snap some pictures he looked up at me like "wtf mate" He really didn't like the flash so after I finished I put a blanket around the viv to make him feel more relaxed, and he went right back to whatever he was doing.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6119622748_675787c47d_b.jpg
the "wtf mate" look
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6119625644_47139f2c22_b.jpg
and the "I hate that super bright flashing light" look
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6119084281_2096fe536a_b.jpg
after putting the top back on and covering the sides, he went right back to whatever he was doing.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6119635238_d048dc7484_b.jpg
He looks to be about 18 inches long, any guess on the age? General exotics (where I purchased him from due to lack of local breeder) doesn't keep track of age.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6119638510_497c8f4e83_b.jpg
The first night I had him, I came home a little late to find him doing this.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6106948373_45bd3b069d_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6107495370_823bc0f3c0_b.jpg
He hasn't eaten yet, I was gonna feed him Sunday but when I went to do it he was asleep and gave me a "leave me alone I'm sleeping" look, so I let him be. I'm gonna try again tomorrow night when I've got the night off and he'll hopefully be out and about. Do you think it would be ok for me to leave the two pinkies (what I'm gonna start him on) on top of the left side hide. It seems to provide a solid, semi-level platform and a clean spot for him to eat away from the substrate.
As for names. I was thinking Nero (Italian for black, he seems a little darker than most other BRBs I've seen, and since I'm into cars and one of my favorites is the Lamborghini Gallardo Nera, also Italian for black, it seems fitting, and both of my cars are black as well). Severus was one that was suggested to me by a friend, and it is kind of catchy, then I could call him Severus Snake (silly Harry Potter reference) which seems to be a hit among a few of my friends, but I haven't pitched Nero to them either. However as the name thing is still undecided I'm open to suggestions.

[millertime89]

He's quite tame as well it seems, he's struck a few times, but mouth closed every time, and only when I've screwed up.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6107495980_704aa04bfb_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6106948495_b523462b45_b.jpg

[stephanbakir]

Great looking brb, but if I were you I'd get rid of that gigantic hide and get him something MUCH smaller, he won't feel safe at all that exposed.

[SnakeyJay]

What stephan said, ive got numerus hides that no longer fit my snakes. I suppose thats a good reason to add another snake haha :D

[millertime89]

sounds good, I drove a buddy to KC (a 2.75 hour trip that took 4 due to the missouri flooding) and he gave me a hundred bucks so that's what I'll use part of it on.

Any thoughts on using the smaller hide as a food tray?

[SnakeyJay]

I do it with my corn as he gets shy lol..

[Snakesitter]

I agree, a smaller hide would serve well. Great looking little baby! Age is hard to guess, as it varies based on both size and feeding amount, but he looks to be at least a few months' old.

[marvelfreak]

He got some really nice red to him.

[ladyjustice33]

Nice!!! Can't wait to get one myself!

[millertime89]

thanks everyone, I love his coloration, his belly has cool tint to it as well that the flash washes out. I need to get some day pictures but I feel he was handled to much during his first week here so I'm not gonna take him out till next Sunday to let him relax.
Kat, everyone says they're not for beginners, but I'm a first time snake owner (I've had lizards and turtles before) and I feel if you've got some intelligence and willingness to work to keep them happy, they're really not that hard. I spent about a month prior to purchasing him reading, and reading, and reading and had the viv set up in advance to make sure everything worked. I made a few changes once he showed up but other than that, he seems happy and healthy. I came home during my lunch break today and he was outside during the day, a first that I've seen. Also from what I've read my confidence around him helps too as I don't make any sudden movements and I don't shake when I'm holding him. Definitely not a snake for children, but an acceptable first snake for a responsible adult.

[marvelfreak]

I personal think they make a great first snake. One of the easiest snake to care for IMO. People think their hard to care for just because they have high humidity requirements. Keeping humidity up is easy. As long as you do your research i think they are very easy to care for and are just amazing looking snakes.

[Nismo89]

I personal think they make a great first snake. One of the easiest snake to care for IMO. People think their hard to care for just because they have high humidity requirements. Keeping humidity up is easy. As long as you do your research i think they are very easy to care for and are just amazing looking snakes.
I agree with you there. My BRB is my first snake but I did months and months of research before I bought it. I think it all comes down to the individual person for what is a good starter snake.
Millertime: Nice looking BRB he's about the same size as my new girl who was born June of this year.

[Snakesitter]

they're really not that hard. I spent about a month prior to purchasing him reading, and reading, and reading and had the viv set up in advance to make sure everything worked.

As long as you do your research i think they are very easy to care for and are just amazing looking snakes.

My BRB is my first snake but I did months and months of research before I bought it.

And this is what separates you three fine keepers from the impulse buyers, who are the people that have issues and then say bad things. Kudos to all of you!

[ladyjustice33]

I agree!! I researched before I got my snakes and still research all the time!! You're never to old or experienced to learn new things!

[millertime89]

NAME TIME
He has officially been named Nero. Cage has been modified a bit. I got a different hide, one with 3 entrances (2 ground, 1 top, looks like a tree) that has been placed on the warm/low humidity side (85F, 80% day;75F 80% night, , the top opening works great as a spot to run one side of the vine into. I came home last night and Nero was crawling up the vine, through the top. The low brown stony hide has been moved to the cool/high humidity side (75F 90%+ day and night). I had to handle him as he was laying right where part of the cool/humid hide was to be resting and he crawled right up my hand onto my arm, so I'm assuming that's a good sign that he's getting acclimated to my disturbing him.
tbc

[Snakesitter]

Congrats, you've achieved "safe climbing tree" status. ;-)

All hail Nero!

[millertime89]

ok. Now for the public service announcement. As part of Nero's viv I previously had an x-large exoterra water dish. When I pulled it out yesterday to change his water and clean the bowl I noticed a crack in the bottom, I didn't think anything of it until I was cleaning it out and decided to push it a little bit. A hole started to form in it that would keep getting large as you pushed around it. It appeared to be a manufacturing defect. I took it back to the PetCo where I bought it from and before returning it inspected the other one they had on the shelf. Sure enough, there was a similar looking spot that when poked the same hole started to form. I told the manager and he pulled it from the shelf and gave me a refund. Prior to leaving I had placed a smaller water dish that I had left over from my last geckos in the viv to make sure he had water should he decide to come out.
Anyways I went to one of the other pet stores in town (PetsMart) and picked up a new water dish for Nero. I thoroughly inspected this one and it seemed solid, its not as big as the last one, but I've got a year or two at least before he'll need anything bigger, and I'll need a bigger tank by then anyways. I'll get pics of the modified set up tonight.

[millertime89]

Congrats, you've achieved "safe climbing tree" status. ;-)

All hail Nero!

I was quite happy with that, he however didn't seem to appreciate being woken up, and when placed back in the viv, he crawled right back into the humid hide and promptly curled up and went back to sleep.

[Snakesitter]

Ah, the life of a baby Brazilian!

[millertime89]

the hole in the old water dish
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6129062103_a4bd0df0d9_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6129068353_d9ae9ca705_b.jpg
new set up
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6129633302_912f656a43_b.jpg
exploring the new tree/hide
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6129080145_9807728277_b.jpg
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6129643714_9a8befe9aa_b.jpg

[MoonlightBoas]

That's a great looking baby.

[Snakesitter]

Good catch on the water bowl, Millertime. Looks like Nero is enjoying his new home!

[millertime89]

a better picture, I thought the other one was the better of the three, but this one turned out better
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6129090817_da9bf99ea5_b.jpg

[millertime89]

He fed today. No hesitation, he missed on the first strike but gobbled up the first pinkie on the second strike. He took two pinkies and seemed to want another. I'll see how he does and as long as he doesn't regurgitate I'll give him three next week then move him to something a bit bigger.

[marvelfreak]

He fed today. No hesitation, he missed on the first strike but gobbled up the first pinkie on the second strike. He took two pinkies and seemed to want another. I'll see how he does and as long as he doesn't regurgitate I'll give him three next week then move him to something a bit bigger.
Congrats! 14537
It always rocks when they take their first meal for you.

[Snakesitter]

He should be able to take a third (or larger single meal), but you are smart to test first and take it gradually!

[millertime89]

I had purchased the 5 pinkies the afternoon he arrived, thinking he would only need 1 at a time, but he's a bit larger than I originally thought he was. When he's out Wednesday for his water change and poop scoop I'll measure him to figure out what he's REALLY hungry for. I'm hoping he can take hopper rats.

[Nismo89]

My BRB is 3 months old and has been taking hoppers for almost a month for me. She looks to be roughly the size of yours so I bet she could. They can take bigger meals then you think I was surprised to see her eat the hopper the first time.

[millertime89]

Rat or mice hoppers?
I'll admit when he started scarfing down that pinkie and it looked bigger than his head I had my doubts, but he got it down with no troubles and the second one was the same way.

[Nismo89]

Mice hoppers. She currently weighs 75 grams when she started eating mouse hoppers she was 50 grams. The hopper is definitely bigger then her head but pinkies left no lump the hopper leaves a lump for about 36 hours. She eats one every 7 days

[millertime89]

good to know, thanks nismo

[millertime89]

Ok, question for BRB keepers. Nero hasn't been nearly as active since I fed him on Sunday. I've seen him out of the hide, but not crawling/climbing around. He doesn't appear to be going into shed (although it should be coming) and I'm beginning to become a bit concerned. I haven't been home nearly as much this week as the past two weeks, but he just hasn't really moved from that back corner of the viv. I have seen him outside the hide, but half buried in the substrate with only his head above. When I went to change the water Tuesday I picked up the hide and he was in there and he didn't appreciate the light and stuck his head around the corner to shield his eyes (or so it seemed). Also he hasn't pooped yet, or I haven't found where he's pooped at. Am I just blowing this out of proportion and this is normal and should wait a few weeks?

[Gungirl]

I would give it time to see if he is going into shed. Just make sure all your husbandry is correct ( right heat, humidity etc..)

[millertime89]

heat is maintained via thermostat and ranges from 75 at night to 82 during the day. Humidity never drops below 70% (its at 80% now) and he has a high humidity hide (the one he's always in) that is ~99%. Based on my reading that's spot on. He has pushed all the sphagnum moss out of the hide though, which I find funny.
PS thanks :D

[sassy_snake_lady]

I never see my brb out during the day. She comes out early evening and during the night.

[Nismo89]

My BRB didn't poop for me until 3 weeks after I had her and after she went through her first shed with me. I was concerned too. There could be a lack of leftovers to poop out since she's eating pinkies. Do you notice a lump after you feed her and for how long can you see the lump? Theres also a possibility of a blockage but I wouldn't stress just yet. Check out this thread I posted about my snake not pooping and you should find some answers hopefully.
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/epicrates/88113-brb-question.html

[millertime89]

I saw your thread Brian, that's why I was thinking about it. How long is normal for a snake to go without pooping? the 2 pinkies was definitely too small of a meal for him, the lump was barely noticeable and I didn't see it when I checked on him the next day. I'm leery of taking him out since I want to leave him to his own devices and see if this is just a phase or what. I too usually see him out during the evening and night normally, but haven't seen him out except his head since I fed him on Sunday. Think I should take him out and see how he's doing?

[Nismo89]

Honestly I have no clue I'm in no way an expert just a month ahead of you on the questions lol. But my snake seems to be pooping every other week now. You could take him out if you really wanted to check on him IMO. Maybe try covering the cage for a couple days I see you have cats so they may be bothering the snake. I had my snake and cats all in the same room till I got my house and had to keep the cage covered because the snake was stressed from the cats and rarely came out. Now that she's in her own room I can keep it uncovered and she roams at night.

[millertime89]

the cats stay out of the room, I keep him in my bedroom and the cats out. I just took him out and he wasn't too happy about being woken up, but I checked him over, no mites, no jaw problems, definitely no food lump. I did sex him using the method on moonlightboa's site and he is indeed a male. I held my hand over the viv and he crawled right back onto the "vine" and he's now (as I type this) burrowing back under some of the sphagnum moss by his humid/cool hide. I think what I'm gonna do is use my clamp lamp to simulate day tomorrow vs just my regular room lights (don't provide much light) and what little natural light gets in, and wrap the tank in a blanket. The blanket method has in the past, been able to get him to come out more once I turn off the lights. I only use the lamp right now for light as its situated pretty far away from the viv and I've got 3 diff color 50 watt bulbs (white, red, black). I'll turn the light on when I get up (10am) and turn it off when I get home (8:30pm). Maybe his day cycles are just mixed up or due to the lack of light in my room he can't differentiate.

2 more questions. They can't see red light correct? So the red bulb should be good for night viewing right?

I've got a small (very small) surround sound system in my room. My cats hate the sub. Has anybody documented these types of vibrations negatively affecting snakes? I don't use it often and his viv is a solid 10ft away, but I'm sure he can still feel a bit of it.

[Nismo89]

From what I understand they can't see red light or it's not as bright but I'm really not sure. The not getting enough light issue could be causing the sluggishness too and the cool down making him think its almost winter. It's been pretty cool here at night lately it got down to 28 F last night and my iguana has been just staying under her heat lamp basically and the snake on the heat as well. I've had to turn my heat on and I'm getting a space heater tomorrow to keep the room a constant 73 F (using it with a thermostat) The surround sound thing I have no clue about honestly hopefully one of the BRB experts will chime in on this and give you some more solid advice. Try starting a new thread with the question for the title I'm sure Cliff or someone with more experience with the species would have some great advice for you

[millertime89]

hmm... maybe I'll clean up my room and turn that space heater on. My room hasn't felt that cool lately and the tank thermostat as well as both thermometers in there are telling me the temps are staying correct, maybe I'll go buy a heat gun to verify my readings.

[SnakeyJay]

The sub will almost definately be a problem... they feel vibrations so much more than us.. and yes they cant see true red light but if its basically a paint coated bulb they may see it.. thats what ive gathered from my own reading etc.

[millertime89]

ok, looks like the sub will stay off then, I thought I had read somewhere that snakes have a much more acute sense of feel. The red light is one of the zilla 50 watt ones advertised as a red night light, so not sure what the difference is.

[marvelfreak]

hmm... maybe I'll clean up my room and turn that space heater on. My room hasn't felt that cool lately and the tank thermostat as well as both thermometers in there are telling me the temps are staying correct, maybe I'll go buy a heat gun to verify my readings.
Anyone with reptile shold have one for truly accurate temperatures. Even with a digital thermometer i was shocked at some of my temps. D.T. (digital thermometer) which was sitting right on the hot spot in my Yellows Anacondas cage that the temp was 85 degrees. Temp gun put the surface temp at 112 degrees. That's what make temp gun so great you can get air temp and surface temps. Everyone should have one and you can get them on E-bay for as cheap as $10.00.

[SnakeyJay]

If its a reptile red light alls good... some people try using household red light bulbs lol, thats why i was asking.

[millertime89]

sounds good, thanks guys. I've got free 2 day shipping on amazon so I'll order there.

[MoonlightBoas]

A heat gun is a great buy. It'll allow you to get the exact temperature in the snake's hide or even his body temperature. Also, with an under tank heater, the temperature at the thermometer a few inches up the glass may not reflect the temperature on the ground where your BRB will spend most of its time.

I wouldn't worry if your your Brazilian Rainbow Boa doesn't cruise around the cage much for a few days after eating. Being an ambush predator, BRBs often lay in wait for a meal to pass by.

Snakes are very sensitive to vibration. The most important consideration is that the cage isn't sitting on top of something that's constantly vibrating. I tend to err on the side of caution, but as long as your speakers aren't blasting 24/7 you should be fine. If you're listening to music or watching a movie for more than a few hours at a time, just use an appropriate volume. If your sub woofer is strong enough for you to feel, your snake definitely feels it and should either be turned down or turned off.

[millertime89]

Thanks for the advice guys. I don't really have the surround sound even on, and when it is, its never for more than a few hours (duration of one movie).
I turned all the lights off and covered the viv in a blanket. We'll see if he's out cruising around when I get home.
My thermometers are actually located at bedding level in the viv. Its a bit of a pain to see, but a little light makes the difference. I will purchase a heat gun once I do some research and find out which most people prefer.

[millertime89]

had him out today, he was crawling around my hands and stopped, then let out the biggest yawn I've seen from such a small creature. Kind of funny. Even my brother's gf laughed.

[MoonlightBoas]

had him out today, he was crawling around my hands and stopped, then let out the biggest yawn I've seen from such a small creature. Kind of funny. Even my brother's gf laughed.

It's pretty crazy to see these guys yawn for the first time. Even today, I get a kick each time I see one of my Brazilian Rainbow Boas yawn.

[millertime89]

is yawning something that all snakes do or only Rainbow Boas?

Also he fed again today. The last 3 pinkies. I've been placing him in a cleaned out ice cream bucket to feed so I can monitor him at all times. I dropped the first one in and he didn't seem too interested, so I just wiggled it around like last week and he took it. No strike though, he just kinda opened up and shoveled it in. The next 2 were more or less the same. He seemed a little more enthusiastic last week. That said I'm pretty sure he could smell them on my when I took him out. He was all over flicking his tongue in every which direction. He seemed to know it was feeding time.

[millertime89]

is yawning something that all snakes do or only Rainbow Boas?

Also he fed again today. The last 3 pinkies. I've been placing him in a cleaned out ice cream bucket to feed so I can monitor him at all times. I dropped the first one in and he didn't seem too interested, so I just wiggled it around like last week and he took it. No strike though, he just kinda opened up and shoveled it in. The next 2 were more or less the same. He seemed a little more enthusiastic last week. That said I'm pretty sure he could smell them on my when I took him out. He was all over flicking his tongue in every which direction. He seemed to know it was feeding time.

[SnakeyJay]

All snakes will do it... whether theyre just stiff so they stretch, or after feeding to re-allign the jaw... its pretty much the "coolest" thing youll see them do apart from shedding :)

[Snakesitter]

Sorry, crazy busy weekend, so I'm just catching up. But, to answer your questions:


Ok, question for BRB keepers. Nero hasn't been nearly as active since I fed him on Sunday. ... Also he hasn't pooped yet, or I haven't found where he's pooped at. Am I just blowing this out of proportion and this is normal and should wait a few weeks?
Kyle, is isn't uncommon for Brazilians to curl up and digest for as much as a week after eating. Totally normal, and nothing to worry about.

As for pooping, some animals leave "gifts" with every meal, and others seems to "save up" for one rather large deposit every two or even three meals. Again, totally normal, so long as they go at some point.

I see Brian beat me to punch and already posted the separate thread where we discussed this (thanks Brian!). Same comments as I made there, really. Everything sounds normal.


2 more questions. They can't see red light correct? So the red bulb should be good for night viewing right?

I've got a small (very small) surround sound system in my room. My cats hate the sub. Has anybody documented these types of vibrations negatively affecting snakes? I don't use it often and his viv is a solid 10ft away, but I'm sure he can still feel a bit of it.
Regarding red light, I’ve heard the same thing, but my testing results were mixed. However, keep in mind that even if they can’t *see* you, they *can* smell and feel you (meaning, vibration).

I use an exercise machine near some of my vivs. If the snakes can tolerate that -- and they have fine -- then I suspect your sound system is nothing to worry about, so long as the duration is not too long.


BTW, I agree with Marvel re: the heat gun. It is well worth the small price of purchase.


I hope this helps,

[millertime89]

Thanks Cliff, I seem to be worrying prematurely. I know he's moving around as I find him in the different hides or buried in the cyprus mulch. Its just weird because the first week I had him I was seeing him crawl around all the time and last week, not so much.

Any recommendation on which heat gun to buy? There's really no definitive opinion and I was thinking I could use it in the garage too if I pick up one with high enough temp reading.

BTW, congrats on the clutch.

[Snakesitter]

Any time, Kyle. What you describe is pretty normal: the first week, he was checking out his new home. Now he's satisfied.

I think I got mine from Reptile Basics -- they carry several levels to choose from.

And thanks! :-)

[millertime89]

anthing you see wrong with this one?
http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Temperature-Infrared-Thermometer-Laser/dp/B002YE3FS4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1316485608&sr=8-2

[Snakesitter]

Other than that low of a price being a crime? ;-) Not at all.

[millertime89]

ha ha thanks Cliff. You've been a big help.

[millertime89]

nom time from last week, didn't get any this week.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6550.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6551.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6552.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6553.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6554.sized.jpg

[Snakesitter]

He looks so proud of himself.... ;-)

[millertime89]

He's getting quite milky. Thinking shed is soon. I snapped a picture I'll have to upload. Eyes aren't filmed over yet so I've still got a day or two I think.
funny story... went to check on him after my mid afternoon nap (yay college) and couldn't find him. Checked his usual bury spots and still couldn't find him. So I took everything out and sifted through all the substrate. STILL couldn't find him. As I'm sure you're expecting I was freaking out. No idea how he would be able to get out, the top has a lip on it and there's a lot of weight on it. Well as it turns out there's a little lip around the inside of the tree hide and he had wedged himself onto it like a snap ring. I picked it up to put it back in so I could begin to tear apart my room and that's when I noticed him, cuz he struck at me. Didn't tag me though, but made me jump like he's never done before. Just glad he didn't escape.

[Snakesitter]

He was probably annoyed you interrupted his own nap. ;-)

Glad it all turned out well!

[millertime89]

woke up this morning to go pick up the new hard top for my Miata (woot) and looked in the viv and there was a nice present for me. He shed! (woot woot) Perfect shed too! (woot woot woot) Eye caps in place and no tears anywhere. All one piece. Pictures to come!

[millertime89]

I woke up this morning to go pick up the new hard top for my Miata (woot) and looked in the viv and there was a nice present for me. Nero shed! (woot woot) Perfect shed too! (woot woot woot) Eye caps in place and no tears anywhere. All one piece.
Pre-shed, you can see he was pretty dull, but not really blue.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6669.sized.jpg
The shed, that's a 36x24 piece of paper and it runs the length diagonally. But he's really only about 22 inches
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6831.sized.jpg
one side of the head
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6832.sized.jpg
the other side, you can see the buggle of the eye cap dead center by that large (relative) chunk of cyprus mulch
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6834.sized.jpg
hmm... what is this strange surface I have been placed upon.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6836.sized.jpg
its nice to have him back to his regular brightness, even if he is a bit dark
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/MG_6843.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0744.sized.jpg
took him outside for a bit, is color shows better out there. I love his bullseye spots on his back.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0745.sized.jpg

[millertime89]

the neighbor boys were outside, they came over for a bit and asked if they could pet him, I told them as long as they moved slowly they would be ok. They're about 6 and 4 and were very good about being nice to Nero. Mom thought he was yucky though.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0746.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0747.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0748.sized.jpg
put him back in the viv, used the little point and shoot I've got instead of my dslr to get some nice in-tank pictures.
wish this one focused better
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0749.sized.jpg
going for a drink
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0750.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0752.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0753.sized.jpg
he cruised around for a bit before curling up in his hide.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0755.sized.jpg

[millertime89]

om nom nom
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0756.sized.jpg

[Snakesitter]

Nero, neighborhood diplomat. ;-) Really nice writeup and pict set, Kyle!

[millertime89]

as long as he doesn't end up like that other public official named Nero...

[Snakesitter]

You don't want him to be a Roman Emperor for 14 years? ;-)

[millertime89]

as cool as that would be, the end would be a little disheartening.

[Snakesitter]

True, and agreed.

[millertime89]

took another hopper tonight, no problems feeding that's for sure. Still no poopy, at least that I can find, and its been a month since I got him.

[Snakesitter]

He's got losts of substrate to hide it in/under, and that's probably exactly what he did. I'd check there first.

If you find nothing, after giving him a few days to digest, you can stimulate the urge by soaking him in slightly warm water for a half hour. You can also gently massage near his vent -- I've never tried it myself, but I've heard it works.

[millertime89]

I actually did find some last night, a small ball, about marble sized, hiding in his humid hide. He's been staying outside his hide more so I was wondering why, thought it was worth a looksie, picked it up, and there it was.

[Snakesitter]

LOL. Guess he had a reason to move. ;-)

[millertime89]

yup, he's still staying out more than he used to, I think he's really starting to get comfortable. I had him out last night while I was laying in bed and he just crawled all over me, never really tried to escape. He crawled up into my hair for a while which felt strange. Also when I put him back he crawled around for a while instead of going straight into his hide.

[Snakesitter]

Probably the closest thing to "moss" he could find. ;-) Glad to see he's chilling out!

[Lankyrob]

yup, he's still staying out more than he used to, I think he's really starting to get comfortable. I had him out last night while I was laying in bed and he just crawled all over me, never really tried to escape. He crawled up into my hair for a while which felt strange. Also when I put him back he crawled around for a while instead of going straight into his hide.

Dont mistake this for affection tho, dont forget you were probably the warmest thing in the vicinity so by slitheringnover younhe is taking your bodyheat. :)

[millertime89]

yeah I know its not affection, just him being comfortable enough around me to think about temp and not safety.

[Strutter769]

I love, love, LOVE his high white sides! That's what I was looking for in the girl I bought this weekend @ the NARBC show, I think she's 2.5-3 mos. old.. If we were closer I'd ask to introduce them in about 18 mos.!!!

[millertime89]

I actually just drove through Illinois twice this past weekend, I wouldn't mind doing it again when the time comes.

[Strutter769]

That'd be beat possible scenario! I've been really excited about the BRB's for the last year or so, just collecting knowledge now, so by the time your boy is ready, we'll have the best chance possible. Lookin' forward to it!!

[millertime89]

sounds good, keep in touch

[millertime89]

was going to feed him however when I went to get him out to feed him out of the viv I noticed he was REALLY blue. Like he could play some awesome moody sax blue. So I let him be. I have been feeding him in his viv the past two times, however last week he almost swallowed some substrate and I don't want to have that happen so I'm going back to taking him out for feeding. It worked well the first few times so I see no reason to not.

[Gungirl]

If you are worried about him eating substrate why not feed on a plate like Rob does? I took his Idea and love it! I was feeding out of the viv also, now I feed in the viv and my BP eats much better.

[millertime89]

you just set the food on the plate and the plate in the viv? I might give that a try.

in blue.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0760.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0761.sized.jpg

[Gungirl]

I set the plate in the viv and then dangle the food over the plate for my Ball python once he strikes and hits it I leave him be. In the end he is always eating off the plate. For my corn I simply place the plate in the viv with the food on it and he comes out and eats. I have never had an issue with them eating sub-straight doing it this way. I have also noticed my BP react to the plate before I even have food in the room.

[Lankyrob]

All my snakes now know the "plate" and as soon as they see it they switch on - you cant put your hand in our SD viv once the plate is viewed or you will lose some blood!

Its good tho cos when no plate is around all of the snakes (except teh JCP) are placid as anything.

[Snakesitter]

All my snakes now know the "plate" and as soon as they see it they switch on - you cant put your hand in our SD viv once the plate is viewed or you will lose some blood!
LOL that's great!

[alessia55]

All my snakes now know the "plate" and as soon as they see it they switch on - you cant put your hand in our SD viv once the plate is viewed or you will lose some blood!

My adult ball python knows "the feeding container" that I put him in. The second he's in there he gets "switched on" too. I don't dare put my hand in there after that. The container has a trap door on the top that fits the prey perfectly so I put it in through there and he does the rest. He's super docile so long as he's not in there. I think snakes are much, much smarter than most people give them credit!

[Snakesitter]

Alessia, I agree with you -- each and every one has their own special personality!

[millertime89]

post shed, gorgeous in the sun, the pictures don't do his iridescence justice.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0764.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0765.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0766.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0767.sized.jpg
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0768.sized.jpg
he's also a packers fan...
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0769.sized.jpg

[alessia55]

haha what? is that a giant foam cheese?

[Nismo89]

Cheese head! Are you a Packers fan by any chance lol? Nero is looking great I love the second pic he's just staring right at the camera

[millertime89]

I am most certainly a packers fan! I've got a cheese koozey as well

Alessia, yes, that's a giant foam cheese hat, yes hat, it goes on my head on Sundays (and some Mondays)

[Nismo89]

Go Pack Go! I'm a Packer fan as well but I am also born and raised in the dairy state so if I didn't my family would disown me hahah

[millertime89]

we don't have a pro team here, so I was free to choose my own, and well... kansas city sucks.

[blindfireak40]

Hahaha for sure! Your Packers are doin pretty well this year though!

Nero is looking pretty slick! I love the way BRB's look

[millertime89]

yup, I've got a bet with my brother, if they packers repeat, he helps pay for my retic. If they don't, I buy him a ball morph. I think its a win either way, and the timing should be about perfect.

Thanks, I wish I could really show you guys his iridescence, its really impressive. I'm also thinking about switching him over to the blue shop towels instead of the cyprus mulch as substrate. I just think,for the time being, it will be easier to keep his home clean on that until he gains some size. Plus he burried himself and used the substrate to shed so when I went to clean today I pulled the shed up in pieces and couldn't really tell how good it was. His eyecaps were in place on the head piece so that's a good sign at least. What do you guys think?

[MoonlightBoas]

I'm also thinking about switching him over to the blue shop towels instead of the cyprus mulch as substrate. I just think,for the time being, it will be easier to keep his home clean on that until he gains some size.

That sounds like a good idea. Anything you can do to simplify cleaning means you'll do it more often. I keep all my babies on paper towel which is quick and easy to change out. Naturalistic enclosures look great, but are sometimes challenging to maintain.

[millertime89]

That's kind of what I was thinking. He's not on display, he's in my room, so its not like THAT many people see him, and nobody except me on a regular basis. The broken up shed is kinda what made me think about it more than before.

[millertime89]

bought a small digital kitchen scale, weighed Nero, 38g.
Tonight was feeding night, he scarfed down a 6g fuzzy, didn't leave much of a lump, is it safe to hoppers (8-12g) or maybe even small weanlings (13-15g)?

[Lankyrob]

I go on size ratherthan weight, not sure with boas as i only have colubrids and pythons but they all take prey twicetheir girth.

[CDN_Blood]

And this is what separates you three fine keepers from the impulse buyers, who are the people that have issues and then say bad things. Kudos to all of you!

Oh man, don't get me going on people that buy live animals as impulse buys (shakes fist) lol.

[lady_bug87]

Ok I have to admit my first snake was an impulse... I was tired of hearing my husband whine.... so I did it


I feel terribly.

[Lankyrob]

Impulse buying isnt always a bad thing as long as the research is done very quickly and that when you ask questions you listen to the answers rather than arguing and gettin arsey with people (like some guys do on here before disappearing). At the end of the day the animal in question is the most inportant thing and as long as it gets the care it deserves then we can all be happy.

I have been lucky in that whilst my purchases of reptiles HAVE all been kinda impulsey i have had to wait for vivs to be built before bringing them home so have had time to ask the questions and do the research before the reptile actually reached my house and my care.

[lady_bug87]

I spoil my snakes... by leaving them alone mostly I have no real need to handle them often maybe once or twice a week and I have zero desire to touch my GTP

before my BP I never wanted snakes I was more of a lizard person and now I can't imagine my life without snakes..

[millertime89]

Little guy is in blue hard core right now. Came home yesterday evening and he was taking a swim too. Will post pictures later.

[Snakesitter]

Hi Todd!

Kyle, given his weight, I'd go no larger than mouse hopper.

[millertime89]

I need to weigh him again, but I'll wait till after shed. I've got an assortment of rat fuzzies that are in the same weight range as large mouse hoppers. He's been taking 2 5ish gram hoppers the past 2 weeks and he looks to be getting larger around so in 2 weeks when my supply of hoppers runs out I'll be switching to the rat fuzzies.
Thanks for the advice Cliff.

[Snakesitter]

Any time, and good luck!

[millertime89]

took his first rat yesterday with no issues, heated the fuzzy up in the same bag as a hopper mouse just in case and he came right out of the substrate to check it out and WHAM he took it like usual. Also woke up to another perfect shed from the little guy Monday morning, only 1 day off his usual Saturday night/Sunday morning sheds.

[alessia55]

That's great Kyle! Glad he ate that rat for ya :)

[Norm66]

I've enjoyed reading through this thread. Kyle, Nero is a great looking BRB. They're among my favorites for sure.

[millertime89]

little bugger got out last night through an air hole that I made a little too big, after tearing apart my room where do I find him? 2 feet bellow his tub in my sock drawer. Derp, should've checked there first. The hole has now been plugged.
My room is really dry, once placed back in his tub he took a nice long drink and proceeded to soak for a few hours. I got a few pictures of him, goof ball.

[Snakesitter]

LOL glad to hear it had a happy ending, and looking forward to the pictures!

[alessia55]

little bugger got out last night through an air hole that I made a little too big, after tearing apart my room where do I find him? 2 feet bellow his tub in my sock drawer. Derp, should've checked there first. The hole has now been plugged.
My room is really dry, once placed back in his tub he took a nice long drink and proceeded to soak for a few hours. I got a few pictures of him, goof ball.

Glad you found him! Post those pics you took!

[millertime89]

glub glub
http://i447.photobucket.com/albums/qq191/KKMpunkrock2011/2011-12-13_02-25-18_62.jpg
guess I didn't take any of him taking a bath though, oh well.
Here's some from when he was last in shed and was taking one though.

Excuse me! I'm taking a bath here!
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0867.sized.jpg

Finally...
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0871.sized.jpg

stay tuned for holiday pics!

[millertime89]

presents?
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0955.sized.jpg

no presents?
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0962.sized.jpg

no presents here...
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0959.sized.jpg

presents down there?
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0960.sized.jpg

DAD! Where are the presents?!
http://www.1320video.com/img/album335/IMG_0961.sized.jpg

[Snakesitter]

I'd so buy that tree. ;-)

[millertime89]

thanks, I need to figure out which one of the bulbs is burnt, I hope its just one bulb.

[Snakesitter]

I meant because it has a snake attached. ;-)

[millertime89]

yeah I know, just saying the lights are out right now, it bugs me.

[millertime89]

He seems to be growing slowly for whatever reason, he's only 57g, which isn't much heavier than last time I weighed him, but he's shed twice since then and seems to be growing longer and doesn't look unhealthy by any means.

[Nismo89]

That is weird my BRB of roughly the same age is around 150g I believe I haven't weighed her for a few weeks now. What is he eating? I've been feeding 1 rat pup a week using the rodent pro weight scale.

[millertime89]

1 fuzzy rat a week, although there have been a few weeks that he didn't eat for various reasons, but never more than 1 week at a time. He's not eating this week because I'm snowed in.

[Snakesitter]

Kyle, how old is he now? 57 grams is very light. However, some of them just grow more slowly...for example, I have a 2010 baby that is only 146 grams.

[millertime89]

rough estimate is 8 or 9 months.

[Snakesitter]

Kyle, most of my Brazilians at that age have run 70-129 grams. That said, so long as he acts fine and seems well-rounded, he's probably just a slow grower. Better stock a few frozen rodent-sicles for those snowed in days to fatten him up. ;-)

[millertime89]

I've got plenty, its just I've got nowhere to put them in my new place so they're currently residing in the freezer at my parent's house. So he's a little small, but not to much. He's do for a food size bump too, but I need to get rid of all these damn hoppers so he'll start getting two.

[Snakesitter]

LOL! I've done the dual feed program many times. He'll catch up. ;-)

[millertime89]

Yeah, he's growing out of a certain sized food before I run out, kind of inconvenient. Had him out last night, he's definitely growing. Hes pushing the 30" mark.

[Snakesitter]

* Like * !

[millertime89]

bugger took 2 fuzzy rats Saturday with no hesitation, lump is nearly gone now.

[Snakesitter]

He'll hit 1800 grams before you know it, Kyle. ;-)

[millertime89]

playing tree boa after another perfect shed.
http://www.1320video.com/img/album354/IMG_1139.sized.jpg

[millertime89]

and yes, he still loves to eat, even when he's a gorgeous shade of blue!
http://www.1320video.com/img/album354/MG_8137.sized.jpg

http://www.1320video.com/img/album354/MG_8138.sized.jpg

[Snakesitter]

LOL on the "tree boa"! Looking good as always, congrats!

[millertime89]

Thanks. I think he's just a slow grower, 76g a minute ago. I doubled up his food a few weeks ago and the lump was visible for too long so I'm back to one fuzzy a week. When I posted the lump was nearly gone it didn't fully disappear for two more days. At least that's how it looked.

[Snakesitter]

Good to hear his digestive system is working. But after this long, I bet he had more hidden away. ;-)

[millertime89]

I don't like this, I just weighed him again and he's at 71 g. Feeding day is tomorrow but he's not maintaing the weight that he puts on after feeding. I'm a little concerned he might have a parasite. Is there something like tapeworms in reptiles? If so how would he get something like that? All he eats is f/t. He's still active, his temps are fine. I see him out and about every so often if I get up in the middle of the night. Humidity never drops below 70, rarely does it drop below 80. Temps are 89 hot spot, 82 ambient, 77 cool corner. I'm definitely a little worried about my little buddy.

[Trollbie]

He's gorgeous! He looks like he has a nice red tint, ya?

I hope he's okay though!

[millertime89]

yeah, when he's in the sun he's got some awesome red and nice high-white sides.

[Snakesitter]

They never retain 100% of their prey's weight. Ever. I take readings regularly, and some months they grow much faster than others, even if prey size is constant. Sometimes they don't grow at all, or even slip back a few grams. The important thing is the animal is eating and healthy, and grows over time.

[millertime89]

Thanks Cliff, I'll report back after he eats tonight, he's never refused other than the first week so I'm sure he won't tonight either. Prey size is going to be bumped up next week. I've ordered the next size up as well for when that becomes necessary.

[Snakesitter]

Sounds like time, I usually bump mine up around 75 grams (provided they have sufficient girth, of course!). Good to see someone planning ahead for food increases!

[millertime89]

yeah, he was my first snake so its a bit of a learning process with him being a slow grower, my SD retic is getting bumped up as well, she's about as girty as he is but a decent bit longer.
I caught him out cruising around again this morning when I got up, 3 of my 4 were moving this morning and the other was taking a bath because she's deep in shed.