Thinking about buying my first snake

craigafrechette · 09-06-19, 09:57 AM

Most expos have the vendor list posted online. You can check the website and cross reference sources.

ExoTerra will be fine for the enclosure.

Thermostats you can buy online. I've been using JumpStart for years with no problems at all.
HerpStat is a fantastic brand, cream of the crop, but pricey.

For thermometer/hygrometer I use Accurite brand. They can be found at Walmart or on Amazon for around $10-12 each. I have two in each of my enclosures.
As for treating the water... If you drink it it's safe for your snake. If you need to treat your drinking water you'll want to treat the snakes water as well.

To keep your humidity up, choosing a coco coir substrate will help immensely. You can also cover the majority of the screen lid to keep humidity in. Adding a humid hide during sheds would be a good idea.

Lastly, I'm not sure if it's just a matter of wording, but I want to make sure you're only getting one snake. Your sentence saying "I want them to be happy in their new home" is throwing me off.
Kings definitely can't be cohabitated. Kings are actually known to be cabalistic, so you definitely only want one in each enclosure. Otherwise you'll likely wake up one morning to one King with a very full belly

Liviethespider · 09-06-19, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Most expos have the vendor list posted online. You can check the website and cross reference sources.

ExoTerra will be fine for the enclosure.

Thermostats you can buy online. I've been using JumpStart for years with no problems at all.
HerpStat is a fantastic brand, cream of the crop, but pricey.

For thermometer/hygrometer I use Accurite brand. They can be found at Walmart or on Amazon for around $10-12 each. I have two in each of my enclosures.
As for treating the water... If you drink it it's safe for your snake. If you need to treat your drinking water you'll want to treat the snakes water as well.

To keep your humidity up, choosing a coco coir substrate will help immensely. You can also cover the majority of the screen lid to keep humidity in. Adding a humid hide during sheds would be a good idea.

Lastly, I'm not sure if it's just a matter of wording, but I want to make sure you're only getting one snake. Your sentence saying "I want them to be happy in their new home" is throwing me off.
Kings definitely can't be cohabitated. Kings are actually known to be cabalistic, so you definitely only want one in each enclosure. Otherwise you'll likely wake up one morning to one King with a very full belly

Yes I will only be getting one snake. Sorry for confusing you, just not sure if I’m getting a boy or girl yet. The info you have given is amazing.

craigafrechette · 09-06-19, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liviethespider

Yes I will only be getting one snake. Sorry for confusing you, just not sure if I’m getting a boy or girl yet. The info you have given is amazing.

Ok, I figured I was just reading it wrong, hahaha. But just to make sure I figured it was worth mentioning.

You're very welcome! I'm happy to help!!

PanUzasny · 09-06-19, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

As for treating the water... If you drink it it's safe for your snake.

T

So, I've heard that the chlorine in the water isn't good for snakes - is this just an abundance of caution?

craigafrechette · 09-06-19, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanUzasny

So, I've heard that the chlorine in the water isn't good for snakes - is this just an abundance of caution?

My understanding has always been that if it's safe for human consumption it's safe for the pets. My animals have all been drinking untreated tap water for 20 years with no ill effects.

I do know people in the community who treat their snakes water, but they also treat their own.

Scubadiver59 · 09-06-19, 02:01 PM

I just fill up empty distilled water (for my humidifiers) jugs with tap water and let them stand a week or so to let the chlorine leech out of solution. Otherwise, they get the tap water, just w/o chlorine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

My understanding has always been that if it's safe for human consumption it's safe for the pets. My animals have all been drinking untreated tap water for 20 years with no ill effects.

I do know people in the community who treat their snakes water, but they also treat their own.

craigafrechette · 09-06-19, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubadiver59

I just fill up empty distilled water (for my humidifiers) jugs with tap water and let them stand a week or so to let the chlorine leech out of solution. Otherwise, they get the tap water, just w/o chlorine.

I have heard of people doing that. My understanding is that it's because their local water is high in chlorine.

Is this the case for you? Or is it a personal preference?

Scubadiver59 · 09-06-19, 03:22 PM

Put it this way, I wouldn't drink it, and I sometimes dilute it w/bottled water for my dogs when giving them water.

Some communities flush their water system from time to time with higher concentrations of chlorine, and right now mine is in the process of doing it I think--I will drink the tap water when the chlorine level is lower, but not recently.

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I have heard of people doing that. My understanding is that it's because their local water is high in chlorine.

Is this the case for you? Or is it a personal preference?

craigafrechette · 09-06-19, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scubadiver59

Put it this way, I wouldn't drink it, and I sometimes dilute it w/bottled water for my dogs when giving them water.

Some communities flush their water system from time to time with higher concentrations of chlorine, and right now mine is in the process of doing it I think--I will drink the tap water when the chlorine level is lower, but not recently.

Gotcha! I agree with you 100% in that situation.