| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Wilburs mum |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 20:14:35
Hi! New here, been effectively trawling the forums for months actually but only just signed up! I have a 4-5 year old corn snake named Wilbur, and he's a bit small for his age but now appears to be having a growth spurt to catch up.
He was exhibiting signs of shedding last week, but on the sunday came out acting hungry and ate a mouse no problem. He's now been in his hide since tuesday, and now is going through the blue phase, but for some reason I find myself worrying?
Could just be because he's my baby and I'm a worrier, but how long should I let him sit (and sulk, because that's the impression he gives when he stays in there for long periods) there before it's time to actually be concerned? It's getting colder now and while it's still warm enough for him in there (I'm 99% sure) I just worry he'll hibernate!
Thanks in advance for putting up with my silliness! |
| 12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Welshlamb |
Posted - 12/11/2012 : 22:25:02
Please get a thermostat. You can pick them up for under £25 on the net. I'm concerned for your snake as I've seen many horrific injuries caused by unstated mats online.
The thermostat plugs into your wall then you plug the mat into the thermostat and you can control the temp just like central heating. I must admit I bought the Microclimate mat and thermostat and it does fluctuate -4 / +4 degrees but least I'm certain that my snake won't be harmed.
You can pick a digi thermometer with two sensors one for cool end and one for hotter end of tank cheap online too.
Good luck and please do not be offended as I once did what you did not realising the injury or harm that could be caused
Here are the links for you to consider:
Digi thermometer
http://www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/lucky-reptile-thermometer-deluxe-lth-31.html
Thermostat
http://www.littlebigpet.co.uk/reptiles/microclimate-ministat-p-751.html
|
| Red123 |
Posted - 12/11/2012 : 15:17:02
This is what can happen to unstatted heat mat. Not my doing I might add.
 |
| Razee |
Posted - 09/11/2012 : 15:15:15
I'd second what Red123 said. With a thermostat, You can be 100% sure you get the right temperatures, if the mat malfunctions,it'll save your snakes life ( and maybe yours, too, if the mat sets viv on fire ), and it'll save you electricity, too.
Have a look at Surrey Pet Supplies website, they're so much cheaper than anywhere else.
I'd go for the pulse stat - you don't have to, mat stat is sufficient, but the pulse stat is so much more precise. The Microclimate mat stat was driving me crazy, there was about 4C temperature swing on it, no matter where I put the probe. The pulse stat keeps the temperature perfect.
I got told, when I bought my first snake, that I didn't need a stat, etc., I already had my doubt, as I read some books, and then found this forum, and got a stat and a digital thermometer straight away. Got quite a shock, when I measured the temps on the mat without the stat - I think it was about 42C! It could have caused my snake quite a lot of damage...fortunately, she's ok. |
| Red123 |
Posted - 09/11/2012 : 07:54:52
You really must get a thermostat for that heat mat. Your snake could get seriously burnt otherwise and you are risking your own life. I took a snake and set up in a few months ago and there was a heat mat and no thermostat. When we uncovered the heat mat there was a hole that had been burnt in it. |
| Wilburs mum |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 22:28:18
Aha! I see, well there's some pointless information for you all haha, sorry about that!
There's no thermostat no, it's just a plug in heat mat- the tank itself is large, and one side is warm the other room temperature, and the hide is on both sides with the aspen thick enough for him to burrow under and be on either side if he feels the need. The log is on the cool side so if he wants to stay away from the heat entirely he can go in there- he seems to prefer that in the summer, spends a lot of time burrowed under the aspen in the morning during winter, then comes out to sit in his hide or out and about during the day, so I think he's fine- definitely considering getting a thermometer though when my new debit card finally deigns to arrive |
| Razee |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 22:21:59
I see what you mean - still think it's nothing to worry about - he's just decided to eat in shed, and is taking a little longer, that's all.
You can get digital thermometers off the internet quite cheap.
When people ask about the set up, they mean the hot and cold end temperatures, and how do you regulate the heat, do you have a thermostat with your mat? |
| Wilburs mum |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 21:54:18
I honestly can't tell you the exact temperature, I've been thinking it's about time I got a ... wow, the word has completely escaped me but I'm in deadlines period right now with Uni so I'm not 100% surprised (probably why I'm overly worried about Wilbur too, everything is somehow ten times more dramatic when you're doing deadlines) but the thing that tells you the temperature. He has a heat pad, and seems perfectly fine with it- my room is naturally warm as it is, and I spray water in the tank for the humidity when he's shedding if he had trouble the time before but he rarely seems to need it, his water bowl is always fresh so :)
He has a big hide, a vine that he likes to climb on, a few hanging silk plants at the back, aspen bedding and a large water bowl to sit in near the front... if you wanted to know the WHOLE set up, he also has a small hollow log from when he was a baby but he seems to take great offence if I try and remove it so it's still in there |
| Moppet |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 21:24:07
Welcome to the forum 
All of my snakes hide when they're in blue and stay hidden until they actually shed. I think they feel more secure being hidden away when they're so vulnerable. I wouldn't worry about that behaviour too much.
What is your set up like? What are you temperatures and how do you heat Wilber's vivarium? Snakes are good at regulating their own temperature as long as they have the choice
No such thing as a silly question imho. I'm a worrier too so I know how you feel |
| Wilburs mum |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 21:23:13
No no I've had him since he was a hatchling, he's just never 'put shedding on pause' to eat, if that makes sense. Although the last time he shed he DID stay in his hide longer than usual to do it. I suppose my main cause for concern is that I moved him with me into a flat for University, so I was concerned the new environment might have messed him up or made him ill
Thank you all for the prompt replies and lovely welcomes though! <3
|
| herriotfan |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 21:17:05
Hi and welcome to the forum.
I second what the other members have told you.
I know it's easier said than done not to worry but things will be ok. |
| Red123 |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 21:07:18
Hi and welcome to the forum
I wouldn't worry he will sit and sulk until he is ready to wriggle out of that old skin. Mine spend most of their time in the cold hide this time of year even after being fed. I think they seem to pick up on the fact that its winter and would naturally hide away during the cold months. He will not brumate unless you drop the temperatures in your home down alot colder than what someone would normally have their home at. |
| Razee |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 21:02:17
Don't worry, he'll be fine, it's perfectly normal that they hide away when in shed, just leave him to it. Mine disappear days before going blue, and don't come out at all, until they've shed. How long have you had him for, you say he's 4 or 5, but have you just only got him? |
|
|
