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 #1683892


Bobo21
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 New red tail

So i got my pay check yesterday and finally decided to get a red tail. it was between that and a blood. But the down side is that i had a blood and have never had a red tail. i have done my research and looked into it but i still need some pointers. so help me out I’m mostly worried about the humidity and if a have enough of it and i need so cool ways to know how to keep it up thanks everyone
03/31/08  05:07pm

 #1684023


Alienboa
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   Message To: Bobo21   In reference to Message Id: 1683892


 New red tail

u want to know ways to keep up humidity?
03/31/08  06:11pm

 #1684103


Emotionless)-
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   Message To: Alienboa   In reference to Message Id: 1684023


 New red tail

Humidity should be 50-60% at all times and is easy to maintain if you dont have a bunch of lights sucking it out. Misting the cage is an easy way to maintain it. Aspen bedding holds it well too.



03/31/08  06:51pm

 #1684153


SkunkMan
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   Message To: Bobo21   In reference to Message Id: 1683892


 New red tail

I use Forest Bark from ExoTerra, it holds humidity well and looks good, but it might get a little annoying to clean though Im not sure (my new Boa hasnt taken a poo yet), its a good substrate though, if you have an open top (screen) cover it like 3/4 or 2/3 with a damp towel, it should greatly boost your humidity, get a hydrometer of course but always keep your waterbowl on the cool side, because if he decides to soak hes doing it to cool down not to get warmer.

You should be fine at the moment my humidity level is 66% roughly.

Just dont over mist the cage as it will make everything in there wet rather than moist and if you are using a paper substrate or anything that molds, its more likely to mold faster.

(Im just a Beginner, this is basically what Ive learned from books and articles on the web)
03/31/08  07:26pm

 #1684758


Bobo21
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   Message To: SkunkMan   In reference to Message Id: 1684153


 New red tail

well i got a 75 watt bulb and that keeps it like 80-85 so in thinkig thats good. but i put surane wrap across the top and that seems to be helping. but idk if thats good to do. and also what is there sign when there about to bite because mine was all curled up and just looking pissed off. is that normal for them or is he just not wanting to get picked up
04/01/08  04:07am

 #1684898


SusanC
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   Message To: Bobo21   In reference to Message Id: 1684758


 New red tail

Bobo,
First of all, welcome to red tails... GREAT choice my friend! Second, it does sound like you’ve started your research... but I’d like to suggest the book Barron’s Boas. A Complete Pet Owners Manual. There are PLENTY of books out there... this one just happens to be my favorite. It has answered every question I’ve had thus far since buying my boas. So, that being said... any opinions i state will be in normal writing.. any factual information I give will have that page number behind it.
You didn’t say how long you’ve had the snake but you did say it was new... so I’m assuming that you quarantined it if you have any more reptiles(this lasts for 30-90 days) cage type... give your snake as much room as you can afford to.. a good rule of thumb is at the VERY least... make sure your enclosure is at least 2/3 the length of the snake (pge 25). the most inexpensive substrate will of course be newspapers and paper towels... but since you state that you have a screened top, I would use something that holds humidity a little better... however on my bigger boas... I use newspaper and my humidity stays between 48-52. (I have built custom wooden lids for my enclosures) I find the newspaper easier because the larger boas make a mess when they urinate/defecate. You can also use reptile carpet... (just be sure to have at least 2 pieces) or aspen... there are numerous things that you can use,just find what suits your needs the best. You should use an UTH under 1/3 to 1/2 of your enclosure. the warm end should be between 85-92 degrees with the remainder of the cage in the low 80’s. A drop of several degrees at night is recommended.(pg 29) I also saw that you said you use a 75 watt bulb.. is that a regular bulb? Do you have a guard over it to make sure that the snake can’t burn itself? They make reptile bulbs but are slightly more expensive..regular bulbs are way too dangerous.. they burn hotter and pose a burn threat to your snake not to mention the chances of burning your house down.. and if in a glass enclosure.. they WILL pop the glass.one more thing.. the lights can not be left on 24 hours a day...snakes need 12 on 12 off. (pge 30) As far as humidity goes... this will very with each snake... their skin condition... the temps in your enclosure.. and your house...(pg 30-31) watch the snakes shed and adjust accordingly... just make sure that you have a water dish big enough for the snake to soak in... don’t fill completely up b/c it will flood when the snake gets in there. if you need to raise your humidity.. you can mist the enclosure and the snake. make sure you don’t soak the substrate and the contents in the enclosure.. as this will cause mold and fungus infestation... leading to RI... Scale Rot...etc. (pge31)
There are so much more things that i could type for you... but this should be enough to get you started. As far as your snake looking like he is pissed... he probably is... did you give him time to become acclimated/ set him up in his enclosure and leave him alone for a week to 10 days..making sure to spot clean and change his water... after that time period.. offer him food... wait at least 48 hours before trying to handle him. Also invest in a snake hook and begin hook training... then he will associate the hook with being held...right now he just sees you as a big old predator. Once again... welcome to the world of red tails... I know I just crammed alto of crap down your throat.. but I hope it helps some. let us know if you need any more info... I look forward to seeing pics and engaging on conversations on forum.
Susan
04/01/08  11:15am

 #1685452


Bobo21
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   Message To: SusanC   In reference to Message Id: 1684898


 New red tail

Awsome thanks for the advice. And well to answer something i do have a reptile bulb im not that cheap haha. I do use the aspen bedding because it looks good and its half way easy to clean. I have not waited 48 hours to handle him because i havent had a snake for like 8 mounths or so so im really excited to have another one. I alos just put a moist towell on one half of the the cage and the light on the other. im hopeing that it keeps the moister in but well see. And i held him today on my break for work and he seemed fine maybe he was just in a bad mood yesterday. Thanks for all the advice



04/01/08  07:15pm

 #1686101


Shermanator
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   Message To: Bobo21   In reference to Message Id: 1685452


 New red tail

Welcome Bobo it’s nice to see someone has done lots of reasearch before purchsing. I have an 8ft Red Tail and as Susan says as they get older they make a mess!! I use news paper as substrate as it’s easy to clean she also has a box inside her hide as this is where she tends to crap it saves so much time by removing and chucking the lot. If he is about to strike they usually form an s shape first. He may also hiss or tense if he feels threatened, warning you to back off. Your humidity is most important during shedding but with the moist towel you should be fine. My enclosure seems to hold humidity well and I spray it during shed. I’ve found that if I drench her she’ll usually shed while she’s wet. It’s amazing to watch. She scratches the tip of her nose, twists her neck and stretches her mouth to start her off and then it rolls of like a huge Condom. ha ha.



04/02/08  05:19am


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