edf
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Post by edf on May 16, 2007 12:06:58 GMT
Hello! I am reading up on sand boa's b/c I want to get one of those cute little worms, but all the care sheets vary- they don't state what humidity is needed... does anybody here have any sand boa's, and if so, what reading of humidity do you keep them at? A pet store neer me sells them, and I have a cage all set up- but I don;t know what the humidity is supposed to be at! Temps are 80 cool side 93 warm side humidity now is 35%. Also, is sand ok for them?? I read care sheets that say itsd fine, but I read in some forum posts and they say sand is a no-no. anyways, any help would be appreciated! Once I finds outmy answers and get my cage at the right humiditly i am gonna pick me upone.  edf |
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Post by John Pilling on May 16, 2007 19:53:06 GMT
I keep 2 sand boa's (both kenyan, but the care is the same throughout the various types available).
I keep the humidity at whatever the room humidity is and i don't spray them (like with the bci/bcc's to raise humidity). Heat wise mine are kept on a stat at cool end room temp, and warm side are about the same as corns (84-86) but i do use a warmer light in conjunction with the heat mat to raise the ambient temp to around 90 during the day, and knock the light off at night.
Their has always (and will always be) a lot of debateing over sand as a substrate. I don't use it, and no i don't think they need it eather. I just use asphen same as for the corns and use at least a 1 inch layer as they are a burrowing species.
Hides aren't necessary, but recommended as they do occasionally use them (99% of the time tho, they just bury them selfs). Also, no matter what people say, sand boa can and DO climb so at least 1 branch or 2-3 is recommended, i've got some pic's somewhere of my sandy climbing, so when i find them I'll post a couple.
Water to be changed ideally every day (like all snakes) but every other will be fine, feeding wise an adult will take a small Weiner rat every 10-14 days, or a large mouse every 7-8 days and be very comfortable off eather for life. I use the rats as i find it cheaper, but about the same nutritionally speaking.
If it ever stops eating let me know as i know a very very good trick which was recommended to me by a breeder to get them going again (i've not used it, but know someone who has to good effect).
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edf
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Post by edf on May 16, 2007 22:04:31 GMT
drnn- I already got some sand in my set-up tank, but I can pick up some aspen tomorow. So, I should lower my temps a little... but I am still unsure of what a good humidity reading should be... if you don't mind, can you tell me what your room humidity is? is 36% humidty about right or is that too high? When I did have my corn snake, it only shed once b4 it escaped, but the shed was perfect ( i did soak her one day) and I kept her in a glass aquarium w/ screen lid, and when I had my BP's in aquariums, the humdity was always around 30-35%. So I am assuming if my corn did decently, then I am good to go w/ the sand boa? I am just paranoid- I want to make sure everything is great for my new little buddy when I get him/her. thanx for the info- and if I have any trouble w/ feeding, i'll let you know. The pet store I saw this boa at said the 3 they has ha dno problems eating and such, and this pet store keeps their reptiles good- got their own room, each reptile is housed seperatly if it is required. I did ask about th ehumdiity, but the guy wasn't too sure about that, so I passed on buying it yet. anyways, thanx a ton! edf |
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Post by John Pilling on May 16, 2007 23:16:34 GMT
Not sure on the humidity level, but i no it's up at this time of yeah (probabley about 30-40& day in day out), and about 20-30% during the winter and it's rare for a bad shed off the sand boa tbh. Feeding wise i don't expect you to have a problem, it's a just in case mesure as once an adult they can fast (breeding season) for 3-4 monthes and as long as the weight doesn't go down to much things will be fine.
I'd try and lower your warm end temp a little to make it more like 90 at the hottest and just judge the snakes reaction from their, if it's never in the heated area then i'd lower it another 3-4 degree's and watch again for 2-3 weeks.
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edf
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Post by edf on May 16, 2007 23:46:34 GMT
okies, thanx for the clearer answers on the humidity readings, that's about what mine are at now, so I am good!
Yeah, I just adjusted my t-stat, but when i switch substrates tomorow, more adjustments are prolly goingot have to be made, but I will aim for 90. I will monitor the snake once I get it and see how it goes. Maybe by sunday I can get me one, but depends on how temps hold and such.
I can't wait!
edf
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