My new Albino Burm

[aw2x3]

Hey, Jmick...Savannas would be great too. I see your from Carol Stream. I moved back to my home town, about a year ago, from Chicago...was up there for 5 years. First year was in spent in Riverside and then I moved downtown. When I had my Ball Python, I lived at N. Bosworth. The enclosure I built was 6' tall x 3' wide x 3' deep. Somehow, he managed to escape, after about a year in my care and he was never seen again.
At another forum, that I'm a part of, we had a member who had a 4' - 5' black Roughneck. That's where I really fell in love with those guys. He had an enclosure, in his basement, that was like 15' x 10' x 8', full of leaves, hollow tree trunks, etc. Just an awesome set up.

 

[beth]

I don't tout myself as an expert in pythons or any reptile for that matter, but over the past nearly 10 yrs, I have learned a thing or two.
About using organic decor in enclosures, such as trees or branches, keep in mind that where there is organic items, so will be the opportunity for moisture to collect, and therefore bacteria, fungus and even parasites. I know that trees are hot picks for herb enclosures, but I personally oppose them for the reason mentioned here. As you are fully aware, like with fish tanks, an enclosure has the potential to harbor and breed all kinds of things. Pythons particularly are prone to respiratory ailments, mostly due to the inappropriate husbandry choices made by pet-owners. The boxes I use I throw away as soon as they get wet or soiled. I use dedicated "snake towels" for substrate (easy to clean, disinfect, and re-use).
I'm not saying follow my advise, but I'm just throwing out some things to think about. As for the hidebox, a tight fit is always preferable for pythons. Even if the box is not a tight fit, by throwing in some towels into the box, the snake will crawl under and get that "wrapped in tight place" feeling which is a comfort for these snakes and will reduce stress considerably. Also, you may want to place the hide box half under the heater, not completed under the heater.
I actually use a python enclosure, but when I first got the snakes, they were in an aquarium.
Post up some more pics when you get a chance.

 

[aw2x3]

Here are some new pics. I took them while I was soaking him in a large Rubbermaid tub.

 

[sharkboy13]

once again very nice, out of curiosity what does the lady think of him? ive seen some women that freaked out a lil when theyre boyfriend/husband came home w/ a snake that has the potential to get 20ft+

 

[aw2x3]

AmandaL (here, on the boards as she's known) does not live with me, nor does she live here. We "long distance" it, between Illinois and Florida. She'll be up here next weekend...but, she likes snakes. She's the one that collects tarantulas, remember...12 and counting.

 

[aw2x3]

And, out for a stroll, after his afternoon bath. The shed is starting to come off alot easier and I helped, by pulling some off. Some of it is still pretty tough to get off and I dont want to hurt him, so I'll wait till tomorrow and soak him again.

 

[beth]

Why, he looks beautiful. Is he sexed? Do you know the ---? Also, what is that attached to him between 9 and 10 spots down?

 

[aw2x3]

Not officially sexed, no. I was told female, but after looking, measuring the tail, etc. I'm thinking it's male.
The thing between the 9 and 10 spot is a dandelion head, that he was wrapped around...all the little fluffy things had just been blown off of it.

 

[beth]

You got some nice groundcover in your yard!

 

[reefkprz]

Do you use water conditioner for his drinking water?

 

[aw2x3]

Originally Posted by Beth
You got some nice groundcover in your yard!
It REALLY needs to be mowed, but I've been lazy and have been putting it off. The area where I took the pics was actually the shortest part of the yard. lol!
Originally Posted by reefkprZ
Do you use water conditioner for his drinking water?
I have not been using any type of conditioner, no. The only type I have also includes a slime coat, for fish...I don't think that would be very good for him.

 

[reefkprz]

Originally Posted by AW2x3
I have not been using any type of conditioner, no. The only type I have also includes a slime coat, for fish...I don't think that would be very good for him.
Look into getting Reptisafe water conditioner by zoo med. its cheap and its really good for your herp. it adds electrolytes, some calcium, and softens the water while detoxifying some ammonia as well as clorine and cloramines. Its good to use even if you have well water. IMO it may help boost his recovery time just by drinking better. I use it on all 18 of my reptiles plus for my feeder insects. I would use it on his soak water too.

 

[beth]

You know I've never condition my snakes' water, perhaps this is a good option. How long have you been using it?

 

[aw2x3]

Beth...would it be possible for you to post pics of your snakes?

 

[reefkprz]

Almost 7 years now. (I killed two red eye tree frogs before i figured it out) I really like it. extra electrolytes cant hurt, especially for amphibians but for reptiles the extra calcium and electrolytes IMO is a good thing. PLus having deactivated the chlorine and cloramines is a good thing for the happiness of the animals digestive system. I have never heard of a conclusive problem from them drinking tap (exept amphibians the chlorine can kill) I just think its better. I use it in my mammals water too (its just easier to use one pitcher for watering everybody) I dont use it on the birds though, its easier to fill their water bottles off the tap.
thats my take on it its pretty much just me doing absolutly everything to make sure my animals habitats are as close to perfect as possible, I dont know any reptiles that have city water in their domiciles

 

[beth]

I just have some plain ole ball pythons, but here they are. The bottom one is my oldest and he has had at least 2 previous owners that I know of. He's my fav. They are all males, thank goodness.

 

[aw2x3]

I got new pics, last night. When I sit around and watch tv, I always get him out. I get a towel and lay it on my bed and lay around with him. He definately does not mind being held and out of his cage.

 

[scotts]

AW, I can't call myself a snake lover like y'all are, but I can tell you that last picture is one of the coolest pictures I have ever seen!

 

[aw2x3]

Originally Posted by Scotts
AW, I can't call myself a snake lover like y'all are, but I can tell you that last picture is one of the coolest pictures I have ever seen!
Thanks! I appreciate it!

 

[reefkprz]

Here is a shot of my albino gopher who came with a nasty case of mites, he is also going through a bad shed. mites are a pain. Unfortunatly he was wild caught, I didn't know this untill after I aquired him. he is ticked off because he just got sprayed down for mite treatment.