Basic Husbandry Techniques...

Alright, I'd like to get something rolling here. After browsing hundreds upon hundreds of classified ads, forums, etc. it seems the majority of keepers have a difference in opinion on proper enclosure set-ups, substrates, prey items, feeding schedule, and a whole lot of other things. I thought it be productive or even enlightening to some of our newer hobbiest or collectors to share our 'basic' husbandry techniques, and our reasoning behind them. For example: Someone prefer newspaper over bark...why?? I know alot of this has been discussed here, there, or everwhere, but I think it be nice to have one thread on general husbandry, where we can come and get ideas on what works for others and possibly broaden our horizons on a keepers first pet snake, or first rack system, or first walk-in enclosure. How do we house the BIG BOYS, and do we house are hatchlings?? I know from first hand experience, quite a few of my hatchling Colubrids seem to take off much faster in a 'smaller' world. I'd like to hear what some of the larger producers are doing as well. I guess we'll see if this gets any interest, if not will jump on another topic.

Well, I think it's very hard to generalize things like this across all snake species. Glass tanks do great for some animals, and are pretty much awful for others. Same thing with substrates. Maintenence schedules will be very different for a snake that eats every 2 weeks versus one that eats every 5 days (I have one WC snake that eats like clockwork not more than every 3 weeks, which I'm told is normal for the genus). Heck, there are a couple species which thrive at room temperature. So.... I guess I'm saying that a list of basic techniques might not get a beginner very far figuring out what's best for Mr. Hissy.

Erin B.

I like to write as can be seen in a lot of my posts from theior size, but this would require a book - no kidding. Way to general.