Recommendations re: first-time snake owner?

[Miss B]

Hi guys,

I have a few questions particularly regarding your opinions for a first-time snake owner.

I am thinking of getting a snake but I need some advice. I personally like the look of the Murray Darling but information on them and their care is a bit hard to come by

What kind of housing do they require? We already have a tank at home, and I'm unsure as to it's suitability. I have included a rough sketch below. The tank is made of glass (including the lid) and I'd guess the dimensions to be roughly five or six feet long by around 50-60cms deep. Not sure about the height but I can measure everything when I get home if that helps. The tank was originally used to house water dragons and has a 3/4 height divider towards the right hand end to allow for a small swimming pool.



Would this tank be suitable for a Murray Darling?

Any advice would be much appreciated!!

[dragon_tail]

dotn use the divider as a pond, it would have too high humidity if you did this, for the begining youd probebly use a click clack (plastic tub) then later buy a proper enclosure..... the glass lid is no good either snakes are great escapists! plus you need front acess, as snakes dont like things (hands) coming at them from above, as instinctually they try to avoid and fend off birds of prey! there are HEASP of helpful threads here, use the search function located at the top middle/right of each page to search and answer any queries you might have....chances are someone asked the same thing before you! good luck with your new snake

[ScardyKate]

We've only had our snake for about a year - first snake for us - and we were advised to stay away from full glass enclosures (expecially with a glass lid). Are you getting a hatchling, juvie or adult snake - because this will also determine the size of tank required first up.

[sweethips12]

If you can get or make and enclosure that has doors on the front you will find this much easier. All of my enclosures have either slidding or pull out doors for easy access.

[Aslan]

Glass isn't ideal but it can be used without any problems...

The problem with glass is that it doesn't hold heat well, but in saying that it is much harder to cool an enclosure than heat one...provided you set it up in advance and tweak the setup to provide a range of temperatures it will be fine...

As has already been said, the pond is no good...humidity will be too high and can lead to Respiratory Infection (RI)...the glass lids are not great either as they don't provide adequate ventilation, a mesh lid would work well provided it can be locked shut as snakes are very strong...and very good at escaping...

Care of Murray Darlings is identical to any care sheet on ANY Carpet Python - MDs are known for being a great first snake as well, easy to care for and placid temperaments...

[Miss B]

Thanks for the response so far guys

I didn't actually plan to use the pond section as a pond, but I thought I should mention the fact that there is a divider there. I imagine a well-placed branch would allow the snake access to all areas of the tank, including that small section.

I would plan to buy a juvenile. Would a tank of that size be suitable for a fully-grown MD? If possible I'd prefer to use the same tank instead of having to eventually upgrade.

And as for the glass lid, I am pretty sure I could easily replace it with a sturdy and lockable mesh lid, so that's not really a problem.

[dragon_tail]

i would never use glass, epspecially since they can getout of the lid, no matter which you choose! (imo). just get yourself a click clack (lockable tupperware) drill some holes in it, put in a little newspaper and presto! eventually get yourself a 3X2X2 or 4X2X2 reptile enclosure from your prefered shop.... once the snake is big enough not to feel agoraphobic.

[Miss B]

How long would a juvenile MD be comfortable in the click-clack for? And is it difficult to keep an enclosure like that adequately heated?

[ScardyKate]

I can't remember exactly - and I'm sure if I'm wrong someone will tell me!!! - but I thought that you had to keep snakes in a tank that is at least 1/2 to 3/4 of the length of the snake????

[ScardyKate]

Some people use heat mats while their little babies are in click clacks - we put our bredli straight into full size enclosure when we got him - many differring points of view on this one - but he seems to be happy enough - just make sure there are plenty of hides etc if you are going to put your hatchie/juvie in a full size unit.

[sweethips12]

The attached photo is of my 4foot glass enclosure with galss sliding doors.
I have never had a problen with heat and there is not change of him getting out as doesnt have a glass lid.
I got this from pet shop for about $340, cheaper than what most people can make one for.
Cheers
Jess

[Miss B]

Another question, I have heard that snake tanks smell a bit, is this true? Or would that just be the result of someone neglecting to clean the tank frequently enough?

[ScardyKate]

This would be as a result of someone neglecting to clean the tank - I've never had much of a problem with smell - my cat box smells much, much worse!!!!!

[Miss B]

I had a feeling that would be the case, thanks!

So, if I decided to get a juvenile MD and wanted to use my existing tank from the get-go right through until adulthood, what kind of set-up would I need to have in order to make the tank habitable? By that I mean lamps, thermostat, heat mat, flooring (what do you guys use on the base of your tanks), and any other modifications it may require?

[Chris89]

The only time that the snakes enclosure might smell, is straight after they have done their business, but soon as I notice it, I spot clean. I havne't had a problem with the enclosure smelling even after they've done their business. Afterall she's nearly only 5 months old, so her business isn't exactly huge lol.