The Do's & Don'ts

[cwarren72]

Hi guys and Gals, Well we had a good response to the Shops or Private thread with some really good comments and opinions for and against so I thought I would fire another one at you all just for a bit more interest.. Now before I do can people try and make their answers cival an polite and just realise that we all have different ideas on things and what works for one may not work for another.

Ok here we go.. What are some of the Do's and Don'ts we do and don't do ie don't handle after a feed. Don't handle for extended periods, don't put hatchies in big enclosures.........Do have hatchies in small containers, and so on

I hope you get the idea.... Happy chattin all.

[AntaresiaLady]

Don't ever be too scared to ask what you think might be a stupid question when it comes to herps.
Don't forget to post pics when you get a new herp *grin*
Don't be too shy to pass on any good tips you have to someone who might be a newbie.

DO have a look through the 'archives' (past threads) to glean information that might pertain to your herps.
DO take advice people tell you, couple it with your own research and make your own decisions.
DO take your herp to a vet if it shows any unusual behaviours that are even remotely identified with IBD or other 'Snake' diseases- your herps should be important to you- and you should want the best for them.

[cwarren72]

some good ones there especially don't be scared to ask a question... The only dumb question is the one you don't ask

[krusty]

don't always think pet shops no best ask a breeder to

[Valley Reptile Supplies]

do use heat mats or cord for hatches
do seperate snakes housed together to feed
do shop around when u wish to buy anything herpy
do wash hands after cleaning rats/mice before handeling snakes (trust me not a good idear)

don't house 2 differant size snakes together
dont leave door open on enclosure
dont trust ray hosier

awlays keep the setup simple

[serpenttongue]

DON'TS

Dont leave live rodents unattended with a snake.
Dont use BC cat litter(dusty, can cause cloacal infections, gut impactions).
Dont use any tape within an enclosure.
Dont force off a shed when it's not ready(impatient newbies may fall for this one).
Dont leave water bowls in an enclosure when spraying for mites.
Dont use hot rocks(can cause severe burns).
Dont allow humidity to rise too high(can cause scale rot,depending on species)
Dont disturb/handle a snake during opaque stage of shedding.
Dont feed wild rodents to snakes.
Dont treat your snake like it's a toy to show off with.
Dont overfeed.

DO'S

Do avoid feeding live prey, stick to thawed or fresh killed rodents.
Do respond to any signs of illness.
Do keep water clean and fresh.
Do remove faeces/shed skins ASAFP.
Do have an enclosure set up before aquiring the animal.
Do monitor temps and keep them correct.
Do respect the animal for what it is.
Do meet the needs of the animal, learn about the particular species you're keeping.
Do stick to the recommended doses of any medications administered.
Do meet other herpers/join a society.
Do listen to what serpenttongue says :wink:

[Jacob]

lol, go ST!!

[serpenttongue]

[krusty]

yer what serpenttongue said...........

[Robbo]

dont belive everything you hear

[TrueBlue]

dont be a do be,
do be a dont be.

[cwarren72]

lol this is going to be a good thread especially for newbies to pick up some good points

[Greebo]

Don't be afraid of being bitten (it will happen)
unless it is an elapid then Don't be a hero

[AntaresiaLady]

ASAFP?

LOL !!

Some great points there!

[alby]

why dont use heat mat for hatchies???