Hi Guys,
Im new to APS and even newer to owning a python. I got my first python 8 days ago and am already finding Keeping and extremely rewarding hobby. I do however have a few questions, or confirmations on what im doing to see if I get things right.
I have a 5 month old Mcdowelli. I havent had a good measure yet as ive been avoiding handling him while he settles in but he fits along one two sides of the 7l sistema i have him in so i would estimate hes somewhere between 45-50cm, though I could be out by abit. So now for a couple of questions.
1. Heating: As previously mentioned, I have her in a click clack, but im not using a heatmat to heat her, but rather a 60w infrared URS spotlamp attached to an ACT-110 Thermostat. The temperature gradient in the click clack range from 30 degree Hot end to 23-25 degrees cool end. Is that too small a gradient? is a cool end of 23-25 degrees running the risk of dehydrating the hatchling? ( I have a large waterbowl in there).
If this is too small a gradient, does anyone have any novel ways of increasing the gradient without increasing the power to the bulb. I assume more ventilation will help, but is it better to increase the number of ventilation holes at the cool end so that more heat is escaping at that end? or should I increase the number of holes at the warm end so that warm air doesnt get conducted towards the cool end (heating the cooler air from that end) to escape through those ventilation holes? I can work this out through experimentation im sure, but just curious if anyone has already done that leg-work.
2. I have a hide at either end, but at the cool end I have a shop-bought small hide that you see everywhere (I was given it), and at the other end i have a toilet role. I read that he will choose safety over heating, should i make both the hides equally appealing to him so as to encourage thermoregulation?
3. Thirdly, I have him set on a 12on/12off photocycle. After reading Keeping Carpet Pythons I had the heat lamp turning off on the same cycle, as the ambient night temperatures in my room are suitable at his time of year (according to the aforementioned book) for an adult python at least. But I have since read on APS that most people keep a hatchie heated 24/7. Are there any other schools of though out there or is 24/7 the norm?
4. I am setting up a future enclosure, and was thinking of using auto-carpet for the flooring, it has the same benefits as the marine carpet (alittle less waterproof probably, but still able to be hosed down and soaked I guess, to get it clean). Its only partially absorbant, its strong and has no loose fibre, and its smoother and more aesthetically pleasing than marine carpet. What objections/experience do people have with using this material?
What I have really learnt more than anything else from patrolling these forums over the past few weeks that everyone does it differently, and everyone has there own way that works for them and there snake. I look forward to eeking out my own method. To me that seems like half the fun. But i just want to make sure at this early stage that im doing an acceptable job.
Wow. I know thats a huge post. I apologise for its size.
If you read this far, your dedicated. Thanks.
Im new to APS and even newer to owning a python. I got my first python 8 days ago and am already finding Keeping and extremely rewarding hobby. I do however have a few questions, or confirmations on what im doing to see if I get things right.
I have a 5 month old Mcdowelli. I havent had a good measure yet as ive been avoiding handling him while he settles in but he fits along one two sides of the 7l sistema i have him in so i would estimate hes somewhere between 45-50cm, though I could be out by abit. So now for a couple of questions.
1. Heating: As previously mentioned, I have her in a click clack, but im not using a heatmat to heat her, but rather a 60w infrared URS spotlamp attached to an ACT-110 Thermostat. The temperature gradient in the click clack range from 30 degree Hot end to 23-25 degrees cool end. Is that too small a gradient? is a cool end of 23-25 degrees running the risk of dehydrating the hatchling? ( I have a large waterbowl in there).
If this is too small a gradient, does anyone have any novel ways of increasing the gradient without increasing the power to the bulb. I assume more ventilation will help, but is it better to increase the number of ventilation holes at the cool end so that more heat is escaping at that end? or should I increase the number of holes at the warm end so that warm air doesnt get conducted towards the cool end (heating the cooler air from that end) to escape through those ventilation holes? I can work this out through experimentation im sure, but just curious if anyone has already done that leg-work.
2. I have a hide at either end, but at the cool end I have a shop-bought small hide that you see everywhere (I was given it), and at the other end i have a toilet role. I read that he will choose safety over heating, should i make both the hides equally appealing to him so as to encourage thermoregulation?
3. Thirdly, I have him set on a 12on/12off photocycle. After reading Keeping Carpet Pythons I had the heat lamp turning off on the same cycle, as the ambient night temperatures in my room are suitable at his time of year (according to the aforementioned book) for an adult python at least. But I have since read on APS that most people keep a hatchie heated 24/7. Are there any other schools of though out there or is 24/7 the norm?
4. I am setting up a future enclosure, and was thinking of using auto-carpet for the flooring, it has the same benefits as the marine carpet (alittle less waterproof probably, but still able to be hosed down and soaked I guess, to get it clean). Its only partially absorbant, its strong and has no loose fibre, and its smoother and more aesthetically pleasing than marine carpet. What objections/experience do people have with using this material?
What I have really learnt more than anything else from patrolling these forums over the past few weeks that everyone does it differently, and everyone has there own way that works for them and there snake. I look forward to eeking out my own method. To me that seems like half the fun. But i just want to make sure at this early stage that im doing an acceptable job.
Wow. I know thats a huge post. I apologise for its size.
If you read this far, your dedicated. Thanks.