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Thread: Snake Question

  1. #1
    God/dess phillyvixen's Avatar
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    Default Snake Question

    Ok My husband has an emerald tree python that lives in a big glass tank in our office.
    Well when cleaning his tank yesterday we discovered mold on the glass. Verdee is not a nice snake and gets no human contact. He likes to hang out up high on a stick all wrapped up and is very hard to move and has bitten my husband in the past. I'm wondering if there is a safe solution we can use to clean the tank with him still in it. He is easy to work around and won't bite unless provoked. I'm sure we can find a long scrub brush but using bleach or anything can't be good for him.

    By we I mean him, I will be the once shrieking in the corner the whole time. Ugh i am so not a fan of snakes



    Quote Originally Posted by Hatshepsut View Post
    Tell him that he's a load his mom should have swallowed.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Whether you handle him or not, the cage should be cleaned out (full on scrub) on a regular basis. Get handling gloves and/or a snake hook to take him out while you clean.
    Is it possible to lift the branch out while he's on it? We used to do that with one of our arboreal species.
    Emerald tree pythons are snappy, but it's definitely do able.



    Because there ain't no tits on the radio

  3. #3
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Mold means high humidity in the cage (tank) Do you have anything that keeps the humidity and temps. in check? First that is what you need. Many people mist their cages far too much, or pour water on leaves way too much! Can make the tank rain inside...lol

    Also he needs to come out by way of tongs if anyone is afraid of getting bitten by them, they have very long front teeth to catch birds with, he needs to be put in a sterilite container with just a few holes for a short time, while you or your husband gets warm water and a bleach solution to clean up the glass. After you wipe the glass clean with water and bleach (it does not matter how strong the solution is as long as it is wiped wet and clean and no longer smells of bleach before the animal is put back in its home)

    I have used straight bleach....but washed and aired well!

    Plants, water bowl, and any other items must be cleaned and rinsed or mold wil take off agian. Cut back on the humidity.
    Last edited by Pamela; 11-06-2007 at 01:28 PM. Reason: spelling errors

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    God/dess Corgan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    why not hire someone else to do it?

    i love snakes, but if i owned a mean one, i would get a new one. i love pamela's avatar, her cuddling her scalebaby!!!

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    God/dess MrChristopher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    I have tried 3 times to respond to this thread, wtf. It kept timing out.

    ETA: Could it be because I had an embedded link? That's never happened before.
    waffles are just pancakes with little squares on them.

  6. #6
    God/dess xdamage's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Where is SnakeBabe when you need her?

  7. #7
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by Corgan View Post
    why not hire someone else to do it?

    i love snakes, but if i owned a mean one, i would get a new one. i love pamela's avatar, her cuddling her scalebaby!!!
    Aww ty. I love all my big snakes. But they are very demanding.

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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by Corgan View Post
    i love snakes, but if i owned a mean one, i would get a new one. i love pamela's avatar, her cuddling her scalebaby!!!
    Eh, you can usually tell which ones will be more aggressive just by the breed. But if you get one and spend enough time handling it, they really do become lap pets! Our ground boa will climb up my bf's body and perch on his head, kinda like a bird.



    Because there ain't no tits on the radio

  9. #9
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    I have a 13' Reticulated Python, import yet that the owner just did not want.

    These animals have a bad reputation, (not deserved) but damn once you own one, you're hooked! They take a very experienced keeper. They recognize their owners. My Valeck (Jampea Retic, only 7') wont let a man touch him. Not funny, but i keep the Retics. to myself anyway. They are not for display, or others to hold, they can and will bite very hard if not handled properly. They are wild critters. They know my scent, they act different when others want to look at them, less at ease. And that is normal. A wild animal reacts to what is familiar.

    I love them so much. They respond to kindness very much from me.

    Retics. truly are King of snakes! But i love all my Pythons & Boas.

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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by xdamage View Post
    Where is SnakeBabe when you need her?
    I don't know, xschaden, but Pamela seems to be holding her own on the topic...

  11. #11
    Featured Member kandie_kitten's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    If the cage is developing mold, it isn't being cleaned enough. I know it's difficult with an aggressive snake, but it is necessary to keep the animal healthy (and if you have other reptiles as well, as so many different kinds of bacteria are very easily spread). If you do at least a rough cleaning every day, removing feces, remnants of food, clean the water dish, and rub downt he dies, mold shouldn't develop.

    As for a heavier cleaning:

    Before I get to the cleaning though; you mentioned your snake has a branch to climb. This could be the source of the problem. Where did you get the branch, and did you prep it before putting it in? Wood can harbor all kinds of fungi and bacteria if not disinfected (especially considering that a herp's cage usually is a perfect breeding ground, damp and warm). I clean mine and put them in the oven at around 200 degrees for a half hour or so to make sure they're as clean as possible.

    I'm with Pamela on the bleach. I dilute it quite a bit though; about 1 cup of bleach for every gallon of water. And make sure you wash his bowls or water dishes with some kind of soap, as that can harbor all kinds of gross stuff too.

    There is no real way to clean it thoroughly with the snake in the cage; the best way is to get another cage, and use tongs to put him in the other one while you wash and rinse his cage and let it sit for a while.

    Having an unfriendly snake is rough, but just as a note, it isn't so easy as "we have a snake who is mean, we want a new nice one". It's so hard to find GOOD homes for unwanted snakes, let alone ones unused to human contact, so many of them end up in very bad places

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    God/dess Silverback's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by xdamage View Post
    Where is SnakeBabe when you need her?

    I was going to say: Don't we have a babe? In fact, a snakebabe to handle these questions?
    "He will come in one of the pre-chosen forms. During the rectification of the Vuldrini, the traveler came as a large and moving Torg! Then, during the third reconciliation of the last of the McKetrick supplicants, they chose a new form for him: that of a giant Slor! Many Shuvs and Zuuls knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Slor that day, I can tell you!"

  13. #13
    God/dess Sirona's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Something to keep in mind for the future:
    Invest in a hot box.

    It's basically a cage/tank that has a removable partition that allows you to section of the cage giving you more ease in doing general upkeep.

    You will eventually have to remove your critter for good tank cleanings though.
    Use a snake hook and pop him into a pillow case, tie the top off and set him aside while you clean away!

    As someone mentioned Emeralds tend to be a tad nippy unfortunately. I had a Blood Python once... same thing. Some breeds just have more attitude and are more agressive than others. You can learn to work around it though.

    ps - Agree on the diluted bleach and kandie_kitten nice suggestion baking wood tank "furniture"! I am so surprised more people don't know that trick. It works great on rocks too.



  14. #14
    Veteran Member SnakeBabe's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Wow! So many snake lovers here. Yay!

    Emerald trees are not typically friendly snakes so no surprise there.
    One way to remove it is to gently lay a thick towel over it and try to take it out and place it in another container while you clean.

    I do not use bleach. There are many cleaners that do not have the risks that Chlorine bleach has. I use a veterinary or medical grade cleaner such as “Nolvasan” or “Triple Two”

    You can use vinegar. It works great on glass and is a natural disinfectant. It kills mold and germs safely.
    I use that on all my glass cages and drinking bowls.

    Now that you have it cleaned lets fix the problem.
    Is there enough air circulation in the cage?
    How often do you change the water?
    Any old poop in the cage? Blood from past feedings?
    Cleanliness will help eliminate future mold problems.

    Now let’s move to humidity.
    You have a snake that requires high humidity for its health so keep it up but keep it clean. What are you using for a substrate?
    Lastly, what temperatures are you keeping it at?

    Hugs and Hissessss,
    Maria
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  15. #15
    God/dess phillyvixen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    First i am ashamed to say that i would love to find this snake a new home and a new owner but my husband is adamant that he took on the responsibility and he doesn't give up on things. We will have verdee until he goes to snake heaven (or hell since he is mean )
    We keep him in a long 5' x 2' glass aquarium type thing. We line the bottom with towels. There was a wooden rack in there that came out when we spotted the mold. This very well could be the culprit. I don't know exactly what he has in there but he said there are heaters and we have a digital read out thermometer and humidity detector. We throw glasses of water in the tank and he has a big bowl of water he likes to play in at night. We always changed the towels and clean everything removable in the tank after he's eaten a mouse and pooped.

    When he first got him, he held him a lot. Then a mouse bit verdees face and he got a bump and he didn't hold him while he was recovering (he took him to the vet and stuff) but thats when he got super mean.



    Quote Originally Posted by Hatshepsut View Post
    Tell him that he's a load his mom should have swallowed.

  16. #16
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by phillyvixen View Post
    First i am ashamed to say that i would love to find this snake a new home and a new owner but my husband is adamant that he took on the responsibility and he doesn't give up on things. We will have verdee until he goes to snake heaven (or hell since he is mean )
    We keep him in a long 5' x 2' glass aquarium type thing. We line the bottom with towels. There was a wooden rack in there that came out when we spotted the mold. This very well could be the culprit. I don't know exactly what he has in there but he said there are heaters and we have a digital read out thermometer and humidity detector. We throw glasses of water in the tank and he has a big bowl of water he likes to play in at night. We always changed the towels and clean everything removable in the tank after he's eaten a mouse and pooped.

    When he first got him, he held him a lot. Then a mouse bit verdees face and he got a bump and he didn't hold him while he was recovering (he took him to the vet and stuff) but thats when he got super mean.
    They are a high maintainance snake, no doubt. Many die early due to caging conditions. These snakes are mainly bought for offices etc. (or breeders with a snake hobbyist thrown in) Because you can't do much of anything with them but admire their beauty.

    PS putting one of these in a pillowcase could lead to a nasty bite, remember their front teeth are not designed like a Ball Python, they can and will bite through cloth if you touch near the face. They have been known to punch a bite a tag people through any material. And you really don't want to stress the animal either. 5H by 2L...right. They like height

    Just wanted to add that Water (dampness) & heat =Humidity. Just have to cut back on the water bowls on there it seems. Keep checking the humidity levels as you do this. They do require high humidity.

    Good luck.

  17. #17
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by Budai View Post
    I don't know, xschaden, but Pamela seems to be holding her own on the topic...
    Thanks hun...but i mainly deal with Retics. But learning about all snakes is what i have done...I own many and clean, feed, hold, them all myself.

  18. #18
    Veteran Member SnakeBabe's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by phillyvixen View Post
    .... Then a mouse bit verdees face and he got a bump and he didn't hold him while he was recovering (he took him to the vet and stuff) but thats when he got super mean.
    For the health and safety of your snake please never ever feed live prey to your snake.
    That is something you can change right away, save money and make it an easier pet to care for.

    You will need to change that cage a bit if you want to properly care for the snake.
    Do you want details? It may coast a few $$$ but it would help the snake tremendously.

    Hugs and Hissessss,
    Maria
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  19. #19
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by SnakeBabe View Post
    For the health and safety of your snake please never ever feed live prey to your snake.
    That is something you can change right away, save money and make it an easier pet to care for.

    You will need to change that cage a bit if you want to properly care for the snake.
    Do you want details? It may coast a few $$$ but it would help the snake tremendously.

    Hugs and Hissessss,
    Maria
    I agree HIGHLY. Our snakes are captives. They are not in natural surroundings. And a Tree Boa or Tree Python should be feed per-killed or F/T on tongs. It's very very easy to swich them over. I have never had a snake that would not yet.

    Also these guys like high cages, with branches to catch food, so tong feeding is great!!!!!

  20. #20
    God/dess phillyvixen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Why not a live mouse? I'm not sure i understand??



    Quote Originally Posted by Hatshepsut View Post
    Tell him that he's a load his mom should have swallowed.

  21. #21
    Veteran Member SnakeBabe's Avatar
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Good question, it is a question I get a lot.
    Easy way for me to answer is stop by my websites
    General Snake Care page

    Hopefully that will give you some insights

    thanks for asking.
    Hugs and Hissessss,
    Maria
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  22. #22
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Because they bite. A snake who refuses food in the wild simply does not go for it or moves on away. Snakes in a cage can not do this, so live food (even mice) ar well known to chew and bite on the snake. You would think the snake would go for it...but even the most aggressive eaters at times will not stop a rat or mouse from chewing on it. This leads to bites and infection. Many times death of the snake. A good bite to the snakes face is not good.

    I lost a beautiful Boa due to a previous owner who fed live, she came to me with the infection. I thought i could save her...it was a very small bite that quickly (even with my vet) went septic.

  23. #23
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Result of a live food source....dead now.

  24. #24
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by Pamela View Post
    Because they bite. A snake who refuses food in the wild simply does not go for it or moves on away. Snakes in a cage can not do this, so live food (even mice) ar well known to chew and bite on the snake. You would think the snake would go for it...but even the most aggressive eaters at times will not stop a rat or mouse from chewing on it. This leads to bites and infection. Many times death of the snake. A good bite to the snakes face is not good.
    Scratches too.
    Always pre-kill!



    Because there ain't no tits on the radio

  25. #25
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Snake Question

    Quote Originally Posted by hardkandee View Post
    Scratches too.
    Always pre-kill!
    You bet! Petra, she was beautiful!

    That was about 3 weeks into her surgery. All from a small bite to the face. WE thought we had it licked...this picture reminds me to all the people who want to feed live this is probably what will happen.

    Two types: Snakes that have not been bitten YET. And those that have we say!

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