Re: Blue beauty snakes

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Posted by Clay (A.R.B) on December 06, 2001 at 16:57:13:

In Reply to: Blue beauty snakes posted by Bedhead on December 06, 2001 at 12:08:40:

First, be sure the person receiving the snake either has experience with reptiles or has researched the Blue Beauties thoroughly for themselves. An unexpected surprise gift of a snake is rarely a good idea unless the receiver is well experienced with reptiles.
That said, you will need a cage, preferrably a larger one, since this species grows fast and things like 10 gallon tanks are of little use. The snake will be around 4 feet by a year of age and will require a minimum of a 3'x2' cage as an adult. Keep this in mind and try to get a cage that will be usable for a while at least. If you get an aquarium type cage I highly suggest the tanks called critter keepers. These are glass aquaria with sliding lockable lids made especially for reptiles, and available in several sizes. Standard fish tanks with snap on lids are usable, but are more vulnerable to escapes than those with the sliding lids.
An undertank heater, there are several types available. These are heating pads that go under the cage to provide warmth, and not to be confused with hot rocks. A thermometer, preferrably digital is not a bad idea either.
A water dish large enough for the snake to soak in.
A hide box, preferrably two, one for each end of the cage.
Substrate material, I recommend something like orchid bark which holds humidity reasonably well. I use cypress mulch for mine. Substrates to avoid are cedar chips and corncob. I personally don't like pine or aspen shavings for this species either, again for humidity reasons.
Finish the cage off with some driftwood or something for the snake to climb on.
As for a source for the snake, I don't know off hand, your best bet would be to check the Colubrid classifieds.

A.R.B.

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: First, be sure the person receiving the snake either has experience with reptiles or has researched the Blue Beauties thoroughly for themselves. An unexpected surprise gift of a snake is rarely a good idea unless the receiver is well experienced with reptiles. : That said, you will need a cage, preferrably a larger one, since this species grows fast and things like 10 gallon tanks are of little use. The snake will be around 4 feet by a year of age and will require a minimum of a 3'x2' cage as an adult. Keep this in mind and try to get a cage that will be usable for a while at least. If you get an aquarium type cage I highly suggest the tanks called critter keepers. These are glass aquaria with sliding lockable lids made especially for reptiles, and available in several sizes. Standard fish tanks with snap on lids are usable, but are more vulnerable to escapes than those with the sliding lids. : An undertank heater, there are several types available. These are heating pads that go under the cage to provide warmth, and not to be confused with hot rocks. A thermometer, preferrably digital is not a bad idea either. : A water dish large enough for the snake to soak in. : A hide box, preferrably two, one for each end of the cage. : Substrate material, I recommend something like orchid bark which holds humidity reasonably well. I use cypress mulch for mine. Substrates to avoid are cedar chips and corncob. I personally don't like pine or aspen shavings for this species either, again for humidity reasons. : Finish the cage off with some driftwood or something for the snake to climb on. : As for a source for the snake, I don't know off hand, your best bet would be to check the Colubrid classifieds.

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