Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I only had one thermometer to take in to work today but I put it in the lil kings tank at 7:30am and checked at 1 & 5pm. 50* Yikes! I found 3 skins in the cage. I realize kings hide out a lot but what can I do so hiding under the little green carpet is not his only option? I can't imagine he can come out and move around too much at night when its 35*-40*. Should I ask how often he's eating? And how often would a youngster be eating; he seems 9-12 months old? It's been along time since mine were babies, I can't remember how often they were eating. I only checked things out today (I forgot my 'tools' at home. Tomorrow I begin the mission to rebirth the lil king because ladies & gentleman, since WC is common and he can't be re-released, I want him (or her)!! I'm going to use this knowledge shared with me to adopt this youngster. I am going to tend to his medical care and I will use charm, a great smile and really good persuasive skills to end up with him! HAHA!! See how something great can come out of something like "OMG! They've got a wild snake in a tank at work!" and posting my thoughts here? My next snake found ME! How righteous is that?! cp Help me with how to get the temp up until I can change his surroundings?

"I only had one thermometer to take in to work today but I put it in the lil kings tank at 7:30am and checked at 1 & 5pm. 50* Yikes!"
Simple answer: UTH....Under Tank Heat Can get them at about any pet store just hopefully there is a electrical outlet close.

"I found 3 skins in the cage. I realize kings hide out a lot but what can I do so hiding under the little green carpet is not his only option?"
Simple also: I use the dog bowls from Wal Mart as a water bowl and hide as well.

"Should I ask how often he's eating? And how often would a youngster be eating; he seems 9-12 months old?"
At 50 degrees I wouldnt imagine him/her to be eating at all.Work on them temps first then worry with the feeding. Also you havent mentioned whether or not he/she has water.If not might want to make sure to take care of that.

"I am going to tend to his medical care and I will use charm, a great smile and really good persuasive skills to end up with him! HAHA!!"
Just make sure you dont over do it. LOL

-----
www.Wood-N-Snakes.com

-----
www.Wood-N-Snakes.com

Thanks Toby. They have a small heater under the tank, its the only place the king hangs out. What about an overhead lamp, or should I just get a 2nd heater?
Just for the record, although I'm enthusiastic about the lil king, I am prepared to move slowly. I just feel very pressed to improve the heat.
And yes he has water but it was very old and very little, maybe a teaspoon. That has changed.

Nothing wrong with overhead lamp, I would suggest light off at night and with that goes the heat. Maybe a bigger heat pad or cover part of the top to stop heat lost. Assuming that it has a screen top whereas a lot of heat lost. Im sure others will have suggetions as well.
Toby
-----
www.Wood-N-Snakes.com

If the hot side of the tank is fairly warm you will not need to add an above heat source. Matter of fact I reccomend against any light source for heating. As long as he has an undertank heating and he can hide in that area (Sometimes snakes will choose cover over heat) he should be plenty warm. Check to see if the hotspot is warm to the touch or hot. I would hope more on the hot side if the room gets as cold as you said it does.

.

make great hides. Flatten it a bit, so it doesn't roll. You don't want to use the toilet paper roll cardboard as that can be a bit unhygienic. The dog bowls that have a little cut out in the side, so the snake can slide underneath are also great. Make sure that you have one hide on the warm side, directly over or under your heat source, and the other one should be on the cool side. And also put the thermometer directly over the hot spot to accurately measure the surface temps.
-----
phflame
kingsnake.com host