Diary of a snake (and her girl)...

[EasternGirl]

Update on Selena....

Well, she is adjusting to her new enclosure. One problem...she can't figure out how to burrow in the new Carefresh substrate that I got for her. I switched over from the aspen that I was using because I was worried that it would get into her food. I don't know if she can't figure out how to do it or if she isn't strong enough...she pushes her little head against it but doesn't get anywhere. I put some of the aspen in a little corner for her so she would be more comfortable for now. What is the best substrate to use for small garters?

She loves her big plant in the middle of her enclosure...she loves to just lie there on it at the top or hide in the middle of it. She also has a plant that hangs down the side, and she likes to slide down it or climb to the top and try to figure out how to escape!

[kibakiba]

My small ones, even Tiny and Squirt (only 2.5 inches long) can burrow in it, so I don't see why she can't. Also, are you still going to want that night lamp? I believe we're heading to Bridge's Pets tomorrow for the light and some pinkies for my little ones, but if you aren't going to use it then it wouldn't make sense to buy it

[EasternGirl]

Yeah...I don't know what her problem is...maybe she just isn't used to it yet. Yes, I would still like the bulb if you can get it...I put the 40 watt on last night, but worried all night that it was too hot for her. Thanks again, Chantel!

[kibakiba]

Alright, we're heading there tomorrow. I can't wait to go, the snakes are looking forward to a meal of pinkie and salmon.

[EasternGirl]

Yay! Selena ate another pinkie yesterday.

[EasternGirl]

I wonder if I should be feeding Selena supplements...she eats both earthworms and pinkies so maybe not? Also...I wonder about the water I give her. I give her filtered water...is that okay?

[ConcinusMan]

Stop worrying so much. You're doing fine. Any clean water that is decent quality that you would drink is fine. I use plain tap water, letting it sit for a day before I put it in their dish. Most tap water or spring water has minerals in it too, such as calcium. Pinkies have much of the nutrients you would find in a reptile supplement. Personally, I don't use supplements if they'll eat a varied diet including whole fish and rodents. For a snake that only eats slugs or worms, a little supplement once a month is fine.

[guidofatherof5]

I would think that a twice a month sprinkling of supp. wouldn't be a problem. Some would say no and others will say yes. Examine the info. you gather and make your own decision.
I use supplements once or twice a month.
Here's what I use:
Rep-Cal Supplements
Third product down: Pink lable.

Rep-Cal Calcium with Vitamin D3
Phosphorous - Free Ultrafine powder

[EasternGirl]

Thanks Richard and Steve. Richard...you will come to find that I am a complete worrier. I worry about my son, my dog, my cats, my snake...all my kids! Total over-protective mother...lol.

[kibakiba]

I'm worried about everything too. If my snakes do something I haven't seen before, I really worry about them. It always ends up being something normal.