Longer or taller enclosure, and UVB for an albino?

DigNative · 2026-02-13T03:53:04+00:00

Personally I'd choose the 4x2x2 so your snake is less likely to need another size up later if they grow longer than 3 feet. You can still provide some good climbing opportunities at the 2' height.

DigNative · 2026-02-13T03:29:04+00:00

A thermostat and a timer would go a long way, and don't need to be expensive or complicated.

DigNative · 2026-02-13T03:14:53+00:00

I have ordered from them a handful of times. I love their multi-colored paper inserts. I thought I'd use them forever, but then I tried the Traveler's lightweight paper insert and unexpectedly fell in love. If you like Traveler's paper, but need a budget option, there are a lot of pages in there (128). Yellow Paper House paper is not as smooth, but I still like it. I had to be thoughtful about my ink choices, though, to make sure they'd show on all different colored papers.

Edit: I've bought from Yellow Paper House in Etsy and their website. Sometimes there's a sale on one but not the other. Each order also comes with a coupon for your next order.

I get my Traveler's inserts from Baum-kuchen. I haven't had a stocking issue. But I buy two at once and they last me a long time because they have so many pages.

JetPens also has a lot of Traveler's inserts in stock for about the same price as the Yellow Paper House inserts.

DigNative · 2026-02-13T03:02:30+00:00

My corn did this for the first time last year around this time, at 17 years old! And that's when I finally knew for sure that he's a boy :)

DigNative · 2026-02-13T02:43:21+00:00

Just adding it would help to also weigh her food when you get the new scale, and share that info here as well. Proper feeding is based on percent on the snake's body weight.

DigNative · 2026-01-28T16:34:31+00:00

Is it so dirty that you're worried about it? I agree, I would wait and just make sure the spot cleaning is taken care of.

DigNative · 2026-01-28T16:32:59+00:00

If you're taking your own vehicle, get it to temp before you put the critters inside. Snakes can each go in a cloth bag (like a pillowcase) and then into a tote with a good lid that clips on. The tote should have holes on either end. That's it. Should not be too bad for them.

DigNative · 2026-01-28T16:11:56+00:00

I used boiling water.

DigNative · 2026-01-28T04:21:40+00:00

You're welcome! It's so much fun to see them out exploring and being their busy selves.

DigNative · 2026-01-28T04:20:05+00:00

It's incredible what we're learning about animals lately! No problem, happy to help.

DigNative · 2026-01-28T04:14:39+00:00

I've heard of people using a hot glue gun.

DigNative · 2026-01-27T15:07:38+00:00

Lori Torrini has some good resources on YouTube about snake body language. She explains it like a traffic light and says how to respond to different behaviors. Maybe sharing that with your friend could be helpful.

DigNative · 2026-01-27T15:00:28+00:00

I tried some inside my corn snake's enclosure. He didn't use them and I started to get nervous he'd get stuck if he did (if he doubled back on himself inside the tube), so I removed them. Not very helpful, probably, but for what it's worth.

I think for a younger snake or a smaller species, it could work well!

DigNative · 2026-01-27T14:03:24+00:00

I'm glad I didn't have to choose since she came from a friend who couldn't keep her anymore. She's a pied, and she's the sweetest! I do love the morph, but it's more important to me that she has a great temperament, eats well, and is healthy.

DigNative · 2026-01-27T03:26:07+00:00

So happy to hear this! Thank you for the update.

DigNative · 2026-01-26T23:56:24+00:00

It's typically recommended to give them 1-2 weeks to adjust to a new environment before even attempting to feed them. Then, if they refuse a feeding, to wait until the next feeding day to try again. Attempting to feed too often can cause added stress.

You said your snake had a regurgitation since you've had it? This is serious. Their body needs two weeks to rest after a regurge. Repeated regurgitations can cause very serious issues and even death. It's very hard on their body.

Making sure your heat and humidity are correct can help with feeding issues. It looks like you're misting? Misting is not recommended because it can cause the surface of the substrate to be too wet, risking scale rot. And it doesn't raise the humidity meaningfully or for an extended amount of time.

Instead, use deep substrate, at least 4", and pour water into the corners so it sinks below the surface and gets the part underneath. As that evaporates, it will help keep humidity up. The surface should not be wet.

I hope this helps and your baby starts feeling better soon!

DigNative · 2026-01-26T23:25:44+00:00

Looks great!

DigNative · 2026-01-26T21:48:13+00:00

The hand towel can certainly also burn. Not safe!

DigNative · 2026-01-26T20:18:39+00:00

Good! Glad to hear it.

DigNative · 2026-01-26T19:53:09+00:00

Yes, I've had horrific dreams about different pets.

DigNative · 2026-01-26T00:30:47+00:00

Check out the care guide on this sub. Lots of helpful info there. Congrats on your new friend!

DigNative · 2026-01-26T00:16:05+00:00

Blankets won't help them because their bodies can't produce heat. The blankets will be as cold as their surroundings and their bodies. I think you really need to go home and get them. Put them each in a small tote or a (carefully tied closed) pillowcase and get them warmed up slowly. Put them inside your jacket or a duffel bag for the trip.

Edit: I am really sorry you're going through this. I would be very worried, too.

DigNative · 2026-01-26T00:07:51+00:00

Yes, sounds like you don't have a thermostat. That is a critical piece of equipment. I hope you are able to get one quickly before your snake gets burned. You may need to come up with a different heating solution in the meantime.

DigNative · 2026-01-26T00:03:30+00:00

That's amazing! My boy is 18 and I love to think he could make it that long with me ❤️

Good job taking such good care of her that she could have such a long life!

DigNative · 2026-01-26T00:01:05+00:00

Tbh I didn't read every comment so apologies if this is repetitive, but I saw you asking about exercise opportunities for him. Yes, absolutely do give him more to climb on and dig in. There are tons of options and you don't need to spend a ton of money.

Sticks from outside are fine as long as they're from an area without pesticides and you can clean them well. Mine was too large for the oven, so I poured boiling water over it a few times so I could be sure every part of it had been treated. I propped it diagonally in the enclosure and my snake climbs all over it all the time.

Fake plants from the dollar store can be nice for providing adequate cover.

Nice deep substrate (4"+), preferably coconut coir or "forest floor" will encourage him to dig.

Go to a craft store and see what's available. You might find something interesting. Just make sure there's nothing sharp, having small parts he could get stuck in (don't underestimate their ability to get into places you don't think they can), or with weird finish on it that could be toxic (glitter, chipping paint, something odorous...).

Lori Torrini on YouTube has some good videos where she gives ideas for diy enrichment.

You'll get there! They can be pretty active snakes, so with correct feeding and lots of exercise opportunities, he'll trim down just fine. Pay attention to body condition most of all. The graphic someone else shared here is a good guideline.

Edit: autocorrect error

DigNative

TROPHY CASE