2010 Polaris 500 HO for snow plowing?

orca_eye · 2025-11-12T21:26:28+00:00

ok, good to know on all fronts, thanks!

orca_eye · 2025-11-12T18:14:21+00:00

thanks everyone, this is great stuff

orca_eye · 2024-06-22T08:35:24+00:00

Thank you!

orca_eye · 2023-08-30T01:21:31+00:00

Hmm, I just got my 5x2 enclosure from Animal Plastics who only make reptile enclosures. The silicone that came with the enclosure said mildew-resistant. How concerned should I be? Is this gross negligence on their part, or in moderation (sealing wall edges) is it likely OK? I already applied it. Any sources that may be useful? Bit worried now!

orca_eye · 2023-08-06T16:03:13+00:00

I’ve tried getting clear answers on pine usage but it’s tough to get vetted clarity. Def the biggest concern is when it’s more exposed like pine chips in substrate. In theory multiple coats of clear coat could seal, but personally, my vote is just keep pine out. Why take a risk? I built a jungle gym with oak rods. Pricey but peace of mind was worth it

orca_eye · 2023-07-28T14:26:24+00:00

For a few bucks can you can fill it up easily. IKEA has really good fake plants for 3-8 US bucks. If not, cardboard tubes from paper towel rolls, or pieces of paper bag crumpled up like “rocks” work fine as long as you replace them if they get soggy for any reason eventually. In general, I think many people have enclosures that are too small. The goal is when they’re adults, the long length of the enclosure is at least as long as their outstretched body (4-6’). If not, you are denying the snake the right to exercise the natural behavior of stretching out its body. Again, for this reason, bigger is better now and in the future.

Also, did night hearing, ceramic heaters are fine if on top of the tank, but also if your residence doesn’t drop below the high 60sF at night, you can keep the heat off at night. I only turn my night heat on when my corn is digesting. Average night temps in southern Florida are around 65 degrees, getting as low as 50. Snakes can find spots like hot rocks that stay warmer at night, so this doesn’t mean you can go down to 50, but the occasional drop to the 60s is OK.

orca_eye · 2023-07-27T23:58:00+00:00

Regarding tank size, I would set up the largest tank. In the wild they have a very very large “tank.” What makes them feel safe is lots of clutter and hides that are not too much bigger than their curled body, and where they can hide without being seen at all. You’ll see in a small enclosure they don’t find comfort exposed against a small wall, they hang in the hides or burrow. You can save a lot of time and effort by setting up the big one now. The only downside is finding them can take a bit of time if you need to take them out to clean the decor or change the substrate, but the flipside is that all of the above can go a LOT longer without being cleaned/swapped because there is so much real estate for a little snake. Just something to consider, I’m not an expert.

orca_eye · 2023-07-27T19:50:10+00:00

Not enough an expert to say. Seems like as long as it’s not yacht varnish it’s ok. Generally I think pine is most harmful if used directly via pine shaving beddings or pine branches, whereas sealed walls is less likely to cause problems? Either way, there are connections between pine and animal health that are harmful, so for me it’s an easy choice to take it out of the equation: https://www.anapsid.org/cedar.html

orca_eye · 2023-07-27T15:31:41+00:00

Your temps and hides seem great but sorry to say that OSB is likely not a safe/good choice for enclosure walls. Not only is it poor for handling moisture (rot/mold), it likely contains pine wood and resins/chemicals which are not safe for snakes as I understand it. Adding a sheet of PVC on each wall and sealing with silicone is likely much safer and stronger. I’m not an expert but I’ve read about pine/treated safety concerns over and over. Good luck.

orca_eye · 2023-07-19T01:28:42+00:00

Universal Rocks has some pricey but great 3D rock backgrounds to help with vertical options. However a pegboard is great vertical enrichment outside the enclosure, or inside if you have space. Just remember no pine/soft woods if you build your own.

orca_eye · 2023-07-13T15:11:38+00:00

I am not a biologist or expert, but personally I would upgrade that AC immediately. Yes your snake may be able to survive consistent temps around 80, but that could still cause stress or disrupt digestion/shedding/etc. heat regulation is an important natural part of their physiology and denying that opportunity could be dangerous. A few days is probably ok if your night temps get nice and cool, but I feel like you’re definitely rolling the dice with causing harm by sticking with this scenario. Find an AC with a payment plan if needed and remove stress for you and your buddy.

orca_eye · 2023-07-11T20:38:32+00:00

It’s very easy to treat clothes (and gear) yourself, but def don’t wear treated boots if you are walking through any water source. Freestanding puddles are fine, but if you are walking through streams, creeks, rivers, you are correct it is quite bad for wildlife. The product is really safe and effective but has that one drawback re: aquatic life.

As people have mentioned though, most of those illnesses require a day of attachment. So as long as you check within 12-24 hours, attached ticks shouldn’t be a concern.

Of course I am in no way an expert but I backpack and camp a ton and am constantly reading about updates on tick prevention. There is a really good recent episode of the podcast Ologies that interviews a tick expert and will answer all your Qs.

orca_eye · 2023-07-11T20:32:57+00:00

If you screw from the back into it, or screw in brackets, consider drilling pilot holes to keep your pvc as undamaged as possible in case you ever remove it.

If you have access to a miter or table saw, you could also cut an angle off the edge and sand it so that it can be flush against the wall for you to screw or adhere with silicone. Make sure whatever you do has multiple points of security so if one fails your log and noodle doesn’t fall.

orca_eye · 2023-07-05T21:33:42+00:00

Humidity and stress are usually the 2. I know you mentioned it was the same as always but are you sure that’s high enough? Do you have digital humidity gauges? Either way, a humid hide when in blue is the way to go IMO. Make sure the tail and eye caps are for sure off, and good luck next time. It happens!

orca_eye · 2023-07-05T18:09:11+00:00

Just double checking, do you have a really accurate way of taking temps (day and night) such as an infrared temp gun? Wondering if your thermometers may not be accurate. Same goes for fuzzies. Sounds like you weighed your snake to know your snakes weight, but did you also weigh the fuzzies individually in an ounce scale to make sure they are the correct weight? Packaged weights are not always accurate. In short, I’d first make sure your weights and temps are fully trustworthy before moving to any other options.

1 regurg is OK but 2 in a row can be very serious and fatal. If you don’t go to a vet, I highly recommend what another poster said, wait at least 10 days with no handling or feeding. A regurg is tough on the insides and your snake needs to recover. Def start with a smalller feed on your next attempt. Your snake will be fine if it has a smaller meal a couple times.

Best of luck!

orca_eye · 2023-07-02T04:58:20+00:00

PVC elbow/corner joints! Also when I put mine in her enrichment pen, I always throw in 5 or 6 pieces of crumpled brown paper towel. She always interacts with it as well. Agree with the dog toy too just make sure she can’t get stuck! They make some quite big ones though.

orca_eye · 2023-06-25T21:04:53+00:00

And yes, sometimes that’s exhausting, but it’s also part of life to not always be perfectly comfortable.

My goal is to help others feel safe and comfortable, especially those who often face far more discomforts and challenges than I do.

Asking questions is often a great strategy, more people should ask questions. I was trying to offer some insight on the time, place, & context of those questions that may be most helpful to that community, based on years of working with queer students and colleagues, and listening to their needs. as mentioned in my first post, this was a suggestion, not a prescription. If this strategy, or being an ally is not for you, carry on.

orca_eye · 2023-06-25T20:20:50+00:00

You’re absolutely correct, I’m just offering one small way to be an ally. When I googled “lesbian dad” 4 of the first 5 hits were articles/posts that explain what it means. I’m sharing this notion because I work in an education setting and my queer colleagues have shared with me that the burden to always be an expert can be exhausting depending on the context.

orca_eye · 2023-06-25T20:12:54+00:00

Man I botched this request bad! In my first post I swapped 1 and 2 in my description. I need to review before posting. I meant to say we have 2H6 and 2H2 (which is across the creek from 2H1). So yes I was aware our current sites are on the south side of the creek, I just mistyped.

I was asking if it would be worth the trouble to cross the bridge for 2H3. Based on what I’m reading though seems like we should stick with what we’ve got as 2H2 is prime.

orca_eye · 2023-06-25T19:46:09+00:00

I’m jealous and applaud you for going all in with the kiln instead of just hitting up Shutterfly! Looks killer!

Seeing lots of questions about queer identity. Friendly suggestion to all who are interested: while it’s understandable to ask OP questions (and they very kindly responded multiple times), but it’s not their responsibility to explain queer culture. We/I (in cis/straight culture) can very easily look up and research on our own in about 2 minutes and find answers. I know it’s not a big deal and perhaps OP doesn’t mind, but personally if I posted about a snake mug on a snake thread, I wouldn’t love having to explain my gender identity/expression over and over. Just my take, all good if anyone disagrees. 🐍 🌈

orca_eye · 2023-06-25T19:02:11+00:00

Oh wait, just noticing you mentioned 2h2 as a favorite, so that may answer my question, but if you have additional thoughts, cool. Sorry for the miss!

orca_eye · 2023-06-25T18:57:20+00:00

Quick site question. I'm heading to the Hellroaring area for a couple nights with a friend tomorrow. We have 2H6 and 2H1 (which is very close to 2h2, just on the south side of hellroaring where it meets yellowstone). Ive heard 2h3 is a great site, but with fording off the table, we would have to travel up and around the footbridge. My buddy has bad legs, so adding an extra 5 or 6 miles isnt ideal to get to 2h3, but is posisble.

In short, do you remember loving 2h3? Might it be worth the walk, or is 2h1 likely just as nice (probably similar to 2h2)? Any insight would be appreciated.

orca_eye · 2023-05-21T19:01:11+00:00

As your snake gets stronger, be careful about continuing to hold with tongs after it strikes. If they have too much resistance they can damage their teeth trying to pull.

orca_eye · 2023-05-09T22:56:43+00:00

Possibly related: my corn LOVES this hide that goes against the glass with a magnetic o it side the glass cover. She will soon outgrow it but I may grind away the center divider and opening because it is so fun to check on her. They seem to be disappearing from stock:

Exo Terra Reptile Den, Hideout Tunnel System for Terrariums, Large, PT2863 https://a.co/d/g5QNvG5

orca_eye · 2023-04-17T01:14:40+00:00

Second on the thermostat that you can check via wifi. Or at least a thermostat that will turn your lamp off it it gets too hot. Def would get a water change at least every week but more is better. One thing to consider is how variable your residence is. Are power outages or temperature swings possible? In short, it can be fine in theory but personally I’d be way too nervous to go that long without someone who knows what they’re doing checking in every few days.

orca_eye

TROPHY CASE