What kind of diseases can my snake get?
There are 3 major diseases that are causing concern amongst the herp community they are OPMV, IBD and Diamond Python Syndrome. Here is a brief description of the symptoms would be. Respiratory problems laying on side/back panting having problems breathing, starry eyed look and convulsions. This is a deadly and highly contagious disease; any python found with these symptoms should be quarantined, taken to a vet and reported. Pneumonia is a more common problem amongst beginner reptile keepers. It is caused by stress, cold, and high humidity. Respiratory problems can also occur and are diagnosed by a clicking or wheezing noise whilst breathing. They will also try to take the weight off of there lungs by lying on there sides, or backs. Ticks and mites also can harm your pythons and would show up between there scales. A regular check of your python should find most ticks and mites. Ticks and mite�s can be easily treated using (Top Of Descent). Remove the water dish, leave your python in the enclosure and mist the enclosure thoroughly without directly spraying your python. Replace water dish 1 hour after spraying. Repeat process three days later, and again 1 week later to ensure all eggs have been killed. Diamond python Syndrome is a disease we know little about, the python begins to lose the ability to move properly, and becomes 'Floppy'.
If your python begins to show ANY of these symptoms, immediately take them to a vet, and ask their advice on quarrantine and treatment.
What kind of substrate should I use?
There are many different flooring substrates available. Here are a few of the Pros and cons of some of the more common types available.
- Astroturf: Although it is good looking, it can be very sharp, and has the ability to cut the cloaca causing problems for your python. It also tends to come apart over time when regularly washed. Advised to have 2 or more precut squares for cleaning.
- Newspaper: A very cheap and easy substrate, easy to replace, lacks in the looks department. Good for large numbers of enclosures. Also doubles as a good hide. However does not absorb or lessen the smell.
- Chip Bark: Looks good but tends to smell. Have also seen a few pythons consume some of the bark which can give them a splinter in the gut or cloaca.
- Gravel: Looks good easy to clean, can be eaten by your python though and block there digestive system. Does not absorb liquid waste
- Marine Carpet: Looks good, needs a bit of a scrub to get clean, but most users of marine carpet switch a new carpet for the old. Highly recommended, but can be costly.
- Breeder�s Choice/Kitty Litter: Okay looking, very easy to clean and replace. The paper absorbs everything and should do no harm to the python if swallowed. However tends to suck moisture out of he air and can cause serious shedding problems. Reports of plastic and even metal paper clips in bags surface from time to time so be weary.
Shredded coconut shell: Looks great environmentally friendly and holds a little moisture just like dirt. If consumed passes easily through but can be time consuming to make up and needs to have boiling water added to kill microorganisms. Purchased in bricks from bunnings (ensure to buy one without any added fertilizers etc) easy to spot clean. Great plus is it helps with the smell Sand: Looks good easy to spot clean but can cause bacterial growth if all of the fecal material is not removed properly. Also it is not recommended to keep non-desert species (ie not naturally found on sand) on sand as it has been known to cause blockages or impaction in the gut a serious problem.
What are some good books to get started with?
- The Keeping Series
- What's Wrong With My Snake
- Care of Australian Reptiles In Captivity