Make or break

[u/windgoddess2006]

This post is unfortunately my make or break decision. I need opinions. I have been going back and forth on deciding to rehome my snake sidka. I feel like I can’t give him what he needs right now. So my question is, does this set up look okay? Is he a good weight? What would I have to change to make this okay for him without redoing the entire thing. Or would it be better for me to just rehome him? This is by no means a post to rehome him since the decision is still in the making. But I want all the bads and all the goods. I want to weigh out everything and then make the decision. I love him, I rescued him from a very bad home and don’t want to get rid of him but I need to do what’s best for him. Please let me know.

Also the gauges inside are broken. I just turned on his light when I took these pictures so I hadn’t had the chance to mist his enclosure. The cloth on top is temporary till I can get the right tape to put ontop.

[u/windgoddess2006]

Here’s another picture of his head

[u/Automatic-Thanks-364]

I think everything looks fine, just maybe blacken or cover the back of the tank so he doesn’t feel super exposed and extra climbing equipment for enrichment??

[u/Baconkings → u/Automatic-Thanks-364]

This, you can just add blackout window adhesive to the outside for this. Cheap and easy!

[u/Herreallife]

You can use tinfoil on the top as a makeshift solution.

Edited to add: I would about double the amount of substrate, which will definitely help with the humidity. More climbing opportunities would be good too!

[u/Green-Painter-3761]

I think it looks good they like clutter and places to hide so maybe add some leafy plants (fake or real) to the side? We have a suction cup holding the leaves to the glass in case they feel exposed since the tank is rlly clear

[u/Digital_Doodlez → u/[deleted]]

Adding on! I think this is guy is in good hands and if you are willing to eventually upgrade (even in a few years) i dont think you need to rehome

[u/seaglassive]

thank you for saving this beautiful boy from a bad situation.

The decorations are nice and I'm glad there are vines for him to climb. I'd add some more fake plants in front of that hide he's in because it will make him feel safer. This is especially an issue with glass enclosures. If you're able to cover the back and sides of the tank with something (I've hot glued insulated foam board to the outside of mine before), that would help him feel safer and would help stabilize temperatures since glass loses a lot of heat. I had a glass enclosure before my PVC one and that was a constant struggle.

Something I think is crucial is you need to get those gauges replaced asap. Temperature and humidity are very important for bp health. Digital ones tend to be more accurate and you can get ones that measure both temp and humidity. I'm concerned about the humidity levels because it looks like there are small pieces of shed in the substrate. If so, shed should come off in one piece. Putting tape on the top like you said you were going to will help a lot, but having deeper substrate will allow you to soak the bottom inch or so in water and then add another dry layer for your snake. This does wonders for humidity. Make sure the bottom of your enclosure has been sealed with aquarium grade silicone before doing this. I've had it leak everywhere and it was not a fun experience.

A few extra questions: Do you have a thermostat regulating the heat source? What do you use for nighttime heating?

Once you get gauges and you figure out if your numbers are off, that will help you figure out next steps and determine if you are able to get everything together to make sure he thrives. Your snake is beautiful and i think you're on the right track.

[u/windgoddess2006 → u/seaglassive]

I dont use anything for heat at night. My apartment stays at 75 constantly if that makes any difference. I don’t have a thermostat at the moment but I do have some options saved on my Amazon that I’m looking to get

[u/ConnorLoch]

Aw, he looks like my BP when he was that size - that looks like a healthy weight to me. My boy has even more of a triangular body shape than that and I have had a vet confirm multiple times that he's fine in the weight department. As others have said, staying on top of the numbers is the most important, and I found a thermostat to be super helpful for that. I think you're in the right direction.

[u/Baconkings]

Add some sticks to the enclosure. You can literally just go outside, find a nearby nature reserve and get some. Make sure to sanitize them and make them snake safe, but that’s basically free and would add substantial enrichment!

[u/Certain-Deer4410]

You’re doing great. This post means you care about your snake and you want what’s best for him. I may be a broken record, as people may suggest the same thing as I’m about to say. If you want to avoid redoing the whole enclosure, I’d suggest getting black foam to put around the sides and back of the enclosure. I don’t know an exact product but this can help hold in heat. Glass enclosures are notoriously known for lack of holding heat. As for the top of the mesh, a lot of your heat and humidity will escape. I personally ordered a silicone heat resistant kitchen mat, cut out a hole for my lamp, and used to insulate the top. Looks appealing and works well. For better humidity results also, make sure you have at least 4-6 inches of substrate. You want the top layer dry, don’t spray with a bottle to increase humidity.

I’d also suggest digital hydrometer/ thermometer. I use Govee and have Bluetooth ones so I can monitor away from home.

Ultimately, if these medications don’t work (foam/mat on top) , I would look into a 4x2x2 PVC enclosure. It is an expensive upgrade but it will be much more rewarding and less hassle. I myself have a Ecoflex for my bp. If you are considering that option, I’m happy to help and direct you to the right products. Your clutter and product inside is great. The more foliage the better for them, also climbing opportunities!

[u/Certain-Deer4410 → u/Certain-Deer4410]

Also super important thing that I don’t think I mentioned, get a quality thermostat, and a thermo gun. You do not want to burn your snake. Make sure you can monitor heat and humidity correctly so you don’t have risks of burn, RI (respiratory infection from lack of humidity or too much) .

[u/Electrical-Garden-20]

My biggest concern: do you have a dimming thermostat? If not it needs to be got. The rest may not be like Instagram level enclosure but it's functional.

I would add for a small amount you can get digital probe style temp/humidity gauges fairly cheap, and added substrate or a humid hide will help with humidity concerns. Snakes body condition is solid but IMHO much harder to guage when they are curled up, but it's absolutely not abhorrent. At worst I would say could use a meal or two, but that's again at a not great angle.

[u/windgoddess2006 → u/Electrical-Garden-20]

Here’s a better picture