My First Boa Kaarme

Today I finally got my first boa constrictor (boa constrictor imperator) as I enjoy keeping a diversity of reptiles. I have always liked Hogg Island Boas as they stay small in size. I decided to buy a Super Hypo Hogg Island Boa from my favourite local reptile shop Reptile Hunters Belfast.

Here are a quick few snaps until she settles in, then I will get more as she is beautiful and I have decided to call her Kaarme which, is Finnish for snake.

The Importance of Thermostats

Lately on social media and forums, I have been reading more posts regarding animals being burned and people not using thermostats. These people sadden me deeply as injury can be avoided with such a simple piece of equipment. I personally think that all reptile keepers should have thermostats on every enclosure. For the cost of £15 - £50 depending on where you shop, you're safe guarding your animal and ensuring that the temperatures they need are regulated and correct.

I understand that several years ago, thermostats were unheard off when less understanding and less equipment was available for reptiles and therefore some hobbyists would argue that they are not needed. I strongly disagree. If something new has come out that can improve your life, you would buy it so why not do the same for your animals? NEVER buy a reptile or animal of any description if you are not willing to spend money on the correct equipment.

There are three main types of thermostats for reptiles and these include: mat stat, dimmer stat and pulse stat. They are vary in price and effectiveness.

• Mat Stats are the cheapest of the three and work by heating up to the required temperature and turning off when they go above it. This type of stat can be used with a heat mat and ceramic bulb although with it turning off and on, it will shorten the life of the bulb.

• Pulse Stats are slightly more expensive than a mat stat but are more reliable and regulate temperatures better. A pulse stat sends constant bursts of heat and slow down the bursts when the acquired temperature has been reached. As they pulse on and off they can't be used with all bulbs as this can make them blow. I myself use pulse stats on both my vivariums and my rack system. They can also control multiple mats as long as you don't go over the maximum wattage.

• Dimmer Stats are mainly used for bulbs as they generally need a minimum of 40 watts to run. They control the temperature by regulating the light that comes from the bulb by dimming when it gets too hot and brightening when it gets too cold.

Furthermore, another piece of equipment any keeper should invest in is a temperature gun. I swear by both my thermostats and temperature gun when caring for my reptiles and I can't recommend them enough.

How to set up a Reptile Enclosure

Before anyone buys a reptile it's vital to know how to care for the animal properly. I have been reading too many posts online were people have bought a snake or lizard without a few pieces of equipment and have been asking 'why has my animal got burns?' etc. I have also seen people asking 'where do you put a probe for a thermostat?'. If you're unsure about equipment or setting up your reptile's new home, then this post is for you.

Equipment

• Thermostat
• Heat Mat or Heat Strip or Ceramic Bulb or Basking Bulb
• Bulb guard (with heat resistant paint) if required
• Substrate
• Vivarium or Rack System or RUB/tub
• Humidity Reader
• Temperature Reader (Temperature Gun)

Rack Systems

• If you have decided to keep your reptiles in a rack system then your set up should be as follows: Firstly, you will need to tape down your heat mat or heat strip to the shelfs using aluminium tape to stop the heat source from sliding. The heat mat should cover roughly 1/3 of the floor space of the rub/tub.
• Next you will need to set up your thermostat. This should be placed on the middle of your shelf system. For example if you're housing three animals, your thermostat needs to be placed on the second shelf above your heat source. Use a screwdriver to set your required temperature. Check the temperature inside the rubs/tubs 24 hours after you first turn on the heat mats and thermostat. Ensure the temperature is correct inside the rubs/tubs and adjust the thermostat accordingly.
• Place your boxes and substrate on top of the taped down mats.
• If you want to a add humidity reader in your set up, ensure that you purchase the version with the probe, as they last longer and are more accurate. Place the probe towards the bottom of the rub and towards the middle.

Thermostat Probe

Rack System

Vivariums fitted with heat mats

• As a vivarium is made of wood that is not a heat conductor, your heat source will need to go inside the tank under the substrate. The heat mat should cover 1/3 of the floor space of the vivarium.
• Next you will need to fit a thermostat which, is vital to ensure your reptile does not burn itself with the mat being inside the enclosure. Ensure the probe is placed just above the substate, above the heat source. Secure the probe if required to keep it in place. Then using a screwdriver, set your required temperature.
• Place in your substrate and check the temperatures every few hours and if they are too low, turn up your thermostat and if they are too high turn it down. You can also add more bedding if needed.
• If you want to add a humidity reader in your set up, ensure that you purchase the version with the probe as they last longer and are more accurate. Place the probe towards the bottom of the vivarium and towards the middle.

Vivarium

Vivariums fitted with ceramic bulbs

• When using a wooden vivarium, heated by a ceramic bulb, you will need to start by fitting the correct socket or bulb holder, this should be at one corner of your enclosure. Screw the bulb into the fitting. Add the bulb guard around the heat source and secure firmly in place with screws. 
• Next you will need to add the thermostat. Place the thermostat probe under the bulb and above the substrate. Secure in place if required. Then using a screwdriver, adjust the thermostat accordingly.
• Place in your substrate and check the temperatures every few hours and if they are too low, turn up your thermostat and if they are too high turn it down. Ensure you are achieving the temperature gradient that you require.
• If you want to add a humidity reader in your set up, ensure that you purchase the version with the probe as they last longer and are more accurate. Place the probe towards the bottom of the vivarium and towards the middle.

Terrariums with heat mats

• When using heat mats to heat a terrarium, some people will place the mat inside the terrarium and some will place it underneath. There have been cases that the glass has cracked due to the heat from the mat being inside the terrarium. Ensure the temperatures are monitored thoroughly. You can use polystyrene to distribute the heat more evenly. The heat mat should cover 1/3 of the floor space of the terrarium.
• You will need a thermostat to regulate the temperature of the heat mat. Ensure this is placed above the substrate, above the heat mat. Use a screwdriver to adjust the thermostat accordingly.
• Add your substrate and check temperatures every few hours and adjust them accordingly. 
• If you want to add a humidity reader in your set up, ensure that you purchase the version with the probe as they last longer and are more accurate. Place the probe towards the bottom of the terrarium and towards the middle.

To view more information on reptile housing click here and for further information on heating click here.

Reptile Hunters Belfast

In my eyes, nothing beats going to my local Belfast reptile shop to see some wonderful and rare animals. It's also a great source for learning how to care for your animals and a wonderful way to meet new people.

My favourite Northern Ireland reptile shop is Reptile Hunters. If you live in Belfast or plan on visiting, these guys are worth checking out for all your reptile needs. They stock everything from rare animals including the shop mascot, Sadam the rhino iguana, who is worth going to see and one of the only rhino iguanas in Belfast! Reptile Hunters also stock dried goods, vivaruims, thermostats, live foods and decor with the best varity to choose from in Northern Ireland.

Saddam the rhino iguana! That you may have seen at the side of my blog.

Not only is it well stocked but the staff are very friendly, helpful and approachable. Everytime I go into the shop, I feel welcome and comfortable and I enjoy being there. The shop is also very clean and modern compared to other shops I have been to. It's a great reptile shop.

I will always remember my first visit to the shop, and if I had not discovered it I don't think I would have ever considered getting a reptile. After being allowed to handle a few different snakes, I just had to get one and I started with a corn snake and soon progressed to royal pythons and leopard geckos. What started as a passion has quickly turned to an obsession and I soon hope to get a boa from my favourite reptile shop. To contact this fine establishment click here.

Female Pied Royal Python